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Autumn is my favorite time of year. I love how the weather in the PNW feels in the fall; one day above 70 degrees and sunny, the next cloudy and rainy and a high of 55. It is time for sweaters, and pumpkin spice, and must see TV. In the world of education, the fall brings about another, less widely known season. We call it…DEVOLSON, which is an acronym for the Deep Evil Vortex Of Late September, October, and November.

This time of year on the school calendar is one of the toughest for teachers, paraeducators, principals, and basically anyone who works in public schools. Students came back with energy and excitement in early September, followed by a couple of weeks of getting to know you activities, setting expectations, and getting into the flow of school.

Just as the leaves are about to change and students are settling in, the end of September through til the end of “no school” November, the demands increase. While all of this is predictable (the calendar never changes), it feels like all of a sudden there are a whole battery of assessments that need to be completed, student growth goals and evaluations are starting, mandatory trainings are due, committee work has started, the school improvement plan is due, report cards and conferences are just around the corner, and the number of holidays are few until Veteran’s Day. In fact, it’s an 11 week stretch with no real significant break. It’s DEVOLSON.

Here are 5 ways to combat the challenges the stress of DEVOLSON can bring to your school and staff:

1. Acknowledge it. This is a stressful time of year. You might not be able to take away any of the demands of this season, but sharing out loud that you see and know how hard this time of year can be, means something. It is validating for someone to know that they are not in this alone, and that you see them and understand the stress. The old adage of “How do you eat an elephant? – One bite at a time.” applies here and knowing that you are not at the table alone can make things feel more digestible.
2. Find a through line. I work hard during this time to make connections to tasks that must be completed so that there is a through line, a connection so that the work we are required to do, builds on a common or shared purpose. This year, my leadership team and I created a connection between a new district initiative, current district PD, SGGs, and our building school improvement plan. Of course, this doesn’t lighten the load, but it does show intentionality and purpose and unites my building teams in a shared vision. The work feels more manageable because we are all in it together.
3. Look for small wins. Feel the pulse and energy of your building and staff. Every once in a while, when everyone is tired at the end of a long week, or it is a particularly beautiful fall day, do a parking lot drill. (*A parking lot drill is when you designate a time for teachers and staff to be out in the parking lot, where you then expect them to get in their cars and go home.) Yes, we all have contractual agreements that state how long teachers and staff must be on campus, but giving people an extra 15 minutes on a Friday can lift morale. If denim days (days when staff can wear jeans) are a thing for your district, do that on more than a Friday. The point is, no cost ways to show staff you appreciate them, can go a long way.
4. Amp up your appreciation efforts. Create an “Orange you glad it’s Friday” spread in mid-October with all orange colored treats and decor. Consider providing an apple nacho bar (October 21st is National Apple Day), or make your own trail mix table. October 10th is World Mental Health Day. See if you can partner with a salon or wellness business to donate some gift certificates for services. October 14th is National Dessert Day…have staff sign up for a dessert buffet. October 27th is National Breadstick Day and Olive Garden is a great partner for schools. This time of year, showing appreciation can be that little extra boost for staff.
5. Plan a DEVOLSON party. Plan it out. Create decor. Perhaps partner the celebration with a staff meeting, or one of the appreciation days listed above. Play a DEVOLSON BINGO game, create a banner, laugh and be playful. As Marlo Thomas says:

Laughter is important, not only because it makes us happy, it also has actual health benefits. And that’s because laughter completely engages the body and releases the mind. It connects us to others, and that in itself has a healing effect.”

Marlo Thomas

I hope your DEVOLSON season is smooth, productive, and brings some laughter and joy.

Being a building leader can bring about much on any given day. Honestly, the unpredictability of how each day will unfold is one of the things I love most about being a principal. No matter what the day brings, here are three items that are whimsical, silly and playful – no matter what you do in the world of education, these items will bring you (and your students) joy!

Bluetooth fanny pack – Yep! Seriously the best $50 I have ever spent! Every day I greet students with a jammin’ play list that has us all dancing our way into the school. Music makes people happy! Walking around during arrival and dismissal, or through the halls with some happy, upbeat, kid-friendly music gets our day started off on the right foot…so to speak.

Mini shredder – Ever have a student who had nothing nice to say when they were dysregulated? This tool comes in handy when a child (or adult) needs a way to vent their frustrations or feelings and doesn’t want to say them out loud. I have people just write whatever they are feeling on a note or post it and then we talk about releasing those feelings by shredding them. The act of writing it down often helps a person let go or process through what they are feeling, and the ability to shred the note after writing it can provide a catharsis for the writer.

And last, but not least…

Blowup Costumes – Being silly with my students, faculty and community sometimes means I wear a goofy blow up costume for the Jog-a-thon, assembly, or other special event. It’s not like I have a bunch of these items, but I do have a few…the laughter and giggles that I hear when I show up in one of these makes it all worth it! I’ll admit this only happens once or twice a year, but it is one of the things I hear kids and families talk about and remember.

Whatever your leadership style, these three items bring about my playful side and have made my work life more joyful. Maybe there is something here that speaks to you! Find joy in the little things 🙂

I once had a colleague who collected PEZ dispensers. Colorful, playful, vibrant little characters lined her bookshelves in her classroom evoking smiles and chatter. “Where on earth did you find this one?” “When did you start collecting?” So many questions and wonderings about these inexpensive delights that were proudly displayed around the room. There were all types of characters, Disney, Superhero, different movie icons and they all brought a relatable joy to those who came across them.

I never intended to start a collection of my own, but one Christmas three hysterical rubber ducks were gifted to me and thus, my collection began. As I placed the first few on my shelf in my third grade classroom, slowly but surely, a collection started to grow. Students, parents, colleagues, friends and family added to my collection over the years and now I have over 400 rubber ducks that adorn my shelves in my office. Shockingly, there are very few duplicates, and each of them now holds some sentimental value as I recall the child or adult who thought to bring one to me and share in my delight!

The collection is odd, and not everyone’s cup of tea…but it has had unintended benefits. As a principal, when an escalated child comes into my office, they offer a distraction and an opportunity for play or conversation. Just today, a kindergarten student who was disregulated and needed a quiet space, came into my office and played with the ducks…lining them up, talking to them, until she was calm and ready to return to class. Believe it or not, adults are curious too. I love it when parents come into my office and just “have to know the story” behind why I have this mass of rubber ducks. The collection offers a distraction, a focal point, and an opportunity to connect about something non-threatening.

I am not suggesting that you should start a collection to share in your office or classroom, but I stand by the opinion that sometimes the little things (like rubber ducks or PEZ dispensers) create a platform for something not so little – the unintended benefit of connection and curiosity.

Whether or not you are an educator, you know that there is so much power in gratitude. Decades of research about positive psychology, optimism and gratitude have shown that practices around mindfulness and gratitude can change our mindset and can help to create a happier, more balanced life. Joshua Brown and Joel Wong, professors of psychology and positive psychology from Indiana share four insights on how gratitude can provide psychological benefits in their article “How Gratitude Changes You and Your Brain”. While these insights are part of a body of evidence that support the benefits of living life with an attitude of gratitude, I would like to take it a step further and talk about the importance of celebration as well. Especially as it comes to our staff and teachers.

In my humble opinion, appreciation, celebration and acknowledgment are something that should not be reserved for Teacher Appreciation Week and the other days scattered through out the year for the many roles in the education system. Rather, here are five reasons why celebrating your staff regularly can help build a foundation and culture of care and appreciation in your school, district, or workplace:

“Living in a state of gratitude is the gateway to grace.”

Arianna Huffington

Celebrating our teachers and staff helps to show them how much we appreciate their hard work and dedication. Our teachers work long hours and often go above and beyond to ensure our students are in a safe, caring, rigorous learning environment. Showing gratitude for their efforts is an essential part of boosting morale and creating a positive work environment.

“Recognition is the greatest motivator.“

Gerard C. Eakedale

Recognizing the contributions of our teachers and staff as much as possible needs to be intentional. Be deliberate and thoughtful about it. This doesn’t require a lot of money, time, or effort. Consider creating a SHOUT OUT bulletin board with post it notes and colored pens in your staff room or work room and invite teachers and staff to contribute their own acknowledgements of each other’s efforts. Create a note that says something like, “Caught you being awesome!” and just drop it on their desk with a short note about what you are recognizing. Acknowledging the hard work and dedication of our staff helps people feel valued and respected, which can improve overall job satisfaction and motivation. Who doesn’t want that?

“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.”

H.E. Luccock

Acknowledge and celebrate teamwork and collaboration. Working in education is no joke! It can be the most rewarding and incredible career choice, but it can also be challenging, soul engaging, and all consuming. The emotional investment our teachers and staff make daily is best served when it is not done in isolation. We all know about John Hattie’s work around collective efficacy – it’s been a buzz word in education for many years, and the impact of people coming together in collaboration for our students is truly impactful. By intentionally building a positive work environment and recognizing the contributions of our teachers and staff, we can help build a stronger team that works together to achieve common goals.

“Culture is what motivates and retains talented employees.”

Betty Thompson

Celebrating our staff can help improve retention rates. When people feel valued, appreciated and cared about, they are more likely to stay with our schools and districts long-term. Feeling seen and acknowledged for the work that we do, or who we are as people makes us feel connected. Having a shared goal or purpose, and being empowered to have a voice in the creation and accomplishment of that vision makes us feel connected. When we can create an environment where our culture is one of care, concern, gratitude and grace, we create a space where people want to be.

“Morale is a reflection of leadership.”

Dr. Brad Johnson

Ooooo…this one hits me hard. The morale of your staff and teachers is a big weight to carry and is a reflection of what we as leaders bring to our buildings daily. The good news is, leadership can be collective. Our teacher leaders, leaders in our communities, and student leaders are also an integral part of the equation. In my mind, it all comes back to celebrating and acknowledging our people. When people feel appreciated and recognized for their contributions, they are more likely to feel positive about their job and their role within your school, district or work place. This belief and the actions that are shared here can help improve productivity, reduce absenteeism, and create a more positive work environment overall.

Celebrating each other, with intentionality and purpose can help not only build cultures of collaboration, validation, positivity and care. It can also empower our staff to find ways to celebrate each other, and our students and families. We lose nothing by building each other up and can perhaps, gain much.