Happy New Year and Welcome Back!!
Even though winter itself has only really just begun, the days are already starting to lengthen. Faculty/staff and students have returned to school and are jumping into the second semester. While the calendar year is just beginning, the school year is at its mid-point. This juxtaposition of beginning and middle offers a prime opportunity for reflection and refocus.
For students, it is a chance to reflect on the personal goals they set for themselves at the beginning of the year to see how they are progressing and to readjust and/or refocus on achieving those goals. It is also a time for students to renew their relationships with both peers and their teachers to set a positive tone for the new semester. The beginning of the new semester also provides students with the opportunity to reflect more fully on the strategies and knowledge they learned in the first semester and apply what they found most helpful to them to the new content and tasks they will encounter as their classes resume. At home, students and parents/guardians can reflect on what routines for homework, study, and time management for balancing out-of-school activities, school responsibilities, their family/home responsibilities, and their hobbies and personal interests. If their first semester went well, then they can refocus to build on their strong start; if it did not, now is an ideal opportunity to make changes to finish the school year strong.
For teachers, it is also a chance to reflect on their instructional goals to determine if their plans and methods are assisting each of their students in reaching their potential. It is also provides an opportunity for teachers to refocus on their professional connections with their colleagues through collaborative and supportive activities. The second semester also gives teachers the opportunity to assess how they manage their time both in and out of the classroom to maintain balance in both their personal and professional lives.
Reflect and refocus and have a very happy and productive new year!
