On Tuesday, K12 leaders celebrated their enthusiasm for summer by sharing what is on their reading list, staff training resources and suggestions for enrollment systems.
Summer Reading Ideas
- Full-time Work and the Meaning of Life – David Bonson
- The Third Conversion – Scott Rodin
- The Art of Gathering – Priya Parker
- Start with Why – Simon Sinek
- Unreasonable Hospitality – Will Guidara
Also – Summer Reading List for Faculty and School Leaders – SAIS
Safety training online, including CPR, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen courses
- L&I online training for Bloodborne Pathogens: L&I BBP Training
- Bee Safe’s online modules (bee-safe.com) include sectional quizzes and progress tracking, followed by an in-person CPR session. Their program also includes Narcan and EpiPen training, with Epilepsy training being added this summer.
- Another recommended resource: Integrity Safety
Enrollment & School Management Systems for better efficiency and affordability
- Praxi Power (praxipower.com) was cited as a cost-effective alternative to Blackbaud, designed for private and charter schools. It’s based in Ohio and offers integrated services, including a gradebook.
- Other systems in use: Transparent Classroom, Alma, and Veracross.
- Common Blackbaud concerns included account merging issues for returning families and complications with the development module rollout.
On Thursday, the early learning directors had a dynamic conversation that started with sharing some of what has been difficult this year and ended with what has been joyful. School leaders continue to struggle to find staff and suggest that the requirements for substitutes hinder the ability to have a full staff.
Everyone agreed that the time spent with students, away from the desk and screen, brought the most joy. We also shared that the camaraderie of the Thursday ZOOM group brings joy each week. We are looking for a time to get together this summer and are committed to continuing to meet next year.
