Most Days It will Be Okay...

As the end of the fall semester comes to a close, it's hard to maintain focus and drive when everyone on campus seems to be fading fast. Its become increasingly difficult not to go home before the sun goes down, which seems earlier each day. It is a struggle to get kids to maintain participation when friends and siblings are home from college or the military. In a world of social media and technology at their finger tips, it's hard to explain the reality of studying for finals instead of using the newest snapchat filter.

I know each December, I have this feeling of frustration with the lack of involvement, follow through, dedication to something other than getting "likes" in a virtual world. Don't get me wrong, I have some great kids that do amazing things. But I wish there was some magical formula for preventing this December Slump.  With my kids, it seems like there are two or three that drive the train of dedication for everyone during this month. However it creates animosity towards people don't hold up their end of the deal, which is never good.

At the beginning of December I attended the NAAE Convention. It was a really neat and different experience. My favorite thing was being inspired by teachers from other states and the activities they do in their chapters. By far, my favorite was an Ice Fishing Tournament Fundraiser!! When I figure out how to make that happen in Cali, I'll let you all know. The professional development was exactly what I needed for a little boost to finish the semester and to think about next semester. I wish there was something for my kids that provided the same refresh or re-invigoration.

Maybe in all my spare time, we'll someday create a chapter conference that works to provide time for all kids to do some team building, leadership training and planning time, so we can extinct the December Slump? Until then I will hold out for our Mid-Year officer retreat and MFE/ALA conferences. Fingers crossed they do the trick...

Not all of December was a waste, we did some pretty cool things this month. Over 70 Sonoma County Secret Santa gifts donated, over 500 pairs of socks and 12 handmade blankets donated to North Sonoma County Services, and 17 student volunteers for our Sectional Service Night at the Redwood Empire Food Bank. At least this month, they were LIVING TO SERVE.

 Blanket Making

 Our 17 kids at the Sectional 

 The whole Sonoma Section

Delivering our gifts for the Sonoma County Secret Santa program