Welcome to another Your Minutes post that features YOU! Here you will see educators sharing how they spend their minutes doing what they do best.

I met Kelly Patterson two years ago, and we immediately bonded as twin moms! Over the past couple of years I have learned that she is a passionate educator who cares deeply about students. I’m thankful to have her with us today, sharing insights into navigating this very unique and uncertain time. I think you will find her suggestions timely and practical. Stay safe friends!

In the 2009 rom-com movie, Couples Retreat, there is a scene where Vince Vaughn is in the water surrounded by sharks, and he’s clearly starting to panic. The sharks are circling, a bucket of blood gets spilled, everyone else starts swimming to the boat, and Vaughn is trying to figure out what to do. Vaughn yells, “He said not to panic!” as he’s clearly panicking. Playfully, my husband and I quote this scene often in our often crazy lives and recite the familiar phrase, “He said not to panic!” as we laugh at whatever turmoil is present at the moment.

In the uneasy and uncharted times of the COVID-19 crisis, we feel much like we are in the water, surrounded by sharks, trying not to panic. The “sharks” could be any number of things that are currently causing you stress or anxiety at the moment. And, how do we survive? How do we remember how to swim safely to shore?

Here are a few tips to help teachers and administrators over these weeks to keep it simple and not slip into panic mode.

Keep it simple.
Seriously, if you think you are keeping it simple, cut it by half. If you are sending an email to parents, students, or teachers, keep it to just the most pertinent information. Think 3 pieces of information. If it’s too long people will zone out. Also, plan on assignments taking longer than normal due to the drastic change in scenery.
Use bullet points or a numbering system, and less can be more.
If you are sending a list of tasks for students to complete, consider a numbered list that doesn’t exceed 4 items. Students may be completing work for up to 7 other classes than yours, and they may not have an adult at home to help them. Keep directions clear, simple, and concise.
Do not be a superhero.
Do not aim to be the most put-together teacher, parent, or administrator these days. Just do your best. This is not the time to try and one-up each other. It’s the time to survive. Read this: do not try to learn multiple new online tech tools and implement all of them in your new virtual classroom this week in order to look fancy. A simple YouTube video will suffice. A simple worksheet with a task list will suffice. Just be yourself.
Find YOU time.
Find a chair at your house where you can sit and pray, meditate, or simply sit in silence. In the midst of all the noise in the media, social media, and in our new virtual learning environments, there is an overload of information being shared everywhere. Be sure to take care of yourself. Find a chair and just breathe. If your mind wanders (and it will), bring it back to the breath. You got this.

We are in a time unlike any other in recent, modern history. People will make mistakes. Don’t be too hard on them. Let’s give each other some grace to learn and grow through this tumultuous time. We are all doing our best to survive these shark infested waters. Keep swimming, and remember, “He said not to panic!”

MEET KELLY

Kelly Patterson is the Vice Principal at her alma mater, Notre Dame Middle School in Pontiac, Michigan where she was born and raised. She earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership from Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan where she played Varsity tennis and served as the secretary of the Student Congress. Her volunteer and leadership work includes working with young people from across the country through the American Youth Foundation National Leadership Conferences. She has worked at Notre Dame for 15 years where she has served in many capacities, including the lower school, Alumni Relations, and most recently in the middle school, which is her passion. She is the mother of three children, a 5-year old and 3-year old twins. Her husband, Bob, also is an administrator and teacher. They both share a passion for education, exercise, and sports.

YOUR MINUTES || Keep it simple and don't panic