Jonathan Swegles shared "1 for 2 for 10" with the Middle School staff last week. I thought the concept was so profound (and so easy!) that it would be beneficial to share with you!

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One present theme at our MEMSPA conference this week was the importance of connection and relationships and how they are built with continuous small moments. During some turn and talk while attending Erin North's session on Relationships, Regulation, and Resilience four of us discussed 1 for 2 for 10. One kid. Two minutes. Ten days. 

I've shared the story of Mr. Genetics Teacher and how is one "this is indicative of the rest of your life" phrase that took 5 seconds to spout off has stuck with me for 21 years then I'm guessing that same can be true of the opposite. 

What if we all chose the one kid who may not be "seen" as much as others and intentionally pour into them positive attention and words two minutes for the next ten days. That is 10 consistent days of our students:

• having one adult using their name for 10 days
• hearing positive affirmations about themselves for 10 days
• having positive dialogue and relationships modeled for them for 10 days
• being noticed by another for 10 days
• (insert positive impact here) for 10 days

Part of our mission is to foster compassionate members of the school community and that starts with us. If you are in, just add the student's name to the spreadsheet below that you will be pouring into so others know who is accounted for. 

1 for 2 for 10

When the Elf on the Shelf craze started about 10 years back, I immediately knew I had to have one to share with my students. I was teaching first grade at the time, and I had a sneaking suspicion that my students would look forward to seeing the elf and his crazy antics each day. My students decided to name the elf Buddy, and our journey together began there!


In my classroom, Buddy would find a new adventure each day. It became a challenge to me to come up with something super fun or creative, because the kiddos would be so excited. They would literally run into the classroom each day and scour the space until they found Buddy in a bookshelf, hanging from the ceiling or attached to a window. The kids used so much self control to resist the urge to touch him (if he is touched, he returns to The North Pole). 


At the end of the holiday season, Buddy would depart for his return to Santa's Workshop. This was the one time of the year where the kids were able to touch Buddy. It was absolutely precious to see each student gently hold Buddy. They would hug him close to their faces, hold him near their hearts and kiss him on his forehead. It was honestly one of the most heartwarming things I have ever seen.


Buddy followed me from first grade to third grade to fourth grade. We went to three different buildings together and were in four different classrooms. Each year, the kids were ecstatic for his return. Buddy was an important part of each classroom community.


When I became an assistant principal, Buddy had a new friend, Newman. Newman was also an Elf on the Shelf, and the two of them participated in a lot of mischief together. Buddy began to venture outside the office. He was found in the cafeteria, the hallways, the gym and even went outside to make a snowman with me!


Buddy, of course, had to make his way to Michigan to be a part of our Stewart Family. Each morning, there are a number of students who run into the office to see what Buddy is up to. Last year after our gingerbread house making competition, Buddy turned into elfzilla. He "destroyed" a gingerbread house (that may have already had some structural damage), and has now found himself in a city! 


Although somewhat stressful at times (it can be really hard to come up with ideas!), Buddy has become one of my favorite holiday traditions. I love to see the smile he brings to adults and students. I never could have imagined that something so small could bring a classroom or school-wide community so close together.