Windsor Mill teachers gathered in a circle, splashing in the puddles of mud in the wet grass at Genesee Valley Outdoor Learning Center in Parkton, Maryland. Erin, the camp counselor, placed a bucket of balls in the center of the circle and directed the Leadership Team to grab the number of balls that matched their responsibility load during a typical work day at school. Next she tasked the team with tossing the balls across the circle to each other until all the balls were in play. “Figure out how to make it happen,” she said, stepping back. Physical Education teacher, Adam Berkowitz and Music teacher, Marybeth Benesch, quickly took charge, seamlessly pairing their skills to lead large groups of people in synchronized activities. The team began tossing one ball then built to two, four, and eight, until all the ‘responsibilities’ (minus a few that were tucked into pockets) were flying around the circle like a well-choreographed square dance.
For two hours on a Monday morning, Windsor Mill team leaders and department chairs learned to work together in a new way. Math Chair Lauren Savage remarked, “Being in an open space and a new environment gave me the opportunity to break down barriers, not only for myself, but with my colleagues as well.” Team Leader Kelsea George piped in and added, “It was exceptional fun.” The morning was part of a Leadership Retreat day to plan for the school’s August return and the rest of the year. Teachers spent the remainder of the day working in teams to refine and create ideas and materials.
8th grade Team Leader Rafe Park said, “I have attended a lot of leadership retreats and have done a lot of team building exercises. This was the most effective one. I feel like we actually walked out with a plan and are now a stronger group of leaders. It was helpful that admin said go and have those open conversations.”
At the day’s close, Savage shared, “I feel re-energized and renewed to begin again. I am excited for the coming school year to implement the ideas and strategies that my peers and I collaborated on together today.”
For two hours on a Monday morning, Windsor Mill team leaders and department chairs learned to work together in a new way. Math Chair Lauren Savage remarked, “Being in an open space and a new environment gave me the opportunity to break down barriers, not only for myself, but with my colleagues as well.” Team Leader Kelsea George piped in and added, “It was exceptional fun.” The morning was part of a Leadership Retreat day to plan for the school’s August return and the rest of the year. Teachers spent the remainder of the day working in teams to refine and create ideas and materials.
8th grade Team Leader Rafe Park said, “I have attended a lot of leadership retreats and have done a lot of team building exercises. This was the most effective one. I feel like we actually walked out with a plan and are now a stronger group of leaders. It was helpful that admin said go and have those open conversations.”
At the day’s close, Savage shared, “I feel re-energized and renewed to begin again. I am excited for the coming school year to implement the ideas and strategies that my peers and I collaborated on together today.”
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