You are almost there! Just three more days of school and you will be able to say hello to your well-deserved winter break. I hope you take this time to enjoy loved ones, rest and appreciate everything you have done this year.

While you are wrapping up with your students, I continue to reflect on everything that we have faced in 2021–from school shootings and tornados, to an ongoing pandemic, systemic racial inequities and mental health concerns. We have had some successes supporting students and educators with all these challenges, but the work continues.

I feel grateful to have my HEART skills, which I use and practice to stay engaged and resilient. And I hope that you do too. Our social and emotional competencies can help us face challenges with a healthy dose of optimism, perseverance and compassion.

I would like to extend my gratitude to you, my readers, and kick off the holiday season with a book giveaway! Answer these three questions for a chance to win a signed copy of Teaching with the HEART in Mind. I’ll be choosing the winners by December 16, so don’t delay and sign up.  

I’ll be back in the New Year with more tools for your SEL toolbox.

Wishing everyone a peaceful holiday season, and a healthy and joyful year!