Experts in the Art of Nonverbal Communication
August in the Pacific Northwest is truly something special, isn’t it? There is a certain magic in the air as local shops fill with school supplies and that familiar “back-to-school” buzz begins. Whether you’re a parent hunting for that perfect first-day outfit or an educator carefully prepping your classroom (while trying to keep your budget in check!), there’s a shared sense of a fresh start. No matter where you live, the beginning of a school year always brings that wonderful mix of optimism and the warm embrace of community.
It reminds me of a conversation I had years ago with my favorite teacher and role model, Mrs. Rose. I was lucky enough to teach side-by-side with her during my seventh year of teaching—she was one of the reasons I wanted to become an educator in the first place! I remember telling her, “I’ll know it’s time to retire when I stop feeling those nervous, excited butterflies in my stomach at the start of the year.”
Even though I’m not setting up my own classroom this year, I’m still feeling those butterflies vicariously! My son, Calvin, is busy setting up his first-grade classroom, and three of our five grandchildren—Luka, Everley, and Paisley—can’t stop talking about starting first grade and kindergarten.
That excitement is exactly why Savannah and I knew that “Community” had to be our theme for August. (A special shout-out to our wonderful San Diego teacher whose request for inspiration helped spark this idea!) At MGA, we want to provide that feeling of support and belonging, whether we are just down the street or oceans apart.
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Savannah has been working hard to create a dedicated space for everyone in our ENVoY community—from those who have attended our training to those just starting the book, ENVoY: Your Personal Guide to Classroom Magic by Michael Grinder. She has created a wonderful group on Facebook where you can share your thoughts, wonderings, and triumphant moments. It’s a place to celebrate the “wins” and navigate the challenges of bringing ENVoY into your classroom.
You might even find some inspiration in the photos of “Exit Directions” other teachers are using! To get the ball rolling, Savannah and I are asking Calvin to share some of his own Exit Directions with the group. We’d love to see yours, too!
Speaking of coming together, there is still time to join our book study on A Cat in the Doghouse. We would truly love to have you there.
As Maslow’s research highlights, the feeling of belonging is a foundational human need. That’s why MGA is so committed to building a stronger community through education. We’re currently exploring several grants and partnerships to help this support grow beyond our wildest dreams. If you have any leads or ideas for organizations that might want to join us on this mission, please reach out—we would love to hear from you. Who knows what amazing things might happen when we join forces?
While we talk a lot about educators, the need for community is universal. If you’ve been looking for your “tribe” but aren’t sure where to start, here are a few ideas to help you find people who share your passions:
Check Local Bulletin Boards: Your local library, coffee shop, or community center often has postings for gardening clubs, book circles, or neighborhood groups.
Explore “Meetup”: The website and app Meetup.com is a fantastic way to find local groups based on specific interests, from hiking and photography to coding and languages.
Join Professional Associations: For those looking for a career-based community, joining a professional organization or a LinkedIn group can provide both mentorship and friendship.
Volunteer: Giving back is one of the fastest ways to meet kind-hearted people. Look for local non-profits that align with your values.
Take a Class: Whether it’s a pottery workshop or a local community college course, learning something new is a great way to bond with others over a shared goal.
As the famous proverb says: “If your plan is for one year, plant rice. If your plan is for ten years, plant trees. If your plan is for one hundred years, educate children.”
Wishing you a wonderful, “butterfly-filled” exciting August!
Krista
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