AWSP Blog

What is the "Devious Lick Challenge"? It is a challenge on TikTok, where students are encouraged to take something from their school; these items may include the bathroom sink, a soap dispenser, or even a teacher's desk. Schools have tried a multitude of ways to stop students, yet this challenge is just as popular today as ever. Clearly, many solutions aren't working. So what is the solution?

As we get ready to close the doors on the 2020-2021 school year, the big questions and musings are starting to rumble beneath the surface. "I can't wait until we can ______________ again." "Remember when we use to _________________? I cannot wait until we can do that again." Now is an extraordinary time to assess these ponderings and begin to examine what "needs" to come back in our post-COVID era and what is best for students as we continue to move through these times of "what's next?" This week I got to work with middle school students, and I asked the question, "What have been some positives of the past year?" Their answers were riveting, powerful, profound, and revealing!

I think something every adult needs to hear right now is that students are struggling. Just as teachers are most definitely overwhelmed with the new virtual learning process, Covid-19 has taken a toll on students as well. As a band kid, I can personally say that not getting to play in different music ensembles and concerts this year has been a huge bummer and gotten me down several times. I got so bored and lonely without music that I went as far as creating my blog, MusicandMentality, to educate others, even if it is from my desk at home. The same goes for just about most students with any activity. This all goes back to the importance of mental health. Covid-19 affects youth mental health and how schools and administrations should start thinking about putting in systems and plans to help all students within a community stigmatize mental health.

On Wednesday, January 20th, we witnessed the inauguration of a new president. Speeches, pageantry, fireworks, oaths, and traditions were on display as the symbolic exercise of welcoming a new president was on full display.   Of the noteworthy dignitaries and celebrities that were a part of the inauguration, maybe the most discussed was 22-year old Amanda Gorman. Amanda was the inauguration poet and read her poem, 'The Hill We Climb.' She was the youngest inauguration poet in our nation's poet. With poise, grace, power, and emotion, she captivated the country and the world as she invited us in to think, reflect, and look forward to what is possible.

Where do we even begin? How do I have these conversations with my staff and students? These questions come to mind, anytime there is turbulence in our greater world, especially when societal issues make their way into our schools.