The Power of Meaningful Engagement |
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The weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter Break can feel like a blur of parties, dress-up days, assemblies, special schedules, and LOTS of energy. These next six weeks are fun, and also flexible. However, flexibility can quickly drift into inconsistency if we’re not careful.
This is the time of year when routines and procedures matter more, not less.
Routines are most powerful during disruptions - not during calm.
When the schedule gets wild, your classroom routines become the anchor. Students NEED clear expectations and predictability when everything else around them is changing.
The goal is not to remove joy, but to direct it.
Excitement + Structure = Positive Energy
Excitement - Structure = Chaos
Take a breath. Tighten routines. Be consistent. Keep teaching.
Your students will feel safer, more regulated, and more ready to learn, even in the middle of the sparkle and chaos of the holiday season.
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Simple Reminders for the Season |
Re-teach routines before you need them.
Don’t assume students still remember. The same way coaches practice plays, teachers practice procedures.
Name Your Transitions
“Books away, eyes up front, voices off in 10…9…”
A clear verbal countdown or phrase signals movement and mindset. This is not the time to change things up. Use the same transition you have been using all year. Consistency is key.
Keep Consequences Consistent
Holiday hype is not the reason to shift expectations. Your calm consistency keeps students grounded. Think back to the classroom management plan you created at the start of the year. Those same consequences can be just as powerful now as they were then.
Protect Instructional Time
Every minute we protect is a minute of learning, and students feel that stability. Consider using timers in your activities. Visual and audible timers not only keep students focused, but can also help us stay with our pacing. Be mindful not to lose time with your transitions from activity to activity.
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November 18th: CRASE Training |
CRASE Training is required for all district employees to complete within their first year with Humble ISD. This course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy, provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event.
Register on MobileMind
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December 9th - Innovative Education Grant Workshop |
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December 16th: CRASE Training
CRASE Training is required for all district employees to complete within their first year with Humble ISD. This course, designed and built on the Avoid, Deny, Defend (ADD) strategy, provides strategies, guidance and a proven plan for surviving an active shooter event.
Register on MobileMind
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Submitting Out of District Credit Requests in MobileMind |
Requesting Out of District Credit
On the events tab, look for “External Events.” Click “Request Approval,” and follow the prompts to upload documentation for out of district professional development.
Do NOT select 'I need pre-approval for this event' as this will only slow down your process.
Be sure to include accurate dates and times, proof of attendance, and the types of credit you are requesting, such as off-contract, GT Update hours, ESL, etc. You can select multiple time categories.
Do not submit out of district workshops to both MobileMind AND eduphoria. Please keep your request limited to one platform.
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Before the day or class begins, give students a 60-second preview of what’s coming and what the expectations will be - especially on days with parties, assemblies, or interruptions.
This simple move reduces student anxiety and builds predictability.
Say something like:
“We have our celebration at 2:00 today, but we are still learning and practicing our routines before then. Here’s how our day will go…” Then name your 2-3 non-negotiables for the day or class.
Examples:
“In stations: inside voices, materials stay at the table, and we give each other space.”
“In small group: come ready with your notes and one question.”
“During transitions: materials away by the time I get to 5.”
This works K-12 because previewing the plan anchors students in clarity, and clarity increases engagement.
When students know what’s coming, they can focus on the learning happening right now.
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Tech Tips for the Holiday Hustle:
Keeping Routines and Adding Joy 💻
‘Tis the season for themed days, assemblies, celebrations and all the extra sparkle that makes November to December special. With that same excitement comes unpredictable schedules and can pull a classroom off balance if we aren’t careful.
The key? Keep your routines steady while finding small, intentional ways to add joy. Technology can help you do both.
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Tech That Reinforces Routine |
Even during the most festive weeks, predictability helps students feel safe and ready to learn. Use your digital tools to anchor that consistency:
Keep your LMS flow familiar. Post assignments and agendas in the same place and format you always do.
Use digital agendas or slides. A daily “What’s Happening Today” slide (Google Slides or Canva) helps students know what to expect.
Revisit digital procedures, as needed. Remind students how to log in, submit, or collaborate before you dive into a big project — just like re-teaching a classroom routine.
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Tech That Protects Instructional Time |
The minutes before break can slip away fast. Visual and timed cues help maintain focus and structure.
Project a timer. Use Classroomscreen, Google Timer, or YouTube countdowns on MyVideoSpot to remove ads. Visuals keep everyone (including you!) on track.
Use music cues. A consistent transition song or sound signals movement just like a verbal countdown.
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Tech That Protects Instructional Time |
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WELLNESS TIP of the Month |
WORTHY MOTIVATIONAL MUSIC |
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Have Questions? Contact us!
pl@humbleisd.net
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