Authentic Connection: Three Things Opener Activity

Icebreakers foster what workplace experts call psychological safety. In other words, they create an atmosphere in which colleagues feel free to speak up, to question, contribute and criticize – without fear of censure.

– Jonathan Thompson


OPENER ACTIVITY

  • A quick-fire, fast-paced activity. Person A kicks things off by naming a category (for example, “types of dessert”).
  • Person B rattles off three things that fit that theme, as quickly as they can. No judgment and no self-censoring.
  • When they’ve finished, the entire group applauds, and then Person B names the next category. Continue until everyone has had a chance to name the category and the three things.

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Passion. Pride. Promise. Two Leaders Help Pave the Way for Their Students & Communities

Tucked away in the hills of rural western Oregon, the Vernonia and Gaston school districts defy many of the stereotypes most of us hold when we think of rural schools. Their communities face both common and unique challenges. Vernonia Elementary Principal, Michelle Eagleson, and Gaston Superintendent, Summer Catino, share how their small schools and communities achieve greatness.

Case Study: Merced Union High School District

Through its work with Inflexion, MUHSD is seeing strong results in student outcomes and in closing the opportunity gap for underserved students. California School Dashboard data show College/Career Indicator scores for African American, Hispanic, English Learners, students with disabilities, students who are homeless, and students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged are 16 to 29 points higher than the state average.

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