Page 37 - EdViewptsSpring2021

and fewer than 200 staff members. plan, there is no goal, other than to be
With such a small staff everyone had together. We will celebrate and we will Our teachers had just
their “person,” or group of people that process issues. And most importantly, spent their spring and
they relied on for emotional support, if a supervisor asked you to do
laughter, collegiality, and fun. Our something, just throw your hands up now their summer
staff is made up of: best men and in the air and say “IN A PANDEMIC?!” changing everything
maids of honor, God parents, mentors, Our meetings have focused on topics they ever knew about
mentees, and best friends. Anyone such as: What do you miss from
who has ever been an educator can the “time before,” Quarantine silver teaching. They were
close their eyes and picture in their linings, best things to binge watch on drained. Physically and
mind their school person. They would Netflix, holiday traditions that have
drop into your classroom between been affected by COVID-19, and emotionally drained.
periods. They would put a cupcake the pressure of being a technology The toll everyone had
on your desk for your birthday, or sit immigrant vs a technology native. been paying since
next to you at the school play. We lost Over the course of the last five
that in March. No one expected that it months, Better.Together has March 13, 2020 was
would still be gone in September. This developed a following of regulars beginning to show.
is how Better.Together was formed. and each week we have welcomed
The social-emotional wellness newcomers. We have created a digital Better.Together has taught me
committee at KPS decided that we bulletin board that is shared each about the importance of having our
should create a safe, voluntary, and week with articles, movie and TV “people” in education. It has taught
comforting place for staff to gather on recommendations, and even recipes. our group to never take for granted
a semi-regular basis to be together. In fact, one public service that has the power of our school community
So, on the third Monday in September developed out of Better.Together has for not just uplifting us professionally,
we held our very first meeting. As been our weekly meal prep emails. but personally as well. At our next
the facilitator, much to my surprise One common complaint of staff meeting we will be discussing: The
our first meeting was incredibly well members was about ideas for their Toll – the toll we have paid, the toll we
attended. All staff: teachers, aides, weekly meal prep. As the facilitator of are paying, and unfortunately, the toll
custodians, administrators, and even the group, I scour the Shoprite circular that may be to come. I expect that this
our superintendent were invited. At each week for deals and email staff meeting will be solemn and heavy, but
that meeting, as the group facilitator, two or three recipes that they can I expect that we will process through
we created our group norms and our prepare for the upcoming school week. and come out of it Better.Together.
mantra. In Better.Together, there is no

About the Author
Joe Palumbo has served in public education for the last 11 years. Joe began his career as a school
counselor for the Long Branch Public School District. In that time, Joe focuses his efforts on working with
first generation college students and students pursuing alternatives to college. For the last four years,
Joe has served as the Director of School Counseling in the Keyport Public School District. He is the Vice
President of the Monmouth County Guidance Directors Association and has presented at conferences
locally and nationally for the New Jersey School Counselors Association, the New Jersey Association for
College Admissions Counselors, and the National Association for College Admissions Counselors.

FEA Professional Learning Savings Account

Innovative Way to Maximize Your

Professional Learning Budget

www.njpsa.org/fea-professional-learning-savings-account

To learn more about the FEA Professional Learning Savings Account,
please contact Emil Carafa, Coordinator of Professional Learning, at
(609) 860-1200 or ecarafa@njpsa.org.

Educational Viewpoints -35- Spring 2021