Adapting to the situation

This morning when I arrived at my building everything was dark! No, there wasn't a storm outside and I didn't get there before the sun came up. We lost power. As the teachers gathered in the atrium, sitting on the couches and chairs, we were told that power would  be restored within the hour. We began to make a plan for how we would welcome the kids and begin the day. Soon the students began entering the building, eyes wide in surprise that the only light was coming through the large windows and security spotlights. Everyone sprang into action, delivering cold cereal and milk to classrooms, walking students to their rooms,  and making sure everyone was safe. As promised, by nine o'clock the lights were on, and the day proceeded as usual. 
While the hour without power did not hinder instruction, it did force the staff and students to adapt to the situation. Although we are a 1:1 building, I didn't hear any teachers complaining about not being able to use a specific tech tool, and instead heard everyone problem solving how they would begin the day. It's often said that teachers in my building have a master's degree in flexibility, and that was on display today. Not having power could have thrown our teachers off their game, but they worked together to establish and maintain a calm, safe, and enjoyable environment for the kids. Simpy put, they took Tim Gunn's saying "Make It Work" to heart, adapted to the situation, and did what we all do every day: what's best for kids. 

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