Updates and News for All TEAMS

First off, the Founding Members want to shout out a HUGE THANK YOU to all of our TEAM members this year. It's an adjustment process and a learning experience for everyone, but in general we feel that it's working extremely well so far, and that's all because of the effort and dedication that YOU are all contributing. 

Based on some feedback that we've received and some observations that we've made, we want to offer a few thoughts that seem good to share as we look ahead to Term 2:

• Several teams have added new members in recent weeks. The most current and up-to-date list is always on the TEAMS tab on the website. If you're a returning member who helped get your Team started back in the spring, your Team may have new members that you aren't aware of yet. Obviously, your teaching plans were probably pretty well settled before the year began, but it's still important to get new Team members involved in some way. All Teams should help get their new members up to speed, find ways for them to contribute, and keep communication flowing within their Team. 
• If you find that your family needs to be absent from MLC, especially if the absence is last-minute or unexpected, your Team members are the ones you need to contact. If you're absent and were supposed to teach or do some other key job that morning - again - your Team is your safety net. Each Team should be prepared to cover for each other in a pinch.
• To that end, each Team should also have one or two emergency back-up plans set aside for last-minute teacher absences. Those back-up plans don't necessarily need to 'match' the planned class topics - they can be a one-off alternate activity. Ideally, they should also be something that almost anyone could step in and lead with little or no advance preparation. As a hypothetical example, a Trivial Pursuit/Jeopardy type activity might be a good emergency plan for some age groups. 
• Each team is responsible for maintaining a 'kit' of any school supplies that are needed for your classes. The kit should be in a container labeled clearly with "MLC" and stored neatly in your classroom. We don't want to impose on St. Paul's space any more than necessary, but we also don't really want those supplies going home with members each week. The kit doesn't do your Team any good if it's at your house and you're unexpectedly absent, right? 
• If your emergency back-up plan (as mentioned above) requires any materials, those should be kept with your kit, too. In our hypothetical example, the emergency plan doesn't do any good if the Trivial Pursuit cards are at the home of the person who is absent.
• Receipts for any purchases that you make for your Team should be turned in to Penny Julian. The receipts MUST be marked with your Team so they can be applied to the proper budget. No reimbursements will be made unless the Team is indicated.
• Please be aware that most of the classrooms we use are full during BOTH CLASS PERIODS. If you are teaching Second Period, your classroom will probably also be in use First Period, as well. You're still welcome to drop your materials in the room, but you won't be able to set everything out in advance, as the tables will be needed.
• The upcoming visit from the CB Fire Department is a great example of different Teams working together to share resources. Since several Teams have classes based around the theme of 'Our Community' this year, it's a good idea to collaborate on any guest speakers we invite.

As always, we're very open to useful and constructive feedback. 

We are so, SO GRATEFUL for the flow of great ideas we're seeing this year, for the fun activities and learning that are being offered to all of our kids, and for the willing, enthusiastic, collaborative attitudes we're seeing in so many of our members. We cannot say it enough - you guys are all AWESOME, and we're humbled and delighted to be working with such an amazing group of homeschooling families.