Lessons learned on Spring Break



I just wrapped up my spring break, dusted off my macbook and decided to write about it. My wife and I decided months ago that we would make an investment in our family and take a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas. Sounded amazing and expensive!!!

I got the idea of booking some type of trip months ago, after sitting in meeting after meeting hearing about broken families. These families were missing something and clearly did not slow down and take time for each other. They needed to invest in their family. One day, after jokingly talking with my wife about it, I booked it. She texted me quickly after she got the confirmation email with this text: Really???? :)

I was not joking. I wanted to make the investment and take some time for our family.

Growing up in Southern California I have been to Disneyland many times. However, I had only dreamed and heard about Disney Cruises. We booked our Cruise out of Miami and then booked our flights across the country.

The night before tour flights we set our alarms for 4:30AM and could barely sleep due to excitement. All six of us boarded the plane in the morning and just like that our adventure had begun. My kids were constantly dabbing out of excitement and my wife and I were happy. The 6 hour plane ride was long, but fortunately my kids travel well.

Once we were in Miami and boarded our boat, there were many things that I observed that could be taken back to my school:

1. Welcome with excitement!
As we entered the ship for the first time, they made an announcement over the speakers: Disney's Magic welcomes the Sheehy Family! That was followed by cheering from the ships crew. Who wouldn't be excited to come to a place that cheers for you and is excited to see you?

We get the opportunity to greet our students and their families each and everyday. How do you show them your excitement? This is an area that is extremely important and needs to be done with intention.

2. Customer Service
Disney is known for their customer service and it does not lack on the ship. The wait staff is constantly helping you with a smile and wants nothing but for you to enjoy your experience. They are always asking if there is anything that you need.

Our school office is where we need customer service. We all need to be providing customer service to our students and parents each day. Showing them that we care has many benefits that will help students in the classroom. 

3. Opportunities for Students to Have Fun.
 Around every corner, my kids found another fun opportunity. Whether we were watching movies, playing shuffleboard, shooting hoops, swimming, or going down water slides there was always something to do. There were so many options that kept everyone engaged and not letting anyone get bored of anything.

The same thing rings true within the classroom and school environment. We need to fill our schools with variety and full of opportunities for students to find the things that engage them. Doing this allows staff to be engaged and not get stale in their teaching practices.


4. Communication 
 Each night upon returning to our room from dinner, there was a communication flyer from the team at Disney. The paper would have all pertinent information and the details of all the events for the next day. To go along with the paper version, Disney also had an app that would give the same information.


Schools need to communicate with our families. We should be making sure that our events are published and advertised. We want our communities to be able to plan for our events and have the opportunities to join. 

5. Teamwork
On the Disney cruise, it was very clear that every employee had a job that needed their attention. Knowing and seeing that, it was interesting to watch when a curveball would be thrown. These employees had no problem stopping what they were doing to help out the others. In talking with our waitress, she said we are a team. In order for their patrons to have an amazing time, we need to work together.

At school, we all have a job to do. However none of us can be successful without each other. Do the best that you can and don't be afraid to help each other out.

These lessons from our vacation are important for all. Take time to enjoy your family, take time to enjoy your life, take time to recharge your batteries, and take time to be the best that you can for those who look up to you.

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