Our [Revised and Refreshed] Family Command Center

Our [Revised and Refreshed] Family Command Center

Strangely, I haven’t written about Command Centers in a long time around here. In fact, the last images I can find that I posted were here and here. But something about the first day of the month in May being a Monday always makes me excited for a fresh start! Or is...
Calendar Conundrums + Echo Show

Calendar Conundrums + Echo Show

Over here at The Semi-Together Home, we are having a bit of a calendar kerfuffle. You see, Dr. Together and I each have our own work Outlook calendars, with at least two work trips per month each. We also each have a Google calendar with a co-parent and our respective...
Family University: Supporting Parents to Support Students

Family University: Supporting Parents to Support Students

One of my favorite parts of this work is making connections with folks doing similar work. I’m a long-time fan of Caleb Dolan (fun fact: my mom was his middle school art teacher!). Caleb has been in education for almost 25 years, and I respect him deeply. When he sent...
Author Interview: Paula L. White’s SHAPE – and a Giveaway!

Author Interview: Paula L. White’s SHAPE – and a Giveaway!

You know I love a good author stalking (see this one, this one, this one, this one, AND this one). And now it’s time to introduce you to yet another! I first met Paula L. White when doing work with New Jersey’s Priority Schools a few years back. I was super impressed...
Family Communications, Part 2

Family Communications, Part 2

As promised, we wanted to share additional Google and paper-based ideas and for making and tracking family contact. Claire S., an early childhood teacher in Washington, DC, and two loyal blog commenters (thanks Carol and Xuan!) contributed the great solutions below....
Parents Need Help With Organization, Too!

Parents Need Help With Organization, Too!

I had my first taste of school as a parent last week when I dropped off my 2-year old daughter at preschool for her very first day. I diligently followed her school’s guidelines for labeling an extra set of clothes, what was and was not allowed in the classroom, and...