Reflections

Let's use this page to reflect on anything and everything CFG related. **Guiding Questions:** How is it going? What is going well? What is not going so well? What will you do next to replicate what went well? What will you do differently to make things run better? What questions, comments, concerns do you have about any part of CFGs?

//__Before Meeting #1:__// Consider handing out folders to your CFG members (or start your own wiki within your group so members can be more collaborative between sessions)

__//How did your first meeting go on Friday, September 30?//__


 * Marek and El** had a great first meeting. We had a total of 7 people in the group. Since we both acted as facilitators it forced groups of two and three. That proved to be slightly awkward because the group of two inevitably had to wait until the triad completed the protocol. The experience was a good reminder to keep groupings evenly matched depending on the protocol. Otherwise, the members were all actively engaged and seemed to already have the buy in we would want to see. Everyone seemed to get a lot out of the experience. El was great at leading the Microlab!


 * El and Marek** - Everyone was present and seemed very enthusiastic though also not quite sure what to expect. Having an odd number of participants (5) made the various activities a bit awkward when dividing up, but everyone was understanding and accommodating! They seemed to enjoy the quotes as the "Icebreaker"; it was fun to hear what quotes were chosen and how each "spoke" to the individual. The micro lab protocol was a great one with which to start, though I (El) felt a bit nervous at first ... I guess just because it was a first! The protocol flowed well and again helped bring out some wondeerful thoughts from everyone. Once again, however, the odd number of participants was awkward. Marek and I switched back and forth as facilitators which was really good ... I definitely am very happy to have a partner to help guide a CFG! I personally found myself thinking that I had to be "wed" more rigidly to some aspects of the protocol and what I thought Michelle would think I should be doing (!); I was able to relax as time progressed knowing that this was our group and it need to evolve naturally as well as following the guidelines to a point (if this makes sense!). Setting down the list of Agreements flowed well also (until I accidentally deleted them from the SmartBoard!!). Though we used the "Sample Agreements" as a base, the group edited/created a list to suit us best. All in all, it was a rewarding experience, and we are excited about the possibilities for future meetings. We already foresee problems, however, in everyone attending unless the Admin really sets aside a designated time each month!


 * Betsy and Betsy** were a bit nervous, but excited to work with our group. We didn't have but a phone call to really discuss responsibilities for the afternoon. We had 7, which like El and Marek meant that groups couldn't be divided equally. Betsy Isles graciously agreed to be a participant with the quotes and the Microlab. She facilitated the Agreements part really well. We have a good working document that Betsy Isles will email to participants. Each participant agreed that confidentiality made them feel safe and trusting!

Feedback from the group was very positive! There were questions about what kinds of ideas should be brought to the group. Clarification was in the form of giving examples from our summer group. Participants are looking forward to our next meeting. They are also eager to know what the future dates for the year are. Marek, when do you think we will have the Admin Team finalize dates?


 * Jon and Katherine** - Everyone showed up, and we finished promptly at 3:30. We'll follow up with one group member who seemed unsure about whether he remembered signing up or not; he was a bit stressed that this might have been different than what he anticipated. All other members were fully present and seemed excited about our CFG. Thank you for letting us steal Catherine, Marek and El! Particularly if this other group member decides not to participate, it will allow us to keep multiple perspectives at the table. Both of us (Jon and Katherine) think we need to get together as a coaches' group several days (or better yet a week) before our next CFG so that we can fully plan and anticipate the details that might arise. Even though the two of us met earlier this week, we had to make a few necessary decisions on the fly, such as one of us being a Microlab participant instead of a facilitator (as described by other groups in their reflections). All in all, though, it was a very positive first meeting, and we're looking forward to the year ahead!


 * David and Claudia-** It went really well! Everyone came, 6 participants, and like eager students, they took their seats and gobbled up each activity we presented. It was great working with a partner and being able to work off each other and take turns introducing each part. Initially, future times we would be meeting became a topic of conversation and an obvious concern, especially for one participant who knew she wouldn't be able to make at least one of the Friday afternoons previously sent to them. We assured her we could work around it and future dates/times were still being worked out. From the ice breaker to the agreements, it went very smoothly. It was awesome to hear similar ideas popping up and it all felt very familiar, from our week of training. I must say, I felt like I was ease dropping on their conversations, and it was hard to hold back from participating, but a great experience on both ends. The mix of participants was great. Some with years of experience and some on the younger end of their experience. One in his first year at our school. As we ended, they all seemed to have enjoyed the experience and we set up the agenda for next time, with one participant bringing a dilemma as well as mine. David, please add anything I overlooked!!! Marek, your notes/agenda steps were very helpful. Thank you so much for taking the time to help us with that. Jumping from meeting to meeting on a Friday was challenging,mentally, but once we got going, it was great and I have to say, I felt refreshed by the end. No advil needed! ***Oct 27th after 5 works for me.**

Porter was a great partner- he made everyone feel at ease, and reminded the group that the only reason he and I were "coaches" was because we had five more days experience than they did. This simple statement brought the group together, and made everyone feel like a cohesive team, not an us vs. them- which was something I was worried about. We collected hopes and dreams reflection cards at the end, and all comments were positive and enthusiastic. October 27th works for me (Nina).
 * Porter** and **Nina**- All were present and excited. We had a FABULOUS group- six members and two coaches. The even number is nice.... Everything went smoothly- although we felt a bit rushed and shortened some of the timings for the microlab protocol. An hour and a half was not enough time. Also- we were all tired. It was difficult to sustain energy and momentum after a long day of teaching and two meetings before the CFG meeting. Would love to have a full two hours slotted for the CFG meeting with nothing else planned. I know that you said it was on the table, Marek. Hopefully the admin team will finalize dates and we can lock things in place.


 * Michele and Tim-** Our meeting when very well. Everyone showed up and was excited to learn more about the CFG's. The ice breaking activity was great for people to get to know one another better, considering we had 2 new teachers. Everyone seemed to enjoy the micro lab protocol. It was difficult for them to only talk when it was their turn, but they quickly picked up the purpose of the activity and really enjoyed debriefing it. I think it was at that point that everyone really got on board and excited about protocols. When chatting about agreements, the group was able to think up a good list and really had some great input on it.

The one area people get a little apprehensive was talking about scheduling. As long as the meetings didn't go too late, they seemed ok. The difficult part is that there will always be something going on. Oct. 28, the middle school and lower school science teachers will be at a conference in Hartford....which is tough considering that will just be our second meeting. Also child care was another issue.

Overall, the first meeting when great. Everyone in our group is on board and excited to start learning and using the protocols. Facilitating went smooth, and truthfully, was easier than anticipated. We both look forward to our second meeting and diving into some dilemmas!

Please alert the community members not participating in CFG's that they cannot interrupt and/or pull people out. We had an interruption and it was awkward and disruptive to the flow of the meeting.

It went well and all members are excited to participate.


 * Caroline and Deborah**- Everyone was present, and since we were a group of 6 members and 2 facilitators splitting up evenly into pairs and triads was not a problem. There was a super positive and excited feeling that was evident right from the start, and the transition from quotes to micro lab to agreements went smoothly. Both Deborah and I were nervous about doing things "right" and explaining the protocols correctly, and truthfully it did feel strange to not be able to participate! Timing was tough and we started to feel rushed towards the end when talking about Agreements, and confidentiality seemed to be a big concern. Having the full 2 hours next time will be helpful but we're anticipating the 2.30-4.30 block to be tough for some people. Overall we think that everyone had fun and enjoyed the structure of the protocols. Our group is so nice and we're all looking forward to getting to know each other better this year!

We also had some interruptions, one from a parent and one from a colleague, and it was an awkward thing to respond to and definitely disrupted the flow of the group. We agree that we need to communicate to the larger community that CFG meetings can't be interrupted unless for emergencies.

Totally psyched for the next meeting and for this whole experience!