Tootling In Our Break Room

Our staff has been tootling a lot this year. Is that something to be concerned about? No, it’s a good thing!

“Tootling” is the opposite of tattling. Tattling is telling a parent or teacher or other adult about something “wrong” another child has done. Tootling is noting a simple, small moment or recognizing a general quality you appreciate about someone.

Staff members write “tootles” anonymously on Post-Its and put them in a box in our break room. Receptionists Katie O’Callaghan and Sherrie Smith (both of whom have been “tootled”) photograph the tootles and upload them to a slide show on a digital picture frame for everyone to see.

Our teachers and other staff members have tootled one another nearly 120 times so far. Most tootles are teachers recognizing other teachers. Here’s a sampling:

• Ms. Doha (Elbadawy, preschool) always has the brightest smile and is friendly to everyone.

• Thank you, Mr. Scott (Rose, third grade), for helping a second grader get through a rough day.

• Ms. Numra (Iqbal, preschool) kept such a calm, easy demeanor during a long rainy day indoors. It helped more than I can say.

• Ms. Mari’s (Ponghamsing, librarian) library class is such a nurturing and enriching environment. Yay Mari!

• Indi (Wibisono, TK) is so thoughtful and remarkable. She brainstorms ways to boost students’ confidence and makes each child feel special and seen.

Our administrators and Office staff have been tootled too. Here are a couple:

• Susie (Kohl, preschool director), you lead with compassion—always honest, thoughtful, and passionate.

• Ms. Katie (O’Callaghan, receptionist). This Post-It could be a mile long and still be inadequate. You run the Office with perfect precision while still attending to every contusion, cut, and contrived ailment. You are our engine, our heart, our everything!

Everyone was included in this tootle:

• I feel uplifted by the beautiful collaboration I see across campus. Thanks to all the teachers and administrators!