On Saturday June 9^th, 2018, outgoing and incoming board members gathered at Locked Manhattan, where we tested our communication skills by working together to escape the puzzling locked rooms. Unfortunately, none of the three teams successfully escaped.  However, individual abilities and ideas positively contributed to the unique makeup of the teams.  Collectively the team was greater because of each of the individual’s contributions.  The group I was in actively listened when another member had an idea, asked for help by utilizing our resources (3 clues for escape), and expressed positive reinforcement and gratitude when we made headway in our puzzle.  Although no groups escaped, I’m confident effective communication skills, including talking and listening, were enhanced.

Following Locked Manhattan, we walked to AJ’s NY Pizzeria for lunch.  Next, we walked to Manhattan Public Library to further practice our communication skills in a partner Lego Build Challenge.  Partners sat back-to-back, each with a baggie of the same six legos.  Partner one built a structure and then instructed partner two to build the same.  To finish the day, we conducted our board orientation and used our effective communication to hold our last board meeting of the year.