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READ THIS! 5/20/2020

"The art of life lies in a constant readjustment to our surroundings." ~Kakuzo Okakura

Today, I would have been preparing for the Graduation ceremony tonight. The graduates would be having a celebration breakfast at CSI, we would have had graduation practice, then the big event tonight.

BUT, we had to readjust to our current situation. The rain seems fitting today, as I am kinda sad that the event isn't tonight, but at the same time, I'm really looking forward to the ceremony we are planning for later in June (I think it is going to be pretty stinkin' awesome).

Often we have to readjust, and it makes us mad and sad and frustrated that things can't be the way we planned. But often, the changes we are forced to make create an even better plan than the original. So we learn not to let the mad, sad, frustrated last too long, and we learn to embrace the opportunity to evolve.

I have a feeling that the evolution of our graduation is going to make new traditions for years to come. And we wouldn't have changed if we weren't forced to by the situation we are in today.

How else does this apply to your lives? When have you been forced to change, and ended up liking the change? How about when you transferred to MVHS? Or some other time in your personal lives? Take that lesson, and remember next time life makes you readjust.

As always, if you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. I do check my email throughout the day, everyday, so don't hesitate. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/19/2020

"Keep your heart open to dreams. For as long as there's a dream, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, there is joy in living." ~Unknown

I've been spending my spare time daydreaming lately about having a cabin at Island Park. I daydream about it being in the woods, but close to the water. I dream about having family and friends there, making memories. I dream about sitting with a cup of coffee on a deck, watching wildlife wander by. I cannot imagine a more heavenly place.

In these rainy, cold, windy, days having a daydream to escape to has been delightful. It has definitely provided hope and joy as I have tried to get work done. I think daydreams are healthy ways of managing challenging thoughts, whether it be depression or anxiety or fear. I encourage my son to daydream at night when he can't sleep. I encourage daydreams as a way to calm down when anxiety is taking over. I encourage daydreams as a means to provide hope.

The kicker with daydreams is moving them from "dream" to reality. I need to save money to be able to afford a cabin. That means maybe I don't buy a good coffee, or go out to dinner, or buy a new dress. Putting dream into action creates more hope and excitement.

What are your daydreams? What would you need to do to make them a reality? What's holding you back? Take a few minutes to figure that out, and then make a plan to reach for your dreams.

I'm going to work, not get coffee, and I may buy a lottery ticket on my way home :).

And as always, if you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. I do check my email throughout the day, everyday, so don't hesitate. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/18/2020

"Keep in mind there is light at the end of the tunnel, because if you don’t you’ll have no idea where you’re going in the first place ." ~Michael Johnson (yes, MVHS's very own)

There is light at the end of the tunnel of this term. Coursework is due on Wednesday, and the term ends Thursday. Chromebooks are to be returned on Thursday and Friday. And Summer School is scheduled to start on June 1.

If you haven't, please communicate with your teachers about the coursework you have remaining. And keep working on it! You still have two days to finish your class.

This has been a tough two months, and you have dealt with more than anyone knows. Working on classwork was probably the last thing on your list for more than a few days. But earning the credit now is worth the effort it is going to take to finish.

You got this, a couple more days, and the term is over, and you can spend a couple of months regaining some normalcy in your life.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/15/2020

Hello MVHS,

This is mostly going to be a business post . . . we got business to take care of!

First, this was the last week for new course material. You will not be getting any new assignments. So, what you have is what you have to do.

Wednesday, May 20 is the last day to turn in assignments because it takes teachers a day or so to grade them, then final grades are due May 22.

So that means if you have gotten behind, you have time to WORK this weekend. If it seems that there is too much to do and you are overwhelmed by it, here is my advice:

1. Make a list of what you need to finish.

2. Put the list in order of when you are going to do it. Identify how much time you think each assignment will take to complete.

First, do the assignments that have to be done and won't take too long. Get the little things out of the way so you don't feel like you have a ton weighing over you. Finishing them will also give you a sense of accomplishment and hopefully help you feel that this is possible.
Then do the assignments that are bigger and need more focus and attention.

3. Set small goals and rewards for yourself. For example, when you get through the first two items on your list, or if you are finished with an assignment in less time than you thought, give yourself a break.

4. Treat yourself with some gentle discipline. Don't let yourself take unnecessary breaks or get sidetracked. Make yourself maintain focus and attention.

5. Don't give up! As someone who has pulled her share of all-nighters this school year, I know how tempting it is just to throw hands in the air and stop. But you can do this! And you can sleep when the work is done :).

6. Remember that the courses are pass/fail - do the work, show the effort, demonstrate the learning, and you will earn the credit.

Summer School is being planned, and we hope to have dates today (we are looking at June 1-18). There will be a registration form on this website, under Summer School 2020. Please check back for more details.

Let me take this moment to tell you all how proud I am and believe you should be of yourselves. This is an unprecedented term - no body has been through anything like this before. You've overcome the obstacles of it, persevered, and will see it through to the end. Congratulations!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/14/2020

The longer you wait for something, the more you'll appreciate it when you get it. 'Cause anything worth having, is definitely worth waiting. ~Anonymous

Delayed gratification is hard. It is hard to keep working, keep sacrificing, keep going when what you are working for seems so far away. I'm sure many of you feel that way about graduation, especially if you are a junior or sophomore. BUT, ask the seniors, as the end of May is upon us, the reality of graduation becomes incredibly clear.

You don't want to be in a situation where you haven't kept working and the reward passes you by. I understand that procrastination takes over, and progress stops. You can no longer see the goal and it seems that your efforts are for nothing.

It is an incredibly difficult lesson to teach, and an even harder lesson to learn. I hate having to tell seniors that they aren't going to walk in graduation because they haven't finished their work; it is one of the parts of my job I hate the most.

But you can't appreciate something if you haven't earned it. And likewise, when you have earned something through your own hard work, you SO appreciate it! The work, the wait, the sacrifice is totally worth it.

So, all of that to say, keep working, keep sacrificing, keep going, because your future is definitely worth the wait!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/13/2020

"I hate every minute of training. But I said, don't quit. Suffer now and live the rest of your life as a champion." ~Muhammad Ali

Yes, I am in education, but I know that homework can suck. The daily grind of school work, and learning, and teachers, and reading can really suck for some people.

But it is comparable to training and practice for a sport . . . yes, you suffer now but live the rest of your life as a champion. Or in our analogy, a graduate.

And what comes with being a champion? Confidence, a sense of accomplishment, opportunity, endorsements, money. The same things that being a high school graduate can bring as well.

Is the pain worth the reward? Yes. Without a doubt or exception. You will never regret finishing high school. But you will regret quitting.

Don't quit. Keep going. Finish the term. Suffer now, the reward is coming!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/12/2020

Strive for progress, not perfection.

We are in the home stretch, and this quote seemed to fit the situation perfectly. Your teachers are hoping to see progress and effort, not necessarily 100%, A+ work. I can almost guarantee that your teachers would rather have you do what you can rather than nothing at all.

We are somewhat in a hard spot, in that we have to teach ourselves to determine what situation requires us to do "good" and what situation requires us to do "good enough."

If you are someone who would rather not do something rather than not do it right, that is really hard. I was raised that if something is worth doing, you should do it right.

But sometimes that has kept me from doing something at all because I didn't want to make a mistake, or be told I was wrong, or fail. How many opportunities did I miss because I was afraid to fail?

This is definitely a situation where "good enough" works. Remember, all classes are pass/fail this term, so good enough gets you credit, credit gets you closer to graduation. Good enough is good.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/11/2020

Hey Guys,

Seniors - I have been made aware that over the weekend there were "Graduate 2020" signs put in peoples' yards. I know there is confusion about the signs. I am so sorry! The person who put the signs up had good intentions, but her plan wasn't communicated to me prior to her delivery, so I couldn't set her on the right course.

If you got a sign and know you aren't graduating, I am sorry. I have heard from several of you that you were confused and a little panic-stricken. Its okay - you have time, and you are just fine to finish next fall. Breathe!!

If you didn't get a sign and know you are graduating (or are already done), I am sorry. We'll get it all straightened out, and if you are graduating, you will get a sign. You were not left out intentionally, and this isn't a discrete message from us that you aren't going to walk.

On a lighter note, I know of one house that got a sign in their yard and their kids are 2-years-old and 5-years-old. If they were graduating, those would be some smart kids! Talk about Doogie Houser. Wait, you probably have no idea who Doogie Houser is . . . never mind.

Again, I am so sorry for the confusion. If you have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/08/2020

I was laying in bed last night, trying to sleep, but thinking of all that I needed to do . . . I need to review the seniors' credits to ensure they are on track, I need to try to connect with everyone again. I need to call the seniors that didn't pick up their Josten's order. I need to clean my house. I need to mow my lawn. My mom has irrigating and yard work she needs me to do. My son's birthday is Sunday, so I need to make arrangements and prepare for that. I need to start preparing for graduation, but I don't know what to do at this stage of the game.

I was completely overwhelmed. It all needs to be done today, and there is absolutely no way I will be able to get it all done. I could have gotten up and started on some of the work, but I was tired and I would have made more mistakes than anything. I decided to get up early, and get some work done. But I am also completely exhausted, so "early" wasn't as early as I needed it to be.

I'm guessing more than a few of you are in the same situation, where you are overwhelmed by everything that needs to be finished for school, as well as home, and not sure even where to start to get it all done.

Here's what I'm going to do, and maybe my technique can help you too. I'm going to write down everything that needs done, and put the date/time that it is due. Then I'm going to prioritize, based on how important something is, how much time it will take me to finish it, and how it fits into the bigger picture.

Then, I'm just going to work through the list. It won't all get done today, but maybe my housecleaning can wait until tomorrow morning. Maybe my cake-baking can wait until tomorrow night. I can mow my lawn this evening after dinner. I can do the Zoom meeting from my phone while I'm doing my mom's irrigating.

It helps me feel less anxious to write it all down and create a plan. I'm able to see that if I stay on track, I can get a lot accomplished. It helps me think through what really has to be done today, and what can wait until tomorrow. Seeing it all written down helps me feel better and actually be more productive . . . I will actually do it, as long as it is on paper and not just swimming in my head.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/07/2020

“You can't calm the storm so stop trying. What you can do is calm yourself. The storm will pass.” — Timber Hawkeye

Yesterday's wind storm - when the sky turned brown and you couldn't see more than a couple hundred feet - felt like a great analogy to this whole situation we are in.

It was dirty and dark and threatened to blow us all away. But it was wind, so I couldn't see the actual storm, just the effects of it. Kinda like the coronavirus . . . its dirty and dark and threatens to take us all out, and we can't really see the storm but I'm definitely feeling its effects.

So, I made sure all of my windows were closed, I put on a sweater, and stayed safely in my house working on my computer. And after a while, the sky turned blue again, visibility was back to normal, and it didn't feel so bleak. The wind still blowed, but it didn't seem as bad.

I think that's what is going to happen with our current situation. I think if we keep ourselves calm, healthy, and follow the "rules," we'll be fine. The storm will pass and we will be able to return to a version of normal.

The key is keeping ourselves calm. Don't overreact. Don't make it a catastrophe. Don't shut down and quit altogether. Just calmly move forward, continue on our path, and eventually we'll get there.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/06/2020

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” — Albert Einstein

Many of you know that I am a cyclist; during nice weather, I will ride my bike 60-100 miles a week (sometimes all in one day). And as much as I have ridden, I can't balance on my bike standing still. I've seen people do it, and I've tried, but I always fall over. I have to keep moving in order to stay upright.

Balance in life is a little harder to maintain, but I like the idea that you have to keep working, keep moving, keep "doing" in order to maintain. Sometimes it is hard to keep our balance. It seems like there are so many different things pulling at us that there is no way to keep it all together. School, work, home, family, friends . . . it can get overwhelming.

If we take Einstein's advice, we just have to keep moving. If we stop, we'll crash. Don't crash. The best way to keep moving is to take it one step at a time. Sometimes when I'm riding up a steep hill, I will tell my self, one pedal stroke at a time. Just keep moving.

Break down the task into smaller pieces, make a list of what needs to be done, schedule time for focused attention on the tasks. These are all methods to keep us moving, to maintain our balance.

You only have a couple of weeks of class remaining. Do what you can to keep yourself balanced and finish the course!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/05/2020

Happy Cinco de Mayo! I had to do a little research, and for those of you who don't know, Cinco de Mayo is a celebration honoring the victory of the Mexican military over the much larger French at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It honors the Mexican heritage and culture.

I like Cinco de Mayo. I like the idea of celebrating where one comes from, and what made you who you are. I like celebrating victory and overcoming obstacles. It is the same reasons I like graduation so much.

Graduation is a celebration of what made you who you are, and where you came from, and victory and, especially at MVHS, overcoming obstacles. And we are almost there. For the 80+ of you striving toward graduation, you are almost there.

Please, if you haven't already, order your cap and gown from jostens.com. The cap, gown, and tassel are the only required items; if you wish to borrow a cap and gown from MVHS, please complete the form on the new "Graduation Info" page. If that is your choice, you will only have the buy a tassel for $10.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/04/2020

I've never been a huge Star Wars fan, but I have two sons. And since they have the time on their hands and Disney+ has made it so easy, they spent their weekend working through all of the Star Wars movies, culminating today . . . May the Fourth (be with you).

So, in honor of Star Wars Day, I decided to share my favorite words of wisdom from Master Yoda:

“Named must your fear be before banish it you can.”
“Anger, fear, anguish - of the dark side they are.”
“When you look at the dark side, careful you must be. For the dark side looks back.”
“In a dark place we find ourselves, and a little more knowledge lights our way.”
“Do or do not. There is no try.”
“If no mistake you have made, losing you are. A different game you should play.”
“Many of the truths that we cling to depend on our point of view.”
“Your path you must decide.”

I think I've tried to say these very things in previous posts, but it just sounds better coming from Yoda. He isn't a master Jedi for nothing . . . the guy must have had a masters in counseling too!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 5/01/2020

"Everything negative – pressure, challenges – is all an opportunity for me to rise.” — Kobe Bryant

Our perspective is the key to everything in our lives. Perspective determines how we process information and experiences. It determines how we react to situations. Our perspective determines the meaning we apply, and as a result, how we feel about everything that happens.

If we view ourselves as a victim, we will live as a victim - we process experiences as a victim, we react as a victim, we feel like a victim. But, if we view ourselves as strong, we will see our experiences from a place of strength, we will react with strength, and we will feel strong.

I think Kobe Bryant's quote reveals that his perspective was one of overcoming. He processed challenges as an opportunity to improve. He reacted with determination to be better. He didn't wallow in negativity, but used it to energize his hard work and self-improvement. His perspective, how he viewed the world - and in this case negativity - was to be positive and tackle challenges head on.

That's probably why he is one of the best players to ever set foot on a basketball court. He was criticized all of the time. He faced challengers that were bigger, stronger, faster, better. He faced roadblocks. But his perspective was to rise above it all, believe in himself and prove what he knew he could do.

I'm not just talking about Kobe Bryant here people. Your perspective - how you view the world - will determine how you process, react, and feel about the world. Are you going to see the world with a negative attitude, or are you going to rise up, be strong, and face your challenges?

I know you have it in you to be a fighter . . . not physically (though some of you are that type of "fighter"), but emotionally and mentally. You choose your perspective. Choose wisely and carefully, because your perspective is the key.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/30/2020

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. ~Thomas Edison

Let me start by saying that I'm not calling anyone a failure. But it always breaks my heart when I see students give up when they are two or three credits, or a senior project, or a summer school class, away from graduating. They were SO close! And the opportunities that are available, the sense of accomplishment one feels, the confidence that can be gained by completing high school are always worth the extra effort it may take to get there.

I think people give up because they can't see themselves being successful; they have lost hope. When they can't see the benefit of their efforts, when they can't see success as an option, there seems to be no reason to fight, to work hard anymore.

I believe it is my job to help people who are in that situation . . . who have lost hope and don't want to fight . . . help them find a reason to keep pushing to the end, help them find the strength and determination within themselves to finish the task.

That is EXTREMELY hard to do right now. I can't see you. You aren't in the building for me to give little pep talks, or sit down and find out how you are feeling, what you are thinking, where you are. I think that is why I write these, to give you those little pep talks, without actually being with you.

It really feels like no one is reading these, and I am writing them mostly for myself. But I will continue to write, with the hope that someone, sometime will read it.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/29/2020

You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending. ~C.S. Lewis

I love this quote. And it kinda relates to what I was writing about yesterday . . . we have to let go of the past in order to successfully move forward.

I truly believe that people can create the lives that they want for themselves, despite what has happened to them in the past. I've seen it. I've gotten to watch people overcome hardships and define themselves with their determination, strength, courage, positive attitude, kindness, forgiveness, or whatever it has taken for them to be healthy and happy.

Lets apply that concept to school right now. We can't change how you started this term, but we can certainly effect how you end. Are you doing your work? Have you set a schedule for each day? Have you communicated with your teachers? Its not too late . . . you can start today and change how you end the term.

Sometimes I write these, and it feels like nobody is reading them. I'm going to try something. The first person from MVHS who emails me the name of the person who said the quote at the top of today's article, I will give you a $10 Dutch Bros. gift card. My email address for students is rothweileram@mytfsd.org.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/28/2020

Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.

I told Mr. Keller yesterday, I'm either ready to come back to school or I'm ready to be done for the school year. I'm tired of the stay-at-home order. I'm tired of working from home. I'm tired of trying to be every where and no where at the same time.

I'm sure many of you are feeling the same way. But as the quote I chose today urges, we have to accept the situation we are in, and let go of what we had, but believe that this will end and we will return to school, to "normal," again soon.

The same can be said about any situation really. How many of us are held back by holding on to some past hurt, past pain, rather than accepting our new situation and moving forward? Or held back by "the way it used to be" when things were better, rather than working to create a future more like what we want?

The past is behind us and we can't change it. We have to manage what is right now and accept our situation for what it is. And we must have faith in what we build for the future. Ignoring any one of those - the letting go, the accepting, and the moving forward - is an emotional time bomb (see what I did there . . . "time" bomb).

I think the most important, though, is the looking forward. If we don't have hope, we struggle the most. But hope is wishing put into action . . . we have to DO something to make changes; they often don't just happen. Putting our energy into creating the future we want, doing something to help ourselves, provides hope.

So do that . . . do today something that will help you create the future you want. Maybe it is as simple as doing your classwork, which is helping you work toward graduation. (hint hint) :)

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/27/2020

At the sake of being redundant, I'm simply reposting what I wrote on Friday. Except today, instead of being sad about a student I didn't know, I am even more sad about a student I did know. Austin Lopez was a great kid; he had completed his credits for graduation, he was working, and was creating a life for himself. His passing came too quickly.

As I stated in my email to everyone, death is hard to understand. But you do not have to cope with this alone; we are here to listen and to be with you if you need us.

(here is the part I posted Friday . . . please read it)

I know that the teenage brain doesn't calculate risk the same way an adult brain does. I know that the teenage brain doesn't have the life experience and catalog of memories to draw from in making decisions. I know that the teenage brain values reward more than cost. And all of that combines to make teenagers fun and amazing and innovative. But it also combines tragically when accidents happen.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!

In the most "mom"-way possible, I beg you guys to think before you do things. Take a half second to consider, "what would Amy say about this?" "How could this go wrong, and what would happen if it does?"

Risk can be exhilarating. The risk and danger of something can make it fun. But the risk is also real, and unfortunately, sometimes things DO go wrong. And yes, it CAN happen to you.

The weather is going to be nice, and I urge you to get some fresh air and exercise. But please make careful choices. Don't do anything that will make me cry.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/24/2020

I think this has been the hardest week I've had since we have been out of school. As I mentioned, I have found it hard to stay motivated this week. I've been frustrated with the news, and the conflicting messages about "reopen the economy" vs. "maintain the social distance." But mostly, I was sad regarding the death of a TFHS student.

PLEASE BE CAREFUL!!

Risk can be exhilarating. The risk and danger of something can make it fun. But the risk is also real, and unfortunately, sometimes things DO go wrong. And yes, it CAN happen to you.

The weather is going to be nice, and I urge you to get some fresh air and exercise. But please make careful choices. Don't do anything that will make me cry.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/23/2020

Hello MVHS,

Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.

It is a good thing I have developed some healthy habits in my life because I have certainly been lacking motivation lately. This week has been really bad . . . I haven't wanted to work, I haven't wanted to cook, I havn't wanted to do anything but look through gardening books.

But, gardening books aren't going to prepare for graduation, nor are they going to feed my hungry sons. Even though I'm struggling to be motivated, I've still had work to do. So I've had to set small goals for myself. Set deadlines ("I'll have this project done by 2pm, then I'll take a 30minute break"). I've had to MAKE myself do my work.

I think many of you are feeling the exact same way, especially with school work. It is hard right now, I totally get it! But set small goals, set deadlines, and make yourself do it!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/22/2020

Hello MVHS,

The first rule of kindness is to be kind to yourself.

I mentioned yesterday the importance of positive self-talk, the conversations we have with ourselves. The dialogue in our head is key to our mental health.

Think about it this way . . . are the things you tell yourself something you would let someone else say to you? Would you say it to someone else? All too often, we beat ourselves up, we call ourselves names, we say horrible insulting things to ourselves. We even go as far as justifying our misbehavior. Does any of that make us feel good? No. Does it help us manage ourselves? No. So why do we do it?

We need to teach ourselves to be kind, to tell our selves what we would tell our friends. We need to hold ourselves to a gentle discipline (i.e. I have to tell myself I don't need the extra bowl of cereal). If we do that, we will be much healthier. Practice, just try it, maybe just for only an hour; I bet you will feel better!

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/21/2020

Hello MVHS,

H.O.P.E. - Hold On Pain Ends

I like this quote for a lot of reasons, but it is the idea that this pain we are experiencing, or any pain for that matter, will end. We just have to hold on. Be patient. Mentally and emotionally, that can be very hard to do, but develop the positive self-talk to convince yourself that you can do it. "I know I can," "Just a little bit more," "It won't always be like this," and "I am stronger than this" are good mantras to start with.

On the school side of things:

For those of you participating in Night School, it is scheduled to be over on Thursday. Please connect with your teacher to finish up your work. I know you will be given an extension on the assignments, so please keep working on it!

Also, I sent an email to our potential graduates to get your opinions on graduation. We could do a "virtual" graduation on May 20, a face-to-face ceremony sometime later in the summer, or both. If you haven't responded to my email, please do and let me know what you would prefer.

Lastly, Term 5 grades have been finalized, but students have until May 15 to recover a "No Credit" or an F. Please talk with your teachers to see what you can do to earn your credits!

If you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. I do check my email throughout the day, everyday, so don't hesitate. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/20/2020

Hello MVHS,

It is finally starting to feel like spring, and I realized a fundamental truth about myself . . . I like to watch things grow. Maybe because I'm a farmer's daughter, maybe because I'm a tree-hugging liberal (there's a funny story about that I'll tell you later), or maybe because I just like the satisfaction of tending to and caring for a living thing and watching how it develops.

I think that is why I like being a counselor - I get to watch you grow and develop and become who you are going to become. And that is why this situation is so difficult for me . . . I can't see you! I can't look you in the eye and read the expression on your face. I can't give you a high five, or a hug. Someday. Soon. I will.

I will let you know if there are any changes or updates tomorrow.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/17/2020

Hello MVHS,

Its Friday already! A couple of new things have come to light recently:

The district decided that if seniors have passed History and Government, then they have met the requirements for the civics exam, and a separate test is not needed this spring.
With the Governor extending the stay-at-home order, we will continue the online learning until at least the beginning of May, and maybe longer.

I know this isn't easy - in no way, shape, or form. And I know that people are struggling physically, financially, emotionally, and in so many other ways. It doesn't matter what the challenge is . . . REACH OUT . . . you don't have to endure this alone. I am here, your teachers are here, you may have other trusted adults in your lives. Let us help you through this.

Some wise, old Greek philospher said, "Nothing is permanent but change." This situation, whatever the situation you are in, WILL change. Time is the great healer (another wise person said that), and it is true. Just give this some time.

Remember, if you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. I do check my email throughout the day, everyday, so don't hesitate. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/16/2020

Hello MVHS,

"The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack in will." ~Vince Lombardi Jr.

I've learned that having the will - determined desire - is the key to achieving your goals. Here is a simple example: my son asked me to get a snack for him, but I was busy and suggested that he get the snack for himself; an hour later, he still hadn't gotten the snack. He didn't have the will to get it for himself . . . he didn't want it bad enough.

I think this online learning situation we are in is falling in the same line as the snack. Do you want your education bad enough to put forth the determined effort to achieve it?

I'm encouraged by how many of you are doing it, despite the challenge. Your future self will thank you. Maybe your friends aren't though, and they may need your positive encouragement to engage with their teachers, do their coursework, and succeed this term. Being the light for someone else, helping them develop their own will to succeed, can also make you feel pretty awesome.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/15/2020

Hello MVHS,

"I never could have done what I have done without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time" ~Charles Dickens

Hey - Dickens was on to something! Showing up on time, doing what needs to be done, focusing, concentrating . . . sounds like he would have been a model student for online learning.

I know many/most of you have a lot going on, with family and siblings, maybe work and trying to earn money, but taking some of those suggestions could, help you get your classwork accomplished.

Its hard to set boundaries for ourselves, I completely understand! Sometimes it helps me to set little spurts of effort, "I'm going to work for the next 30 minutes, without stopping." Or, "I'm going to get this done before I take a break." And then stick to that without letting my kids or my phone distract me.

Remember, and pass the word, you are earning credit for the courses you are in. And they are Pass/Fail, so as long as the teachers can see that you are doing the work and learning the material, you will earn the credit.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/14/2020

Hello MVHS,

Hopefully, you heard from your Term 6 teachers yesterday. If you didn't, please let me know.

I'm curious . . . how many of you like this? Being at home, doing schoolwork online, at your pace, within your own daily schedule?? It is what other "online" schools have been doing for years, but this way you KNOW your teachers, you know there is a building to come to. I'd love to hear your feedback!

I think this situation has forced us - the teachers and staff - to make some changes that could be hugely beneficial as we move forward.

I always try to look for the silver lining, the positives of a situation. That is a mental health tool that has served me well through some very difficult challenges in my life. I ask myself, "what good could come of this? What could/should I learn from the situation? How is this going to change things for the better? How can I make things better because of this?" It is simply a mindset shift, from wallowing in the despair to accepting the challenge and seeking the way it can help me grow as a person. I've done the same thing with our current situation, and I'm kinda optimistic and hopeful about the possibilities.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/13/2020

Four weeks. It has been four weeks since we have been in school, all together, in the building. It doesn't seem like that long that we have been doing online school, but it does seem that long since I've seen you all.

I hope you had a good weekend. Remember, today is the first day of Term 6; you should be hearing from your new teachers today. Please let me know if you have any questions about the courses in which you are enrolled.

My mental health suggestion for the day is exercise. It doesn't have to be running a marathon; find something that you enjoy, that keeps your heart rate up for 20-30 minutes. It could be playing basketball, or riding your longboard, or walking, or following the workout on an exercise app (there are a ton of them!). When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. And exercise is a great way to work out the emotional stuff - be it anger, or frustration, or sadness, or worry. So, you get the physical, mental, and emotional relief that is so important.

Remember, if you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. I do check my email throughout the weekend, so don't hesitate. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/10/2020

Success is a series of small wins.

Hello MVHS!

We get a small win today . . . it is the last day of Term 5. What you have accomplished by finishing your classes today is something that has never been done before in MVHS history. Be proud of this small win, and use it to move you forward into Term 6.

With the weekend here, you may need some stress management tools. There are some great apps for your phone that can help you calm down and relax. There are meditation apps and yoga apps (I like Down Dog). Apps such as MindShift and Headspace offer mental health suggestions and ideas. Even mindless games can be good; there are jigsaw puzzles and coloring apps, crossword puzzles and word searches. You can learn a different language (Duolingo is pretty great). AND they are generally free, positive and healthy , and legal.

Remember, if you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. I do check my email throughout the weekend, so don't hesitate. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/09/2020

Hello,

If you read through the archived READ THIS! I've written over the past two weeks, you will sense a theme. But today I'm going to be very blunt - I'm worried about all of you. A lot of people are anxious, scared, depressed, and a lot of people are drinking and using substances to cope with those feelings. A lot of people are having dangerous thoughts, and some have acted on those thoughts. That all makes me worry, A LOT!

I know in my own home, my sons are unsettled and restless. I know it can be hard to be ordered to stay at home with family that can be difficult (my sons would probably say its difficult being stuck with me). People are worried about having enough money to pay their bills, food to feed their families, and top it off with having to do school at home and everything that goes with that. It is an incredibly hard time in our lives!

Taking care of yourselves is a huge challenge, and doing so by staying away from unhealthy and illegal methods, can make that challenge greater for some of you. PLEASE reach out to me, or one of your teachers or another trustworthy adult. We want to help you manage this time, we want to help you cope with those difficult emotions and thoughts. We want you to stay healthy - physically and emotionally.

The stay at home order will end, we will return to school at some point, and life will get back to "normal." I want nothing more than for you all to be in a position to pick up where we left off on March 13, 2020.

Remember, if you need a food box, contact me directly. And I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/08/2020

"Remember, hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies." ~Stephen King

No one ever expected this is how our school year would turn out, but here we are. But I love that it is spring, and that the sun is shining, flowers are blooming, trees are growing their leaves, and a sense of renewal is everywhere. Spring has always been about hope for me.

Let's not lose our hope in the good things to come. Term 5 ends on Friday, so make sure to finish strong and earn those credits. Term 6 starts on Monday; if you have questions about your courses, please don't hesitate to "ask" via email or call me.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/07/2020

Don't let today's disappointment cast a shadow on tomorrow's dream.

I was disappointed yesterday with the State Board of Education's recommendation to continue online-learning through the end of the school year. I miss you guys, and I'm holding on to hope that we will be back to school before the end of the school year, though yesterday's message diminished that hope quite a bit.

As we settle in to the reality of this, there are some things you could help you, as students, complete this school year online successfully:

Establish a routine and/or schedule for yourself. Have a set time to focus on your school-work, just as you would if you were coming to school.
Set a designated space for yourself to work, one where you can minimize distraction (i.e. maybe don't have the TV on while you are working).
Find an approach to the coursework that works for you, i.e. maybe focus on the work for one class each day

Another important note . . . Some of you were trying to make up work and/or time for Term 4. We have decided to waive time missed, and the grade you earned will be the grade that will remain (i.e. if you earned a B, but missed too many days, you will still earn a B). AND D's will earn credit for Term 4 and 5.

If you have requested paper packets for your schoolwork, the pick-up/drop-off day for those will be Thursdays from 10am-2pm.

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.
We could also FaceTime and/or Google Meet if you would like.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

READ THIS! 4/06/2020

The noble-minded are calm and steady. Little people are forever fussing and fretting. ~Confucius

Hello,

We made it through week #1. I hope you all had a quiet weekend, and are ready to start week #2. I think that we will all get better at this as the weeks go by . . . it is a learning curve for all of us, students AND teachers.

The quote for today is a reminder that those who are thoughtful and strong remain calm, move forward with their plans, and don't get bogged down by challenges. Freaking out doesn't do any good, and most often just makes us look foolish.

So, stay calm and steady, focus on your plans and goals, your dreams and hope. That will get us through this.

On a school front, we have a faculty "meeting" today, so I may have more information to share with you all tomorrow.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

P.S. I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.

READ THIS! 4/03/2020

I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it. ~Maya Angelou

Hello,

We all have experienced challenges in our lives that changed us - changed how we view the world, changed how we respond to situations, changed how we feel about ourselves or others. Those challenges are what help us grow and mature. (Remember the butterfly story?).

As a community, we are facing a challenge right now. But we can't let it reduce us to aggression, addiction, or to self-harm. Don't let the difficulty of our circumstance change your dreams and goals. Find ways to manage those difficult emotions - go for a walk, write in a journal, listen to music, draw, talk to someone (my contact info is at the bottom of this).

We will get through this, and when we do, let's be stronger, healthier, smarter, with the confidence that we may be changed, but our character is not diminished.

Be safe, take care of yourselves, and let me know if you need anything!

Amy

P.S. I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.

I will be checking these throughout the weekend, so I might not get to you right away, but I will get to you!

READ THIS! 4/02/2020

Hello,

If you are in need of a paper packet for your Term 5 course work, they should be available to pick up today in the office. I am planning on being there from 9:30am-1:00pm, and I believe Mr. Keller will be around as well.

As I've said before, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions or need help!

READ THIS 4/01/2020

Hello MVHS!

A quote for today from Nelson Mandela:

"Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again."

Sometimes it feels like we keep getting knocked down - by our friends, family, school, life. But our true character is revealed by how we respond to those blows. Our current COVID-19 situation is definitely a blow, and then last night's earthquake just seemed to set everyone off a little bit more. But, we just have to get back up. And keep getting back up. Remember my butterfly story? We gain more from our struggles than we do when life is easy.

Keep working on your classwork. Keep taking care of yourselves, physically and mentally. And please make healthy choices. I'm sure it is easy to fall into bad habits, or engage in dangerous behavior, but please know that there is so much more to life than this current situation we are in. Please think of the future you want to have, and focus on the positive behaviors, and the healthy habits that will help you get there.

I'm here to talk or if you are dealing with something you don't feel you can handle on your own. There are three methods of getting in touch:

Email me rothweileram@mytfsd.org
Complete the Appointment Request Form like you usually do, and leave your phone number in the Comment section; I'll call you.
Call the office and leave a message with your phone number, 208-732-7500 ext. 3702. I'll call you back.

On the school side of things . . . I have been asked the question quite a bit about our graduation ceremony. I am planning our ceremony as scheduled on May 20, until I hear otherwise. If we are not able to hold the ceremony that evening as planned, it will simply be postponed; I am determined to have a graduation ceremony for our seniors this year. Your accomplishment deserves to be recognized and celebrated, and we WILL do that!

Okay, everyone . . . stay safe, stay healthy, and keep getting up!

Until tomorrow,

Amy

READ THIS 3/31/2020

Hey Everyone!

I'm going to update this each morning, and hopefully you guys are checking this. Some things to know for today (most of these were yesterday's too):

CHECK YOUR "mytfsd" EMAIL. You should have messages from your teachers and from me. Please respond to me so that I know you are getting your info. Fair warning . . . if you don't respond by email, I will be calling!
In case you didn't read it yesterday, the last day for Term 5 has been moved to Friday, April 10. So that means the first day of Term 6 will be Monday, April 13.
Let me know if you need a food box.
If you want to talk with me, there are three methods of getting in touch:

ARCHIVE 3/30/2020

Hello Everyone!

The week before Spring Break, I had the expectation/hope that we would all be back in school today. Obviously, that is not the case. However, that does not mean that we aren't "here" for you. You will all hear from your teachers via email today; if you don't, let me know. That also means that you need to CHECK YOUR SCHOOL EMAIL. Four other items for you:

We are changing the end date for Term 5/start date for Term 6. The last day of Term 5 will be April 10, and Term 6 will start April 13. That allows teachers and you a couple more days to complete the work for Term 5, and it evens out the number of days for the terms (considering the week before Spring Break we missed four days of instruction).
For those seniors scheduled for College/Career Readiness Term 5 and Term 6: you may not need to complete your Senior Project as a graduation requirement, but you still need to pass the course for an elective credit. I will repeat - YOU NEED THE CLASS FOR ELECTIVE CREDIT TO GRADUATE. Don't blow it off just because the senior projects aren't required for graduation; the credit still is!
If your family is struggling for food, we have some food boxes available from our food pantry. Please email me directly and we can arrange for you to get a box.
If you need to talk, or if you are struggling with something, I'm available. If you complete the form on my Home Page ("Current Student Appointment Request"), put your phone number in the Comments section and I will call you. Or you can call my office number and leave a message 208-732-7500 ext.3702; I'll call you back. Or you can email me, rothweileram@mytfsd.org and I will respond. I'm planning on being available from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Be safe and healthy! I miss you guys and hope you are all doing okay!

Amy

ARCHIVED from 3/18/2020

Hello!

With all of the uncertainty that surrounds our community and world right now, I know a lot of you are experiencing anxiety. Not only are you worried about your health and the health of those around you, but with school closures and event cancellations, it may leave you concerned about what the future may hold.

If I'm being honest, I have to tell you I don't know what the immediate future holds. BUT I do know that we will get through this. Trust that the faculty and staff at MVHS are trying to figure out the best way to meet your needs as students and as human beings, and that we want the same for you that you want for yourselves - to graduate from high school and an opportunity to create a successful future for yourselves.

That being said, I have some suggestions for managing the anxiety you may be experiencing:

Get the facts. Don't feed into the hysteria that social media can create. Find your information from the CDC or a trusted information source.
Practice good self-care. Eat healthy foods, drink water, get some exercise and fresh air. Practice good hygiene - wash your hands and cover your coughs and sneezes.
Acknowledge your emotions. I've heard the phrase, "Name it to tame it." Its okay to have the emotions you are experiencing, but work through managing it so those hard emotions don't take over.
Do those things that help you control those emotions - listen to music, write, draw, talk to people who help you feel better, exercise, go for a walk, do some yoga, take a hot bath, shoot hoops, read . . . There are lots of healthy ways to work through those challenging feelings. Find what works for you.

During the break, you are welcome to email me at rothweileram@mytfsd.org . I've designated this address just for students, and I will check it regularly (I typically haven't checked this one, so now I will).

Take care of yourselves, don't panic, take a deep breath, relax, and be kind!

Talk to you all soon,

Amy