Sending Love

From Dr.Avery

Middle and right are from Miss Chaya.

Advice From Staff

• ¨Be gentle with yourself during this time. Take things one day, or even one half day, at a time. Some days might be super productive and you'll get a lot done. Other days, you might just need time to chill or to practice some self-care techniques. And, even though we have to be fairly isolated, reach out to others via texts, phone calls, emails - check in on others and connect for yourself also!¨-Mrs.Petrucci

• ¨In the novel One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, McMurphy states "When you lose your laugh you lose your footing." It's one of my favorite lines from the book because it reminds all of us of the importance of laughter and how beneficial it is to our emotional health.¨-Mrs.Fisler

Watch the video below for a 5-minute guided meditation.

Quarantivities

If your schoolwork is not keeping you busy and you are bored, try these activities.

• Get ahead on your schoolwork.

• Explore new music

• Cook or bake

• Watch a new television series or movie

• Learn a new Tik Tok dance

• Call, FaceTime, or text a friend

• Play games

• Learn how to do something unusual

• Go on adventures in your backyard

• Write a story

• Clean your room or house

• Organize your space

• Write someone a letter (courtesy of Mrs.Fisler)

From Meme to You

Toilet paper claw machine is from Mrs.Petrucci.

Staying Sane During These Difficult Times

By Rachel Ramsdell

Something like this could only happen in a movie… or a really bad dream. Is there a secret stage crew and director that I´m not seeing? Is everyone else following a script? Will everyone break out into song and dance soon? Will someone knock on my door and tell me that we are going to go on an adventure to save the world? No. This is real. We are still awake and on planet Earth. Sorry to disappoint, but we are not actors in a sci-fi movie.

Something like this seems crazy; who would have thought that school would be closed for an entire month (or longer) and that New York State would actually shut down. Logically, it makes sense given all of the possibilities and our current situation. But emotionally? Never!

Most of us have never experienced anything like this before. Most of us students were not alive during the terrorist attacks on 9/11. As young people who have not really lived through something so… shocking, we are justified in being disconcerted and terrified. Even people who have lived through chaotic times are concerned as well. On the bright side, if we live, we will probably be mentioned in a history textbook 50 years from now. We're making history- that's certain!

I remember hearing the announcements for seniors in forum during my freshman year and dreaming of finally being a senior. Some people even claim that your senior year is supposed to be one of the best years of your life. (While it has been fun, I still believe that it gets better.) It is very frustrating to possibly have my rewards for surviving high school- senior trip, senior prom, and graduation- taken away from me. I'm sure my fellow seniors feel the same. We took those Regents exams. We were once freshmen. We took those challenging classes. We cried over those tests. We handled the stress and lack of sleep. We put in the work just like those before us, if not, more. Why can't we get what we waited four years for?

Yet, at the same time I'm thankful that it is only my senior year that is being affected: not my wedding, college, child's birth, or life-saving medical treatment.

If I understand correctly, I believe that most of us are most scared of the uncertainty. Will I contract the coronavirus? If so, will I survive? What will happen to the economy? When will I be able to see my friends again? Will there be prom, senior trip, and/or graduation? When will this all be over? We like to be in control, or at least think we are. We have been taught that we can do anything and create the life we want as long as we work hard. It is scary to not know what is going to happen and that this is all out of our control. Nevertheless, no matter what happens, there is one thing that will always be in your complete control: your mindset. It is common knowledge that you cannot control what happens to you, but you can control how you react. In fact, the response is far more important than the initial offense. The way you respond to what happens to you can either make your situation better or worse. You have supreme power over your thoughts and actions. Never forget that. So, as the world seems to crumble around you, stay calm and centered. Panicking will not solve any problems (except crying is very healthy, so please cry when you feel the urge); being positive will.

While it is unlikely that you will always be positive during this quarantine, you can still strive to be more positive. If it helps, try not to think of the world at large and think of your own little world instead: your room, your house, your backyard, your horizon. Your little world is happy, peaceful, tidy, and pleasant. (If it's not, then change it.) As wonderful as the past was, where you could go to the store and see your friends whenever you wanted to, the past is past. The future is uncertain. The present is in your control. Try focusing on the present moment. Here are some ways to change your negative thinking:

• I miss my friends and teachers. ---> I am thankful that I have people in my life to miss.

• I want to go back to school. ---> I am very fortunate to have access to an education. If I am patient, I will be back in school before I know it. For now, I will do my best with online learning.

• I am bored.---> There are many things for me to do if I seek them.

• I am scared.---> It's okay to be scared. I am not alone. I will get through this and be stronger because of this experience.

• I don't want to stay home.---> By staying home, I am fulfilling my duty as a citizen.

• Will it ever get better?---> Yes. Just wait.

Once you have a more positive mindset, you will be able to make the most out of your time home. Imagine the possibilities: you can catch up on sleep, have some alone time, and recharge your batteries! During your time home, it helps to create a balanced routine. Try waking up and going to bed at the same time every day to establish a healthy sleep pattern. Eat at regular times. Do your schoolwork. Set aside some time for yourself. Sticking to a schedule will give you a greater sense of purpose and motivation to do more than mindlessly stare at your phone all day. Also, please take care of yourself. You will not feel better if you are treating yourself poorly. For those of you who are really busy during the school year, this is a great time to focus on yourself.

While these times are difficult, we will get through them. Remember that you are in control of yourself and have the power to create happiness, even in the most depressing times. If you are sad, remember that you are not alone and that you have a wonderful community that cares about you.