GRATEFUL

I hope everyone is managing to find some sense of normalcy during this Coronavirus shutdown. I have talked to or emailed several of you and I am encouraged to find you are finding things to do to keep busy and keep your mind off of all the news reports and negativity. I have also heard so many great reports that our students are checking in everyday and joining Google Meetings and getting their assignments completed. You guys are really awesome and I appreciate all the effort you are putting forth. I hope everyone is finding time to watch the morning announcements each day. They are informative and sometimes pretty entertaining.

One thing Mr. Knott mentioned on Monday during his "movie quote" day, was a great quote from the movie "Good Will Hunting". "You will have bad times but it'll always wake you up to the good stuff you weren't paying attention to".  I started to think about the good stuff I wasn't paying attention to and realized that maybe this tough time we are going through really does help you appreciate the things we do everyday and aren't really grateful for. I know I miss seeing Mr. Verhoff in the parking lot waving to all the students as they come and go. I miss my morning coffee while standing in the hallway greeting the students coming into school in the morning. I truly miss the students and having conversations with Chase Martin in the morning. I appreciate all the lunch times where I get to walk the lunch room and speak with the students. Eating lunch at home is cheaper, but I really appreciate my lunch room buddies and our conversations. I have read a few good books while I am off but I miss going into the media center and talking to Mrs. Knodel about them. I could go on and on with all the things I truly appreciate since this shutdown. Our teachers, staff and administration are AWESOME! What else can I say. They have been leaders throughout this entire crisis and have made the best decisions in the interest of the staff and students. Thank all of you. I hope you will take the time to practice this exercise. Think about what you miss that you used to take for granted. Maybe when we return we will all have a little different perspective.

One last thing I would like to mention for all of you who may be feeling down or sad at this time. I just read an article that stated that "Science says Gratitude is good for your body, mind, emotions and relationships". Studies show that when we are grateful we experience more energy, less anxiety and more restful sleep. It's good for our health, our happiness, our relationships, even our longevity. They say that being grateful has been shown to reduce symptoms of depression. As I write this, it is with a heavy heart. My older brother passed away yesterday. He had been suffering with cancer for about two years. I know he is at peace now. I remember he used to get up so early every morning all his life. I asked him one time why he did this and he said, "Jim, you only get so many sunrises and sunsets in a your lifetime. I want to enjoy everyone of them". I think he died grateful and taught me a long time ago to be grateful for so many things. I know we are in strange times but my wish for all of you is that you would write down the things you are grateful for. Things that you truly appreciate in your life. Every once in awhile it will do you good to take a look at that list and be thankful. I hope some of the things I mentioned will help you as we go through these uncertain times. Remember that you can email me anytime you want and I will get back with you as soon as possible. If you need to talk, we can arrange that. Take care and be grateful.

The New Normal

As I type this blog, sitting in my home office (Dining room), I can't help but think how strange all of this is. I am sure it is just as strange for all of you students also. I think this is something we will have to get used to for quite awhile. I hope everyone is checking in to their classes everyday and doing their assignments. If you haven't been doing this, you need to check in everyday and be working on your assignments. If not, you will be marked absent and receive zeroes for your work. Mr. Miller will also be making calls and see why you haven't been checking in. Third quarter grades should be posted tomorrow, Friday March 20th. For all of you seniors that are going on to college, here is a good article to read: https://pleasantonweekly.com/blogs/p/2020/03/12/finishing-strong-colleges-can-revoke-admission-offers. The article is a reminder that colleges can still pull back your acceptance it they feel your grades dropped the last quarter of your senior year. I just want everyone to work hard and finish strong and lets get this crazy year over with.

I also found some information that I thought would be useful for anyone who is feeling a little stressed through all of this. I use an app called "Calm" and they are offering a lot of free resources during this Coronavirus crisis. They offer a lot of useful ways to keep yourself relaxed, calm and less stressed. Please check it out here: https://www.calm.com/blog/take-a-deep-breath?utm_source=lifecycle&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=difficult_times_nonsubs_031720

Finally, I hope you are watching our morning announcements each day. Mr. Knott is streaming a video of himself as he reads the morning announcements each day. This is another way to keep connected and stay in a routine. I hope you will watch this mornings video because it ends in a really cute way. I won't spoil it for you though. Take care and stay stress free.

Here to Help

What a strange and unusual time we are living in. As most of you are trying to get used to not having school for at least three weeks, many of the staff and administration are trying to figure this all out too. I have to admit that it seems kind of surreal. It truly is bizarre not having spring sports or practices. Having the state tournaments cancelled after so much hard work from all the athletes and watching the news that is 100% focused on the virus. It seems like there are so many questions that all of you have and yet no one has an answer yet. That is the frustrating part for all of you, I am sure. I realize you have questions about graduation, proms, college admissions and even your jobs. I will not try to answer any of those questions on my blog unless I hear from administration. What I can suggest is that you keep watching our social media posts. These will keep all of you updated as more and more information becomes available.

What I will do on this blog is try to put all of you a little more at ease. I want you to know that you can email me 24/7 while we are off school. I have answered several emails already just in the last few days. I will do my best to get back to you in a timely manner. If you are having stress or anxiety and just want to chat, then please email me and we can do that. My email is: fisher.j@vantagecareercenter.com . I would suggest that while you are off school for awhile, that you would avoid watching the news constantly. Please try not to constantly look at your phone for latest news and updates. Too much information can overwhelm you and cause you more stress and anxiety. Also, so many of the social media sites are just gossip and not actual facts. This could be a time where you connect more with yourself and your family. Take time to read a good book, play a board game, go outside for a walk or even a run. Ride your bike and take time to be thankful for the beautiful things you see outside. I also believe writing in a journal can help you take your mind off the stressful things. Write down your thoughts, feelings, reflections, joys, sorrows, things you are thankful for, things you dream about and any other things you want to put down on paper. Finally, do your school work. All of your teachers have discussed how you can access your assignments. It might be Google Classroom or via email. Whatever way is used, get your assignments done. You are still responsible for them. If you have questions on an assignment, email your teacher. They will be getting back to you in a timely manner.

I would like to leave you with a couple thoughts from the coronavirus.ohio.gov web site. Remember that the majority of people who contract COVID-19 will have only minor symptoms and will not need to be hospitalized. The elderly with underlying conditions are the ones most at risk. You can do your part by washing hands with water and soap, avoid contact with people who are sick, stay home when you are sick, cover your mouth with tissues or sleeve when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth with unwashed hands and practice good hygiene habits. Most of all, I hope you will find ways to reduce your anxiety over this, it will pass. I care about you and I want you to know that I am available if you need to talk. This is uncharted territory for all of us, but together we can stay strong and help end this virus. Thank you,