The DCMS Bat Signal: 1/14/2020
Super me, super you, everyday heroes make dreams come true.
We are in the time of year where the weather can be depressing and cold; we find ourselves tired and struggling to handle the challenges we face with grace. BUT, we can do it! Let's commit to doing our best to be uplifting to one another and giving each other the benefit of the doubt. Assume the best in others - students, parents, our family members, etc.
NWEA is going well on the Chromebooks. I am so excited about that! I have had a good return. I look forward to getting out of the office and into the building more and more each week. Thank you for your support and encouragement.
I do need help from all of you. We are going through reams of paper like nobody's business. Please raise your awareness and do what you can to conserve. We spend $3000 each time we purchase paper, and that usually provides us 100 boxes. We are down to 20 boxes currently, and I have no budget yet to make a purchase. Please be sure you are using Schoology/technology to conserve as much as is reasonable, are printing double-sided, and reusing paper that can be reused. Thank you for your help.
Marsha
4 Science-Based Ways to Beat the Winter Blues
2018-02-03 14:00:00
Dr. Christina Tarantola, PharmD, CHC
Winter is a season to decompress, relax and do more activities inside. However, we also need to be able to have energy to tend to our responsibilities like work, taking kids to meetings and other life events.
Some people get the 'winter blues,' but about 10 to 20% of the population is impacted by Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a form of depression that is related to the change in seasons. Researchers believe that SAD may be caused by shorter daylight exposure, changes in serotonin and melotonin levels and alteration in Circadian rhythm.1 Symptoms of SAD can include depression, low energy, changes in weight or appetite, feeling sluggish or agitated, or experiencing problems with sleeping.
There are various treatments for SAD including medication, light therapy, talk therapy and mind-body practices, such as meditation or yoga. Seek medical attention if you are experiencing these symptoms. As a complementary approach for general health and mental wellness, there are many tools that you can implement to boost your mood naturally.
Here are 4 science-based strategies to boost your mood:
1. Host a game night and laugh it out. Spending time with friends and family in a fun, interactive way can boost your mood. Dig out the Scrabble board, Speak Out or a funny game, like Cards Against Humanity. I guarantee you will be laughing in no time. Studies have shown that laughter boosts immunity, improves mental health, strengthens relationships and lowers stress hormones among other health benefits.2
2. Get moving. A 2005 study from Harvard University 3 suggests walking fast for about 35 minutes a day, 5 times a week or 60 minutes a day, three times a week to improve symptoms of mild to moderate depression. If you can not walk outside due to poor weather conditions, hop on a treadmill at a local YMCA or gym. Any activity that gets you moving is beneficial.
3. Clean up your diet. Eating sugar or candy will provide a temporary sense of euphoria but will wreak havock on your blood sugar levels and waistline. Food does affect your mood. In fact, researchers Wurtman and Wurtman developed a theory suggesting that a diet rich in carbohydrates can relieve depression and elevate mood in disorders such as carbohydrate craving obesity, premenstrual syndrome, and SAD.4 One reason might be that the feel good neurotransmitter serotonin increases in response to carbohydrates. Instead of grabbing a candy bar, reach for protein like Greek yogurt or cottage cheese or complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes and oatmeal to boost your mood and keep your weight under control.
4. Turn up the tunes. A 2013 study5 showed that listening to upbeat music can improve mood. In the study, participants were instructed to try to improve their mood, but they only succeeded when they listened to upbeat music, as opposed to more sad tunes. The participants listened to the music for 12 minutes and reported a subjective increase in happiness after listening. Turn on your favorite upbeat music and reap the benefits of feeling happier.
References
- Seasonal Affective Disorder. Mayo Clinic. www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651. Accessed January 29, 2018.
- Laughter is the Best Medicine: The Health Benefits of Humor and Laughter. HelpGuide.org. www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/laughter-is-the-best-medicine.htm. Accessed January 29, 2018.
- Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression. Harvard Health Letter. August 2013. www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/exercise-is-an-all-natural-treatment-to-fight-depression. Accessed January 29, 2018.
- Benon D. & Donohoe, RT. 1999. The effects of nutrients on mood. Public Heath Nutrition, 2(3A): 403-9.
- Ferguson, Yuna. Trying to be Happier Works When Listening to Upbeat Music, According to MU Research. News Bureau of the University of Missouri. May 14, 2013. http://munews.missouri.edu/news-releases/2013/0514-trying-to-be-happier-works-when-listening-to-upbeat-music-according-to-mu-research/. Accessed January 29, 2018.
Be Prepared for Warm Weather Drills - Evacuate
During a fire drill (evacuation drill), teachers are to...
- lead the students to the safe location;
- take attendance; and
- notify if missing, extra, or injured students.
Students are to...
- bring their phones
- leave stuff behind
- follow instructions and move quietly
DCMS PTO Has Funds Available to Help
Upcoming Events & Meetings
- Faculty Meeting - Thursday, 1/16, @ 7:25 AM in the DCMS Training Room; The topic is Growth Mindset.
- Dare to Dream All-School Convocation - Friday, 1/17, in the gym from 10 - 11 AM. Students need to bring a pen/pencil and be seated by 10 AM. Make adjustments to your schedule to meet this time expectation.
- MLK Day - No School on Monday, 1/20/2020
- PLC - Tuesday, 1/21, @ 7:25 AM in the DCMS Training Room
- PLC - Tuesday, 1/28, @ 7:25 AM in the DCMS Training Room
- Department Mtg - Thursday, 1/30, @ 7:25 AM; meet in locations determined by individual department heads.
Regarding...
Shorts, Longs, & Coaching Observations – Expect that we will be visiting frequently and maybe even multiple times in a week.
Attendance Must Be Taken EACH Period – Attendance must be taken each period. This is not optional and cannot continue to be forgotten. At this point, this is considered a minimum performance expectation.
About Us: Mission & Collective Commitments
We are a collaborative group of educators committed to ensuring high student achievement.
We commit to…
- Focusing on student proficiency of Indiana College & Career Readiness standards, not just coverage of material.
- Working collaboratively to benefit all students with a focus on results.
- Join forces to learn by doing on a daily basis.
- Using frequent common assessments that inform and drive our instruction.
- Providing intervention and enrichment based upon the formative data.
- Furthering a culture that uses value-added language, encourages one another, and celebrates successes.
Email: mwebster@danville.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.danville.k12.in.us/Domain/9
Location: 1425 West Lincoln Street, Danville, IN, USA
Phone: 3177455491
Facebook: facebook.com/DCMSWarriors
Twitter: @DCMS_Warriors