#FBMS_Stronger Together
FBMS - Staying Connected and Engaged March 18, 2020
A Message from Mrs. Lynch
We hope that being able to connect keeps you updated and offers some guidance during this time of distance. Honestly, connecting helps us, too, since surrounding ourselves with children and staff and learning is something that gives us life, purpose, and identity on a daily basis. The absence of active classrooms, teachers' and children's voices, and busy, filled hallways is ... well, difficult to process. We don't normally work in quiet, and while many of us have children of our own, it is different. That being said (cue the uplifting music!), we are out in full force trying to connect electronically! We are fortunate to work in a district wherein we have great resources such as Chromebooks, our learning platform CANVAS, and awesome educators, students, and parents. Our teachers are doing an incredible job connecting with students in order to maintain normalcy, routine, and relationships. School-wide, we are also connecting and supporting our staff electronically by holding discussions, sharing resources, and keeping the flow of communication going on a daily basis.
Thank you for partnering with us, and we look forward to what we can accomplish with you in the days ahead. Continue to tune in; we will continue to be here.
#FBMS_strongertogether
Mrs. Lynch
Assistant Principal
Guest Teacher Post: Mrs. Murrill, Grade 8 English
We would like to start to showcase some of the incredible work being done by our amazing staff. Today, we would like to share a message sent to students by our Grade 8 English teacher Kathleen Murrill. It focuses on the need that many of us have to create lists or schedules in order to be productive. Some children, with a full day of time in front of them, might not have the capabilities to map out the day and use time wisely. Mrs. Murrill's post suggests a realistic schedule while also considering students' social emotional health. We hope you find it useful.
From Mrs. Murrill:
This is uncharted territory, which can leave you feeling anxious and with a lot of questions. That's OK, and you aren't alone when you feel this way. What you resist, persists. Name and acknowledge what you are feeling right now instead of trying to push it all down. And remember, you have a support system around you (including me!) to help...just ask.
Here are some other things you could do to help yourself:
Establish and stick to a routine: I know it is tempting to sleep in until noon and stay in your jammies, but it will be extremely beneficial for your mental health to stick to a routine that works for you. Below is an example routine. Feel free to tailor it to fit your needs.
Before 9:00am: Wake up, eat breakfast, and make your bed.
Around 9:30am: Get dressed and ready for the day
10:30 to 11:30 am: Activity: a walk outside, yoga, play "the floor is lava," etc.
11:30 to 12:30 pm: Academic time: Check out Canvas sites; complete a few learning opportunities
12:30 to 1:00 pm: Eat lunch
1:00 - 2:00 pm: Creative time: read, draw, write, play music, cook, etc.
2:00 - 4:00 pm: More Academic time: Complete more learning/practice opportunities, check on your grades, email a teacher, participate in a discussion board etc.
4:00 - 5:00 pm: Activity: walk your dog, meditate outside, dance to your favorite music, go for a bike ride, etc
5:00 - 6:00 pm: Dinner
6:00 - 9:00 pm: Free time: FaceTime a friend, play video games, play with your pet, learn a TikTok dance, watch a movie etc.
9:00 - 10:00 pm: Get ready for bed. Put away all electronics and read a book until you fall asleep.
Can't stay focused? Use an app. Focus To-Do or Focus Keeper are great ones that allow you to set a goal then it will divide it into time intervals (like 25 minutes). After the first time interval is over, it will give you a five-minute break. It makes any large assignment feel more manageable because you are just doing what you can in the time allowed and then taking a little break.
Breathe and be mindful: Take this opportunity to practice some of the breathing exercises I have taught you this year to bring some calmness. If you want to try meditating or just sitting in stillness, Headspace or Calm are great apps with guided meditations, or you could go to the "Peaceful Meditation" playlist on Spotify to meditate without guidance. Now is a great time to enjoy the stillness and build some gratitude for the things you have in your life.
Final Thought for the Day:
"The world is a much happier place when you give people a piece of your heart instead a piece of your mind"
Wishing you the best! We'll talk again tomorrow :)
Ms. Murrill