Palmer High December
Principal's Post
The Season For Gratitude
With all human interaction and communication, there are attitudes that are shared both verbally and nonverbally. There is no doubt other's attitudes are affected by those around us and it creates a mindset, both positive and negative. In the school setting, we see this time and time again with peer groups. I marvel at the social dynamics that exist with our students. The changes in energy that you feel in the building can be palatable, and it shifts from day to day. Part of the reason I love my job is that I enjoy observing human interaction.
I have been researching articles that have a focus on how our mindset and attitudes affect our health, our relationships, and overall life outcomes. This has lead me to several articles that specifically focus on gratitude and the effect that it has on our psychology. The Latin root to gratitude is gratia, meaning grace, or graciousness. To exercise gratitude consistently leads to living a happier existence. It leaves me thinking, 'why can't we exercise this mindset year-round?' Is it sustainable, to exercise this attitude of gratitude all the time?
I believe even in some of the most difficult adversity we can find opportunities for gratitude. This fall I lost a close personal friend in a tragic accident. He left loved ones that are very close to my family, and we have become even closer as a result of his passing. I've learned that life tragedies can put us in a cross-road. We can choose to dwell on the tragedy and have the attitude of woe is me, or we can find a silver lining.
I learned a lot from my friends passing. It has grounded me and provided clarity about the big picture in life. Such events can create an opportunity for us to focus on the matters in life that give us the greatest meaning. I've traveled down both roads as a result of the loss, but at a certain point, I realized that the road I chose is completely up to me. I'm grateful for this broader perspective that this life event has taught me.
In my personal life and in my professional life there has been a lot of loss this fall in the Palmer community. All of this loss has affirmed that the community of Palmer is amazing! When folks are down, people rally to support them and care for them. I've witnessed this first hand and through the acts of countless others that I have contact within my role at Palmer High.
I am grateful for this job and the opportunity that the job offers in helping others. I'm not gonna lie and say the job doesn't come with tremendous challenges. There are a lot of students that are hurting and families that live in crisis. Kids that don't look forward to holiday breaks. Kids that find Palmer High to be their "safe place". I'm proud that the culture of Palmer High School is one that offers that safe place. I'm proud to serve a staff and community that finds the value in setting this culture of caring.
There are countless opportunity to help others in this community. I challenge you to find a way to help others this holiday season and carry that over into the new year. The term 20/20 vision refers to clear, and perfect vision. The year 2020 can provide a clear vision of making the exercise of gratitude one that is an everyday exercise.
As stakeholders of Palmer High, I thank you for the support you show the school. If you ever have an idea or want to lend a helping hand, our door is always open.
Want to learn more about the effect of gratitude on our mindset?
Check out these research articles: https://tinyurl.com/yctbfmyd
Finals Week
I too have a teenage student and just last night he mentioned that he was already feeling the stress of finals on the horizon. I believe the first step to mitigating this stress is to start his reviews now. Applying twenty minutes of focused study time for the next two weeks can make a difference.
Study time is a crucial variable for success, but diet and rest are two major variables for our cognitive abilities. Good nutrition and a good night's sleep can set the stage for success as well.
On finals week we ask that you do not check your student out of school during class time. I provided the schedule so that you are aware of when our passing time is between classes. I will warn you that it is likely your student will want to leave school as soon as they are done with their last final for the day. Please understand that an exodus of students in a test environment creates a diminished test environment for those still testing.
Thanks again for all you do to help support our efforts here at Palmer High.
Palmer High Lady Moose Volleyball 2019 Region Champs!
Thanksgiving Family Food Drive
Go Palmer Moose Nation!
Learn more about Palmer High on our Facebook page
Email: paul.reid@matsuk12.us
Website: https://www.matsuk12.us/phs
Phone: (907)746-8400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Palmer-High-363754610660424/