Greyhound Newsletter 11/20/20
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Gratitude and Thankfulness; Gifts to Give!
I find that more often than not these days it's easy to focus on the negative. The times and our circumstances may have us stressed, worried, lonely, tired, sick, overwhelmed, frustrated, angry, isolated, and many other negative emotions. It's easy to get lost in that. You'll hear me say all the time how important it is to reach out when you can't get yourself out of those thoughts on your own. There are many people who are willing and eager to step in to listen and support you. One of the ways I find I can pull myself out of those thoughts is to remember all of the things I have to be grateful for!
Gratitude is taking time to intentionally notice things we are thankful for and often take for granted. Some days that’s easier than others. No matter where you are right now, you’ve had an amazing journey, unique to each of you, that brought you to today and you all have things to celebrate. Look for those good things, absorb them, savor them. I'd like to encourage you, right now, to truly and intentionally experience gratitude. Spend some time every day before you go to sleep doing so!
Henri Frederic Amiel was a Swiss philosopher and poet. He said, “Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” There can be joy in expressing gratitude, for both the giver and the receiver. Express your gratitude by returning a kindness or paying it forward. Thank someone who has helped you by telling them exactly what you’re thankful for and what that meant to you. Show gratitude for yourself, your talents, your hard work, and your accomplishment by writing it down. Tell the people in your life what they mean to you! William Arthur Ward once wrote, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” With each person you meet, every goal you accomplish, and every kindness you are given, express your gratitude- give that gift away!
Practicing gratitude will force you into positive thinking. Make it a habit. You’ll be open to new possibilities, be able to balance out negative emotions, be more open to positive emotions, and have better relationships. You’ll be more resilient to the difficult things that are going to happen in your life if you’re in the habit of practicing gratitude.
I'm thankful for you, my Greyhound family, for all that you continue to do to persevere, to support each other, to find the positive and push it back out into the world. We'll be together again, hopefully soon, and I can't wait for that day. Until then we'll continue to do all we can to support you.
Stay safe, be well, and take a break from school during the long weekend! You could also use the time to catch up if you need it. The module will close on Wednesday and the new one won't open until Monday, November 30.
Sources of Strength: Positive Friends
Positive friends are so important as a source of strength, especially as we move into more restrictive modes of learning and activities. We are hardwired to be connected and feel a sense of belonging. Most often, as teenagers, that need is met through friends. Our positive friends lift us up, make us laugh, are honest with us and are there for us when we need them. The good news is that it is still possible to stay connected, even when we need to be apart.
Conversation starters at home:
Think about an unlikely friendship, what made it unique and special?
Tell a story of a time a friend was honest with you and it helped.
How have you shown up as a positive friend?
Activities for students:
Facetime with a friend at least once a day
Create a friend playlist together and have a virtual dance party
Have a virtual Friendsgiving
Additional activities to do with friends:
Positive Friends Activities.pdf Included in this are links to the LongWalksApp, QUINGO, HousePartyApp and NetflixParty. Check them out!
Emails were sent to all 9th-11th graders this week with a link to sign up to be a Sources of Strength Peer Leader. It is a great skill builder and means of staying connected to peers. Plus, it looks great on a high school resume! Please consider joining our Sources of Strength Team!
Sources of Strength Coordinator:
Ms. Marnie Thompson
Info about School Photos
Senior Memory Ad Info
Order Your Yearbook
East PTSA School Spirit Store
Orders Delivered to East
In Time for the Holidays!
Seniors! Check your school email for your postsecondary planning handbook!
Counseling Office Contacts:
218-336-8845
Jenn LaBelle, Registrar: ext2143, jennifer.labelle@isd709.org
Jamie Savre, Counselor (A-G): ext 2154, jamie.savre@isd709.org
Jessica Forsman, Counselor (H-N): ext 2041, jessica.forsman@isd709.org
Robert Gagne, Counselor (M-Z): ext 3032, robert.gagne@isd709.org
Career Center Updates
Click on the button below to check out notes and reminders from the Career Center!
Career Center Contacts
218-336-8845 ext 2195
Sandra Rich: sandra.rich@isd709.org
Colleen Holliday: colleen.holliday@isd709.org
Email william.zwak@isd709.org with questions about the School Board Rep position.
Activities Office Updates
*On Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2020, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz released Emergency Executive Order 20-99 which initiates restrictions on all organized youth and high school sports. The Executive Order takes effect beginning at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20, 2020. The restrictions remain in force through 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020. Read the MSHSL Update for full details.
ALL ATHLETES WHO TEST POSITIVE FOR COVID:
No matter when you tested positive or how long before your sport or activity it was, you will be required to follow the Return to Play Protocol. Your coach, the Activities Director, and our Athletic Trainers Jennie Koelling and Terry Hanson are here to support you through that process. You can find more information by reading the MSHSL's guidance.
There can be hidden impacts on your body that may put you at risk as you return to play. Evaluating each student athlete prior to play is critical for their health and safety. It starts with an appointment with your physician before spending 7 days being evaluated by the trainers. Student safety is our priority!
Stay safe Greyhounds!
Activities Office Contacts
218-336-8845
Alyssa Thompson, Clerical/Treasurer: ext 2304, alyssa.thompson@isd709.org
Shawn Roed, Activities Director: ext 2151, shawn.roed@isd709.org
Duluth East High School
Assistant Principals: Jon Flaa, Kyle Rock
Activities Director: Shawn Roed
Email: darcy.motschenbacher@isd709.org
Website: https://www.isd709.org/duluth-east
Location: 301 North 40th Avenue East, Duluth, MN, USA
Phone: 218-336-8845
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dulutheasthighschool