The Cardinal Way
Sharing the Stories of Southport High School
Leading and Learning: DISTRACTIONS
As we move into a new educational environment, we have all had to make numerous changes. Times are challenging, curriculums must be adjusted, and our work environments are very isolated and different. Yet, our goal is still the same. We are still here to serve those around us.
Our days are not as regimented as they once were during a typical school day, which makes it easy to fall into distraction even more. In the past couple of weeks, while staying at home, have you found yourself getting lost for hours a day on social media or watching Netflix? Alexander Pope is quoted, saying, “Amusement is happiness for those who cannot think.”
While our new work environments have provided more time at home, I am reminded that how we spend our time is important. You may not know what to fill the extra time with, but you will never fill that time with something productive unless you remove distractions first.
Put away your phone, stay off of social media, turn off the television, and do something productive. Do not let the frustrations of today take away from all that you can accomplish over the next few months. Take a walk with family or pets. Find an excellent book that you have not had the time to read. Connect with family, colleagues, and students digitally. Exercise each day. Start journaling. Take some time just to be still. Whatever it may be, be productive. At the end of each day, find something that you have done to make yourself better.
Our current situation can be viewed as a challenge or an opportunity. It is too easy right now to wallow in self-pity and fear. You can let this time break you apart or make you stronger. It is all in how you respond. Get off your phone, turn off the television, step away from the computer, and go get better! How you handle your time over the next few months is going to determine the person you are after this crisis. I challenge you to be better than you are now when we get back to “normal”. Now more than ever, we need you, and you need yourself at your best.
**On a personal note, I have turned off all notifications on my phone besides calls and text. I have turned on timers for apps like Twitter. I have deleted the few games I had from my phone. I have also pledged to read a book a week (and I have been doing it ) while we have been off. I take a walk with my wife every day. I continue to find time to exercise each day. I have gotten back into my daily journaling routine. I eat dinner with my family every night. I am refusing to let this change be a hindrance to the time that is available to me. It has been refreshing!
Stay safe and take care!!
What it takes to #BeACardinal:
Grateful Friday Challenge
Week 30 Grateful Friday Challenge
Well, here we are...Friday… at least that is what the calendar is telling me. This is an exciting Friday. Typically, it would mark the end of the first week of being back to school after spring break, but today it is the last Friday before we begin our great adventure in remote learning. I know we all have all been stressed, anxious, and slightly overwhelmed. But, we are all hopefully feeling eager to get back to our students.
So, today, for your #SHSGFC, take some time for yourself. Before we hit the craziness of next week, find some time today, or this weekend, to do something you truly enjoy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Laugh...even if it’s forced.
Go for a 30-minute walk.
Meditate for 10 minutes.
Treat yourself to some dark chocolate...wear a mask if you have to go out and buy some.
Watch your favorite movie
Dance like nobody’s watching...make sure the zoom/google meet camera is off.
Give someone a big bear hug...don't break any social distancing rules
Look through happy photos.
Listen to some music from your favorite artist way too loud.
Get 8-10 hours of sleep each night this weekend...I know, that is more than you normally get this time of year in two nights combined, but give it a shot.
Clean the house...again
Try out a hiking trail nearby...watch out for large puddles
Get out and do some yard work…there are surely some sticks to pick up after Wednesday night’s storm.
Our social, emotional, and physical health are all vital right now. I am not sure what the next couple of hours, days, or weeks will bring, but we will do it together. Rest up, relax, and enjoy the weekend! Adventures in remote learning are heading our way real soon!
With banners flying as we go! #FlyAsONE
Be a Cardinal; Change lives; Put a mission into motion!
180 Days of Learning -- #CardsLearn
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Food Pantry
The Journal
Educational Humor
Southport High School
Email: bknight@perryschools.org
Website: http://perryschools.org/sh/
Location: 971 E Banta Rd, Indianapolis, IN, United States
Phone: 317-789-4800
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHSCardinals/
Twitter: @SHS_Cardinals