Eagle Academy Weekly Update
Week of December 20, 2020
What a Year This Has Been
The year 2020 has been a wild ride. Most people will be glad to see it in the rear view mirror. But what of 2021? There is a lot of promise; that the pandemic will slow down and disappear, that the economy will rebound and that a new season of civility will be felt throughout. Although we are hopeful, there is still a lot of uncertainty.
Next month EHT is planning to reopen schools. Again we have a lot of hope; That the covid numbers will be down, that everyone will practice diligent safety measure for a while longer and that students & teachers will be reunited in classrooms once again.
Let’s remain hopeful. Let’s remain optimistic. Let’s continue to be thankful. Thankful not that everything is the way we want it, but because we still have much to be grateful for.
One of my guilty pleasures this time of year is to watch every version of A Christmas Carol on TV that I can find. There is just something about the story that is timeless. Accordingly there are a lot of great quotes that come from the Dickens tale. Let me end this short note and our final newsletter of the year with one that speaks of that thankfulness:
“Reflect upon your present blessings—of which every man has many—not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
Have a wonderful holiday break and a Happy New Year!
Be Safe, Be Healthy
Mr. Smith
Thank you Fusion!
Village Grande...Gift Grande
Gift Bags getting ready to go out
A special thanks goes to the wonderful folks who live at the Village Grande. Eagle Academy is one of the fortunate recipients of their Holiday giving drive. This resulted in each student getting a $100 Boscov gift card!
Gift bag handout pics!
2nd quarter Interim grades are now available
Student Achievement
Students of the Week
Annual Gingerbread House Project
Climate and Culture
Hanukkah Celebration continues! -from Mrs. Newman
The Verbit family graciously invited me into their home (socially distanced of course using Meet) for several nights of Hanukkah. On the last night, Gabby's mom shared her family's recipe for Latkes and we made them together. It was an amazing experience that I will treasure! Thank you for including me!
December Birthdays at Eagle
Students:
12/10 Christian
12/23 Jessica
12/29 Sandy
12/31 Mehk
Staff:
12/14 Mr. Meister
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Ugly Sweater design contest!
Feeling sluggish during the day? There could be a few reasons for that.
Feeling sluggish during the day, there could be a few reasons for that. Take a look at this video and see if you can get yourself out of that sleepy funk.
Brain Break Extra Credit Opportunities
Each Week, Mrs. Russo offers extra credit or credit recovery opportunities (and, sometimes, prizes) for students in need of an academic or attendance boost! There are an array of assignments and activities to choose from in her Google Classroom.
This week, in particular, was all about giving your brain a much needed break from your studies, and focusing on the the wellness technique of "clearing your mind." Practicing activities, like taking a walk, watching a movie, reading a book, or completing a puzzle, while they do not promote deep thought or laborious exercise, they do help create the opportunity to "escape" from your day to day stresses. Such activities can, not only, welcome a healthy distraction, but can also help you revitalize and re-prioritize your responsibilities, so that you do not become overwhelmed.
This week, Amelia Cuban Cruz was the winner of the Scavenger Hunt Brain Break Activity. Congratulations!
Holiday Blues? Try This!
It’s a tough time to be a student. Even before the pandemic struck, today’s students were experiencing an array of stress. And, while the holiday season typically brings feelings of joy, this time of year can be difficult for many, now, more than ever.
Mrs. Russo is offering a series of webinars throughout the month of December. First of the series: Make a plan to Stay Happy and Healthy this Holiday Season (see attached).
Need More Support?
Happy Solstice!
Community Connection
Holiday Help!
Need some help this Holiday season? There are many local organizations willing and able to help provide meals, gifts, assistance with bills, etc. Check it out, here: https://www.needhelppayingbills.com/html/atlantic_county_free_holiday_ass.html
And, don't forget the weekly meal program, offered through the EHT School District. It is FREE and you do not need to register.
Civil Rights Awareness Competition
The Importance of Self-Care, from Mrs. Russo
As we embark on the holiday season, it is important to remember that while we are in the "season of giving", that we cannot give more to others than what we give ourselves. And, while this time is, typically, spent with our loved ones, those times together may not always be so "jolly." Holiday stress is a real thing. But, it doesn't have to take over your "spirit". Throughout the month of December, it is my hope that you take some time to learn about ways to take care of YOU. "Self-care: Actions you perform to take care of your physical, emotional, and mental needs. When you love something you have ways of showing your love. You water your garden, you feed your cats, and you do sweet little things for those you love. Doing these types of things help to take care of what you love, but who or what takes care of you? Self-care (or, self-love) is about turning that love, attention, and affection toward yourself. You need love, too. It becomes so much easier to have functional relationships when you aren’t living day-to-day deprived of the things that make you feel good. It becomes easier when you aren’t constantly living in a deficit of “love me”, “make me happy”, “make me feel valued”, voids that you are constantly yearning for other people to fill. You can give those things to yourself.
Self-care is all about communicating with your soul and saying “Hey, what do you need right now?” Then doing it. Self-care is different for everyone and changes with moods and situations. It helps you figure out a step-by-step plan on what to do when you’re sick, tired, sad, stressed out, anxious, and all emotions in between. Self-care helps stop the spiral of destructive emotions. It gives you something to focus on when you feel yourself starting to break down. It’s your greatest ally when it comes to coping with life in a healthy and productive way."
Virtual 10 miler
Staff contact info for the digital age!
Director Smith
email: smithe@eht.k12.nj.us
call or text: (609) 300-6158
webpage: https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpage/11190688
Marissa Russo
Student Assistance Counselor & Anti-Bullying Specialist
Office:609-926-1235 /ext.1616
Google Voice#: 609-796-2485
https://sites.google.com/eht.k12.nj.us/mrsrusso/home
G. Smith-Social Studies:
email: smithg@eht.k12.nj.us Please include your name in email.
Call or text: (609) 246-0124 Please include your name in text.
Web site: http://eht.oncoursesystems.com/websites/11191271
Mr. Collesano-Phys Ed/Health
Web site: http://eht.oncoursesystems.com/websites/11190834
email: collesap@eht.k12.nj.us
Call or text: (609) 798-1383 8am to 3pm Mon-Fri. Please include your name in text.
Mrs. Montecalvo-Art
email: montecaw@eht.k12.nj.us
Call or text: (609) 798-1797
https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpagebykey?districtkey=eht&userkey=11191134
Mrs. Newman-English/Language Arts
email: newmanj@eht.k12.nj.us
web page: https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpage/11191155
Call or text: (609) 798-1536
Mr. Langhurst-Science
email: langhurstg@eht.k12.nj.us
Call or text: (609) 445-4898 8am to 3pm Mon-Fri. Please include your name in text.
web page: https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpage/14609436/1637546
Mrs. Vogt-Math
Email: vogtv@eht.k12.nj.us
Call or text: (609) 365-0620
Website. https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpage/11191339
Mrs. McGinnis-Culinary
email: McGinnin@eht.k12.nj.us
Call or text: (609) 310-1428
webpage: http://eht.oncoursesystems.com/websites/11191245
Mrs. Joline-Spanish
email: Jolinej@eht.k12.nj.us
Call or Text: (609) 798-1681 8am to 3pm Mon-Fri. Please include your name in text.
web page: https://app.oncoursesystems.com/school/webpagebykey?districtkey=eht&userkey=11191018
About Us
Email: smithe@eht.k12.nj.us
Website: https://eggharboregl.ss13.sharpschool.com/
Location: 3517 Bargaintown Rd. Egg Harbor Township NJ 08234
Phone: 609-926-1235
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EHTNJEagleAcademy