This week, Ms. Tsagalikis shares tools for getting H.Y.P.E at home (Helping Young People Energize). H.Y.P.E. is a two-week home journaling journey that helps students explore self-expression and personal fitness through dance. Specifically, it helps students:
- Understand their emotions and how physical activity and dance can help them feel healthy, happy, and strong
- Develop an optimistic mindset that will help them learn hard things and give them the power to help others feel optimistic too
- Stay physically active through dance
Any physical activity keeps the body healthy, clears the mind, and improves mental health by decreasing depression, anxiety, and loneliness.
All of our specialists have great resources for our students to help them with their health and well-being:
Art with Mrs. Kay: Brighten the house with art! Ms. Kay has wonderful ideas and resources for every artist. Did you try making abstract art with watercolor, salt, and glue? This week, Ms. Kay’s art lessons are accompanied by stories. Check out her cherry blossoms project or ladybug project.
Music with Mrs. Tsagalakis: Mrs. Tsagalakis has links to music games, original songs, and parodies that will help you get into the groove and take a breather. Primary students can get silly with Mrs. Tsagalakis or check out Extraordinary Work submitted by Middle School Students.
Library with Mrs. Longton: Don’t forget that students can earn Husky gear while reading! The Real DAWGS Read program ends on May 20, but you may go back and fill in the days that you read before this posting. Save the Date for the St. John Virtual Book Fair: May 4-17!
Health and Wellness Projects with Ms. Shaw: Have you tried any of Ms. Shaw’s resources and projects? She has so many recommendations to help students process these uncertain times. For example, Ms. Shaw has:
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- Primary: 15-minute read-aloud videos with mini-counseling lessons that help students process their feelings. Videos include simple art projects, puppets, mindful moments, and breathing techniques.
- Intermediate: Ms. Shaw has a new program called “Stempathy,” which combines STEM and empathy. Stempathy requires the innovator to first listen to and emphasize with a person’s problem, and then build a solution for them. This is a fun activity to do with whatever materials you have at home. You can learn more here.
- Middle School: Ms. Shaw and Ms. Tsagalakis are hosting a weekly 30-minute “Virtual Recess” on Fridays. Students play games, chat, and catch up with one another. It’s a fun and informal way for them to connect with friends. RSVP here: 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade
Ms. Shaw is also available for emails, calls, or video chats at any time during the school week.
