An Amazing Gift

Yesterday may have been my favorite day at Pembroke Hill so far!  I spent the morning at the bank feeding coins into the coin counting machine.  These coins came from our week long Advisory change drive contest.  Our students really came through!  In total $487.99 flooded the desk in the main office. 

In the end it was Mr. Hennessy's advisory who won the change drive.  So what happened with all that money?  This is the best part!  Hennessy's advisory, as the winners, were tasked with deciding which charity would receive the money raised.  I'm delighted to be able to tell you that the money went to pediatric cancer research, and in the most wonderful way.  One of our students has been selling cookies this week to raise money for just this cause.  It is near to her heart as her younger sister is a cancer survivor.  The money raised was given directly to our student to support her dedicated effort to help find a cure for pediatric cancers.  Kinda makes you love Pembroke Hill and these fabulous students even more, doesn't it?

As first semester draws to a close, I realize once again just how fortunate I am work in this incredible school.  In a small effort to show my gratitude I provided hot cocoa for students and staff this morning in my office.  The students were cheerful and relaxed as they added marshmallows to their drinks and headed out to tackle their tests. They are confident and ready to show us just how much they have learned this semester.  The students have certainly earned their upcoming two week break.  I sincerely hope this time leaves your family with many happy memories!  Enjoy your winter break - see you in January!

"Tis the season

Family gatherings, big meals, gift exchanges, traditions... sounds fun, doesn't it?  Anybody read this first line and also feel the stress building, the to-do list forming in your thoughts or the clock ticking away as you scramble to prepare?

December, while often a joyous month, can also bring with it a host of challenges.  Luckily for us, there are a few things you can do to ease the stress.

1. Set family priorities for the season - the intent of prioritizing is to limit trying to fit too much into a small amount of time.  Decide which traditions are important to you, ask your spouse and your children which traditions are their favorites and as a family consider which activities can be taken off your plate, even if just for this year.
2. Learn to say "no" - on the heels of prioritizing, is the task of holding to it!  Should guilt creep in, remind yourself that you are putting the NEED to relax and simply enjoy downtime first, and you can always feel good about that!
3. Use shortcuts - shop online, order pizza, pick up a pre-made dessert at the store.  
4. Focus on the meaningful - talk with your children about the reason behind the holiday you are celebrating.  Find ways to show gratitude and give to others.  
5. If you feel stress, that's ok!  Recognize it and take a step to reduce it.  
6. Get plenty of rest - sleep deficits are harmful to your brain's ability to problem solve.  So fall asleep on the couch during a favorite movie, retire early with a good book, or sneak in an afternoon nap.
7. Lastly, take pride that your example may be giving someone else the green light to let go of the idea of doing it all, and doing it perfectly, during the holidays. 

If you'd like to read more on the topic, I'd suggest the following two articles:
Stanford University
The Dougy Center - Grief during the holidays