Summer Kindness - Wednesday, June 3, 2020

Hi McKelvie,

We are nearing the end of the school year. It certainly isn't how we imagined ending the 2019-2020 school year, but we are making the best out of a difficult situation. Throughout the school year, we continue to be impressed with the kindness that we see from all of our McKelvie students. While we head into the summer with lots of uncertainties, one thing I am certain of is that you all will continue to be kind!! I urge you to take on this kindness challenge this summer. When you complete an act of kindness for someone, it not only makes the other person feel better, but it improves your mood as well! I can't think of a better way to fill your summer days!

Are you up for the challenge? I hope so!

To those of you heading off to Lurgio, we will miss you. Please keep in touch! For our 5th graders, we cannot wait to see you again in the fall. 

Enjoy your summer! Remember to always BE KIND!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, June 1, 2020

Happy Monday!

We made it to June -- can you believe it?!

In honor of being one step closer to summer, today's mindfulness activity involves getting outside. Today, we challenge you to head outside, sit, and listen. That's it. Bring all of your attention to the sounds around you - those that are loud, and those that we can barely hear. Take a moment to appreciate all of the sounds of the nature around you.

Here's how to do an outdoor listening meditation:

• Find somewhere outside to sit where you won't be interrupted - sit on your back porch, lay in your lawn - whatever feels comfortable.
• Close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths like we have practiced together in the past. Bring all of your attention to what you can hear.
• Notice the sounds that are loud and obvious. Notice the sounds that are quiet and in the background. Pay attention to how some sounds come and go, while others are constant. Some may grow in intensity as you sit and pay attention, while others may slowly face away. 
• When your mind wanders from the sounds around you to other thoughts, simply notice that you are becoming distracted and gently return your attention to listening.
• Continue this listening for at least 5 minutes. Notice how you feel once it is complete.

I hope that by slowing down and paying attention to the noises around you outside has helped to calm your mind and body. You deserve to have this peace and quiet in your day.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo