You Were Made to Be Awesome - Wednesdsay, May 6, 2020

Dear McKelvie,

We could all use a little pep talk and reminder to stay positive. During these crazy times, I want you to remember that you are awesome, you were made to do big things, and we are all in this together.

Send me an email and let me know what you are going to create that will make the world more awesome.

You've got this!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, May 4, 2020

Hi McKelvie!

When things get stressful, or when we just need to take a moment to bring ourselves back to the present, the best thing we can do is to just breathe.

Sounds simple, right?

There are so many different ways to focus on your breathing as a way to calm your mind and calm your body.

Here are a few of our favorites. Try them out and let us know which one you liked the best!

Riding the Waves

• Begin by lying down on your back. Allow your head to be propped up enough so you can see your belly. Find something to place on your belly - maybe your hands, a pillow, a book, or a favorite stuffed animal.
• Focus on your breath, bringing it into your belly, and just notice as your bellow slowly moves up and down, watching the object you chose as if it were gently bobbing on the waves of the ocean.
• When your mind wanders off, which it inevitably will, just bring it back to your belly, and focus your eyes on whatever is riding the gentle waves of your breath.
• Listen to the sounds of your breath... feel it all together... and just breathe like this for a few minutes until your breath has slowed down.

Lazy 8 Breathing

4-7-8 Breathing

• Breathe in quietly through the nose for 4 seconds.
• Hold the breath for a count of 7 seconds.
• Exhale forcefully through the mouth, pursing the lips and making a “whoosh” sound, for 8 seconds.

Star Breathing

The specific way that you practice your deep breathing does not matter. All that matters is that you take a few moments each day to just breathe.

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Home hair cuts with Nina - take 2! - Friday, April 24, 2020

Home hair cuts with Nina - take 2! - Friday, April 24, 2020

Hello everyone!

Nina's minor trims have morphed into major clipper cuts!  For Nina's next Blog I will post a photo of her newly shaved hair cut done by yours truly!  At least she will be ready for summer 😁

The week before last I posted a picture of Nina somewhere in Bedford.  If anyone guessed the Educational Farm at Joppa Hill, you are correct!  Nina loves to see that animals at the farm and walk through the trails.  If you haven't been to the farm, you should check it out!

https://www.theeducationalfarm.org/

Next week we have a short vacation (Thursday and Friday).  I hope you all use that time to recharge, and refresh.  Take care of yourselves and each other...

~Ms. McGinty and Nina

An Attitude of Gratitude - Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Hi McKelvie Students!

I am going to ask you to think back reaaaalllly far to a Connections lesson we did in November.

Do you remember when we created Gratitude Journals together? Do you remember why we made those?

Having gratitude means being thankful or appreciative of the things in your life. Did you know that recognizing what you are grateful for changes your brain? When you spend time each day thinking about what you are grateful for, your brain will start to focus more on the positive things that bring you happiness, rather than the negative things. Practicing gratitude helps you to be more content with what you have and it makes you happier!

During stressful times, it can be easy to focus on the negative things. I want to challenge you to shift your thinking and look for the positive things that you are grateful for, however big or small.

Maybe you are grateful that you got some extra time to sleep in this morning.

Or maybe your Mom made you a yummy pancake breakfast and you got to enjoy it with your family.

Perhaps you were able to finish your remote learning early and get outside.

Or maybe you got to spend time FaceTiming with a friend today.



I am challenging YOU to write down three things you are grateful for every single day! Notice how doing this impacts your mood.

I would love to hear what you are grateful for today! Send me an email and share your list!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Mindful Monday - Monday, April 20, 2020

Hi McKelvie Community,

It's Monday, which means it is time to practice being mindful. Today, we encourage you to pay attention to how your body feels in this moment. We are going to practice going from being "mindless" to "mindful." If your mind wanders, or you have a hard time with this activity, that is okay! Just like math or basketball, mindfulness takes practice. We learn and grow by practicing!

Have a mindful Monday!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo

Home Hair Cuts...with Nina! - Friday, April 17, 2020

Home Hair Cuts...with Nina! - Friday, April 17, 2020

Hi everyone!

There have been a lot of unexpected effects from non-essential businesses being forced to close and all of us having to stay home.  One that I've realized is hair cuts!  How many of you have had someone at home cut your hair?  Anyone just letting their hair grow out?  Maybe you've even tried to trim someone's hair...

Many of you probably remember seeing Nina right after she's been to the groomer.  She is clean and white, trimmed, and super soft!  Now however, her hair is really growing out and I noticed this week that she couldn't see very well with her hair over her eyes.  So I did what many people are doing...I trimmed her bangs!

While they may not be considered "essential" we rely on so many skilled individuals in our community.  I know I will have a greater appreciation and gratitude for Nina's groomer when things go back to normal.  Are there any stores or services that you really miss?

Take care.
~Ms. McGinty (and Nina)

Outdoor Scavenger Hunt - Wednesday, April 8, 2020

Dear Students,

It's time to get outside and be curious! Getting fresh air is SO important. It's not good for your mental health to stay cooped up inside all day. So, get outside and complete our Outdoor Scavenger Hunt!

We challenge you to find as many items on this list as you can. Feel free to virtually challenge your friends (of course, you are at your house and they are at their house) to see who can find the most items.

Click HERE to grab the scavenger hunt and get outside! Happy Hunting!

Sincerely,

Ms. Galluzzo and Ms. McGinty