Spring is in the Air

The weather seems to be taking a turn for the better (knock on wood) and Spring is certainly in the air.  It always seems that after the trauma of moving our clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time, we begin to experience the pleasant sights, smells, and sounds of Spring: birds chirping, sun shining, people running, and flowers blooming.  With the beginning of Spring, which is actually March 20^th, comes the rapidly approaching promise of Spring Break.  Now this is one holiday nearly every student looks forward to--why wouldn’t they?  We’re talking about an entire week out of the classroom, with no correspondence with teachers, and really no need to even logon to a computer (except we know everyone will).  For MEWA students, our system does indicate that assignments are still due during this break period; however, we recommend looking ahead and completing those assignments either this week, or early after the break is over to stay on task.  All of this is outlined in the Principal’s Message.

So what to do with an entire week off?  Are you going on a family vacation?  Travelling somewhere warm and sunny?  Or will you be sticking around town, meeting up with friends, and just relaxing?  Perhaps you will log a few more hours with your job?

For those students who don’t have “big” plans for the break, we have some ideas…

• Participate in an “Alternative Spring Break.” Volunteer at an organization during the week such as with Habitat for Humanity, Zenger Farms, SnowCap, or any other organization you are interested in.  Not only will you experience the value in helping others, but this is an activity that is perfect to discuss in a scholarship essay or application.
• Work on those scholarships!  Do some research and look for new scholarships that are available to you, especially within the community.  Work on some “generic” essay templates and revise your resume or activity chart so that your most current version is ready when the time comes.
•  Read a new book, for FUN.  Head down to the library and see if you can find a book or two to read for fun.  Excite your imagination and just relax; if the weather is nice, you can read outside!
• Pick up a new hobby.  Try something new this Spring Break.  Look up some new recipes, create a new work of art, take some creative photos, or sew yourself an outfit.  Maybe you are interested in scrapbooking, learning a new language, or playing a new instrument; the list goes on.  There are a number of things you can do!
• And of course, you can always work on some things for school; just to stay caught up. J

We hope all our students enjoy a fun-filled, relaxing, and safe Spring Break!  Remember, teachers will be unavailable during the week as well, so try and get any questions answered before this week is over.  Have fun!

What are your plans for Spring Break? If you could plan the perfect Spring Break, what would it include?

Happy Holidays

It’s the holiday season and everyone celebrates with their own family traditions.  Some will be visiting with large gatherings of extended family.  Others will spend a quiet, cozy evening at home.  No matter your beliefs, culture, or background, the holiday season is one nearly everyone can appreciate as a time for reflection on the past year, to dream of the future, and give in the present.  It’s a season to appreciate what we have, give what we can, and enjoy the company of our closest friends and family.  Tradition is something that we all find comfort in.  No matter what traditions are celebrated in your household, each one is an important part of your holiday celebration. 

Reflection

Take some time during Winter Break to think about how the past year went.  What went well?  Is there anything that could or should be changed in the coming year?  This is a good time to write down your resolutions for the New Year.  I know, there’s always the argument that no one ever sticks to those promises they make at the end of the year, but maybe adhering to the resolutions for 2014 should be at the top of the list.  Decide what it is you can do to become a better you.  Resolutions don’t have to be shared; they are that one thing each of us can commit to for ourselves.  So challenge yourself to take a moment over the holiday break to write down one or two resolutions that will make 2014 an exceptional year.

Giving

Part of the holiday season is giving to those around you.  Giving gifts to our friends and family is popular during the holidays.  There are also charities that accept donations in order to give to those who may need some help getting through the holidays.  Many of us have seen the signs for donations to SnowCap Community Charities or the Salvation Army.  Whether we give to an organization to help others, or give to one another in a gift exchange, the holiday season helps us each to think about those around us.  It’s a time to appreciate what we have and give to those who need it.

Relaxing

Sometimes, the holiday season can be stressful.  There is so much hustle and bustle in the streets and malls with everyone trying to find the “perfect gift”.  Then there’s the baking, the cooking, the decorating, the family visits, the phone calls; we could go on and on!  If you do nothing else this Winter Break, please just relax.  Enjoy some time to yourself, read a new book, or take a walk outside.  Spend some time doing nothing so you come back in 2014 refreshed and ready for the New Year.  You deserve it.

From all of us at MEWA, Happy Holidays! We hope you enjoy celebrating with those closest to you and take part in the traditions with your family.

What is your favorite Winter Break activity?