Thoughts on a Snow Day

With the school and offices being closed yesterday and today, we have declared, officially that it is a snow day.  Yet the question remains whether or not snow days actually exist for MEWA?  The beauty of an online education is that it is completed online.  Unless the Internet goes out, which has happened on occasion during a storm, classes are able to continue as usual.  There is no need for “make-up” days to be added at the end of the school year because of snow, or wind, or flooding.  Students don’t suffer from not being in class for a few days.  They log in to their course, learn what was planned for the day, and complete their homework assignments as outlined in the syllabus.  Teachers benefit by not having to rearrange their pre-arranged lesson plans for the course of the term.  They don’t have to worry about cutting one chapter lesson short in order to cram in the missed lessons due to a snow day.  An online education means flexibility, in every sense of the word.  Students experience flexibility in the way they are taught, when they choose to learn, and how they choose to learn.  Teachers experience flexibility in the fact that they are not tied to one classroom each day; they are able to plan lessons for the entire academic year without worrying about planning around spontaneous days off.

So today is a snow day.  But is it really, a snow day?  Our MEWA students are able to continue their education without being in a classroom.  They can take a break from their work and go outside whenever they want today.  Being an online student comes with an understanding that you, as an individual, are responsible for your own education.  This is true for junior high students all the way to college students and beyond.  It is up to you to manage time efficiently so that you can take study breaks to throw a snowball or two.  The feeling of satisfaction when you know you are on schedule, on track, and still able to have fun is second to none.

MEWA students, enjoy today.  Continue learning both through coursework and through life experiences.  We encourage you to study and work on homework today, but we also want you to safely enjoy this snow day.

What are your thoughts on “snow days” for online students?

Winter Break Activities

Congratulations, you’ve made it to Winter Break.  Now what?  For 2 straight weeks there is no class, no homework, no meetings with teachers, and no schedule.  What are you going to occupy your time with?  There are, after all, only so many hours of movies you can watch and video games you can play.  Here are a few ideas for indoor and outdoor activities that may spark your interest and (hopefully) alleviate the onset of Winter Break Boredom.

Outdoors

• Sledding, Snow Tubing, Skiing, or Snowboarding at Mt. Hood.  This is a great way to get outside and stay active.  Get a group of friends together and make it an all day trip!
• Snowshoeing at Mt. Hood.  If you like hiking, try it in the snow!  Snowshoeing is another great way to get some fresh air, while taking in breathtaking views of Mt. Hood.  Be sure to take a map with you, so you don’t get lost on the trails.
• Hiking a new trail.  The Pacific Northwest is full of some truly incredible trails.  Find some new ones in your area and just go exploring!
• Running or walking around your neighborhood.  How well do you really know your neighborhood?  Take a walk or jog during the break and test your knowledge of the area you live in!
• Throwing a Football or Kicking a Soccer Ball.  These are great activities for getting a group of friends or family members together for lighthearted competition.

Inside

• Ice Skate at Lloyd Center.  It’s indoors and a lot of fun!  Browse the mall when you are done for an extra “workout”!
• Play a board game.  Board games, or card games, are a great activity when the weather turns ugly.  Bring back some childhood memories with old favorites, or make up something new!
• Read a book, just for fun!  You read books all the time for school, but when was the last time you read one for fun?  Pick one up at the library and get lost in the pages for a while!
• Phone a friend, or talk to them in person.  With texting, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and everything else digital, communication is different now than it was just a few years ago.  Try something “old school” and actually call someone, or visit with them in person.  Your conversation will have much more meaning when you interact with them face-to-face.
• Study, just a little bit, to keep your brain active J  I know this is probably the last thing on your list, but it is a good idea to keep school in the back of your mind during the break.

The weather during Winter Break is always a variable to consider, but that shouldn’t stop you from having fun, staying active, and trying new things!  Make this Winter Break the best one ever and don’t get stuck in the video game rut. We hope all our staff and students enjoy a wonderful, safe break and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

What is one activity that you are going to do over this break?

Sources:

http://www.everydayhealth.com/fitness-pictures/winter-fitness-activities-for-the-whole-family.aspx#/slide-9

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?