Take Care of Yourself

The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful to you or members of your family and everyone may react very differently.  During this time of uncertainty when many things are out of our control, there are things that we can do to help minimize our anxiety. While there are not specific tips during an unplanned, extended break of this kind, there are general ideas that can direct us.

Keeping a routine  during the day can provide structure and support, and keeping a list of things you can accomplish can help keep the days from blurring together.

Prioritizing sleep  on a regular schedule helps the body and brain to recharge and handle the stress of this time. It is recommended that teenagers have nine hours of sleep a night.

Allowing time for exercise  can also help regulate emotions and decrease symptoms of anxiety or depression. This could look like a walk or run in your neighborhood or an at-home workout.

Limiting media consumption,  whether through the news or social media, can help reduce fear and anxiety. While it is a great way to connect with peers, those platforms can become saturated with opinions and worry, so being mindful how much and how long you are on these platforms can be helpful.

Lastly, remember that it's okay to express fears or concerns to a listening and supportive family member or friend.


“Worry causes stress. Prayer causes  peace .
Worry less, pray more.”
--Anonymous

Do you miss Deacon Campbell's morning prayers? Did you know St. Sebastian and St. Roch are the patron saints for doctors dealing with infectious diseases? We've made the morning prayers and other resources, including daily patron saints, available on our website and Instagram accounts!

Holy Week
This week is the most holy week of our Catholic faith. We invite you to remain connected to your local parish during this time or one of the many online opportunities to celebrate the Mass from home. As we conclude our Lenten journey, may we reflect on our growth and preparation as we anticipate the joy of Easter. 
Online School Reminders

Check Check
Students, you need to be checking your bwhs email and PowerSchool several times each day.

Assignments
Teachers will be posting the week's assignments on Mondays.

Tests
Teachers will give you seven days' notice before an online test so you can plan to be awake/available at that time.

Office Hours
Have questions for your teacher? Teachers of core classes will post an office hour each week on Google Hangout or Zoom. The link will be posted in PowerSchool.
Guidance News

The counselors have created a "Counseling Office" class page on Unified Classroom. The page grade-level updates as well as social and emotional, academic, and college and career resources. All students have been added to the class automatically. You may have received a previous email with a join code, but the page has been updated so that you don't need the join code anymore.
 
 
The counselors are available to help you through email and by appointment through google hangouts meet. You are welcome to reach out to them!
Mental Health During Crisis

During the daily changes of COVID-19, it can be hard to find balance or peace. Everyone is grieving losses big and small and it's important to acknowledge that. With all of this uncertainty, one can experience increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. It is necessary to talk about how we are feeling with friends and trusted adults in our lives.

If the feelings become isolating, dark, or suicidal it is necessary to ACT:
  • Acknowledge: Acknowledge there is a problem.
  • Care: Let your friend know that you care about them and you don't want them to continue feeling this way.
  • Tell a trusted adult over the age of 21. This could be a parent, counselor, teacher, or coach to name a few.

The feelings are not okay, but asking for help is the right and best thing to do. You can ACT for yourself or a friend.

There is also the national suicide prevention hot line (800-273-8255) or you can text "4hope" to 741-741 where you can talk with a trained counselor 24/7/365.

It is important to shed light on what you or a friend may be thinking or feeling. This is where help and healing can begin. We are all living through this unprecedented time together and it is now more important than ever to reach out.