February 9, 2023
from Mark Segal, Upper School director
One of my favorite movies is the 1993 comedy “Groundhog Day” starring Bill Murray. In the film he plays weatherman Phil Connors and continually relives (and relives) the celebration of the movie’s namesake holiday as he covers the “big story” of if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow or not. Throughout the movie Murray finds different ways to spend the famed day knowing that each morning he will reawaken to the same Sonny and Cher song, “I Got You Babe.” The film brings humor to the national “holiday” which dates back to 1886 in Punxsutawney, PA where it is determined if winter will continue or end early.
Many say that February is the longest short month of the year because, especially in Minnesota, we are tired of the cold and snow and are ready for the turn of the seasons. Students also experience the Winter Blues, and the Cleveland Clinic shares there are ways to address these feelings to help us feel better. According to a December 9 article found here, ”sunlight plays a big role in regulating our mood…So, when the winter months bring on gray skies, a little boost of sunshine can do our bodies and minds a world of good.” The past couple of weeks have been very cold and gloomy, but this week the temperatures have been more moderate, and the sun has been shining brightly. Students should find a way to take a break at the end of the day to get outside for some natural vitamin D. I have taken this advice and have found myself enjoying my time assisting with carpool more at the end of the day because of the sunshine.
The National Health Information Service of Scotland strongly suggests that we should be involved in daily activity. This does not need to be a physically intense activity, just something to get the body moving. Several students achieve this by walking on the indoor track at school during their lunch/recess time. It is great to see them use this time as a way to connect with their friends AND as a way to keep themselves physically and mentally healthy. A Harvard University study actually suggests that “In colder temperatures your heart doesn’t have to work as hard, you sweat less, and expend less energy, all of which means you can exercise more efficiently.”
As we experience the Winter Blues our sleep cycles may be impacted. It is for this reason that we need to maintain our regular sleep routines and bedtimes. Often during the winter months students find themselves arriving at school and returning home when it is dark outside. These long dark hours add to our fatigue, and it is important that students (and adults) strive to receive eight hours of sleep each night. Another Harvard University study shows that “subjects who cut their sleep down by five hours during the week, but made up for it on the weekend with extra sleep, still paid a cost.” They were unable to recoup the “lost” sleep and their productivity was negatively impacted.
History shows that over the past 137 years, Punxsutawney Phil has seen his shadow and predicted six more weeks of winter. This year, unfortunately, is no different. It is for this reason that we all must pledge to remain healthy and practice some of the suggested tips. If we don’t, I worry that we will find ourselves in the same time loop as Bill Murray’s character.
I look forward to seeing you on campus soon,
Mark
Important Information
- If your student will be absent, late, or needs to be excused early from school, please reach out to upper school administrative assistant Chanda Williams at cwilliams@moundsparkacademy.org.
- ISACS Parent Education Series – Raising Our Village: Creating a Culture of Dignity Wednesday, February 15, 6:30 PM. Rosalind Wiseman, best-selling author of Queen Bees and Wannabees, states this webinar will help parents gain the tools to allow children to thrive. From young people’s friendships, anxiety, social media use, conflicts with friends and family, and the constant pressure to “keep up,” Wiseman will share how to best connect with young people, especially when they need us most. As our children navigate a constantly changing educational environment, we know supportive relationships and social skills are critical to their emotional well-being. These skills are essential for young people to engage in education, manage emotions, and become responsible and positive members of families and communities. This session will define the difference between dignity and respect and the impact on communicating with young people, establish foundational principles in alignment with community and family values, help guide children and students as they navigate their friendships online, provide a deeper understanding of the role and purpose of emotions, and strengthen communication between adults and young people to avoid breakdowns and power struggles. Concrete skills required to increase adults’ ability to support the emotional well-being of the children and young adults in their care will be shared. Please join this important presentation by registering for the webinar here. NOTE: Registration is required for access to the webinar, and at no additional cost to you! You can also register to receive the recording if you are unable to attend in real-time.
- Please join other upper school parents on Tuesday, February 28 from 6:30-8 PM in the PCR for Dessert & Dialogue. This is a great opportunity to engage in conversation with other upper school parents, learn about recent MPA happenings, and to ask questions of Mr. Segal.
Looking Ahead
February 8-10: Grade 10 Deep Portage Field Trip, Hackensack, MN
February 15: ISACS Parent Education – Raising Our Village: Creating a Culture of Dignity (see above)
February 17: No Classes, Professional Development Day
February 20: No Classes, President’s Day
February 23: Upper School Band & Orchestra Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
February 24: Upper School SnoDaze Snow Tubing, 4-7 PM, Green Acres Snow Tubing in Lake Elmo
February 28: Dessert & Dialogue, 6:30-8 PM, PCR
March 1: Upper School Vocal Concert, 7:30-9 PM, Nicholson Center
March 3: Spring Break Begins at 2:50 PM
March 20: Classes Resume
