The Au Gres-Sims School District

In a time when we constantly hear about all of the negative things going on around the world, it really makes me appreciate our small, rural town...especially the people. People in Au Gres seem to be simple people with big hearts. They seem to act with good intentions, to believe in traditional values, and follow the Golden Rule. They are tough individuals who are very prideful. Although none of “us” claim to be perfect, when times get tough, we bond together and support each other. So, in this time of Thanksgiving, let’s not forget about giving thanks for our neighbors, family, and friends, and give thanks to our special little community. Happy Thanksgiving! #AGSInThisTogether!

As we head into the ninth month of the pandemic and our world being turned upside down, I think that it is more important than ever to stop and reflect on what we are thankful for. These last several months have been trying to say the least, but we have made it through by supporting one another. When I look back at all that we have been through since March, I am thankful to have gone through it all with such amazing groups of people. Our staff members who are pouring extraordinary amounts of heart, soul, and time into taking care of our students emotionally and academically - by keeping them safe, fed, supported, and encouraged. Our parents and community members, who have had to put on an educator hat, and add to the already long list of responsibilities that we have as parents. Our students, who have had to adjust how they learn, where they learn, and have had to become more self-disciplined than they ever have before. Not one of us asked for this, but unfortunately this is the hand that we have been dealt. We have all had to make major changes to adjust to the circumstances that we have been given, and I am the first to admit that it has not been perfect. However, as we continue to stumble through this uncharted territory, I am incredibly thankful to be navigating through it in this community with these groups of people. I am thankful that we continue to work together to do what is best for our most precious resource - our children. I hope you all have a safe and relaxing Thanksgiving weekend.

As the COVID 19 pandemic continues, stress levels for students/parents/families remain elevated. Sometimes it may feel like things are overwhelming and too much to handle. These feelings may lead to a lack of motivation, withdrawal from relationships, depression and even physical symptoms of illness (headache, stomachache, insomnia, etc.).

One strategy that has shown to reduce the feelings of stress and anxiety is based on gratefulness. Gratefulness is an awareness practice and a way of training, deepening, and directing our attention. Like other forms of self awareness, gratefulness makes us more resilient and flexible, and also offers a way to frame and learn from everything that unfolds in our lives.

With the Thanksgiving holiday quickly approaching, this is a great time to focus on some of the simple things in life that we often take for granted. A short, entertaining video can be found here that can help you start thinking about being thankful.

Some students and adults use gratefulness as a way of staying positive in their lives. There is a wide selection of gratefulness apps that include uplifting daily messages that can be added to your phone. Some people keep a gratitude journal, listing at least one thing to be grateful for each day. Reviewing the journal periodically can be very inspiring. Rather than a journal, some people dedicate a wall or mirror as a place to add stickynotes with messages of gratitude. Watching the wall expand and become covered builds a positive spirit.

Regardless of how your family is spending Thanksgiving this year, may it be a time to reflect and appreciate the people, events and other memories that have made a positive impact on your life. Maybe this is the moment to exercise gratitude and build it into our daily routines.