The Weekly Update
April 26, 2026
Parents: Need to Know About Grades and Attendance....Make Sure You Have IC
Stay connected....
The Check-In: April - Coping Mechanisms
Physical Movement & Mood
The Most Underrated Antidepressant? (It’s Free) 👟🧠
We usually talk about exercise in terms of muscles, calories, or sports. But what about your brain?
With finals approaching, you might feel like you "don't have time" to exercise. The truth is, moving your body is actually the most efficient way to study.
The Science: BDNF (Miracle-Gro for the Brain) 🧬
When you exercise—even just a fast walk—your body releases a protein called BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor).
The Data: Neuroscientists call BDNF "Miracle-Gro for the brain." It repairs brain cells, improves memory retention, and lowers stress hormones.
The Takeaway: 20 minutes of movement before you study can actually help you learn faster and feel less anxious. It’s biology, not just "gym class."
Weekly Challenge: The "Study Break" Shakeout 🕺
Sitting in a chair for 4 hours straight actually puts your brain to sleep.
The Challenge: Every hour of studying, take a 5-minute Movement Snack.
Do 20 jumping jacks.
Walk up and down the stairs twice.
Have a 3-minute dance party in your room.
Why: It resets your focus and pumps oxygenated blood back to your brain.
Resource Corner: Health is Holistic 🥗
- School Counselor: Grant Sparks (766-3410)/Christine Harrell (766-3407)
- Mental Health Support: Shannon Krenek, LCSW (766-3379) - Leave a note if Ms. Shannon is not in. She would love to meet you.
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.
"Does your neck hurt from looking at your laptop?
What's Happening This Week?
Monday: 4/27
- Baseball HOME Avery
- Soccer HOME Heritage
- Softball HOME Avery
- Golf @ Mtn Glen
- WHO IS GETTING PIED!?!?!?!?! We find out today!!!
Tuesday: 4/28
- Baseball @ Avery
- Softball @ Avery
Wednesday: 4/29
- Soccer @ Madison
Thursday: 4/30
- Mayland Community College Programs & Student Recruitment
- Softball @ Johnson County
- Attendance Celebration - LAST ONE!!
Friday: 5/1
- Mayland Community College Programs & Student Recruitment
Memoir Night - May 5th!!! Come See What It's All About!!
Open Mic (last one)
Come out and enjoy the final Open Mic of the year. Tentatively for May 6th @ 2:45.
Let's Start the Final Countdown -📅 Week 2: April 26 – The "High-Yield" Week
🎯 Week 2: Strategic Strikes
The "Efficiency" Era We are officially in the "Middle Zone." The novelty of being back from break has worn off, and the finish line is still a few weeks away. This is where most people quit. Don't.
Prioritize the "Heavy Hitters": Check your syllabus. Focus your energy on assignments worth 15% or more of your grade. If you’re low on energy, do the big stuff first.
The Phone Jail: Motivation is low, so distractions are tempting. Try the "Forest" App or put your phone in another room for just 25 minutes.
Body Doubling: If you can’t get started, go to a library or coffee shop. Being around other people working makes your brain think, "I guess we're doing this now."
