The Importance of Rest

In a world that continues to get busier and more fast-paced, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of all the opportunities and obligations. However, it's crucial to remember the importance of rest. Rest isn't just about taking a break; it is about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit so you can continue to perform at your best.

Taking breaks allows you to step back, reflect, and reset. Mindfulness matters. Whether it's a short pause between events or a day off, mindfulness helps you maintain focus, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.

We are not machines and your body needs time to rest and recover. Recharge your batteries. Quality sleep is essential for cognitive function, memory consolidation, and physical health. Make sleep a priority to optimize your performance in your activities and improve your mental health. Activities are undoubtedly fun and exhilarating, but balance is key. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy the great outdoors. A well-rounded life leads to greater happiness and fulfillment.

There are more opportunities for our students than ever before, but overexertion can lead to burnout. Listen to your body's cues and take breaks when needed. Prevent burnout. Pace yourself, set realistic goals, and prioritize self-care.

Contrary to popular belief, rest isn't synonymous with laziness. Productivity thrives in a rested mind and body. Embrace productivity by using your downtime to recharge creatively, brainstorm new strategies, and come back to your activity with renewed energy and enthusiasm.

Incorporate life-long healthy habits. Stay hydrated, eat nourishing meals, and work on the mental side of your activity such as positive self-talk, film study, or specific skill work that doesn't require a lot of physical activity. Remember, rest isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for optimal performance and renewed vigor!

We have some amazing resources at Annandale and I encourage students to reach out to myself or any of our support staff with questions.

Sam Lepa, Activities Director

Mark Your Calendars

Friday, March 15 - Early Childhood Screening
Monday, March 18 - AMS Parent Advisory Council
Monday, March 18 - AMS Choir Concert
Monday, March 18 - School Board Meeting
Friday, March 22 - Last Day of 3rd Quarter
March 25-March 29 - Spring Break-No School
Monday, April 1 - Teacher Workshop Day-No School
Tuesday, April 2 - Classes resume
Wednesday, April 3 - AES Unity Day
Thursday, April 4 - AES Arts and Academics (K-2nd Grade)
Friday, April 5 - Early Childhood Screening
Monday, April 8 - AMS Buddies Starts
Monday, April 8 - AHS Parent Advisory Council
Monday, April 8 - AMS/AHS Jazz Concert
Tuesday, April 9 - AES Arts and Academics (3rd-5th Grade)
Friday, April 12 - AMS 8th Grade Dance
Thursday, April 18 - AES All Pro Dads
Saturday, April 27 - Prom
Monday, May 20 - AES Fun and Fitness
Friday, May 24 - Graduation

ANNANDALE COMMUNITY EDUCATION

Annandale Community Education provides opportunities for our communities and surrounding areas! Find something that suits you by browsing our online catalog of classes, camps, trips, and more!

Visit Our CE Website

Our summer catalog will begin hitting mailboxes on Monday, March 18. You can browse our summer catalog electronically here!

New After School Pickleball Program for students in grades 9-12. Click here to register! Pickleball is sweeping the nation! Players will be split into 2 divisions, Recreational and Competitive. If you just want to have fun with your friends register for Rec. If you are looking for more competitive games you can register for that option!

Have you ever wondered what Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE) is? Come try an ECFE class for free! Current classes include: Mixed Magic for ages 2-5yo, on Tuesdays 6:15-7:45PM and Baby Cards for ages birth-2yo, on Tuesdays 4:45-6:00PM. Both of these classes are non-separating so you will be a part of the fun with your little one! Call 320.274.3058 to schedule a date!

Annandale Elementary News

Shoutout to Sweet Escape for donating free ice cream coupons to every student that achieved their Razzle Dazzle reading goal in February for I Love to Read Month. Congratulations to the 585 students that reached their reading goal!

To celebrate Children's Dental Health Month our 1st and 2nd graders received a brushing chart and instructions on how to enter a drawing to win an electric toothbrush. Congratulations to our winners; Q. Erickson, M. Merrill, O. Eben, and A. Ahsenmacher.

Middle School Minutes

(Pictured Above) Congratulations to our February Students of the Month.

We had a spectacular time at our 2nd Annual Night of the Arts on Monday, March 11. The event featured an exhibition of student artwork as well as student musical and vocal performances.

In October, AMS students had the opportunity to sign up with a teammate to participate in our Battle of the Books Reading Challenge. As a team of two, they received 10 pre-selected books to read. At the end of February, each grade level participated in an elimination trivia battle based on the books to select the top 4 teams in each grade. Those top teams competed in the final trivia challenge during our school assembly on March 8th. Congratulations to our final winning team; Ava Sandquist and Brooklyn Baker! This was the second year in a row that they placed 1st in the trivia challenge!

High School Happenings

On Wednesday, March 6th during lunch the Unified PE class and the Cardinals United club hosted the Words Matter campaign here at Annandale High School. The Words Matter campaign asks people to stop using hurtful language and help create accepting attitudes for all people.

Our newest Seniors of the Week are Noelle Hogberg and Logan Brausen! Noelle and Logan show what it takes to be a Senior of the Week, a good work ethic, a super attitude and a BIG Cardinal Spirit! What’s the big deal about being Senior of the Week? They get the prime, upfront, BEST parking places!