What a time to celebrate the lifesaving contributions of blood donors across the country. January marks National Blood Drive month, a time to recognize the selfless contributions of blood donors nationwide. Blood donors are crucial to hospitals and healthcare facilities, yet supplies often run low. Did you know one pint of blood could save up to three lives?!

 Get involved today! Sign up to donate blood at a local blood drive, volunteer to help with snacks, and spread the word to encourage friends to donate. By donating, you can help save lives, learn your blood type, receive a free mini-physical, earn community service hours, help donors, promote diversity, feel a sense of fulfillment and purpose, give back to your community, help bridge the gap in blood supply during the winter months and make a tangible impact on public health 

Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to make a difference. Let’s come together to ensure a stable blood supply and celebrate the lifesaving impact of blood donors.  

By: Brittney Rodriguez

Dealing with stress as a student can be super overwhelming, especially when the semester is coming to an end but don’t worry. Here are some tips that can help you manage your stress.

To start it’s important to take breaks and give yourself some time to relax and recharge. Between studying or participating in activities, take short breaks to do something you enjoy. It could be listening to music, going for a walk, or even just taking a few deep breaths. These little breaks can make a big difference in helping you manage stress.

Staying organized is another key to dealing with stress. Try making a to-do list and prioritize your tasks. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts can make them feel less overwhelming. Plus, there’s something satisfying about checking things off your list. It gives you a sense of accomplishment and helps you stay focused. 

Taking care of yourself is crucial when it comes to managing stress. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating nutritious meals, and staying hydrated. Try engaging in activities that make you happy and help you relax, like reading, drawing, or spending time with friends. Self-care is not selfish, it’s necessary for your well-being.

Don’t keep your stress bottled up. Talking it out can be helpful. Reach out to someone you trust, whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a counselor. They can offer support, guidance, and helpful advice. Sometimes just sharing your feelings with someone who understands can make a huge difference.

Finding healthy outlets for your stress is important too. Engage in activities that help you release stress and channel your energy. Exercise is a great way to do this, whether it’s going for a run, doing yoga, or playing a sport. Journaling can also be a helpful tool for expressing your thoughts and emotions. Don’t forget to pursue hobbies or interests that bring you joy and help you relax.

Remember stress is a normal part of high school, but it doesn’t have to consume you. By taking breaks, staying organized, practicing self-care, talking it out, and finding healthy outlets, you can manage and conquer stress. 

By:Brittney Rodriguez

 

To start this school year’s staff spotlight we had the opportunity to interview and ask the amazing Ms. Connally about her journey before and during her time here at PHS. Ms. Connally has been an educator for 20 years and wanted to stay in education but in a different capacity so she pursued her master’s degree in administration and became one of PHS’s assistant principals.

How did it all start? Ms. Connally’s family came from Floresville but she grew up in San Antonio. She attended Judson High School, a big 6A school in San Antonio. After spending a large amount of her time in that setting she knew she wanted to work in a smaller community of tight-knit people. Ms. Connally said “I felt really good about all the people I met when I interviewed too. So it was an easy decision” when asked about her transition to PHS.

One thing Ms. Connally loves most about her job here at PHS is getting to know the students and teachers. Her favorite thing though has been going to all extracurricular events, and watching students do what they love. However, with change there will come challenges. The toughest challenge Ms.Connally has faced here at PHS is trying to meet and learn about all the students. She tries to make positive connections with them while also having to assess poor behavior choices.

Ms. Connolly is certainly an asset to PHS and we wish nothing but the best for her on her journey here at PHS!!