What is Coronavirus?
Coronavirus or COVID-19 is a virus that affects the respiratory system (lungs, nose, mouth, throat, bronchi and all other body parts involved in breathing). It is passed from person to person through droplets from sneezes, coughs, runny noses, and saliva. So if someone sneezes on their hand and touches a bathroom door handle, and then another person touches that same bathroom door handle and then touches their face, they can become infected with the virus. This is why it is so important to wash our hands and avoid touching our faces.

Why are we staying home from school?
Everyone has a common goal for staff, students, families and communities to be safe and healthy. Scientists and health professionals are recommending that we stay home and avoid being in crowds or large gatherings. We are staying home from school to slow the virus from spreading.

What should we do to stay safe?
Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds. (Sing the ABC song).
Try to avoid touching your nose, mouth, eyes and face with your hands.
Practice healthy habits! Eat healthy foods, drink water, exercise and get plenty of sleep.
Limit time you are away from home and avoid touching other people - no high fives, no handshakes, avoid hugging and kissing.
If you or your family get sick, please stay home and take good care of yourselves.

What can I do if I’m feeling worried or anxious?
Breathe it Out - If your body is feeling anxious, take some time to sit and slow your breathing. Try this exercise: Breathe in ( like you are smelling a flower) and breathe out ( like you are blowing out a candle). Do this exercise a few times to slow your heart rate.
Keep your focus on the things you can control. Set small daily goals such as reading, practicing free throws, watching a favorite show, play a board game, draw, or write.
Limit screen time - television, computer, social media, etc...
Have a circle of support - talk with people you trust. If you feel like you need to talk with a counselor or know of someone who is struggling and needs to talk with someone there are various counseling resources.

Counseling Matters
419-538-6000
Website: www.counselingmattersinc.com

Psychosocial Associates
419-659-5998

Pathways Counseling Center, Inc. 
419-523-4300
Website: pathwaysputnam.org 

We Care Regional Crisis Center
1-800-567-HOPE
Website: wecarepeople.org

Source:  keri@counselorkeri.com

Cards for Hospitalized Kids (CFHK) is an internationally recognized charitable organization that spreads hope, joy and magic to hospitalized kids across America through uplifting, handmade cards.  Over 100,000 kids in hospitals in all 50 states have received cards.  Columbus Grove staff and students joined this kindness movement and created over 500 cards to send to CFHK this holiday season.

Bulldogs LEAD is a K-12 school wide character campaign. Each quarter will focus on a different character trait and a life skill. Each quarter teachers will nominate students and co-workers who display the character trait. One student from EL/MS/HS and a teacher will be chosen each quarter and receive a Bulldogs LEAD t-shirt. At the end of the year all individuals that have been recognized will be invited to a luncheon.

1st Quarter L - Lead by Example - Leadership
Life Skill: Show respect by shaking hands and looking people in the eye
2nd Quarter E - Encourage Others - Empathy/Kindness
Life Skill: Say please, thank you, and excuse me when it is appropriate
3rd Quarter A - Achieve Goals - College/Career and Growth Mindset
Life Skill: Turn in your homework every day and study for test
4th Quarter D - Do the Right Thing - Service
Life Skill: Always wear your school colors on Friday!

The following students and teachers were chosen for the 1st Quarter Bulldogs LEAD program:
Elementary Student - Gage Sautter
Middle School Student - Zane Stechschulte
High School Student - Trinity Kopenhaver
Teacher - Mrs. Birnesser

Congratulations and thank you for demonstrating outstanding leadership qualities both in and out of the classroom.

On October 26, 2018 Columbus Grove High School recognized 76 students in grades 10-12 who earned the Academic Letter based on their academic performance last school year.  The Academic Letter program is designed to acknowledge excellence in the classroom by giving a Letter, similar to an Athletic Letter, to students who maintain a 3.5 grade point average or higher for the entire school year.  Students were called down to the Commons where they received their Academic Letter.  In addition, students were treated to donuts and juice as a small incentive for their hard work and dedication in the classroom.  Those students who received this Letter are as follows:

Seniors: Adam Bogart, Peyton Brubaker, Hailey Coleman, Shane Cornell, Bryce King, Caleb Langhals, Dylan Mason, Grace Morman, Madison Nicklaus, Jacob Oglesbee, Amelia Page, Tanner Rode, Kyle Schroeder, Riley Schumacher, Rylee Sybert, Autumn Thompson, Madison Wiseman

Juniors: Jared Basinger, Jacob Bish, Cassidy Brinkman, Rebecca Choi, Anna Choi, Makena Doseck, Delaney Dotson, Nathan Dunbar, Alyssa Ellerbrock, Tristen Gillette, Abigail Gladwell, Emalia Griffith, Payton Halker, Cassie Heilman, Kaitlyn Herman, Paige Langhals, Rob Langhals, Angela Lugibill, Nathan Maenle, Brandon Morman, Michael Morman, Will Nusbaum, Ivy Parker, Breece Pingle, Emily Ridinger, Addison Schafer, Kara Schmidt, Evan Schroeder, Emma Wenzinger

Sophomores: Jonathon Banal, Lauren Benroth, Derek Birkemeier, Dylan Birkemeier, Tayt Birnesser, Tanner Blankemeyer, Gabe Clement, Morgan Deffenbaugh, Sara Dipnarine, Erin Downing, Joseph Edelbrock, Zeke Halker, Adeleigh Halker, Gabe Hardeman, Joseph Hart, Maggie Hoorman, Ezra Jones, Trinity Kopenhaver, Emily McCauley, Cheyanne Mershman, Elisa Price, Blake Reynolds, Alayna Ricker, Katie Schroeder, Emily Schumacher, Grace Selhorst, Kennedy Smith, Zoe Stechschulte, Cody Tabler, Lauryn Wischmeyer