The Weekly Update - Back to school

As we begin this new school year, let me take a moment and let you each know, Mr. Chester and I have missed each of you! We are both looking forward to a great year.

For Week 1, we will be spending extra time in Advisory to get the beginning of year paperwork completed, iPads distributed and make sure you have what you need for a successful 26/27 school year.

Last year, your health (physical & emotional) was important to me and this year is no different. So check out THE WEEKLY RESET👇

🤝 SOCIAL FOCUS: The "Battery Saver" Boundary

"You don't have to set yourself on fire to keep others warm."

High school social life moves fast. Between group chats, group projects, and hangouts, it’s easy for your social battery to hit 1%.

• The Quick Fix: Practice the Non-Ghosting Raincheck. Instead of disappearing or forcing yourself to go out when you're drained, try this text: "Hey! I’m running on low battery tonight and need a chill evening, but I really want to catch up. Can we hang out [Day] instead?"

• Why It Works: It sets a healthy boundary without making your friends feel ignored or rejected.

🧠 EMOTIONAL FOCUS: The 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Trick

Overwhelmed by exams, college apps, or drama? Press pause.

When stress kicks your brain into high gear, bring yourself back down to earth in under 60 seconds with this simple sensory reset:

• 5 things you can see around you right now.

• 4 things you can physically feel (your feet on the floor, your hoodie).

• 3 things you can hear (the A/C, chatter, distant cars).

• 2 things you can smell (or two favorite scents you love).

• 1 good thing about yourself today.

🥗 HEALTHY LIVING FOCUS: Build a "Sleep Runway"

Scrolling until 1:00 AM isn't rest—it's just delay.

Blue light tricks your brain into thinking it's mid-day, blocking the melatonin you need for real, deep sleep.

• The Upgrade: Give your brain a 20-minute "runway" to land. Swap screen time right before bed for low-tech chill time: put on a podcast, read a chapter of a book, or stretch out on your floor while listening to music.

• Pro-Tip: Drink a full glass of water first thing when you wake up before touching caffeine. It instant-starts your focus for First Period.

🎯 THIS WEEK’S MICRO-CHALLENGE

Pick ONE domain to level up this week:

1. Social: Send one genuinely supportive text to a friend out of the blue.

2. Emotional: Try the 5-4-3-2-1 trick before your next major test or presentation.

3. Healthy Living: Put your phone across the room when you go to bed tonight.

iPads: Read and acknowledge your forms online and then all you need to do is bring in $20 for your iPad.

Tech Forms - Form

Parking Passes: if you drive, you must have a parking sticker. Parking passes are $45. Be sure to bring in you driver's license, school ID (if you need on - a replacement will be $10), vehicle registration, and parking form. For this you better have a sweet smile for Ms. Susie!!!

• Parking Pass Form

Parents, it is also time to update those "beginning of year forms". This year, they are on Infinite Campus, and can be found here --> Update Existing Students . You will need a Parent Portal. If you do not have one, follow the instructions on the picture below.

Monday: SCHOOL STARTS

• Volleyball HOME McDowell @ 4:30

Tuesday:

• Volleyball HOME North Buncombe @ 4:30

Wednesday:

• Soccer @ McDowell

Thursday:

• JV Football HOME Cherokee @ 7pm

Friday:

• Football @ Charlotte Latin @ 7:30pm