Happy Winter!
Dear Caregivers-
As the year winds down and the anticipation for Winter Break builds, many of us, myself included, are thinking- what to do for the upcoming weeks during break. While the grandeur of sleeping in and late nights are tempting, I’ve learned a vital lesson about the importance of maintaining structure—not just for productivity, but for mental well-being. It is much easier to fall out of routine than it is to build and and remain in one.
Knowing this I’ve already mapped out my own days, splitting them into “Work-From-Home Days” and “Days Off.” My work days start with the comforting ritual of my whistling tea kettle , watching the bubbles though the glass as the water heats up, and the sipping the perfect cup of English black tea, sweetened with a slice of sugar-lemon (I place my lemons in a sugar bath over night). This cup will be my companion as I navigate my inbox, review winter testing data, and dedicate time to revise our Professional Development plan based on what the data reveals. A late morning snack of avocado toast with everything bagel seasoning will eventually find it's way next to my computer. The routine, simple as it is, keeps me grounded and effective.
My “Days Off,” however, would normally be a complete surrender to chaos—sleeping in, staying up late, and zero routine. However, I have come to realize quickly that this shift will not be restful; jarring is more the word. It will lead me to feeling disorganized and, ironically, more tired and extremely stressed!
This realization directly translates to our students. Just as I need structure to avoid the "slump," so do our Lions. Many of our Lions will become extremely anxious without the routines they are accustomed to. The temptation to "check out" is real, but remaining on a routine will be critical to "return to school" success. Here are strategies to help your scholar maintain focus:
Emphasize Routine and Sleep: Consistency in wake-up times and bedtimes helps regulate their bodies and minds. A student who maintains their sleep schedule now will have an easier time transitioning back to school in January.
Tech as a Treat ONLY: Do not allow technology to take control over your scholar's day. Keep the phones and iPads on a time schedule and continue to monitor your scholar's access to certain websites AND people.
Schedule "fun time": You still want to give your scholar the opportunity to "take a break." Schedule winter break fun days. Some fun ideas include: Board Game Nights, Mystery Cookie Dough Bake Night, Library Book Bingo, Room Re-Arrange Challenge, Mate Your Socks Challenge (IYKYK), Library Scavenger Hunt, Book Bingo, or Make Your Own Pizza lunch.
- NETFLIX Fun- Guess the End: This is a handy-dandy week-by-week guide of what to watch on Netflix (to simplify vacation binging...!) Some for PG 13, some for family fun! After the first 15 minutes everyone has to guess the ending.
By keeping the focus strong now, and by helping them maintain a manageable routine throughout the break, we ensure that their return in the new year is smooth and that they start the next semester rested, prepared, and ready to learn. And, it will be much easier come January when it is time to return.Here's to an amazing last week of school and we will see you in 2026! Peace and blessings to each and every one of you!
📸Picture Re-Take Day. December 16
Dec 22-Jan 2 Winter Recess
Jan 5 School Improvement Day – No School for Scholars
Jan 6 Students Return
Jan 19 MLK Day – No School
Jan 23 Winter Dance 5:30-7:30