Weekly Update
October 25, 2026
⚡ ISSUE #11: Expressing Thanks & Setting Limits
🤝 SOCIAL FOCUS: Gratitude Out Loud
"Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone."
Thinking nice things about your friends, teachers, or family members is great, but speaking those thoughts aloud changes relationships.
The Quick Fix: Give one specific, unexpected compliment every day. Instead of "Thanks," try "Thanks for keeping me laughing in 3rd period—it made my day way better."
Why It Works: Specific praise reinforces positive behavior and makes others feel genuinely valued.
🧠 EMOTIONAL FOCUS: Letting Go of Unrealistic Expectations
You cannot control how other people act; you can only control your response.
A major source of frustration comes from holding friends, family, or teachers to unspoken rules in your head.
The Reset: Ask yourself: "Am I mad at what actually happened, or am I mad because reality didn't match the story I expected?"
The Action: Communicate your expectations clearly ahead of time rather than assuming others can read your mind.
🥗 HEALTHY LIVING FOCUS: Winter Hydration Hacks
You get just as dehydrated in cold weather as you do in summer.
Cold weather suppresses your body's thirst mechanism by up to 40%, leaving you vulnerable to low energy and headaches without realizing you're thirsty.
The Upgrade: Keep a clear water bottle on your desk during class. Aim to finish one bottle before lunch and one before the final bell.
Pro-Tip: If cold water isn't appealing in winter, switch to warm herbal tea or warm lemon water.
🎯 THIS WEEK’S MICRO-CHALLENGE
Social: Give 1 specific, spoken compliment to a classmate or teacher each day.
Emotional: Identify 1 unspoken expectation you have for someone and communicate it calmly.
Healthy Living: Finish one full water bottle before lunch every day.
What we expect (Handbook Policy): All outstanding student fees and debts must be cleared to maintain privileges such as campus parking, 24/7 iPad use, and field trip participation.
Home Connection: Log into Infinite Campus and check for a green dollar sign next to your student's name.