I hope this message doesn’t find you right away.
I hope it finds you a little later — maybe after you’ve closed a few tabs, ignored at least one notification, or finally sat down for a minute. I hope winter break has slowed things down just a bit and that alarms, lunches, and rushing out the door have taken a short pause.
I hope your phone is face-down while kids are laughing (or arguing… or both). I hope you’re gathered around a table, a couch, or the kitchen island with your family — re-telling the same stories, playing games, watching movies, or just being together in the middle of the chaos.
I hope there’s time for rest — or at least a version of rest that works when kids are home for two weeks straight. I hope you get a longer hug than usual, a quiet cup of coffee, or a moment where everyone is happy at the same time (even if it’s brief).
And if this message does find you — maybe in between errands, practices, or late at night after everyone is finally asleep — I hope it’s a reminder that it’s okay to slow down, let some things go, and just do the best you can.
Teachers are recharging… and parents, you’re officially on duty. You’ve got this. We’ll see everyone back on Monday, January 5th, rested, refreshed, and ready for a new year.
Wishing you and your family a joyful, imperfect, memory-filled winter break.
Leading & Learning,
Dr. Jenna Sladek
Principal, Zitzman Elementary
