Winthrop Weekly

Dear Winthrop Families,

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Thank you to everyone who took the time to participate in our recent family survey! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps us ensure that our communication and support remain as relevant and helpful as possible. One of the top topics you asked to learn more about was how to help children manage and cope with anxiety.

Helping Our Young Learners Navigate Anxiety

Early childhood and the elementary years are a time of incredible growth, but they can also bring big feelings that are sometimes hard for children to name. Anxiety in younger students often doesn't look like "worry"; instead, it might show up as a tummy ache before school, irritability during homework, or a sudden reluctance to participate in favorite activities. According to The Child Mind Institute, founded by Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety entirely, but to help children learn how to manage it. When we validate their feelings without overreacting, we teach them that while a situation might feel "scary," they are safe and capable of handling it.

One of the most effective ways to support an anxious child is through the power of routine and predictability. As noted by experts at School Mental Health Ontario, children feel most secure when they know what to expect. Simple visual schedules at home, like a chart showing the steps for the morning "ready-for-school" routine can significantly lower stress levels. When children can see exactly what comes next, it reduces the "anticipatory anxiety" that often leads to meltdowns or resistance during transitions.

When big emotions do strike, we can provide our children with a "toolbox" of sensory strategies to help them reset. Dr. Dan Siegel, author of The Whole-Brain Child, suggests that simple physical activities can help "integrate" a child's brain when they are feeling overwhelmed. Techniques like "Square Breathing" (inhaling, holding, exhaling, and pausing for four seconds each) or "Starfish Breathing" (tracing fingers while breathing) are easy enough for even our youngest learners to master. These tools give children a sense of agency, allowing them to shift from a state of panic back to a state of calm.

Finally, remember that your partnership with the school is a vital part of your child's success. If you notice your child struggling with anxiety at home, please reach out to their classroom teacher or our school counselor. By sharing what works, whether it’s a specific calming phrase or a favorite fidget toy we can ensure that the support your child receives is consistent from the breakfast table to the classroom. Together, we can help our students build the resilience they need to thrive both in and out of school.

References

Child Mind Institute. What to do (and not do) when children are anxious. https://childmind.org/article/what-to-do-and-not-do-when-children-are-anxious/

Koplewicz, H. S. (2021). The scaffold effect: Raising resilient, self-reliant, and secure kids in an increasingly low-stress-tolerant world. Harmony Books.

School Mental Health Ontario. Ways to help your child manage anxiety. https://smho-smso.ca/parents-and-caregivers/well-being-at-home/how-to-support-your-child-with-anxiety/

Siegel, D. J., & Bryson, T. P. (2011). The whole-brain child: 12 revolutionary strategies to nurture your child's developing mind. Delacorte Press.

Winthrop Administration Team

Maggie Carlberg is a senior at IHS, she is the president of our service club, Interact.

We are currently working with the YMCA on their cereal drive to assist families with food instability, and there is a drop-off box in the lobby for parents, students, and teachers to drop off any cereal they are willing to donate.

Calling all parents, guardians, teachers, and students! The IHS Interact Service Club is working with the YMCA on their Cereal Drive to help with food insecurity in the community. Please drop off new, dry cereal products in the drop-off box in the Winthrop lobby. Every donation makes a difference!

In anticipation of a busy spring at Winthrop School and many opportunities to

volunteer, please check with the school office to see if your CORI is up to date or

if you do not have a CORI on file with Ipswich Public Schools, please reach out to

Mrs. Vlahos well in advance of when you plan to volunteer as it can take a week

or more for your CORI to process.

April Winthrop FRIES Meeting

Join us Wednesday, April 8, at 6:30pm for our monthly FRIES meeting in the Winthrop Cafeteria.

Can't make it? Join us virtually: https://teams.live.com/meet/9333665239910?p=jvBWat3vZuXeEQpAgn.

Annual Ice Cream for Breakfast Celebration - This Weekend!

Join us for our annual treat! After breakfast, the playground will be open for kids to stay and play with friends.

April 11
9:00–10:30 AM
Winthrop Cafeteria

Register to attend: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ice-cream-for-breakfast

Volunteer to bring items and help serve ice cream: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0849A4AB2DA7FDC43-62756460-icecream

Teacher Appreciation Week

Help us celebrate our amazing teachers! FRIES is organizing special gifts and we’d love your support. You can contribute to a group gift card for your child’s teacher. Any amount truly makes a difference. Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-change-lives-10194

Join us for a creative experience on May 3rd with Salt Studio to help us celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week and support FRIES! We will have a special card-making station for kids to express their gratitude to their amazing teachers. Register here: https://www.saltstudiospace.com/fries.