Healthy Habits for Back to School from Principal Rachel Ambrosio

Dear Parents,

As we saunter toward the middle of August, we cannot help but think about the upcoming school year. I like to think that summer is as much a state of mind as it is a season, and the August state of mind has me inching closer and closer to school mode. With that in mind, I offer you a few ideas and tips that I hope you will find helpful as you and your children start to think about the transition back to school.

• Bedtime routines are an important component of student success. Students should come to school each day well-rested and ready for a day of learning. In the summer, our days and nights are less structured. Kids stay up later and sleep in. As we start heading into these last few weeks of August, it is important to have children ease back into their bedtime routines. It is often suggested that adjusting bedtimes by 15 minutes a night until you are at the desired school year bedtime is a practical and healthy way to adjust.

• Starting the day with a healthy breakfast is good for brains and bodies. Our students work hard each day at school and need energy to fuel them through the morning. Please keep this in mind when you are getting your children ready each day. Breakfast items that are high in sugar and low in protein or fiber will not keep students satiated. A high-fiber, high-protein and low sugar breakfast helps brains and bodies stay focused and alert. Foods that are high in sugar and low in protein/fiber will cause a sugar crash that is not optimal for learning.

• Children often spend many long and lazy hours with parents and caregivers during the summer and may find it difficult to separate when the school year starts. It is important for families to talk about the positive experiences children will have at school to help this transition. A quick hug and kiss will also help the transition to school go more smoothly. If there is an ongoing issue and/or if a child is having difficulty throughout the day, we will let you know. Establishing a quick and happy goodbye routine will benefit your child and will give him/her the confidence to have a great day.

• Our youngest learners in preschool and the early primary grades take a lot of pride in accomplishing tasks of daily living on their own. As you prepare for the upcoming school year, encourage them to perform simple tasks such as opening and closing lunchboxes, snacks, and water bottles independently. Allowing them opportunities to practice dressing and undressing, tying shoes, putting on jackets and zipping backpacks will also help them to perform these self-help skills independently at school and will help them to gain confidence and a sense of pride.

• READ, READ, READ! Take some time to read with your children. Listen to books in the car. Talk to them about the books they are reading. Trade in the screen time for the company of a good book. You will be glad you did. “ Children are made readers on the laps of their parents.” Emilie Buchwald.

God Bless,
Rachel