This time of year often brings colds and other illnesses, and many students have missed school due to being sick. While rest and recovery are important, consistent attendance is one of the biggest factors in student success. Every day in class helps children build on what they’ve learned and stay connected with their teachers and peers.
Tips for Healthy Attendance:
Encourage plenty of sleep and balanced meals to boost immunity.
Establish a morning routine to make getting ready smoother.
Prepare clothes, lunches, and backpacks the night before.
If a child is feeling better and fever-free for 24 hours, send them back to school.
Communicate with the school if absences are necessary so teachers can help with missed work.
Being on time also sets a positive tone for the day. Arriving before the bell helps children start calmly, hear morning announcements, and feel ready to learn.
Additionally, check out these other resources:
As we move into the second half of the school year, academics are becoming more challenging. This is a great time to remind students about the power of a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can improve with effort and practice.
Ways to Encourage a Growth Mindset at Home:
Praise effort, not just results (“You worked really hard on that!”).
Model learning from mistakes—talk about something new learned after a challenge.
Use the word yet: “You don’t understand it yet, but you will with practice.”
Celebrate perseverance and progress, no matter how small.
Spring Break is Coming! The last week of March is Spring Break! While this is a great time for rest and fun, it can also be an opportunity to strengthen family connections. Consider:
Unplugging for a family game night or nature walk
Reading together or visiting the library (Or check out a different library)
Encouraging creativity with crafts, journaling, or music
7 Things to Help your Children Be Better Siblings (BigLifeJournal.org)
State testing begins in April, and it’s natural for students to feel a bit nervous. The goal is to help them feel confident and calm so they can show what they know.
Test Preparation and Calm Strategies:
Maintain regular routines—consistent sleep, meals, and attendance make a big difference.
Encourage reading and problem-solving at home in fun ways (games, puzzles, stories).
Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or stretching.
Remind students that tests are just one way to show learning and that effort matters most.
Offer reassurance: “Do your best, and that’s enough.”
Here are a few additional resources to get your child ready for success on state testing;