September '25

• Back to School Resource Page: For Parents and Caretakers of Elementary Age Students (Edutopia.org)

• PBS Back to School Parent Resources 

• Family Education: Back to School Resources 

The Importance of Sleep and Rest for Children

Sleep is one of the most important parts of a child’s overall health and well-being. When children are well-rested, they are better able to focus, learn, and thrive both in and out of the classroom. Research consistently shows that children who get the right amount of quality sleep each night demonstrate stronger academic performance, healthier emotional regulation, and improved physical health.

Why Sleep Matters:

• Academic Success – A well-rested brain is more alert, focused, and able to process and retain new information. Children who get enough sleep often perform better in school, showing improved memory, attention, and problem-solving skills.
  
  

• Physical Health – Sleep is when the body repairs and grows. Adequate rest strengthens the immune system, supports growth and development, and helps children stay active and energized throughout the day.
  
  

• Emotional Well-Being – Children who sleep well are better able to manage stress, regulate emotions, and cope with challenges. They are also less likely to experience mood swings or irritability.

The Power of a Bedtime Routine:

Creating a predictable and calming bedtime routine is one of the most effective ways to help children transition from the busyness of the day to restful sleep. Consistent routines signal to the body that it is time to wind down and rest, making it easier for children to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.

This year, we are excited to offer small group sessions for students, covering a variety of important topics such as relationships, emotional regulation, coping strategies, executive functioning, and more. These groups are designed to help students connect with their peers, learn valuable skills, and grow together in a supportive environment. If your student is recommended for one of these groups, we will reach out to you with more details. Our goal is to provide a space where students can thrive both academically and socially, and we look forward to working together to support their growth.

If your student is new to Waite this school year they were invited to have lunch with one of us on either 8/26 or 8/27. We ate lunch together, met other new students in their grade, and had a chance to share how things are going so far at Waite. This lunch bunch was just a one-time check-in, but we may follow up in the upcoming weeks to ensure things are still going well. 

I enjoyed getting to know your child better and supporting them as they continue settling in. If you have any questions or would like to connect, please feel free to reach out!

We will be going into Kindergarten classrooms early in September to introduce ourselves to our newest and youngest learners. If your student didn't meet us during the classroom visits, please let them know they can still reach out to us anytime—we are here to support all of our students!