Mary Meredith K-12 School
December Newsletter 2024-2025 School Year
Mary Meredith K-12 School
From the Principal
I can’t believe we are halfway through the school year in just a couple weeks. Encourage your student to finish strong, turn in all missing assignments and ensure they earn their needed credits for high school. Our winter break is a time of relaxation and transition into the New Year along with many man celebrations. We would like to wish you all Happy Holiday’s and we will see you in the New Year.
“A candle is a small thing. But one candle can light another. And see how its own light increases, as a candle gives its flame to the other. You are such a light.”—Moshe Davis
MUSTANG' S SOCIAL WORK MINUTE:
Happy holidays friends and families of Mary Meredith!
The season of giving is a perfect opportunity to teach children about the importance of reciprocity. In the eyes of a child, it is easy to get caught up in the lights, decorations, and excitement of gifts; however, it is also important to learn that giving can be just as much of a gift to oneself as is receiving. Below are 12 ideas for engaging kids in giving back this holiday season.
Do you have giving back ideas/traditions of your own? Please feel free to write and/or take pictures to share them with us for next month’s edition!
1. Clean up a Sidewalk or Street in Your Community
2. Send Christmas Cards to Military Overseas or Neighbors in Your Community
3. Prepare a Meal and Deliver It to a Friend in Need
4. Clean Out Your Coat Closet and Take Gently Used Coats to a Local Shelter
5. Leave a Hand-made Christmas Card in Your Mailbox for the Mail Carrier
6. Spend time at a Local Senior Center or bring a card for Seniors without family
7. Donate Old Books to Your Local Library or School
8. Go Caroling at a Local Nursing Home
9. Give Baked Goods to Your Neighbors
10. Encourage More “Thank Yous”
11. Volunteer to Babysit
12. Volunteer to Read a Christmas Book to Your Child’s Class
Need more ideas? Check out these sites: https://paradigmadvisors.com/insights/15-ways-to-teach-kids-about-giving-during-the-holidays-while-doing-something-together-as-a-family https://prowellness.childrens.pennstatehealth.org/12-ways-children-can-give-back-this-holiday-season/
Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday season!
With regard,
Dr. Katie Casanova, LCSW, DBH
MUSTANG'S COUNSELING CORNER:
Supporting Our Children in the Digital Age
This summer, I read The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt, and its insights were both eye-opening as an educator and impactful as a parent.
Over the years, I’ve spoken with many parents and caregivers about the challenges of managing social media in our homes. This book provides practical insights and strategies to help our youth navigate technology in a positive and responsible way. It’s a resource I believe can empower families to address these challenges with confidence.
In the coming months, I will share key insights and tips from the book.
Look for tips like these in the upcoming newsletters:
· Encourage regular tech-free family time.
· Discuss how social media impacts emotions and self-esteem.
· Model healthy boundaries with technology at home.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to email me at deborah.valerio@tusd1.org.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting our students.
Ms. Deborah Valerio
Mary Meredith – School Counselor
