Its already quarter 3, we have made it halfway! We are starting the quarter with the theme of Perseverance. Perseverance is following through and achieving a goal despite any obstacles, difficulties, or setbacks that may be encountered on the way. Perseverance is a key component of resilience building and can help us navigate life's ups and downs. It has also been shown to bolster confidence and academic success. As we pass that mid year point, we will continue to emphasize the importance of perseverance to your children, and have included some at home activities that you can try out as a family!

Also, this newsletter will include:

• Kids Talk About Perseverance
• Monthly District Themes
• Study Skills, Goal Setting, and Time Management
• Did you know you have access to Grade Level Homework Calendars?
• Executive Functioning
• Social Media Tips for Parents
• A highlight of events and awareness for the quarter

As always, if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to reach out.

Kindly,

Tamrah Rouleau

Why is Perseverance Important?

Did you know... perseverance is one of the single greatest indicators of success? Students often start feeling a dip in motivation as we get to these later quarters. This is when that perseverance and grit becomes more important than ever! Perseverance can also...

• Help build confidence and self esteem- Each success through sustained efforts can improve your child's self-perception and belief in their capabilities, reinforcing confidence.

• Help the students learn and grow from failures- Encouraging a positive attitude towards failure can train the mind towards seeing a failure as an opportunity to learn and grow instead of an immovable roadblock.

• Assist in achieving long term goals- Perseverance and grit are a predictor of long term success. Fostering these qualities helps equip your children with the tools needed to achieve their goals.

• Bolster problem solving skills- Our children become adept at finding creative solutions and navigating complex situations as they continue to persevere through challenges.

We will be providing lessons and resources surrounding monthly themes. These themes are focused on positive character traits that all tie into students Being Kind, Being Strong, and Being Well.

Be Kind

Social skills like listening, friendship, solving conflicts, and leadership.

These skills are taught alongside Empathy, Respect, & Cooperation

Be Strong

Skills that help students focus, stay organized, and set goals.

These skills are taught alongside Responsibility, Courage, & Perseverance

Be Well

Skills that help students handle their emotions and deal with stress.

Perseverance (January)

Kindness (February)

Cooperation (March)

As a family, each come up with one goal you want to have achieved by the end of the week. Write down these goals, and discuss what you will need to do in order to achieve these goals. This is going to be unique to everyone, and should be challenging yet achievable. Decide as a group on a family activity at the end of the week for if everyone has accomplished their goals they set out to. This could be a pizza party, a family game night, etc.

Use this as an opportunity to discuss the importance of perseverance with your child, and how pushing through difficult challenges is often met with rewards in the short or in the long term. Maybe tell them about a time where you persevered through something tough, and it turned out to be worth it in the end.

February is National Kindness Month! 😊

Kindness creates happiness

Kindness increases self esteem

Kindness improves relationships

Kindness boosts mental health

Kindness is contagious!

The Great Kindness Challenge encourages children and families to get out in their communities and spread a bit of kindness. Consider printing out the Great Kindness checklist and trying to complete all of the items on the list. Compete as a family, or work together to divide and conquer.

Middle school is full of changes. Students will see their academic workload increase—but they will also see it begin to look different. A typical middle school curriculum introduces students to more academic independence, since they become more responsible for organization, self-management, and prioritization, all of which are essential study skills.

In elementary school, students are more closely supervised by teachers who often provide supportive study tools. Middle school students must navigate learning how to study on their own. When students receive poor test and quiz grades, they are often told to study more, which is difficult if they really don’t know how to study at all. Students can take advantage of being familiar with different study skills by beginning to learn what does and does not work for them and identifying areas of weakness.

Read more about effective study skills for middle school here:

Executive functioning skills are what enables us to plan, focus our attention, remember instructions, multitask, and control impulses, among other things.

Sometimes it isn't until these middle school years that we start to notice our children falling behind in their executive functioning. The good news is, executive functioning can improve with strategies and support. Middle school is a great time to develop habits and strategies that set our children up for success.

Medically reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD

Most teens and many preteens use some form of social media and have a profile on a social networking site. Many visit these sites every day.

There are plenty of good things about social media — but also many risks and things kids and teens should avoid. They don't always make good choices when they post something to a site, and this can lead to problems.

To help them find the balance, it's important to talk with your kids about how to use social media wisely.

Continue Reading here:

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/social-media-smarts.html

Struggling with potentially being homeless? It may be possible to avoid becoming homeless by finding out about prevention or emergency assistance programs in your area. Often these programs can help in paying rent, utilities, or bills.

If you are homeless now, emergency assistance programs may help with health care, food, and temporary, transitional, or permanent housing.

Resources can be found here: https://nationalhomeless.org/

You can also reach out to our School Social Worker, Kaitlyn Schena for additional community resources by emailing her at schenak@newmarket.k12.nh.us

Please contact Tamrah Rouleau or the Counseling Office at any time.

Counseling Office Direct Number: 603-292-7943