The Superintendent Scoop #5

The holiday season has officially begun and is often a time of joy, relaxation, and celebration for many families. It’s a time to unwind, share meals with loved ones, exchange gifts, and reflect on the year’s memories. However, for some students and their families, this time can also bring about stress, anxiety, and challenges. As a veteran administrator, I’m aware that for many of our students, the school provides much more than just education—it offers stability, safety, and essential resources like food and shelter from the cold.

The holidays can be especially difficult for students facing grief or loss. Whether it's the loss of a loved one, a family separation, divorce, or the impact of an absent parent, the process of grief can profoundly affect young people. These complex emotions can be heightened during this time of year when memories of past holidays and loved ones are often front and center.

Financial stress can also weigh heavily on families during the holiday season. The strain of managing bills, buying gifts, and finding affordable childcare can leave families feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, for some students, the winter break can be a time of exposure to family conflict, substance abuse, or community violence, which can significantly impact their well-being and ability to focus once school resumes.

We recognize that not all students will experience the holiday season similarly at school. Many may return from a holiday break carrying the weight of their challenges, and some may find it difficult to express what they’ve been through. As a school community, it’s vital that we provide support and create a safe, understanding environment for all our students.

There are many ways that school counselors and staff can help reduce stress and provide support during this time of year, including:

• Identifying community resources: Help families connect with local shelters, food pantries, counseling services, and affordable childcare options.
• Sharing resource lists: Provide information about available resources in school newsletters or take-home memos, especially for families who may feel hesitant to ask for help.
• Organizing giveaways: Host drives for food, coats, blankets, or gifts to help families in need.
• Avoiding assignments about winter break: Understand that not all students will have positive memories from the break, so it’s important to avoid assignments that might cause embarrassment or distress.
• Facilitating small group counseling: Offer support groups for students dealing with grief, loss, or other personal challenges.

We also have an incredible resource at the District Office — Mary Pine, who oversees our McKinney-Vento program. If you have a student who qualifies and needs any basic supplies, please reach out to Mary at pinem@tillamook.k12.or.us so she can provide the resources the student and family need.

While we may not be able to solve every problem, we can ensure that our students feel supported, heard, and cared for. By identifying resources, creating safe spaces, and acknowledging the struggles our students face, we can make a meaningful difference in their lives during this holiday season. Let’s continue to show compassion and care, and let our students know they are not alone.

With Gratitude,

Matt Ellis

Hands-on learning is a cornerstone of effective science education, especially for junior high school students. Students are naturally curious and eager to explore the world around them at this critical stage. Engaging them in experiments, projects, and real-world problem-solving not only brings abstract concepts to life but also fosters more profound understanding. One exciting hands-on example is the science behind making ice cream. By combining ice, salt, cream, and sugar in a bag, students can witness how lowering the temperature with salt causes the ice cream mixture to freeze, demonstrating the principles of heat transfer and phase changes in real time. This experiment can be tied to the local economy by exploring how companies like Tillamook, known for their world-famous ice cream, contribute to the local dairy industry and the broader agricultural economy. Students can learn about the science of dairy production, the processes involved in creating ice cream, and how local businesses drive economic growth and employment in their communities.

Beyond academic benefits, hands-on learning nurtures a love for science by making it dynamic and relevant. It encourages students to ask questions, test their ideas, and embrace the process of discovery. By actively participating in their learning, students gain confidence in their ability to solve problems, an essential skill in today’s ever-evolving world. In short, hands-on science empowers junior high school students not just to learn but to experience science, laying a solid foundation for lifelong curiosity and achievement.

Thank you, Mrs. Averill, for the delicious "assignment!"

Our District Wellness Teams continue to do fantastic work supporting staff well-being and ensuring we maintain a healthy balance between work and fun. This year, they sponsored the Turkey Trot, bringing staff together for outdoor exercise and friendly competition just before the holiday season. As we head into December, we look forward to the exciting events they’ve planned, including wellness challenges, mindfulness activities, and opportunities to recharge. Their efforts are not just about physical health—they're also helping us navigate the temptations of holiday sweets and stress by promoting mindful eating and self-care practices. The Wellness Teams remind us that taking a moment to prioritize our health can make all the difference, and we appreciate their ongoing dedication to creating a balanced, supportive environment for all of us!

Let's spread a little cheer! THS's Key Club is accepting new, unwrapped toys to share with local families this holiday season. Toy donations are being collected at all TSD9 school offices. Your kindness means the world to Tillamook's children!

Celebrating Our Band and Choir Performances

This holiday season, our students have numerous opportunities to share their musical talents with the community. From festive band concerts to joyful choir performances, these events highlight their hard work and dedication.

Junior High/High School Band Concert @ THS: December 11th @ 7:00 pm

Junior High/High School Choir Concert @ THS: December 17th @ 7:00 pm

Liberty 1st grade Holiday Concert: December 20th @ 1:15 & 2:15 pm

South Prairie 3rd Grade Holiday Concert: December 16th @ 1:30 pm

No School: December 23rd, 2024 - January 3rd, 2025

As we approach the winter break, we hope your family enjoys this special time together to relax, recharge, and celebrate. While it’s a time for rest, we encourage families to keep the learning going by engaging in fun and educational activities. Reading a favorite book, playing games that build critical thinking skills, or exploring creative projects together are great ways to stay sharp and curious during the break.

We will be excited to see you back at school on

Monday, January 6th, 2025.