A Note From the Principal:
Returning to school after winter break can feel like a fresh start, a natural time to reset routines and establish positive habits. The transition back doesn't have to be jarring – families can use this period to thoughtfully rebuild their school-year rhythm, gradually shifting bedtimes earlier and reintroducing structured morning routines. This might mean setting out clothes and packing bags the night before, enjoying calm breakfasts together, and leaving plenty of time for the morning commute to avoid starting the day feeling rushed.
The new year offers a perfect opportunity for families to sit down together and discuss their hopes and goals for the coming semester. Parents and children can each share what they'd like to achieve, whether it's maintaining better organization of school materials, dedicating specific times for homework, or ensuring quality family time despite busy schedules. Consider creating a family mission statement or posting individual goals somewhere visible, like the refrigerator or a shared bulletin board. Simple changes, like establishing a designated homework space free from distractions or implementing a "screens-off" time before bed, can make a significant difference in both academic success and family well-being. The key is to approach these changes with flexibility and patience, remembering that building new habits takes time.
All of us here at Jefferson Elementary look forward to welcoming your students back for a fantastic new year of learning!
Warmly,
Mrs. Ziemer
Hello Jefferson Families and welcome to 2025.
With a New Year it often brings new resolutions, new habits, elimination of old, new mindsets and ways of engagement.
Jefferson School really wants to partner with you in getting your student to school. We have a weekly celebration for best overall attendance and most improved. We take a class photo, the class gets a certificate and the class gets Feathers, the attendance eagle for the week.
Ways you can help with attendance:
- Regular bedtime and wake up time
- get prepped the night before (clothes, school work, food, after school plans)
- please communicate with the school on vacations, appointments, family/cultural absences. We might not be able to stop the robo calls but we can change it in the computer system! Please partner with us if you need anything.
Let us know if we can help!
--
Heidi Hixson
School Counselor, Jefferson Elementary
428-6128 ext. 22005
Coughs... What they mean, How to treat, When to call the doctor:
Kinds of Coughs -
Wet, Nighttime Coughs: Coughs usually get worse at night when mucus drains from the nose down the back of the throat. Reducing nasal congestion and drainage will help decrease nighttime coughing. Dry, Daytime Coughs: These can be caused by infection, but also by physical irritation to the throat and lungs. This kind of cough can indicate allergies or asthma. COVID-19, RSV and Influenza: These common respiratory viruses typically cause nasal congestion, runny nose, cough and fever. If your child is healthy and does not have underlying medical problems, these viruses will look like any other cold. Care for their symptoms and keep them away from others until they are fever-free with improving symptoms. Loud Whoop: A “whoop” sound that comes at the end of a coughing fit or choking/vomiting associated with a coughing could be pertussis, also known as “whooping cough.” Though not serious in older children, pertussis can last as long as 3 months and can be very serious in infants. Barking Cough: The distinctive ‘seal bark’ cough of a croup virus is caused by inflammation of the voice box and throat. This cough is usually worse at night. If it is mild, keep your child calm and try some of the home remedies below.
Home Remedies and treatments: Warm baths before bed to loosen mucus, or in the morning to help loosen mucus that has built up overnight. In the middle of the night, encourage your child to sit up, blow their nose and take a drink. For children too young to blow their nose, spray 1-2 sprays of saline nasal spray in each nostril, wait 5-10 minutes then use a nose suction bulb to help remove mucus. Drink warm tea or water with lemon juice and pasteurized honey (for children older than 12 months). Administer any prescribed nasal sprays and/or inhalers. Over the counter cough and cold medications are not recommended. Studies have shown that they are not very effective and can have unwanted side effects. Children should never take medications containing codeine.
When to Contact the doctor If it is accompanied by a fever of more than 102˚F, or goes on longer than two weeks, it is time to see a doctor or nurse practitioner. If your child is breathing very fast, having difficulty catching their breath, coughing uncontrollably, has excessive fatigue or you feel concerned that this is not their usual cold, then contact your child’s clinic. If they are not available, go to your local urgent care or emergency room immediately.