Mary Meredith K-12 School
January Newsletter 2024-2025 School Year
Mary Meredith K-12 School
From the Principal
Welcome back Mustangs and welcome to 2025. We hope you all had a fun and relaxing break!! The year is going by so quickly. All students, please continue to do your best and for our seniors this is the final push, we are so proud of you and look forward to celebrating you. Please continue to check in with Ms. Valerio to ensure all credit requirements are being met. Please see important dates below regarding no school.
· “Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.” -Albert Einstein
MUSTANG' S SOCIAL WORK MINUTE:
Welcome 2025!
We often begin the New Year with a series of good intentions to set new goals, get in shape, and transform or former selves as we grow and develop as human beings. Unfortunately, statistics show that our “resolutions” only last an average of 4 months. While this may sound dismal, this does NOT have to be the case. When we set realistic intentions for ourselves, we are not only more likely to achieve them, but we also role model healthy patterns for our youth. Below are some methods for setting-and sticking-to goals that transform you into the new you-permanently.
To maintain a New Year's resolution, set specific, realistic goals. This includes planning ahead, tracking your progress, and even finding accountability partners. Also, don’t forget to reward yourself for achievements and be patient as you build new habits; essentially, make your resolution "SMART" (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound). Some examples of “SMART” goals include:
· “I will practice mindfulness meditation for 15 minutes each morning for the next two weeks to improve my ability to manage stress."
· "To increase positive self-talk by writing down three positive affirmations about myself each day for the next week."
· "I will engage in at least one social activity per week for the next month to build stronger relationships."
· "To reduce anxiety levels by practicing deep breathing exercises for 5 minutes every day for the next month, tracking my progress in a journal to monitor improvement.”
If setting a “SMART” goal still sounds overwhelming, talk to your support network for advice, tips, and assistance with accountability. Remember that your transformation is in your hands, meaning you can go at your own pace. Do not be discouraged by the expectations of others, as this is about YOU inspiring and motivating YOU. If you are looking for support with setting a family “SMART” goal, do not hesitate to reach out to the contact information provided below.
Best of luck, peace, and joy to you all in the year ahead,
Dr. Katie Casanova, LCSW, DBH Katherine.casanova@tusd1.org
“I hope you realize that every day is a fresh start for you. That every sunrise is a new chapter in your life waiting to be written.”
-Unknown
Character Pillars Project at Mary Meredith K-12
Character Pillars Project at Mary Meredith K-12
MUSTANG'S COUNSELING CORNER:
Tips from Chapters 1-4 of The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Illness by Jonathan Haidt
Limiting Screen Time, Increasing Unsupervised Play
Research Insight: Jonathan Haidt highlights a strong correlation between the rise in adolescent mental health issues and increased smartphone use. Since 2010, severe depression and anxiety disorders among young Americans have risen by 150%.
Tips for Parents: From the first four chapters, a key recommendation is to limit smartphone use and promote independence through unsupervised play. Establish clear boundaries, such as no devices during meals, homework, or at least an hour before bedtime. Delay social media access until age 16, a crucial period for brain development and emotional growth. When your child begins using social media, ensure their interactions are positive by fostering open communication and encouraging responsible, respectful online etiquette.
Combat excessive screen time by encouraging age-appropriate unsupervised play, such as riding bikes with friends, creating group projects, playing organized sports, hiking, volunteering, or exploring local parks. Unsupervised play helps children build social skills, manage risk, and develop decision-making abilities, reducing anxiety and fostering resilience for confident, self-reliant young adults. For more insights, watch Jonathan Haidt's interview: https://youtu.be/w6NfPHrVilc.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to email me at deborah.valerio@tusd1.org. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting our students.
Ms. Deborah Valerio Mary Meredith – School Counselor
