Intermediate School News
Dear Intermediate School Families,
The boys and girls are doing a good job of staying focused despite lots of excitement for the holidays and a break from school! It’s been a good week of learning and fun at GRAIS. Next week, we begin our spirit week. Note the list of theme days below if you wish to have your child participate in any or all.
Counselors’ Corner:
This time of year brings changes to our students' usual routines and habits, which may cause some children to experience a range of feelings and stressors. In fact, studies show that well over 50% of Americans say their stress levels elevate during the holidays. Stress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, depression, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, chest pain, and breathing problems. It is important that we continue to take good care of our children and ourselves during the holiday season! Here are some tips to help reduce holiday stress:
Remember the Importance of Routines: The holidays can throw a big wrench into household routines and that can play a role in anxiety in children. To minimize holiday stress in your kids, try to get routines back on track once an event or party is over. It is important that our students feel ready to come back to school once the break is over. It may be helpful to practice your morning routines days before school resumes so they feel supported and ready to return!
Set a Calm Example: The most important way parents can help ease anxiety in children during the holidays is to be relaxed yourself. As with so many situations, the way parents handle an issue can set the tone for how their children will behave.
Schedule Some Quiet Time: Having some peace and quiet with your child is more important than ever during the holiday season. Find a quiet corner and read a book with your child, or take a walk outside in nature away from noise, crowds and obligations.
Get Your Child Moving: Fresh air and exercise are essential for boosting mood and resetting the spirit, which can alleviate holiday stress and anxiety in children. Put aside some time to get your child outside to run around and play.
Share Feelings: Holidays can be difficult for families who have recently lost a loved one. Create space for your children or yourself to open up about your feelings - it may make you feel better to open and share.
Some Reminders for Nature’s Classroom:
The dates for the trip are June 3rd-6th
Please fill out the google form to register your child for Nature’s Classroom.
https://forms.gle/HopmENecu5NL4q5J9
The deposit amount is $150 and can be paid by a check made out to FLRSD or through Unipay. (Note that the google form will not bring you directly to Unipay. Please use the following link to pay through Unipay unipaygold.unibank.com )
The total program cost is approximately $525.00. More information on a final payment will be sent out as we get closer to the trip.
Check out https://www.naturesclassroom.org/ for more program information
Greater Massachusetts’ Special Needs Events:
We hope you may find some interesting and fun opportunities for conferences, workshops, speaker events, and accessible and adaptive recreation programs on this link.
Campus Programs:
We are offering a GRAIS home alone safety class.
We are also offering a GRAIS dodgeball program with Mr. Lestage.
Please click on the link below to sign up!
Dates to Remember:
Grinchy Green Day - December 16th
PTO Zoom Meeting - December 17th at 7:00 p.m.
(Meeting ID: 477 737 8775/Password: graispto)
Silly Hat/Crazy Hair Day - December 17th
Festive Sweater Day - December 18th
Deadline for Deposit for Nature’s Classroom - December 20th
Holiday Hustle (Sweats) Day - December 19th
Pajamas Day and 11:30 a.m. Dismissal - December 20th
January 2nd - School Resumes
January 20th - No School
February 7th - 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
February 17 - School Break Begins
February 24th - School Resumes
Spring Anticipated MCAS Dates:
March 31 and April 1–Grade Five ELA
April 2 & 3–Grade Four ELA
May 12 & 13–Grade Five Math
May 14 & 15–Grade Four Math
May 19 & 20–Grade Five Science
*Subject to Change
With much respect,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 x 3150/esullivan@freelake.org
