Hello and happy December!
Good nutrition is vital for children’s brain development and learning. December is a month that is often full of traditions that involve food, and we want to share some helpful reminders about nutrition.
Regular exercise and healthy eating help students:
- Perform better academically
- Have higher self-esteem and body confidence
- Cope with stress and regulate emotions
- Reduce risk of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem
Parents/caregivers can support healthy choices by providing fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and low‑fat dairy at home. Middle schoolers should mainly drink plain water and pasteurized milk; limit 100% fruit juice and avoid sugar‑sweetened drinks, caffeine, and sugar substitutes.
Caffeine can harm children (high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, anxiety, sleep and digestive problems, withdrawal symptoms); students are asked not to bring caffeinated or sugary beverages to school.
Monitor children’s diet, exercise, and screen time to build lifelong healthy habits.
If your family celebrates holidays during the month of December, you may still be thinking about gifts. For tech‑free gift ideas, see the Screen Free Holiday Gift Guide by Dr. Delaney Ruston: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/blog/screenagers-screen-free-holiday-gift-guide-2025
If you have any questions or concerns on this topic or any other, please reach out any time.
Catherine Nein - School Counselor, catherine_nein@yarmouthschools.org
Chelsea Collupy - Social Worker, chelsea_collupy@yarmouthschools.org
Sam Durham - Social Worker, samantha_durham@yarmouthschools.org
Molly Small - School Nurse, molly_small@yarmouthschools.org
We can also be reached by calling the main office phone 207-846-2499.
