Trimester 1 PowerSchool Information

We wanted to share a brief reminder that while the trimester ended on November 26, teachers continue to update PowerSchool with essential information throughout this week. PowerSchool will accurately reflect trimester 1 grades and standards at the end of the day on Monday, December 9th.

Counselors' Corner

Hello and happy holidays!

For this month we would like to focus on the upcoming Holiday season and sleep hygiene. Holidays mean no alarms and no rushing out the door each morning—freedom, right? For kids, however, too much freedom in sleep schedules can lead to trouble, not just in their day but in their development. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend that children get the following amount of sleep every day:

* Grade-schoolers (6 to 12 years old): 9 to 12 hours

* Teens (aged 13 to 18): 8 to 10 hours.

There are a number of things we can do to help our kiddos get the sleep they need. Establishing an engaging, calming evening routine is one way to make bedtime more appealing. Nighttime rituals cue the brain that it’s time to wind down and can make that part of the day one to look forward to.

Consider setting a "screen curfew" at least an hour before bed. Screens are a big part of our lives, but their glow can throw off your child's natural sleep signals. Instead of late-night screen time, why not switch to reading together or a quiet family board game? This helps maintain the natural flow of their sleep cycle.

Calm the pre-sleep jitters with music. The settling effects of classical music or natural soundscapes have been shown to lower stress hormones and promote relaxation, making it easier for hyperactive or anxious children to wind down.

Relaxation techniques can also be a game-changer for helping children wind down before bed. These methods also teach kids how to calm their minds and bodies when feeling stressed or anxious, particularly useful during the unpredictability of school breaks.

Keeping a regular bedtime is ideal, but don’t worry if special events keep your kids up later than usual. The key is not to let late nights become the new norm. If bedtime slides, avoid letting them sleep in too late the next morning. This helps ensure they're ready to tuck in at their regular time the following night, keeping their sleep pattern consistent without missing out on holiday fun.

These tips can help school vacation truly be a time to recharge. Remember, a well-rested child is a happier, healthier child! As always, please reach out at any time with any questions or concerns you may have.

Catherine Nein - School Counselor, catherine_nein@yarmouthschools.org

Chelsea Collupy - Social Worker, chelsea_collupy@yarmouthschools.org

Sam Durham - Social Worker, samantha_durham@yarmouthschools.org

We can also be reached by calling the main office phone 207-846-2499.