Welcome Back From Winter Break - 2026
Welcome back! We hope your winter break was filled with rest, joy, and wonderful memories. As we open our doors for the second half of the school year, our teachers are dedicated to making this transition back to the classroom as smooth and positive as possible.
Returning after an extended break can feel a bit like the "first day of school" all over again. To help our Lions find their rhythm, our staff is focusing on several key strategies to help ease back into school.
Reconnecting Our Community
After weeks apart, students are often bursting with stories to share. We are building in extra socialization through activities like our Morning Meetings. This allows students to reunite with friends and settle back into their school family before jumping into heavy academic tasks.
Re-establishing Our "ROAR Expectations"
Routines like lining up, hallway expectations, and small-group procedures can become a bit "fuzzy" after a break. Our teachers are taking the time to reteach and practice these routines. Reviewing these expectations helps students feel safe, secure, and ready to learn.
Goal Setting for a Fresh Start
The new year is a natural time for reflection. We are engaging students in some reflections and goal setting for the new year and for the months ahead. By creating small checkpoints, we help our Lions see the value of their hard work and celebrate their progress along the way.
Patience and Empathy
Adjusting from holiday schedules to school alarms is a big shift! We are extending extra patiences as students rebuild their academic stamina. Our goal is to maintain a high-energy, supportive environment where every student feels excited to be back.
How You Can Help at Home:
The "Sleep Reset": Help your child return to their regular school bedtime to ensure they have the energy needed for a full day of learning.
Morning Prep: Minimize morning stress by packing backpacks and lunches, and choosing outfits the night before.
Ask Open-Ended Questions: Instead of "How was school?", try asking, "What was the funniest thing that happened to you today?" to spark a real conversation.
We are so glad to have our Lions back in the building. Let’s make the rest of the year our best yet!
Mr. Ihde
Family Math Night - January 15th 5:30pm-7pm
Get ready to discover the fun side of numbers! Join us for a Family Math Night, where math comes alive through games, puzzles, and creative challenges designed for the whole family.
What to Expect:
Math Stations: Rotate through fun, hands-on stations with activities for different grade levels.
Problem-Solving Games: play math games, solve puzzles, and tackle challenges.
STEM Activities: Explore math through creative projects and building.
Learn at Home: Discover tools and strategies to make math fun at home with your child.
Prizes & Fun: Complete the family survey and get entered to win a prize and enjoy family fun time together.
Eat: While it lasts we will have pizza curtesy of Domino's Pizza of Hoquiam.
Keep READING - Here is some ideas for Daily Family Reading at home.
Here are 10 reasons why Daily Family Reading is so important:
Strengthens Family Bonds: Reading together creates a shared experience that strengthens the emotional connection between family members.
Encourages a Love for Reading: Children who see their parents enjoying books are more likely to develop a love for reading themselves.
Improves Literacy Skills: Regular reading helps improve vocabulary, comprehension, and overall literacy skills.
Boosts Academic Performance: Children who read regularly tend to perform better in school across all subjects.
Enhances Imagination and Creativity: Reading stimulates the imagination and encourages creative thinking.
Promotes Empathy: Stories allow children to experience different perspectives, fostering empathy and understanding.
Provides Quality Family Time: In our busy lives, reading together offers a valuable opportunity for quality family time.
Reduces Screen Time: Family reading can be a healthy alternative to screen time, promoting healthier habits.
Builds Communication Skills: Discussing stories and characters helps improve communication skills and critical thinking.
Creates Lifelong Memories: The moments spent reading together can become cherished family memories.
If you have questions about reading materials for you or your student please feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or contact Sarah at the Hoquiam Timberland Library.
