As I reflect on the past year, I’m filled with gratitude for the opportunities that helped me grow, learn, and become a better person and principal. While 2024 brought its share of challenges, I’m choosing to carry forward the lessons learned
and the positive memories that shaped me.
I want to take a moment to recognize the incredible work you do every day to support your staff, students, and families. Even when the demands of leadership feel exhausting, YOU continue to inspire, motivate, and make a lasting difference. If no one has
reminded you lately, let me be the one to say it: YOU are phenomenal. YOU are a game changer. YOU are transforming lives.
According to Dr. Tina Boogren, a Solution Tree’s research expert, educators are now entering the season of “Finding Balance” – a time to focus on recalibration and renewal over the next 9–10 weeks. With this in mind,
this quarter’s “School Celebration Newsletter” is packed with simple, actionable ideas to celebrate your staff while also prioritizing your wellness during this pivotal season. Remember, taking care of yourself is not a luxury –
it’s a necessity for sustaining the incredible work you do.
As we navigate the mid-year stretch of the 2024–2025 school year, please don’t hesitate to reach out if I can support you in any way or simply be a listening ear. Cheers to 2025 and the fantastic journey of “Principaling.”
Peace and love,
Cindy
Educator Wellness “The Season of Finding Balance”
As the school year progresses, educators often transition out of the “Disillusionment Phase” into a more relaxed and rewarding time. Hopefully, winter break gave you the chance to recharge and reconnect with loved ones. This
is the season when student growth feels truly magical—your hard work is paying off! Over the next 9–10 weeks, it’s essential to prioritize finding balance between your personal and professional life.
Dr. Tina H. Boogren offers a wealth of self-care ideas in her book 180 Days of Self-Care for Busy Educators. One strategy is to tap into your creative side by making something with your hands—whether it’s
woodworking, baking, or sewing. Engage all your senses and enjoy the process of creating. She also encourages planning guilt-free treats for yourself, like ordering dessert first, lighting candles, taking a long nap, indulging
in a spa treatment, or simply lounging in your favorite fuzzy socks. These moments of joy don’t need to be expensive—just intentional. Another suggestion to support your mental well-being during these winter
months is to make time to play. What brings you joy? Whether it’s a snowy walk, a cozy campfire with s’mores, reading a good book, daydreaming about your next vacation, or writing in a journal, carve out time
for it.
I hope you’ll prioritize these practices by putting a few of them on your calendar—not just your to-do list. Remember, I’m cheering you on during this season and can’t wait to hear how you’re taking
care of yourself!
A Few of Cindy’s Favorites
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| Jan 8 National Bubble Day |
Feb 24 National Tortilla Chip Day |
Mar 31 National Crayon Day |
January Days to Celebrate
Jan 8 | National Bubble Day | National Bubble Day- No baths at school but you could have a blast with bubbles. Bubble machines or bubbles to greet students
and staff or have a recess time bubble party. (I am having visions of Laurence Welk in my head–yes I am that old).
Jan 13Â | National Rubber Ducky Day | Purchase a variety of rubber duckies
and place a number on the bottom of each. The number will correlate to a gift box full of simple and inexpensive prizes or you could choose to celebrate National Sticker Day-Put positive stickers around the school to celebrate this fun day.
Jan 15 | National Bagel Day & National Hat Day |Â
Ask your PTO to provide breakfast for staff with the main item being a bagel with a selection of all of the various toppings. AND for Hat Day allow students and staff to wear their favorite head covering today.
Jan 20 | National DJ Day | Play music throughout today in celebration. I love using my Jammie Pack to play music!! We know that music
has the power to lift everyone’s spirit. Shout out to Allyson Apsey who introduced me to the pack. It is a true game changer!!
Jan 21Â | Squirrel Appreciate Day | Trail mix with nuts for ALL or hide
paper squirrels all over campus and ask staff to list the many places they see them. Winners can be entered into a drawing for each one they choose.
Jan 24 | National Compliment Day | Provide staff members with a notecard to write a compliment on for co-worker or school volunteer. Connect with families
by also sending out appreciations post-cards for their never ending support of the school (Don’t forget your PTO). And it is also National Peanut Butter Day so pick up some individual packets of peanut butter and provide staff with various items
to dip. This could include: bananas, apples, celery, crackers, chocolate and anything else you can think of!!
gift card for class coverage/recess duty, stress balls, breathe mints, etc).
Jan 28
 | Kazoo Day | Visit
Amazon, Oriental Trade or a local party store. Pick up a few of these to celebrate. Morning announcements with a Kazoo introduction will be unforgettable.
Jan 29 | Puzzle Day | Place a few puzzles in your staff room for staff to work on during lunch or breaks or provide a cookie that is in the shape of a puzzle with a note “You are a part of the puzzle
that keeps our school striving for excellence.”
Jan 31Â | National Hot C
