Middle School Jan. Newsletter (21–22)
In my experience, there are two kinds of people in the world…
There are people who make New Year’s resolutions and people who don’t think twice about it. I’m most definitely the first one. I can’t think of too many things I enjoy more than cracking open a fresh planner and brainstorming some goals! January 1st is my favorite day of the year for that very reason. (If you also get giddy about these sorts of things, you might like James Clear’s book Atomic Habits.) However, a friend said something to me in passing the other day that’s really got me thinking.
She said, “no new in 2022.” For a moment, I wondered how we could even be friends. After picking my face up off the floor and taking some time away, I think I understand the meaning of her little catchphrase. Rather than dwelling on the things she wanted to change or get rid of, she instead was choosing to lean into who she believed herself to be at her core. This, of course, requires a deep sense of knowing and a pure love of self — an undertaking all its own —, but what a powerful notion.
Resolving to return…maybe I should add it to my list of goals?
Until next time,
Jaleah
What's new at Middle School?
We’ll be kicking off our next challenge, the Redd Up! Staff, students, and our custodial team will work together to leave our spaces and grounds better than we found them.
After School Programs
Several clubs and athletics are available for students to sign up for. Check out Middle School’s offerings which include ski club, drama club, and more!
A Note from Student Services
The Pediatric Consensus Panel found that sleeping the number of recommended hours on a regular basis is associated with overall better health outcomes including improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, emotional regulation, quality of life, and mental and physical health.
The panel found that sleeping fewer than the recommended hours is associated with attention, behavior, and learning problems. Insufficient sleep also increases the risk of accidents, injuries, hypertension, obesity, diabetes, and depression. The panel also found that insufficient sleep in teenagers is associated with an increased risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.
Here are the Recommended hours per age group:
Children, three to five years of age, should sleep 10 to 13 hours per 24 hours (including naps) on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Children six to 12 years of age should sleep nine to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep eight to 10 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis to promote optimal health.
Here are some resources from Common Sense Media:
Additionally, the National Sleep Foundation has information for adults as well.
Greater Good Science Center article: How Deep Sleep Can Soothe Your Anxious Brain
In Case You Missed It
Enrollment for the 22–23 School Year is Open
Siblings Preference: Please complete an application for any siblings of current students that would like to attend ECS for the 2022–23 school year. Current students do not need to apply, and ECS will send re-enrollment information to all current families in March. Learn more about sibling preference...
Masking and COVID Procedures
Students and staff are still required to wear masks when indoors and on the school bus. If your student is symptomatic or came in contact with a person who tested positive for COVID-19, please keep them home and contact Middle School Nurse Judy Brand immediately. Your cooperation with sharing information with our school nurses and reporting any positive COVID-19 cases in your family helps keep our schools safe.
After-School Clubs
Enrollment opened on Jan. 3. Visit https://ecspgh.org/after-school-programs to learn more.
ECS Community Ski at Hidden Valley
Join ECS ski club and our staff for two fun evenings of skiing. Discounted lift tickets are available and a portion of the proceeds help ski club scholarships. Click here to sign up.
Important Dates this Month
1/10 Students return to in-person learning
1/14 Eighth grade trip to Zone 28
1/17 Martin Luther King Jr. Day; no school for students and staff
1/24 and 1/25 Planning days for staff; no school for students
1/28 Quarter 2 report cards available in Alma
1/28 Community Ski Night