Ms. Michelle Alzamora
As we move into our fifth week of school, students are beginning to settle into the rhythms of learning, friendships, and school expectations that help them feel safe and successful. This is a good moment to check in on how children are balancing school, home, and rest. Research shows that healthy routines in sleep, nutrition, movement, and downtime play an important role in helping children focus, manage emotions, and succeed academically.
Sleep: Rest is essential for children’s growth and development. When children get enough sleep, they are better able to concentrate, manage emotions, and enjoy their school day.
Nutrition: Balanced meals and snacks provide steady energy for learning and play. Children who start the day with healthy fuel are more likely to stay focused and engaged.
Movement: Regular physical activity supports both health and learning. Opportunities to move throughout the day help children release energy, concentrate in class, and build healthy habits.
Downtime and Creativity: Children need unstructured time to play, imagine, and rest. Downtime allows them to recharge and process everything they are learning.
Family Tips for Balance at Home
Establish consistent home routines
Share meals and conversations together
Build in quiet time for rest and creativity
Show your child what balance looks like by practicing it yourself
By reinforcing these healthy habits at home, children come to school ready to learn, connect with friends, and grow with confidence. Together, we are building strong foundations for both academic success and lifelong wellbeing. In the coming weeks, our Wellbeing Focus will take a closer look at each of these areas, beginning with sleep.
Warmly,
The ES Admin Team
Every day of school is a step in your child’s learning journey. Regular attendance builds strong reading, math, and problem-solving skills, while frequent absences can create gaps that affect future success.
This year we are monitoring both absences and tardies more closely. When attendance concerns reach a threshold that begins to affect learning, we will contact families so we can work together on a plan of support.
Good attendance is about more than showing up. It helps children build routine, responsibility, and confidence that set them up for long-term success. Thank you for helping your child arrive on time, every day, ready to learn.
Welcome to all our new students and families!
It has been a joy getting to know your children over these first two weeks of school and to see them settling into their new spaces and building connections.
We’d also love to share with you a video that was shown at our Back to School Morning Meeting. In it, last year’s leaving students offer words of wisdom and advice for our newest scorpions... and there’s even a special cameo from our beloved ES mascot, Wadi! This video gives you a glimpse of the spirit of ACS, and we hope that before long, your family will feel right at home here too.
KG students exploring the important roles in our ACS family!
This September, the library partnered with our art teachers to celebrate International Dot Day, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book The Dot. Students in Grades K-2 explored the power of creativity and a growth mindset, learning that small beginnings can lead to big ideas. Miss. Deena read the book to the students, then they brought the message to life in art class by creating their own unique “dots” and proudly making their mark!
Family Tech Planners: Use these tech planners to help your kids think through important questions around tech use: What will I do? How much time will I spend? Am I making thoughtful choices?
September 16 - CCT - Late Start Day
Week of September 14 - Afterschool Exploration Program begins