Principal's Update: Sunday, February 11, 2024

Families:

Happy Lunar New Year!  Lunar New Year, for many families, is a time of new beginnings, honoring ancestors, and time with family.  

Last week was full of great memories as we kicked off Black History Month.  Students learned about artists and based their artwork for Monday’s door decoration competition on one of three artists: Faith Ringgold, Lois Mailou Jones, and Romare Bearden.  In a tight race for Golden Boot, Room 16 took home the prize.  On Tuesday, all students learned about Alma Woodsy Thomas, and each class completed a patchwork mural.  We had a beautiful dance performance on Wednesday by Rising Stars of Marin.  Thursday, three of our classrooms had Dr. Vince Mathews, professor and former Superintendent of San Francisco Unified School District, read and perform a few magic tragics.  Thursday, we also had a wonderful show by MJ Brass Poppers which turned into a Coleman student body procession dance party. Friday was special as the San Rafael High School Black Student Union came and read to our classes. 

As we approach the vacation break, it's important to maintain a consistent routine for our students over the break. At the same time, it may be tempting to let schedules loosen during this time, but sticking to a routine offers many benefits for our children's overall well-being.  Consistency helps to regulate sleep patterns, ensuring they get the necessary rest for growth and development.  Moreover, routines provide structure and predictability, which can help children feel secure and reduce anxiety.  Maintaining a schedule for activities such as meals, bedtime, outdoor play, and school work promotes stability and balance in students’ lives, making the transition back to school smoother when the break ends.  Please remember that students should read for 20-45 minutes daily.  In some cases, teachers will share activities you can work on with your students to ensure that they don’t lose any of the growth they have made this school year.  Let’s continue to prioritize routines even during vacation time, nurturing healthy habits that support our children's physical, emotional, and cognitive growth.