Dear District 80 Families,

Seasonal illnesses, darkness and the winter weather are challenging for all of us but especially in schools during the winter months.  Social dynamics in schools can change during the winter because students are spending more time indoors.  When students are not able to release energy through outdoor recess we often see an increase in peer conflicts. 

Families play a crucial role in guiding children to understand and navigate peer conflicts in healthy constructive ways.   Here are some strategies families can use when speaking with their children about peer conflicts:

1. Create a safe space for open communication 
   1. Encourage honesty
   2. Listen without judging
2. Validate your child’s feelings
   1. Acknowledge how your child is feelings
   2. Help your child to identify their emotions 
   3. Discuss how to handle their emotions in a healthy manner 
3. Encourage problem-solving and conflict resolution 
   1. Brainstorm ways to resolve the conflict
   2. Discuss who can help when conflict arises 
4. Teach coping strategies 
   1. Help your child learn healthy ways of dealing with intense emotions 
   2. Review the NSD 80 calm down strategies with your child
5. Model positive conflict resolution 
   1. Children learn by observing you
   2. Talk through conflict and strategies together
6. Know when to seek help
   1. If the conflict involves bullying, ongoing emotional distress or an unresolved issue, it may be time to contact your child’s teacher or social worker or assistant principal.  
   2. We are here to support you with strategies.  

We often find, when investigating peer conflict, that the issue started because a student was “just joking around”.  Being mean to a peer is not funny; it is being mean.  Encourage kindness, empathy and understanding with your child.  We may not always agree with our peers, but we should always be kind to each other.  

Best, 

Michele Guzik

Giles Families,

Welcome back from winter break!  I hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing 2-week break from your daily routine.  Now that we are back to school, it is important to maintain an appropriate and healthy routine.  Here are some strategies to start the 2025 year strong:

1. Create the perfect sleep environment.
2. Streamline must-do morning tasks.
3. Plan ahead for healthy snacks and meals.
4. Encourage free time and physical activity.
5. Read daily and complete school work assignments on-time
6. Create a bedtime routine that allows for a restful night's sleep so that you are ready for school.

Thanks

Bob Biedke

I would like to take a moment to emphasize our attendance policy. Regular attendance is crucial for your child’s academic success and social development. Each day of school provides valuable learning experiences that cannot be replicated.

You can find the student-parent handbook at https://giles.norridge80.net/student-parent-handbook and our attendance policies starting on page 11.

I encourage open communication between home and school. If you have any questions or concerns regarding attendance or any other matter, please do not hesitate to reach out. Together, we can ensure the best possible learning environment for your child.

Mrs. Gulo