It's hard to believe winter is around the corner! The temperature outside is getting colder and we have seen some flurries, so it’s time to start preparing. There are a lot of fun things to do outside this winter. However, it is important to consider safety.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided us with some helpful winter health and safety tips:

• Ice Skating

• Sledding

• Skiing

• Nature walks

• Run Wild My Child has a list of 100+ activities to do during the winter months. Snow paint, frozen ice globes, and freezing bubbles are a few that my children enjoy most!

• It is safer to sled feet first or sitting up rather than laying down head first

• Seld on slopes that are not too steep and that are free of obstructions, such has fences and trees

• Never skate along and skate only on approved surfaces

• Skate in one direction with the crowd

• Wear a helmet when skiing and avoid crowded areas

• Nosebleeds

• Often due to the warm air inside drying out your nasal passages

• Use a cool-mist humidifier at night, use saline spray or nose drops, cover nose and mouth with a scarf when outside

• Hypothermia/Frostbite

• Dress appropriately - usually dressing in layers is best

• Limit time on outdoor activities - have children come inside periodically to warm up, then head back outside a little while later.

• Remove wet or damp clothing and replace with dry clothing as soon as possible

• Warm drinks will help to increase body temperature

• The CDC nicely explains what hypothermia and frostbite is and provides tips like above to prevent either from occurring

D. Lacasse, RN

MG/KG District Nurse

dlacasse@d91.net ~ x1102

C. Olson, RN

MG Nurse

colson@d91.net ~ x2106

The D91 PTO is partnering with Mangia Pizza for Fundraising Nights throughout the 22-23 school year.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2023, order dinner from Mangia Pizza and tell them you are supporting D91.

They will donate a portion of the profits to the D91 PTO.

Mangia Pizza is located at 132 E. 9th Street

(NW corner of 9th and Hamilton) (815) 838-1919

It is another Winter Holiday season!! The temperatures are cold, there is snow in the air, and your little ones (and big ones), are home on Winter Break. SO, what do you do? How do our children survive?

During the winter break, many of our students need to keep their minds occupied. Some of us may go on family trips to celebrate the holidays while some of us may simply stay home and forgo traveling. Either way you choose, here are some both mental and physical ways to enjoy and endure the winter break, before your kid(s) go back to school.

Tip #1

Help your child understand that, just because they are on break, does not mean that you are.

Many children assume that just because they are on break or vacation from school that you follow that schedule as well. Preset a work/obligation schedule with your child(ren), telling them when you will be out of the house for work or other daily obligations and when you will be returning. Make this a visual statement, so that they can see it everyday and not wonder where you are and how come you are not off of work like they are off of school.

Tip #2

Create and Maintain that Family Time.

Make time for you and your child(ren). Simple things like playing in the snow, watching a movie on TV, reading a book, coloring/painting, taking a drive to see the Christmas lights, watching the ball drop on New Year's Eve, or sitting down and having a meal (breakfast, lunch, or dinner) together are great ideas of how to spend time together. Creating that free time to talk, laugh, interact, be silly, and be open, is very important to both the adult’s wellness and the child’s wellness. Spending time with each other creates a stronger bond and will help the rough times not seem so bad. Add “Family Time” to your daily calendar and make it a normal piece of your day!

Tip #3

Protect your Mental Health.

During this time, many students and adults may experience some anxiety, depression, or other emotional responses that may be out of their control. Helping to cope with these feelings is nothing simple, but start by acknowledging the concern, encourage talking to a trusted adult and being open, and be open to listen (which is extremely helpful). If you know ahead of time that the holiday is emotionally hard, contact your school social worker or counselor for your child(ren) and ask them for information about outside services and support to help.

Tip #4

Get back into the routine of things.

Just before school starts back in January, a helpful hint is for you to get your child back into the swing of things. Five to seven days before school starts, go back to the bedtime routine… whatever time you had set before, go back to it. After any school break, it is sometimes hard for students to get back into the routine of waking up, getting to school and being prepared to learn. Usually during school breaks there is a lot of sleeping in and sometimes the structure eases up a little. So, to help the transition back to school be a good one, go back to those bedtimes, talk to your child(ren) about the new year school expectations, and encourage them to have a great rest of the school year!

From the Hornet Family to you all, we are sending warm wishes this holiday season. If there is anything that we can do to help you and to make this season as bright as possible, please reach out to us.

Milne Grove - Mrs. Reynolds, Social Worker, mreynolds@d91.net, x2103

Kelvin Grove - Mrs. Carrescia, School Counselor, acarrescia@d91.net, x1170

Kelvin Grove - Ms. Kubik, Social Worker, nkubik@d91.net, x1132

District - Dr. Richardson, School Psychologist, krichardson@d91.net, x1117(KG)/x2135(MG)

• BE KIND.
• BE COMPASSIONATE.
• EXPRESS GRATITUDE.
• FORGIVE OTHERS.