A Note From Mrs. Bateman...
Happy New Year and Welcome Back to School!
After a restful and family-filled break, it's nice to get back into our normal routines AND be back with your students...who we missed very much.
Christmas break found us saying goodbye to Miss Eva and Miss Heinze, both of whom are off on new journeys, but our return to school brought the introduction of two new teachers, Miss Delaney Bonacquisti (5/6 homeroom) and Mrs. Andrea Oliva (preschool 3). After just a few days, both Miss Bonacquisti and Mrs. Oliva are quickly finding their niche in the BIA family and it is clear that God has his hands on the future of our school community. Welcome, Miss Bonacquisti and Mrs. Oliva!
There are a few things to make note of over the next few weeks:
- January 22nd -28th is Lutheran Schools Week. This is a super fun week where we have dress-up themes each day, hold our classroom "Penny Wars", and new this year...our chapel family Olympics. Further down this newsletter, you will see the themes for this year so you can begin planning :)
- 3rd and 4th-grade basketball begin soon, as does our bowling team. Take a moment to chat with Mr. Jones or Mrs. Noble if your child is interested in participating.
- Next Friday is hot lunch from Panera. Your child will be bringing home their lunch form today. Be sure to have it back to school by next Wednesday. Unfortunately, we can not accept late submissions.
- Winter MAP testing will take place beginning January 30th. We can't wait to see how much growth our students have gained since the beginning of the year!
If you are able...Each day, students in every grade bring yummy lunches from home that need to be heated. While our teachers are happy to assist them, we do have one favor to ask. 1) Please send any food that needs to be heated in a microwavable container OR 2) Send in a pack of paper plates to be shared. The school did purchase a large number of plates just a few months ago and those have been gone through already. Thank you!
Happening Soon...
MLK Jr. Day - January 16 - No School
Lutheran Schools Week - Jan. 22nd - 28th
Graduation Photos - Jan. 25th
Presidents' Day - Feb. 20th - No School
End of 2nd Trimester/Learning Fair - Feb. 24th
Blessings,
Andrea Bateman
Executive Director, Bethesda International Academy
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - No School on Monday January 16th
Just a reminder that there will be no school on Monday in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday. We have been encouraging the students to not just think of this as a day off, but as a day to honor his legacy and work with the civil rights movement, and use the day as a time of service to others.
Supporting St. Jude Children's Hospital with our Offering
Overcoming Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
As we enter the winter months it is very common to feel a change in mood and energy levels for children, but for some, it can be more children, it is more intense and severe. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)/ Winter Blues is very common among children and teens. Just like adults the change in the weather and seasons can also affect children and teens. Therefore, it's important to recognize that depression symptoms may look very different in young people. Children and adolescents with SAD may have the presence of irritability and not even understand why. Below are some signs and symptoms as well as some tips to Combat SAD/The Winter Blues.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?
- Changes in mood. SAD can cause a mood that's sad, depressed, or irritable.
- Negative thinking.
- Lack of enjoyment.
- Low energy.
- Changes in sleep.
- Changes in eating.
- Trouble concentrating.
Below are a few tips to help with combating the Winter Blues:
Six Tips to Combat Winter Blues
- Exercise: Keeping active is very important: Allow your child to take a quick trip outside or make exercise a part of your child’s daily schedule. This will improve their mood and energy levels.
- Eat healthy: Fruits and vegetables limit sickness as well as give your child fuel to get through their day. As the saying goes “An Apple a Day keeps the Doctor Away”
- Use lights to mimic the sun: Sometimes, brighter light can mimic sunlight and increase energy. Sunlight has been proven to improve mood and attitude.
- Stay social: Visit with family and friends, and try not to isolate during the winter months
- Open up: Check in on your child more during the winter months, let them know you are there to listen and that it’s okay to feel a little sad, and help them come up with ways to improve their mood.
- Fun at home: Have a planned activity that the family can do together each week. This will give your child something to look forward to each week and motivate them to have a great week.
