ESTLA Winter Break
Winter Break December 24th - January 4, 2021
Winter Break Message
Good Afternoon Families,
First, we want you to please take the time to review this newsletter which is full of various resources and support.
We’re at the point where we can set aside a few days for reflection and enjoy the celebration of the upcoming holiday. We are grateful to our ESTLA family for achieving so much during this time. We have seen growth in so many academic areas, exploration of ideas & resources in every class and a tremendous amount of grace extended by all. We will continue to focus on sharpening our skills in order to challenge and support our students, staff and families. In anticipation of the year ahead, our reflection will concentrate on Social Emotional learning, academic achievement, technology enhancements and ensuring we are in consistent communication.
We will be available to you during the Winter Break, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you need something or simply want to say hello.
The start of a new year brings a promise of hope and new beginnings. Please join us in welcoming 2021 and great things to come!
Happy Holidays!
Ms. Taylor, Principal
Mr. Rodriguez, Assistant Principal
Office
610-277-8720
Resources
Stress, depression and the holidays: Tips for coping
From the Mayo Clinic
Stress and depression can ruin your holidays and hurt your health. Being realistic, planning ahead and seeking support can help ward off stress and depression. The holiday season often brings unwelcome guests — stress and depression. And it's no wonder. The holidays often present a dizzying array of demands — cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. And if coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading in your community, you may be feeling additional stress, or you may be worrying about your and your loved ones' health. You may also feel stressed, sad or anxious because your holiday plans may look different during the COVID-19 pandemic.
But with some practical tips, you can minimize the stress that accompanies the holidays. You may even end up enjoying the holidays more than you thought you would.
Tips to prevent holiday stress and depression
When stress is at its peak, it's hard to stop and regroup. Try to prevent stress and depression in the first place, especially if the holidays have taken an emotional toll on you in the past.
- Acknowledge your feelings. If someone close to you has recently died or you can't be with loved ones for other reasons, realize that it's normal to feel sadness and grief. It's OK to take time to cry or express your feelings. You can't force yourself to be happy just because it's the holiday season.
- Reach out. If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. Many may have websites, online support groups, social media sites or virtual events. They can offer support and companionship. If you're feeling stress during the holidays, it also may help to talk to a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a text, a call or a video chat. Volunteering your time or doing something to help others also is a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. For example, consider dropping off a meal and dessert at a friend's home during the holidays.
- Be realistic. The holidays don't have to be perfect or just like last year. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as well. Choose a few to hold on to, and be open to creating new ones. For example, if your adult children or other relatives can't come to your home, find new ways to celebrate together, such as sharing pictures, emails or videos. Or meet virtually on a video call. Even though your holiday plans may look different this year, you can find ways to celebrate.
- Set aside differences. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don't live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they're feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression, too.
- Stick to a budget. Before you do your gift and food shopping, decide how much money you can afford to spend. Then stick to your budget. Don't try to buy happiness with an avalanche of gifts. Try these alternatives: Donate to a charity in someone's name. Give homemade gifts. Start a family gift exchange.
- Plan ahead. Set aside specific days for shopping, baking, connecting with friends and other activities. Consider whether you can shop online for any of your items. Plan your menus and then make your shopping list. That'll help prevent last-minute scrambling to buy forgotten ingredients. And make sure to line up help for meal prep and cleanup.
- Learn to say no. Saying yes when you should say no can leave you feeling resentful and overwhelmed. Friends and colleagues will understand if you can't participate in every project or activity. If it's not possible to say no when your boss asks you to work overtime, try to remove something else from your agenda to make up for the lost time.
- Don't abandon healthy habits. Don't let the holidays become a free-for-all. Overindulgence only adds to your stress and guilt. Try these suggestions: Have a healthy snack before holiday meals so that you don't go overboard on sweets, cheese or drinks. Eat healthy meals. Get plenty of sleep. Include regular physical activity in your daily routine. Try deep-breathing exercises, meditation or yoga. Avoid excessive tobacco, alcohol and drug use. Be aware of how the information culture can produce undue stress, and adjust the time you spend reading news and social media as you see fit.
- Take a breather. Make some time for yourself. Find an activity you enjoy. Take a break by yourself. Spending just 15 minutes alone, without distractions, may refresh you enough to handle everything you need to do. Find something that reduces stress by clearing your mind, slowing your breathing and restoring inner calm. Some options may include: Taking a walk at night and stargazing, Listening to soothing music, & Reading a book
- Seek professional help if you need it. Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself feeling persistently sad or anxious, plagued by physical complaints, unable to sleep, irritable and hopeless, and unable to face routine chores. If these feelings last for a while, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.
Take control of the holidays
Don't let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.
Reach out if you need help.
- Mobile Crisis 855-634-4673
- Mindfulness-informative page, article, videos and image https://www.mindful.org/mindfulness-for-kids/#parenting https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/mindfulness.html http://mindfulnessforteens.com/resources/videos-mindfulness/
Seasonal Affective disorder
articles and pictures
https://www.icarehn.com/blog/facts-about-seasonal-affective-disorder-sad/
12 Fun Things To Do With Friends And Family Members Over Video Chat https://indywithkids.com/kid-video-chat-activities/
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING ACTIVITIES FOR FAMILIES https://www.k12.wa.us/sites/default/files/public/studentsupport/sel/pubdocs/SEL%20Parent%20and%20Educator%20Activities.pdf
This list of resources was created to provide information to parents/families of ELLs in supporting the social emotional needs of their children during and after the COVID-19 crisis. https://www.fordham.edu/info/21065/nysnyc_regional_bilingual_education_resource_network/11496/social_emotional_learning_parents_resources
Here is an additional resource for our Spanish Speaking Families - https://instagram.com/commonsenselatino?igshid=1mng9p7wsplwn
From Nurse Melso
The first day of winter is here! There are a lot of fun things to do outside in winter. However, it is important to consider safety. This winter we must also remember to wear a mask, even when outdoors, and keep a safe 6-foot distance from others not living with us.
Outdoor Winter Activities
Ice skating, skiing and sledding are great ways to get exercise on a cold winter day. Remember, children should be supervised with these activities. When the days are cold and there is no snow remember you can always take a walk outside. Remember to dress warmly and stay on sidewalks. Always cross the street at a traffic light or stop sign and look both ways making sure the driver sees you before stepping out. The American Academy of Pediatrics has provided us with some helpful winter health and safety tips:
- It is safer to sled feet first or sitting up, instead of lying down head-first.
- Sled on slopes that are not too steep and are free of obstructions like trees or fences.
- Skate only on approved surfaces.
- Skate in one direction with the crowd.
- Never skate alone.
- Do not chew gum or eat candy.
- Wear a helmet when skiing and ice skating.
- Stay away from crowded areas.
Other winter concerns:
Nosebleeds
If your child suffers from winter nosebleeds it may be from the dry air. Try using a cold air humidifier in the child’s room at night. Saline nose drops or petroleum jelly may help too. If severe, consult your pediatrician.
Enjoy the break,
Nurse Melso
CATCH Partners
Cold weather is upon us, but that doesn’t mean physical activity has to stop. Physical activity is important to keep up strength, protect mental health, and build up the immune system.
For outdoor options, you can keep walking or biking, just dress with extra layers.
For indoor options, consider:
-Exercise videos on YouTube or TV
-Yoga
-Stair climbing
-Dancing
-Jumping jacks, push-ups, or squats
Try to be active at least 1 hour every day!
Access Services
Unlocking every individual’s potential.
Access Services believes that every individual with special needs is entitled to a supportive community and the opportunity to lead a rich, fulfilling life. From children in need of foster care to adults with developmental challenges or disabilities, everyone has the potential to overcome tremendous adversity.
Since 1976, Access Services has been empowering countless individuals and their families in Eastern Pennsylvania through community-based, innovative special needs and disability services. From community day programs to respite care to our mobile crisis center, we have made it our mission to provide those in need with companionship, resources and opportunities to grow as part of a community in our Eastern Pennsylvania locations, Delaware, Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, Lehigh, Northampton, Schuylkill, Berks, Monroe, Carbon, and Pike counties. https://www.accessservices.org/
GED and ESL Classes
I. EARN A HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA
GED/HiSET Test Preparation Classes
- Free classes for Montgomery County residents and Bucks County residents along the county line. ∙ Twelve weeks of class January through March ∙ AM and PM classes available
- Secure online classroom-study from the comfort of your home OR face to face classes available in Souderton
- Strengthen your academic skills
- Earn credentials
- Prepare for college or build work readiness skills If you are interested, please call 267-663-1001 or email bschwartz@keystoneopp.org
II. FREE English Class In Norristown
- Where: Reformed Church of the Ascension, 1700 W. Main Street
- When: January through March, Monday and Wednesday from 9- 11:30 a.m. in person
Learn English to:
o Increase your English reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills
o improve your employment opportunities
o be able to speak to your child’s teachers
o prepare for US Citizenship
Safe social distancing measures in place in our classroom. Please call 267-663-1001 with any questions and to schedule an appointment for registration. Classes are open to Montgomery County residents.
ESTLA promotes Healthy Habits
As a note, free coronavirus testing is available at sites across Montgomery County. Locations can be found here. However, the Office of Public Health asks that all potentially exposed residents quarantine for 14 days regardless of their test result. More information about coronavirus is available through the Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Montgomery County Office of Public Health, the Division of Communicable Disease Control at (610) 278-5117.
District COVID-19 Dashboard
You can review district-level data on COVID-19 via our new dashboard, which is accessible via our website (where you can find other information related to the pandemic and instructional models) https://www.nasd.k12.pa.us.
ESTLA practicing Safe distancing and masking
Activities/Events
Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show—Philadelphia
November 19- December 31, 2020
FREE
Visit Franklin Square to see the Electrical Spectacle Holiday Light Show presented by PECO. More than 100,000 lights make up this impressive holiday display, which is timed to winter-themed music by Philly Pops. Two alternating shows run every 30 minutes from 5 to 9pm daily.
Holidays in the Village—Lahaska
November 19, 2020-January 10, 2021
FREE
All season long, visitors are dazzled by 1 million lights illuminating the village. The village is decked out Victorian-style so you can admire the greenery as well as the lights as you stroll around. Walk through the light tunnel and admire the Gingerbread House display inside the gazebo. Kids can also participate in an elf-themed mystery walking tour for an fee.
Philadelphia
November 23-January 3, 2021
FREE
Get into the spirit of the holiday season with a visit to American Heritage's campus, where approximately 400,000 lights decorate the buildings and trees. Families can view the festive decorations safely from their car and also take photos while observing social distancing guidelines.
Herr's Snack Factory—Nottingham
November 25-January 2, 2021
FREE
Take a drive through the Herr's Snack Factory property in Chester County to see its "Snacktacular" light display from your own car.
West Chester Griswolds—West Chester
November 26–January 3, 2021
FREE
Take a ride to see this family home in West Chester. The lights go on every evening at 4:45pm, and kids can bring along their wish lists to drop in the mailbox for Santa.
Fashion District—Philadelphia
TBD
FREE
This retail and entertainment space is celebrating the holiday season in style, with a 45-foot-tall floating tree and a light show timed to music by The Philly POPS. Each five-minute show runs every 30 minutes from 4pm to close.
Festival of Lights at Rose Tree Park—Media
December 4-January 3, 2021
FREE
Stroll through Rose Tree Park to see Media's beautiful display of lights, wooden cutouts of a nativity scene, a Victorian Christmas village, gingerbread men, and toy soldiers. Who knows—there might even be a chance to see Santa walking through the park, talking to visitors.
Eisenhower Science & Technology Leadership Academy
Email: sthompson@nasd.k12.pa.us
Website: www.nasd.k12.pa.us
Location: 1601 Markley Street, Norristown, PA, USA
Phone: 610-277-8720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Eisenhower-Science-and-Technology-Leadership-Academy
Twitter: @estlaPanthers