West Elementary Families,
As we head into this stretch of the school year, I want to encourage everyone to slow down just a bit and make space for connection. Our students thrive when they have time to play, talk, imagine, and create, and some of the best memories happen when screens take a back seat.
Screen-Free Fun to Try at Home
*Family board game or card night
*Neighborhood walk scavenger hunt
*Cooking or baking something together
*Build a blanket fort and tell stories
*Try a new craft! Paper snowflakes, chalk art, origami...
*“Kids teach the adults” night (they love this!)
A few moments of unplugged time can truly reset a child’s brain and strengthen those family bonds.
Growing Strong Readers At Every Age
Here are a few simple strategies that make a big impact:
Keep books visible. Leave baskets of books in the living room, car, or kitchen. Easy access helps reading feel natural.
Model reading. Let your child “catch” you reading your own book or magazine.
Talk about stories. Ask open-ended questions like “What surprised you?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
Make reading a routine. Even 10 minutes before bedtime builds fluency and stamina.
Let them choose! Graphic novels, magazines, joke books, or nonfiction all count! Choice drives motivation!
Pair books with real life. Reading a story about animals? Visit the zoo. Reading a recipe? Cook it together.
The goal is to help students discover that reading isn’t just a school task, it’s something joyful, comforting, and full of adventure.
Thank you, families, for all you do. Your partnership helps our students feel supported, confident, and ready to grow. Please keep celebrating those screen-free moments, and keep reading alive in your homes.
You make a difference every single day.
Wishing you peace and joy this holiday season,
Libby McNamara
