Mr. Williams recently shared an interesting CNN article about sleep during the COVID pandemic, especially for children. The stress everyone is feeling is playing havoc with sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends:
- 10-13 hours of sleep for students 3-5 years of age
- 9-12 hours of sleep for students 6-12 years of age
- 8-10 hours of sleep for teens
Not getting enough sleep can impair cognition, cause irritability and in the long term may be a cause of diabetes and heart disease. It is very important that you be consistent with bedtime routines.
- Start winding down an hour before bedtime
- Read, do a puzzle, tell stories, or writing in a journal can stop our minds from racing about the day
- Keep screens--all screens--out of the bedroom (putting cell phones away may at first be a disappointment, but many older students feel liberated, more mindful and get much better sleep when their phones are left in a bucket on the kitchen table)
- Create an environment that is conducive to sleep: dark, cool and cozy
- Try not to eat or drink one hour before bedtime
- Try meditation or calming music
Most importantly, stay on the lookout for signs that your child is struggling. If you have other questions about sleep, CNN has a newsletter series, Sleep, but Better.
On Thursday the Kindergarten turned into "Wild Things" thanks to Mrs. Harriman and Where the Wild Things Are. I was delighted when all the K's startled me as very wild things.
Next week is SPIRIT WEEK at NCS! The (updated) themes are:
- Monday: CRAZY HAIR DAY
- Tuesday: MULTIPLES (twins, groups of three, four or more)
- Wednesday: FAVORITE TEAM
- Thursday: MISMATCH
- Friday: SCHOOL SPIRIT
Thank you all for doing your part to keep NCS safe and open. Have a great weekend!
-Ms. Sperry
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