Principal's Message - 1-8-26

Hello Cedar Trails Family!

Happy New Year!

The Cedar Trails staff are excited to welcome our students back and start the second half of the school year strong. January is a great time to refresh routines, reinforce expectations, and set positive habits for learning and community.

Dress for the Elements

Winter weather can be unpredictable! Please help your child stay comfortable and safe during outdoor arrival, recess, and dismissal.

Please send students with LABELED:

• Warm coat
   
• Hats, gloves, and scarves
   
• Boots or weather-resistant shoes
   
• Layers that can be added or removed

We continue outdoor recess as long as conditions allow, so being properly dressed makes a big difference in comfort and enjoyment.

If your family needs assistance with winter clothing, please reach out—we’re here to help.

Supporting Executive Functioning Skills at Home

Executive functioning skills are the mental habits that help students stay organized, focused, and ready to learn. Small routines at home make a big impact at school.

Try these strategies:

• Use a consistent home routine: bedtime, wake-up time, packing backpacks, etc.
   
• Create a visual checklist: morning and evening “to-do” lists help students gain independence.
   
• Set up a homework spot: a quiet, clutter-free area boosts focus.
   
• Model planning: talk through how you organize tasks or solve problems.

Building these habits now helps children grow into confident, capable learners.

Reinforcing School Expectations

As we begin a new year, we are reteaching our schoolwide expectations to help ensure a safe, welcoming, and respectful environment for all.

We are focusing on our PACK (Problem Solvers who are Accountable, Courageous and Kind), but also:

• Being Respectful – using kind words and actions
   
• Being Responsible – taking care of materials and following routines
   
• Being Safe – keeping hands and feet to ourselves, using walking feet, following adult directions

Families can support this by talking with your child about what these expectations look like in the classroom, hallways, cafeteria, and playground.

Digital Citizenship: Growing Safe & Responsible Tech Users

Students use technology every day, so learning responsible digital behaviors is essential.

This month, we are teaching students to:

• Protect personal information
   
• Use devices safely and respectfully
   
• Think before they post or share
   
• Recognize trustworthy vs. untrustworthy sources

You can support digital citizenship at home by discussing online behavior, supervising device use, and encouraging children to speak up if something online makes them uncomfortable.

Important January Reminders

• Check backpacks daily for school communication (and clean them out regularly)
   
• Reach out to your child’s teacher with any questions—we value our home–school partnership!
   
• Return library books on your child’s assigned day

Stay warm and safe!

Principal Coyle