Ms. Siniscalco’s Break Reflections: Celebrating Resilience and the Importance of a Pause

Yay!  We made it to the end of semester one despite all the challenges we had to overcome this year.  I believe that is due to the awesome students, parents and families, and teachers and staff that we have here at SIS.  Online learning has been difficult at times, but I also think it has shown us how resilient we are, especially the kids.

I’d like to remind you of the importance of taking a break from screens of all kinds.  It is okay for kids of all ages to get bored.  Of course parents do not want to hear their kids complain about being bored, but challenge them to find something to do that is not electronically based.  Offer to play a game with them, go for a walk, draw, cook something together, the options are endless.  Giving our brains a break from constant stimulation allows our minds to wander.

This has also been referred to as scatter focus.  According to research, scatter focus is important as it allows us to recharge our mental energy, identify and accomplish goals, and create space to dream up all the brilliant ideas that are waiting to come out.  I know it’s hard with the pandemic and being stuck at home, but our kids’ brains have been working hard since August and their eyes on some sort of screen more than usual, so give them both a break. 

And if your kids get mad, then blame it on me.  Tell them that Ms. Alexis said it is important for their brain development and emotions for them to be bored.  And then tell them I Iook forward to hearing about all the things they created, the day dreams they had, the plans they made, and the thoughts they wondered when we get back in January.

See also: Positive Discoveries: Navigating Adolescence and Beyond in 5th Grade

I wish you and your family a wonderful and joyous semester break.  I hope your holidays are filled with love and happiness.  Please take the next three weeks to relax, have some fun, and be a kid.  Here’s to 2021 being a fantastic year for us all!

Dr. G.’s Break Recap: Fun, Achievements, and Worthy Causes in a Remarkable Year

This school year is one for the books. It feels great that we are almost halfway through the school year. Kudos to the SIS community for keeping the Cobra spirit high despite the pandemic! We had a great time with the Indonesian Independence Day trivia game via Kahoot!. The NJHS and HS StuCo each hosted a fun-filled spirit week. And, not to be outdone, the ES StuCo hosted the Halloween photo contest. 

Aside from fun and games, our student organizations were also busy with worthy causes. The HS StuCO donated face shields and masks for the SIS teachers and staff. Recently, the NJHS concluded the virtual Aid in Action. The NHS will donate the funds raised from this event to the Badan Penanggulangan Bencana Daerah (BPBD), Waves For Water, and Habitat for Humanity. 

We capped this semester’s activities with General Knowledge Quiz Bee. The Green Rhinos dominated the High School while the Yellow Tigers reigned supreme in the Middle School and Elementary School. 

The Black Manta Rays are leading the House points but we have more activities lined up for the 2nd semester. That means more chances to earn house points! We look forward to an exciting semester ahead. 

Have a great winter break! See you all in January 2021.

Ms. Woodhurst’s Thanks: Gratitude to the SIS Community and Hopes for 2021

I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you to our SIS community.  Despite not being able to be on campus with our wonderful students, Derek and I have felt very welcomed to our beautiful school.  Like everyone, I hope 2021 quickly brings a return to the busy classrooms, hallways, gyms and fields of SIS.  I feel so fortunate to have joined our tremendous team of students, staff and parents.  For a look back on Semester 1, and our MS and HS Musical Performances,  please click the links.   Best wishes for a safe and healthy winter break with your families. 

MS and HS Semester 1 Celebration
Virtual Musical Performances

Ms. Desfosses’ Proud Moment: Celebrating Outstanding Efforts in Elementary School

Our elementary students, parents, and staff can be especially proud of the outstanding efforts that went into making our first semester wonderful! We all hope that the new year will bring a return to campus, just as soon as it is safe to do so. I can’t wait for the day that we can welcome our students back to SIS. I miss seeing them very much.

Our assembly on December 18 provided an opportunity for our ES students to gather together before the holidays. Teachers lead breakout rooms and shared Christmas Stories with all the students after we took a look back at some of the adventures from our first semester.

Like so many things this year, this holidays season will look different that many past holidays. Yet, I hope that it is a time of joy for you and your family as you take time to rest and relax before returning for the second semester on January 12, 2020.

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