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Home to Hallways May 6, 2026
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As this school year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank families for the many ways you have supported your children and our schools. This year included change, adjustment, and times that may not always have been easy. Through it all, families remained a steady and essential part of each student’s support system.
Summer offers a chance to slow down, reconnect, and prepare for the future. This newsletter includes ideas and resources to help support student learning and well‑being during the summer months.
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While academic learning is important, some of the most valuable skills students develop are the ones they use every day at home, in school, at work, and in their relationships. These skills support success at every age and stage, and they grow over time through practice, experience, and the guidance of caring adults.
Summer offers an opportunity for students to strengthen these skills in low‑pressure, real‑life ways.
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The ability to recognize feelings, manage stress, and express emotions in healthy ways.
How students build this skill
- Talking about feelings without judgment
- Learning simple calming strategies
- Seeing trusted adults model how to manage emotions
Summer practice ideas
- Name emotions during everyday moments (“That felt frustrating. What might help?”)
- Practice simple breathing or relaxation techniques together
- Talk at the end of the day about what went well and what felt challenging
- Encourage journaling, drawing, music, or other creative outlets
Helpful resources
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Expressing thoughts clearly while listening to others with respect.
How students build this skill
- Being included in everyday conversations
- Practicing how to explain ideas
- Learning to listen without interrupting
Summer practice ideas
- Talk together during meals, walks, or car rides
- Let children explain plans, rules, or decisions
- Encourage questions and sharing opinions
- Role‑play real‑life situations such as ordering food or asking for help
Helpful resources
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Approaching challenges thoughtfully instead of giving up.
How students build this skill
- Trying different approaches
- Learning from mistakes
- Solving real‑world problems
Summer practice ideas
- Involve children in everyday problem solving such as planning outings or fixing small issues
- Ask guiding questions instead of providing immediate answers
- Work on puzzles, games, or building projects together
- Encourage questions like “What could we try next?”
Helpful resources
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Adjusting to new situations and unexpected changes.
How students build this skill
- Experiencing smaller changes
- Learning that plans do not always work out as expected
- Practicing patience and open‑mindedness
Summer practice ideas
- Try new routines or activities
- Talk through plan changes and how to adjust
- Model flexibility as adults
- Name feelings when changes feel hard
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Sticking with tasks and understanding that effort leads to learning.
How students build this skill
- Being praised for effort rather than perfection
- Watching adults work through challenges
- Learning that mistakes are part of learning
Summer practice ideas
- Break projects into smaller steps
- Celebrate effort (“You kept trying. That matters.”)
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Managing tasks and choices appropriate to age and ability.
How students build this skill
- Having meaningful responsibilities
- Making age‑appropriate decisions
- Learning from natural consequences
Summer practice ideas
- Assign regular household tasks
- Let children plan part of their day
- Support organization of personal belongings
- Encourage problem solving before stepping in to help
Helpful resources
-
Understood.org
Parenting
Support for organization, planning, and independence
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The desire to explore, ask questions, and keep learning.
How students build this skill
- Being encouraged to wonder and explore
- Learning through interests, not only assignments
- Connecting learning to everyday life
Summer practice ideas
- Visit libraries, parks, museums, or community events
- Follow a child’s interests
- Read or explore topics together
- Ask, “What would you like to learn more about?”
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These skills help students:
- Manage change and uncertainty
- Build healthy relationships
- Speak up for themselves
- Succeed academically and socially
- Prepare for future learning, work, and life
They develop over time through everyday experiences, not through pressure or perfection.
Summer experiences, both big and small, play an important role in helping students build skills that last far beyond a single school year. The resources shared here are not meant to add more to your plate, but to support the skills children use every day in ways that work for your family.
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Beth Lake |
| Community and Family Engagement Coordinator |
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