Happy New Year!
We're so excited to welcome everyone back to campus after what we hope was a restful and family-filled winter vacation. (Friendly reminder that tomorrow is an early release day.)
The first week back to school is an adjustment period for students and grown-ups alike—remember that progress matters more than perfection, and that with time, consistency, and support, we'll all settle back into rhythm. Here are some ideas to help ease the transition for all ages:
Younger Students (TK–Grade 2)
What helps most: reassurance, predictability, and calm transitions.
- Talk through the school day in simple, concrete terms (“You’ll see your teacher, have snack, then recess”).
- Revisit favorite bedtime stories to re-establish quiet routines.
- Lay out clothes and pack backpacks together the night before.
Middle-Grade Students (Grades 3–6)
What helps most: structure, confidence, and feeling prepared.
- Review schedules, routines and expectations for the first week.
- Help them organize backpacks, planners, and school supplies.
- Encourage questions and problem-solving rather than fixing everything for them.
Teen Students (Grades 7–12)
What helps most: autonomy, respect, and collaborative planning.
- Help them map out deadlines, extracurriculars, and transportation logistics. (Remember to charge Chromebooks before bed.)
- Encourage realistic goal-setting for the first few weeks (not a full reset overnight).
- Stay available for check-ins, especially if mood, motivation, or sleep shifts noticeably.
Parents
What helps most: calm, preparation, and emotional tone.
- Aim for smooth, not necessarily perfect.
- Set out clothes, pack backpacks, and confirm alarms are set.
- Consider building in a few extra minutes so the morning does not feel rushed.
A calm parent sets the tone more than any routine reset. The rest can be rebuilt throughout week.
Lastly, a reminder that all PRJUSD students are invited to attend two PRHS games this week with complimentary admission, courtesy of PRHS Athletics: tomorrow's Varsity Boys Soccer match vs Arroyo Grande, and Friday's Varsity Girls Basketball game vs. Santa Maria. Details below!