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CCHS
Last week, members of the Hope Squad were challenged to write articles for the November edition of the Hope Squad Newsletter. Their task: choose a topic that promotes mental health, self-care, positive affirmations, journal writing, suicide awareness, or other ways to spread hope and kindness throughout the school community. Hope Squad member Jocelyn Copeland took on the challenge with a thoughtful article about the importance of everyday self-care. 

The Importance of Everyday Self-Care: By Jocelyn Copeland
We’ve all had those weeks where everything feels like too much. School deadlines, activities, family, and the pressure to keep it all together. I used to think self-care meant doing something big, like taking a trip or buying something new. But over time, I’ve learned that self-care is really about the small, everyday things that help us slow down, breathe, and remember who we are.

For me, self-care looks different every day. Sometimes it’s sitting on the porch for five quiet minutes before school, just listening to the wind. Other times, it’s journaling after a long day or letting myself rest without feeling guilty. The truth is that self-care isn’t selfish. It’s how we recharge so we can show up for others with more patience, kindness, and hope.

One thing that’s helped me is reminding myself that I don’t need to “earn” rest. We all deserve to take breaks, even when our to-do lists aren’t finished. When I treat rest as necessary rather than optional, I find I’m more focused, happier, and more present with the people around me.

If you’re not sure where to start, try one small thing each day:

• Take a short walk without your phone.
• Write down three things you’re grateful for.
• Text a friend to say you appreciate them.
• Listen to music that makes you feel calm or strong.

These simple actions can make a big difference. Self-care doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to be intentional. This November, as life gets busier and the year winds down, I hope you’ll give yourself permission to slow down and take care of your heart and mind. The way we treat ourselves sets the tone for how we treat others. When we practice kindness toward ourselves, we spread that same kindness through our school and our community. So, take that breath. Step outside. You deserve to feel whole, not just busy.

CCMS
Fridays in Torri Conley’s 7th-grade classroom are for reading meetings. Last week, reading groups focused on exploring nonfiction articles, practicing comprehension, and discussion skills. Students also got to celebrate their hard work with the class “wheel spin,” earning spins for completing homework, reading, notebook checks, character dares in advisory, and other exceptional behaviors. “It’s a fun way to end the week while recognizing students for their effort and positive choices,” Conley said. 

Numa
At Numa, students and staff are recognized each month for demonstrating SOAR expectations across the school. Classes earn special “Golden Awards” for excellence in areas like behavior, teamwork, and responsibility. Staff members are also recognized with Golden Awards for outstanding teamwork and innovative ideas, making it a fun way to celebrate the efforts of the whole school community. Library winners include Lisa Fritz and Vickie Purrell’s classes, who earned the Golden Book for SOAR behavior in the library; Colleen Tutty and Barb Hickox’s classes, who won the Golden Sneaker for SOAR behavior and sportsmanship in PE; Jerrilynn Nall and Lacey Kerr’s classes, who received the Golden Lunch Tray for SOAR behavior in the cafeteria; and Heidi Emke and Purrell’s classes, who were awarded the Golden Clock for excellent attendance. On the playground, Tutty and Ken Brouse’s classes earned the Golden Whistle for lining up with SOAR behavior, while Tutty and Leslie Brown’s classes won the Golden Duck for perseverance during a field trip. Gayle Webb, Numa’s office manager, was recognized with the Golden Lightbulb for her many great ideas. Picture below: Numa - Office Manager Gayle Webb joins students from each of the winning classes as they show off their Golden Awards.

E.C. Best 
Students at ECB celebrated Red Ribbon Week, a nationwide campaign that promotes making healthy, drug-free choices. As part of the festivities, the school hosted its annual Door-Decorating Contest, where classrooms competed with creative designs that reflected Red Ribbon Week’s themes. First, second, and third-place winners received classroom parties with pizza, ice cream, cookies, and popcorn. This year’s winners were Kristina Russell’s 3rd-grade class in first place, Jenna McElhannon’s 2nd-grade class in second, and Amy Bell’s 2nd-grade class in third. 

Lahontan 
Students in Faith Dellera’s first-grade class put their persuasive writing skills to work by creating “Don’t Eat Turkey” posters. Each student crafted a poster encouraging others to choose alternative foods for Thanksgiving, complete with three compelling reasons to support their argument. This activity allowed students to practice organizing their ideas, using persuasive language, and expressing their opinions in a fun, creative way.