Maybe you noticed that this blog hasn’t been updated in a few weeks? Just asking for a friend. This is the time of year when it is very hard for me to stay focused. It seems the busier I get, the harder it is for me to actually accomplish important tasks. I’m seeing (and fearing) the same for my kids too. If I can’t get away with mailing it in until the end of the year, neither can they. As a focused school employee—and motivated parent looking for ways to support my less than motivated student—I consulted with our Upper School Learning Specialists Anne Sellon and Kathryn Roessler, on how to survive thrive through the end of the school year.

Doesn't it feel great when other people recognize and validate what we know to be true? As a parent and school photographer with the honor of seeing our amazing teachers in action frequently, I know with certainty St. Stephen's and St. Agnes has award-winning teachers. So when two of our teachers are recognized as such, I am ecstatic to share the news!

Tuesday is hip hop dance. Wednesday is yoga. Thursday is cross-training. Sunday is lacrosse. Basketball hasn't been scheduled yet. Exhausted much? That's my 10-year-old's activity schedule. Kids don’t have to think about developing their brains﹣but as parents, we are thinking about it on their behalf. Experts agree, brain development happens naturally as kids explore the world around them. So, it makes sense that the more parents add to and vary their children’s daily experiences, the more connections the brain is building. On top of that, we want them to be active and love learning new things. So of course after-school activities are good for kids but how frequently and which ones are the best?