Lower School Division News May 1, 2025

By Dr. Debra Sass, Lower School Division Head

Dear parents and families,

Winston parents typically recognize that their child's mental health and sense of well-being are often tied to their academic performance.  They are aware that the classroom can be an overwhelming environment for some students, and they show unconditional support and interest in who their children are as individuals – beyond their grades. Curricular demands start to increase around third or fourth grade, and social hierarchies begin to form around fifth grade. These developmental years can be a turbulent time.  Children are beginning to form their identity, and instability can make it easy for students to think negatively about themselves and their academic abilities.  We want to help nurture positive self-esteem and self-efficacy from an early age at Winston.  Parents can support our efforts by including affirmations in their interactions with their children.

Affirmations are positive, encouraging statements that parents can say, and children can repeat to themselves to reinforce a desired mindset. When parents incorporate these into their daily routine, they play a "significant role in the healthy development of children" with benefits to their emotional, psychological and social well-being, says Lea Theodore, a psychology professor at Adelphi University in New York.  "With respect to academics, a child with a confident and positive mindset can translate that into better academic performance," she says. "Children who believe in their abilities are more likely to actively engage in learning, take the initiative and persist through academic challenges. What happens is they actually build resilience. I can’t underscore enough how important resilience becomes for children."

You will find a number of my favorite affirmations below.  These affirmations are recommended by CALM, a mental health app designed to help followers sleep more, stress less and live more mindfully.  Follow this link to explore this popular app further. https://www.calm.com/blog/essentials

1. I believe in myself.

2. I can do hard things.

3. I am a good friend.

4. My best is enough.

5. Differences make us special.

6. I can do whatever I set my mind to.

7. I learn from my mistakes.

8. I can make today as amazing as I want.

9. I make a positive difference in the world.

10. I am loved and appreciated.

11. I can find solutions to my challenges.

12. I am creative and open to new solutions.

13. I respect myself and others.

14. I am responsible for my actions.

15. I am a good example to others. 

Nothing can dim the light that shines from within,

Dr. Debra Sass