As the school year winds down, summer offers a great opportunity for students to recharge while continuing to grow. Staying healthy over the summer means taking care of our minds, bodies, and relationships!

Physically, encourage your child to stay active. Whether it’s swimming at the lake, riding bikes, helping in the garden, or heading down to Singleton Park to play on the toys. Movement supports both physical and emotional well-being.

Academically, small routines go a long way. Summer reading, journaling, or fun educational games can help students keep their brains sharp and avoid the “summer slide.” Just 15–20 minutes a day can make a big difference!

Socially and emotionally, help your child stay connected. Playdates, family game nights, or community events give students opportunities to practice kindness, communication, and problem-solving. 

Managing Screen Time is also crucial. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends limiting screen time to one hour per day of high-quality programming for children aged 2 to 5 years (AAP, 2025). For older children, the AAP emphasizes the importance of balancing screen use with other activities, focusing on the quality of content, and ensuring that screen time doesn't interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other essential behaviors. 

Most importantly, summer is a time to rest, reflect, and reset. I encourage families to find a balance between fun and structure, and don’t forget to make memories together!

Wishing all our Manson School District families a safe, healthy, and joy-filled summer!

Mr. Zach Phelps 

Elementary School Counselor