Jewish day schools are taking proactive measures to help students transition to high school, focusing on self-advocacy, independence and emotional resilience. Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike, Ohio, and the Joseph and Florence Mandel Jewish Day School in Beachwood, Ohio, start preparations as early as sixth and seventh grades, emphasizing study skills, organization and involvement in extracurricular activities.

Elementary reading blocks vary widely in structure, despite state laws mandating evidence-based instruction that includes phonics, vocabulary and comprehension. Kindergarten teacher Anjanette McNeely integrates reading and writing throughout her day, blending social studies and science content, while first-grade teacher Jeannette Symmonds adjusts her schedule based on student needs, balancing foundational skills and content literacy.

Thomas Courtney, a sixth-grade humanities teacher, shares strategies for maintaining a peaceful classroom before winter break. He suggests using calming music to start classes, allowing longer transition times and maintaining clear accountability for students.

Matt Novak, an elementary-school principal, developed a weekly "MAP" -- a meeting of alignment and priorities -- to help school leaders stay grounded in their mission and concentrate on high-impact work amid daily demands. The process emphasizes reflection, prioritization and intentional planning to ensure strategic tasks such as coaching teachers and improving instruction remain at the center of leadership efforts.

Students at St. Peter's Catholic School in Columbia, S.C., have exceeded their goal of raising $300 for the Tim Tebow Foundation through a holiday cookie fundraiser. Fifth- and sixth-grade students baked, decorated and packaged the cookies, which family members bought for students to enjoy during lunch.

Chill Rooms, part of the Allegheny Health Network's Chill Project, are providing a vital mental health resource for students in Pennsylvania. The rooms offer a calming environment and access to behavioral health educators and clinicians, helping students manage anxiety, depression and bullying.