Greetings HFMS Families,

Spring is here which means summer is right around the corner. With those things in mind the message remains the same for our students – finish strong! Please continue to stay on your kiddos and remind them of the importance of having a positive final marking period. Warmer weather means more activities and at times more distractions. We can all find ourselves guilty of looking ahead prematurely and losing focus. We also have numerous upcoming positive school activities and I want to make sure all of our students remain eligible grade and behavior wise so that they can fully participate.

I hope you all have an outstanding “Spring Break 2026” and are able to find time to relax and recharge for that final push to summer. As always, please do not ever hesitate to reach out to myself or our admin team if there are questions or concerns you have at any time throughout the school year.

Take care,

Eric R. Vandell
Principal, HFMS evandell@k12.wv.us

As we settle into the school year, many students—of all ages—experience moments of worry or
stress. Anxiety can show up in different ways: stomachaches before school, “what if” questions,
irritability, trouble sleeping, or even avoiding activities they used to enjoy. It can also affect
attendance. These feelings are common, and with the support of caring adults, students can learn
healthy ways to cope. Here are some strategies you can use at home to help your child understand
and manage anxious thoughts.
⭐ 1. Normalize Their Feelings- Children feel safer when they know what they’re experiencing is
normal.
• Try saying: “It makes sense that you’re feeling worried. Everyone feels anxious sometimes.”
• Avoid dismissing feelings (“You’re fine,” “Stop worrying”). Instead, validate them.
⭐ 2. Teach the Power of Naming the Emotion- Research shows that “naming it to tame it”
helps calm the brain.
• Encourage students to identify what they’re feeling:
“I’m nervous about the test.”
“I’m worried something will go wrong.”
• Use feeling charts to help younger children find the right words.
⭐ 3. Practice Calm Breathing Together- Deep breathing signals the brain and body to slow
down. Try these simple techniques. Just 2–3 minutes can reset their nervous system.
• Box Breathing: Inhale 4 seconds → Hold 4 → Exhale 4 → Hold 4
• Smell the Flower, Blow Out the Candle (great for younger kids)
⭐ 4. Help Them Challenge “What If” Thoughts- Anxious thoughts often start with worst-case
scenarios. Encourage realistic, balanced thinking—not forced positivity.
You can help your child reframe:
• “What if I fail the quiz?”
→ “What if you do your best and remember more than you think?”
• “What if nobody talks to me?”
→ “Let’s think of one person you can say hello to first.”
⭐ 5. Build Predictable Routines- Consistent routines help students feel more in control. Stability
reduces anxiety more than we realize.
• Create a morning and bedtime schedule
• Use checklists for backpacks and homework
• Prepare things the night before to reduce stress
⭐ 6. Limit Reassurance—Build Problem-Solving Instead- Help strengthen confidence and
resilience. Instead of repeatedly saying “It will be fine,” try:
• “What’s one small step you can take to feel more prepared?”
• “If the situation feels uncomfortable, what could you try first?”
⭐ 7. Encourage Healthy Habits- A healthy body supports a healthy mind. Even 10 minutes of
movement can lower stress levels.
• Regular sleep
• Nutritious meals
• Time outdoors
• Breaks from screens
• Physical activity
⭐ 8. Model Calm Behavior- Children watch how we respond to stressful moments. Your selfregulation becomes their learning tool. Try narrating your own strategies:
• “I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a deep breath.”
• “Let me think of a plan before I react.”
⭐ 9. Know When to Seek Extra Support
If anxiety lasts several weeks, interferes with school or daily life, causes physical symptoms such as
frequent stmachaches or headaches, or leads to avoidance of normal activities then partnering with
the school counselor, pediatrician, or a licensed mental health professional may be helpful. We’re
here to support your family every step of the way. Parentguidance.org offers free parenting coaching
and therapist-created content to WV parent for free.

💬 Final Thought
Helping students manage anxiety is a team effort. With patience, understanding, and simple tools
practiced regularly, children can learn to navigate their feelings with confidence. Please reach out if
your child needs additional support—we are always here to help.