Dear Sopris Parents,
We have been having a great start to the school year! It is wonderful seeing the many new families that have joined us this year, 36 new students in 1st through 5th grades. We also want to wish the families well that have left and moved on to other towns and schools, 22 students in 1st through 5th grades. Regardless of whether you are new to SES or returning, we welcome you!

This new school year, like so many before, ushers in change. Change at this time of year can take many forms: earlier bedtimes and wake up times, new sports and after school activities, homework, new friends and classmates, new teachers, more time away from family, new academic expectations, etc.... In observing many of these kinds of changes in our own two families, as well as talking with many of you about them, we are feeling compelled to comment and hopefully make change easier. It is important to keep in mind that while these changes can be exciting and energizing, they can also come with more negative emotion and challenge for our kids and even us as adults. As parents, we can ease the impacts of change by quickly establishing the routines to make life more predictable. Further, try to make daily time with your kids to listen to their accounting of all the new experiences they are having, and then prompt them to comment on how they are feeling as well. Share some of your own emotions and ways that you handle when things feel difficult. Remember there is power in the basics, such as extra sleep, fresh air, and getting enough to eat, that can never be underestimated. Lastly, try to give grace and kindness with your kids and yourselves if a "melt down" happens. Remember that it is temporary and an honest response to a whole bunch of change at once. If it is not feeling temporary, know we are always here for you to help in any way we can. 

We wish you and your family a wonderful start to the school year!

Dave and Carrie 

Dave Lindenberg, Principal
Carrie Hassel, Assistant Principal