January 8, 2026
from Dr. Lori-Anne Brogdon, head of school
Though we have only been back in school for nearly one week, it seems like winter break was a long time ago. Much has happened in our world since the start of 2026. It is difficult for me to personally reconcile between the joy I felt at times over break with the heaviness of events and stress that continues to surround us. Until recent years, I was accustomed to winter breaks and New Year’s events reaping more joy and peace. However, I have also learned that even through difficult times, it is essential to appreciate those moments of joy, for they should not be forgotten, and instead be held onto.
My relatively newfound appreciation for the unpredictability of winter break has also spread its way into how I look at New Year’s resolutions. For as long as I can remember, every winter season commercial and marketing material reminds me to think of resolutions that fit the motto, “New Year. New You!” Several years ago, I abandoned that idea of creating a new me. The anxiety and self-induced pressure to set goals on something usually bigger than I would ever actually attain typically led me to feel a sense of failure. Instead, I now follow a different motto, “New Year, a continued growing version of me.” And based on some current articles and websites, it looks like I may not be alone. A recent article in Edutopia.org was titled, “New Year’s Resolutions: Don’t Do it!” On Heart.org, the author recommended making healthy resolutions modest and manageable. Finally, on lefbrainbuddha.com, the article “A Mindful Approach to New Year’s Resolutions” focused on intentions, process, and alternatives to approaching resolutions.
Working in education, there is a cyclical rhythm already in place for the adults and students alike, with goals for growth already built in and expected of us. Rather than coming up with new goals, I now think of the new calendar year as a time to do a gut and mind check to reflect on where my intentions for the school year began, where they have brought me thus far, and where and how I can keep growing. In the end, I’ve resolved to keep trying and doing my best, because I know there are going to be times when my ability to try, or what my best is, might look or feel different due to things that may or may not be out of my control. However, being able to reflect and ask myself, “Did I try to do my best? And if not, what got in the way?” will hopefully help me grow.
I also recognize that for some, New Year’s resolutions may be a family tradition to find time and ways to set some together. For others, setting resolutions may provide the motivation and accountability that works best for them. I recently read an article on healthychildren.org that shared an interesting and positive take on how caregivers and parents can support their children in setting resolutions. They included goals that folded safety and health into the process. In addition to making reasonable promises, they offered the use of terms such as “try,” “learn,” and “do what I can,” as ways of creating reasonable expectations and accountability for children of all ages. While the article was geared towards children, I also really appreciated how this approach could be adapted for adults.
Some that I personally made note of for students were:
- I will try new foods when I can, especially all the different colors of vegetables.
- I will do my best to be nice to other kids who need a friend, look sad, or lonely.
- When faced with a difficult decision, I will talk about my choices with an adult I can trust.
- I will tell an adult about bullying that I see or hear about to do what I can to help keep school safe for everyone.
- I will drink water every day and healthy beverages like milk with meals. I will keep soda and fruit drinks only for special times.
- I will try to get 8 to 10 hours of sleep that my body needs each night.
However you choose to start the new year, I hope that 2026 brings you peace, love, and joy. I know everyone needs and deserves some every day, and every year.
I look forward to what we, as a community, will accomplish together as we continue to grow and learn with one another.
