A Sigh of Relief?


"Someone else...
Always seems to know the way"

Lovely Day by Bill Withers

🟒 Need a hand to support your child in school? Book at 1:1 call today! Prices go up Aug 1

Hi Reader,

Last week I started to write my email with updates on the state of public education funding in the US...then I stopped because I heard some rumblings.

I didn't want to stress you out if the game was about to change

And so I abandoned last week's email to see what would happen. And within a few days...

The funding was released!

The Department of Education (DoEd) froze $6.8 billion in education funding. Much of this funding was for "teacher training, after-school programs, summer programs and services for migrant students and English learners" (source)​

As the days ticked toward the 2025-26 school year a series of states and school districts opened lawsuits claiming the DoEd could not freeze these funds. Congress had to take action to freeze it. And thankfully, the pressure worked- the funding was released on July 25.

I'm so happy to see lawmakers from both parties could come together for education. Though, I fear this is the beginning of a cycle of funding squeezes and freezes.

Keep an eye on public education...and if there's a local nonprofit after school program you love, this is a great time to donate. Many of them rely significantly on grants from the DoEd for funding. My favorites are Our Bridge for Kids and The Boys and Girls Club​

What's New?

🫢 Let's have a check in call!: Debating if your child should start kindergarten "early or late?" Is your kiddo struggling in school? Debating between 2 schools? These 45 minute 1:1 calls are designed to get all your questions answered. Due to the amount of research I do to prep for these calls, I'm raising prices from $70 to $99 on August 1. Book your call now to get the lowest price ever- it does not expire, so you can schedule it whenever it works for you.

🌴 Secret Vacation: Last weekend I took Mike on a secret vacation for his belated birthday. I've been keeping the location secret since I booked it in March! We had a wonderful getaway at Trailborn Surf & Sound in Wrightsville Beach, NC. We swam all day while sipping on pina coladas. PS- this hotel was very family friendly!

Things I Love

πŸ’© Your dishwasher stinks: Yeah I said it- time to clean it! Use this cleaner once a month to keep it fresh.

😍 Minis!: Minis are buy one get one free at Ulta this week! Perfect for travel and surprising the skincare obsessed tween in your life. I stocked up on Clinique's cleanser balm (breaks down thick sunscreen), purse sized Super Goop, and a mini tarte highlighter for a tween in my life who wants to shimmer but isn't ready for makeup.

Thanks for reading today! I hope to see some of you in check in calls- I always love getting to know you better :)

Primary Focus Newsletter

Learn about the latest news in education and tips to help your kids thrive in elementary school. Delivered to your inbox every Tuesday. Primary Focus was founded by Natalie Parmenter, a former kindergarten teacher to guide parents through elementary school. We provide information that is often common knowledge to teachers but is not widely known among parents. Primary Focus is dedicated to enlightening parents on all things elementary school so their children can thrive.

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