"Out for summer, out 'til fall
We might not come back at all"

School's Out by Alice Cooper

Hi Reader,

The end of the school year is a big deal. It marks growth, effort, and a whole lot of learning (in and out of the classroom!). But let’s be honest: it’s also a really busy time.

I'm sharing 5 simple, repeatable end-of-year traditions you can start now and keep going year after year. These aren’t complicated Pinterest projects, they’re easy moments that celebrate your child, create memories, and fit into real-life schedules.

1. 🍦 A Special Treat: Go out for donuts, stop by your neighborhood ice cream shop, or grab slushies after school. Extra points if it’s walkable from home or near a park for a little post-treat stroll. The key is making it feel like a celebration: something that says, You did it!
2. 🎈 Balloons at Pick-Up: Surprise them at the bus stop or carpool line with balloons. It’s festive, unexpected, and makes for some super cute photos.
3. 🌳 Lazy Day at the Park: Plan a chill afternoon at the park with a few friends. Bring a blanket, snacks, bubbles, buy keep it low-key. This is affordable, simple to throw together, and reminds kids that free play is a joyful way to stay entertained.
4. 💎 Milestone Jewelry: This one’s for the big transitions like graduating 5th, 8th, or 12th grade. Start a small tradition of giving a piece of jewelry with their birthstone or another meaningful gem. (My parents did this for me- mine was peridot instead of October opals, because I was obsessed with lime green. Still makes me smile!) It’s a special way to mark the moment and build a keepsake collection over time.
5. 📹 Yearly Video or Journal: Ask the same few questions each year and record their answers on video, or write them down in a journal. Think: What was your favorite subject this year? Who was your best friend? What do you want to be when you grow up? It’s fun to look back on—and becomes more meaningful every year.

Do you have any end of year traditions? Respond to this email to share.

What's New?

🎥 Which is which?: When looking for K-12 schools you'll come across the terms Charter, Magnet, Private, and Public. But do you know the differences between these types of schools? And though they all have the opportunity to give your child a great education, some are more risky than others. Learn more here!​

☺️ Proud moment: Selling out my workshop has been a huge milestone for me. I'm so happy to add a second date to the Kindergarten School Talk Workshop. Hope to see you there Mon 6/23!

✈️ On the move: This weekend I'll be at the Soulcial Suite Retreat in Lake Norman, NC and next week I'm headed to Craft + Commerce in Boise, Idaho. These conferences focus on content creators and solo business owners. I'm so excited to attend both. Will you be at either of these?

Things I Love

⛱️ Summer Camp for Rising 6th Graders: Charlotte, NC folks- Need a last minute summer camp for your rising 6th grader? Check out Michelle Icard's camps focused on preparing kids for middle school. They help children prepare for social situations, stay organized, and learn to make friends. She's got a few spots left ​

👚 Matches everything: I bought this knit cardigan to make a sundress more business appropriate, but I've been wearing it with everything. The scalloped sleeves make it really romantic and pretty.

📚 The Summer Read: I'm so excited because my mentor Chelsea Fagan published her second novel. It has become THE summer beach read. I started it last night and it's JUICY! Are you reading The High Dive?​

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