"Gloriana, Frangipana
E'er to her be true
She's the pride of Indiana
Hail to old IU"

Hail to Old IU by Indiana University's Alma Mater & Fight Song

Hello Reader,

Ok ok, before we dive into today's topic let me explain. I'm the type of person that is deeply disinterested in sports....but you'll also find me sobbing at an underdog sports story.

The past few years I've become deeply connected with Indiana University. My grandfather was a professor there for most of his career. Since he passed away last year I've been visiting my grandmother there often. I've fallen in love with Bloomington, IN and this charming university. Watching the story of IU's undefeated football team, cobbled together from last round picks has been breathtaking. They join a long legacy of scrappy Indiana teams winning against all odds.

I hope your baby feels a win like this one day 🩷

Ok, but mid year testing...does it matter?

Mid year testing in elementary school can feel like an unnecessary hassle. It's tempting to write off scores of tests taken right after winter break in the middle of cold + flu season.

But they are super important, and will direct the trajectory of your child's school year. Here's why:

Jan, Feb, March is when the work happens. This is the longest uninterrupted stretch of learning in the school year. Content gets more challenging and teachers will ask more of their students.

This is the point where your child can turn things around. If you're getting hints your child is struggling, DOUBLE DOWN. Hire a tutor, ask for support, and build in intentional review time at home.

Concerned about their test results? Book a call with me and I'll make a plan to best support them and help you communicate with the school.

For kindergartners: Children in kindergarten universally bomb their beginning of year tests. The middle of year tests is the first real data point to see what they've learned. Kindergarten teachers will use this to predict where they will be performing at the end of the year. It feels like they are getting to know their students all over again

For 1st -2nd grade: This is an important moment for students. They are starting to understand that they have control over their performance. You may see your child is having real discussions, reflections, and goal setting for their grades. Help them know that so long as they are trying, they are doing it right.

For 3rd - 5th grade: Your child may start to feel like they are just a test score. I know that's icky, and I'm sorry. Predictions on how kids can score on tests from middle to the end of tear are taken really seriously. Your child's teacher will do everything they can to give them the edge. Take it seriously, but make sure your child's self esteem / worth is being nurtured elsewhere.

What's New?

🏠 Let's Figure This Out: Did you get into 2 or 3 schools you applied for? Let me help you pick! In 30 minutes we will dive into school data, how the program will match your child's personality / needs, and my true opinion if the school matches its reputation. Plus if you've been to one of my workshops you can get a $10 discount (message me for code). Book here! ​

♎️ Word of the Year: The word of the year for 2026 is balance. I used to live in the world of work hard play hard...but now I shall work, play, and rest to maintain my balance. Do you have a word of the year?

Things I Love

🤧 Immune Support: This cold and flu season has been no joke. I'm washing my hands constantly and taking Llama Naturals vitamins to support my immune system. Made from real organic fruit puree they are tasty and nutrient packed. Save 20% with code: primaryfocus​

🛷 Get your kids a sled: If you live in the Southeast then you've probably heard about this MASSIVE snowstorm coming our way. Get your kids a sled- this one is pink, on sale, and has next day delivery. Mine arrives today 🤫

📚 Reading it Again: One of the best memoirs I've ever read was Educated by Tara Westover. I've been thinking about it ever since and am reading it again. Raised in a borderline cultish religious survivalist family in rural Idaho (think Ruby Ridge), Westover didn't get a birth certificate until she was 9 years old. Her memoir explains her unique childhood and how she broke away from her family.

Go Hoosiers!