Dear Crescent Families,                                                                                                                                                                                         March 5, 2025

As we step into March and move our clocks forward Sunday morning, we welcome the longer days, the promise of Spring, and the transition to Daylight Savings Time. While this change brings excitement and fresh opportunities, it can also bring challenges for students and adults alike. Research has shown that the time change can lead to sleep disruptions, with a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine finding that high school students lose an average of 32 minutes of sleep per night following the shift, leading to increased daytime sleepiness and decreased focus. For younger children, disruptions in routine and sleep can contribute to increased emotional sensitivity, while middle school students may struggle with motivation and energy levels during the school day.

At Crescent School District, we recognize that this seasonal shift impacts everyone—students, families, and even staff. It’s not uncommon to see an increase in frustration, a decrease in patience, and changes in behavior as we all adjust to these transitions. While students may struggle with focus and emotions, teachers and staff are also navigating these challenges while continuing to create positive learning environments. This is why patience and grace are so important during this time. If we can all extend understanding—to our students, our colleagues, neighbors, and ourselves—it will make this transition smoother for everyone.

Here are a few simple ways to help your child adjust during this time:

• Maintain Consistent Routines – Gradually adjusting bedtime and wake-up times before the time change can ease the transition. Younger children benefit from a predictable evening routine, while middle schoolers may need encouragement to maintain regular sleep schedules.
• Encourage Outdoor Activity – More daylight provides a great opportunity for students to get outside, move their bodies, and release extra energy in a positive way. Elementary-aged children, in particular, benefit from outdoor play, while middle schoolers may appreciate structured physical activities.
• Foster Open Conversations – Seasonal changes can impact mood. Elementary students may not always recognize their feelings of frustration or tiredness, so helping them name their emotions can be useful. Middle schoolers may experience increased irritability and can benefit from reminders that their feelings are normal during this transition.
• Support Healthy Sleep Habits – Reducing screen time before bed and keeping a steady bedtime routine are especially helpful for younger students. Middle schoolers, who may be tempted to stay up later, benefit from clear expectations around sleep.
• Practice Patience and Grace – During this time, it’s common to see an increase in frustration, both in students and adults. By showing patience, grace, and understanding, we can create an environment that helps everyone manage the transition with more ease.

We also encourage you to take a moment to check in with your student—ask how they’re feeling, how their days are going, and if they need any extra support. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a big difference in helping them navigate these changes. If you notice that your child is struggling with focus, mood, or behavior during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to their teacher, school counselor, or principal. We are here to support students in any way we can, and open communication between home and school is essential in helping students succeed.

We appreciate your partnership in helping our students thrive. Thank you for all you do to create a positive and nurturing learning environment for our students—and for your patience and grace as we navigate this transition together.

Sincerely,
 Mr. David Bingham
 Superintendent
 Crescent School District