December 2025: As we head into winter break, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your school community. It has been such a joy to support the students at B.F. Day!

Winter break can offer a chance to pause, breathe, and restore in ways that feel most nourishing—whether that means cozying up with a favorite book or movie, spending time with loved ones, or enjoying a quiet moment between activities. Even small moments of rest send a powerful message to our minds and bodies that our well-being matters.

This season can invite us to strengthen our connections—with others and ourselves. I hope you find what brings you joy and notice small moments of delight woven into everyday routines and shared smiles. The winter holidays can also bring up big feelings for children and families—excitement, worry, disappointment, or overwhelm. Here are a few gentle ways to support your child during the break.

Three Tips to Help Children Manage Big Feelings during the break:

1. Keep simple routines when possible. Regular times for meals, sleep, and movement can help children feel grounded and safe, even during busy days.
2. Name and normalize feelings. Let your child know that all feelings are okay. Saying things like, “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated—want to tell me about it?” can help them feel understood.
3. Offer calming choices. Deep breathing, drawing, stretching, listening to music, or taking a quiet break can help children reset when emotions feel big.

Wishing you a peaceful, nourishing, and joy-filled holiday season. May your days be restful, your connections meaningful, and your days full of warmth.

~ Happy Winter Break! Your Proud School Counselor, Tobi

November 2025: I am so excited to share an update from our school counseling program. Thank you for all the generous support for our food pantry—your contributions have meant so much to many of our families during the loss of SNAP benefits.

Over the past few months, I’ve had the joy of visiting every classroom to complete the ZONES curriculum, teach responsive lessons and groups, and support weekly SEL in 1st grade. We’ve launched lunch bunches for every grade level and began our Changing Families group. It has truly been a pleasure getting to know your children and supporting your families.

I’m also thrilled to introduce a new soft-start mindful morning time: Tea Time with Tobi!

This is a calm, cozy way for students to begin their day with mindfulness, gratitude, and connection. It’s open to any student who may need a gentle start to the morning, a little extra support, or simply enjoys a mindful moment (and tea!).

Tea Time with Tobi Schedule:
• Mondays, 7:50–8:05 a.m.— Ms. Banta’s Room (207, Grades 4–5)
• Tuesdays, 7:50–8:05 a.m.— Office Meeting Room (Grades K–1)
• Mondays, 9:45–10:00 a.m. — Tobi’s Office (Grades 2–3)

I look forward to sharing warm tea, peaceful moments, and a joyful start to the day with our students! Please contact me at tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org if you need more information or have any questions.

Small Groups “Changing Families”

I’m excited to share that I’ll be starting our first K–5 small groups of the year on Changing Families (Divorce, Separation). Groups will likely be split into K–2 and 3–5, depending on interest. There has been strong interest from staff, parents, and students to support kids navigating family changes. These small groups will provide a supportive space to build social-emotional skills through weekly lessons and activities over the course of 6 weeks.

Group Focus: The Changing Families group will help students:

• Recognize and express feelings around family changes
• Understand and accept different family structures
• Connect with peers experiencing similar transitions
• Learn healthy and supportive coping strategies

We’ll use books and creative activities to support learning in a developmentally appropriate way. Please contact me at tlnussbaum@seattleschools.org if you need more information or have any questions.

Thank you for your ongoing support — I look forward to partnering with you!