Monday Mustang Message – February 16, 2026

Why so tired?

Many of our students report feeling tired and unable to focus while at school. This makes getting to school on time, as well as participating and learning, difficult. Here are a few ways to help your kids (and yourself!) feel better in the mornings and ready to participate and thrive:

Simple Sleep Checklist for Families

• Stick to a Schedule: Keep the same bedtime and wake time 7 days a week.
• Create a 30-60 Minute Routine: Do the same calming activities every night (e.g., bath, PJ’s, reading a book, brush teeth).
• Power Down Screens: Turn off TVs, tablets, phones, and video games at least 1 hour before bed.
• Keep Bedrooms “Sleepy”: Make the room dark (use curtains), quiet, and cool (roughly 65-70°F).
• Watch Afternoon Intake: Avoid caffeine (soda, chocolate, tea) in the afternoon and evening.
• Daily Movement: Encourage physical activity during the day to help kids fall asleep faster at night.
• Dim the Lights: Dim house lights 1 hour before bedtime to help the body prepare for sleep.
• Keep it out of Bed: Keep computers, TVs, and phones out of the bedroom. 

Elementary Sleep Needs (Age 6-12): Aim for 9 to 12 hours of sleep per 24 hours. 

For more information about the importance of sleep for kids, check out this article.