The Snowball Tournament is a long-standing tradition at NFA, bringing together ten teams, including Norwood-Fontbonne, to compete for the championship. After last year’s huge 50th-anniversary celebration, this year’s tournament had a lot to live up to. With new leadership stepping in, they worked hard to keep the Snowball spirit alive.
The tournament kicked off on Wednesday with a strong start as our JV boys secured a win. On Thursday, the NFA JV boys and JV girls took the court but, unfortunately, both fell short. Friday brought more intense matchups, while the Varsity boys took down their heated rivals, OMC, the Varsity girls fought hard but came up just short against SPN in a close game.
Saturday was packed with action. The JV B boys won two games to secure a spot in the final, while the JV A boys punched their ticket to the championship after a hard-fought win against GFS. Meanwhile, the Varsity boys dominated Greenwoods in a heated game full of trash talk, earning their place in Sunday’s championship.
Championship Sunday was one for the books. The JV B boys kicked off the day
Dynamic Duo: Coach Kim & Coach Dom Lead Girls
Varsity with Passion and Purpose
By Soren Maybruck & Shelby Stefan
On Tuesday, January 14th, we had the opportunity to interview Coach Kim Koschineg Stefan ‘90 and Coach
with a big win, claiming the championship title. The JV A boys battled hard but fell short against Saint Luke’s in their final. At noon, the Varsity boys faced off against Saint Alphonsus in a nail-biting game. Unfortunately, after some questionable calls that fouled out Sam Smith and Jabril Coleman, they fell just short of victory.
With that, the Snowball Tournament came to a close—until next year!
Dominique Rice ‘12, two dedicated and passionate leaders of the NFA Girls
Varsity Basketball Team. With the annual Snowball Tournament upon us, we wanted to learn more about their experiences, coaching philosophies, and what makes them such a strong team.
Coach Kim Koschineg Stefan
Coach Kim, who has been coaching at Norwood for several years, shared insights about her journey and the special bond she has with her players, including her daughter, Shelby. When asked about coaching her daughter, she said, “I love it. That’s the whole reason I started coaching.” She takes great pride in helping her players master the fundamentals of the game, which she believes are often overlooked in modern basketball.
We also asked about her experience coaching alongside Coach Dom for the past four years. With a heartfelt response, she shared, “I love it. I gained a family member, not just a friend. We are a fantastic team.” Their strong partnership has created a supportive and motivating environment for the players, and it’s clear they complement each other’s coaching styles perfectly.
When reflecting on her influences, Coach Kim credited her father and older brother for shaping her basketball career. She also mentioned her former coaches at Norwood, Annmarie Greenburg and Anne Porter, as well as her college assistant coach, as key mentors who inspired her coaching philosophy.
Looking ahead, Coach Kim expressed that she plans to step back from coaching next year to focus on watching her children play sports. “One of my favorite things to do is to watch my children play, so after this year, I think I’m really going to focus on that.” While her presence on the sidelines will be missed, there's no doubt she will continue to be the team's biggest supporter.
When asked why she and Coach Dom make such a strong coaching team, she said, “We are the best tag team at Norwood because we each bring something special and different to practices and games. We also have unique ways of connecting with the girls.” Their balance of coaching styles and mutual respect have made them an incredible duo that the team is lucky to have.
Coach Dominique Rice
We also had the chance to interview Coach Dominique, who has been coaching basketball at NFA for four years and has also coached lacrosse. She and Coach Kim have built a strong
connection over the years, and when asked about their coaching partnership, she said, “I think we're a great duo. We work really well together. Honestly, it's always fun, and we have a great time.”
Coach Dominique spoke highly of this year’s team, emphasizing its potential and strong work ethic. “I think you guys have a lot of talent. Once you really focus and zero in, you are a great team.
Norwood-Fontbonne Academy Ignites School Spirit with
Epic Pep Rally!
By: Sofia Hulitt and Elise Fitzgerald
On Friday, January 31, 2025, Norwood Fontbonne Academy brought back a beloved tradition—the Snowball Pep Rally! Students and teachers packed into the SJAH gym for an action-packed event, highlighted by
You work hard at practice, and even when we hit rough patches, you pull together and push through. I definitely see us having success this season.”
With the Snowball Tournament right around the corner, the team is fortunate to have such dedicated and inspiring coaches leading the way. Their passion, teamwork, and commitment to the players are what make them a truly exceptional coaching duo at Norwood.
an intense teacher vs. student basketball game.
Before the game, excitement filled the air. Maxine Christy predicted, “I think
the students will win because they have practiced more.” While Peyton Barnes couldn’t help but hype up the atmosphere, saying, “This music is fire!”
A big thanks to Mr. Wood for setting the tone with an awesome playlist.
The game itself was a nail-biter. The students started strong, holding the lead for much of the match. However, when eighth-grader Devin stepped in to play for the teachers, momentum shifted. In a thrilling finish, the teachers pulled off a narrow 31-28 victory!
During halftime, students participated in exciting games of knockout and musical chairs, adding even more fun to the event. To top it all off, the students were hilariously ‘toilet papered,’ making for a memorable moment.
The pep rally was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved. Even
weeks later, students were still buzzing about the game. With the tradition now revived, there’s already excitement building for next year’s showdown!
Stu t
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Annette Churchill Prepares for the Snowball Tournament
By: Lillian Virga
Annette Churchill, a 5th-grade student-athlete at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, is making an impact on the JV Girls Basketball team. As the Snowball Tournament approaches, she reflects on her journey in basketball and the team’s season so far.
Annette began playing basketball at the age of seven and joined the NFA team this year. One of her favorite moments of the season was the team’s first victory against Penn Charter.
Playing as a center, Annette also takes on the role of jump ball. When asked about her future in basketball, she shared that, for now, she plans to continue playing at the school level.
As for the team’s progress, Annette believes they have been working hard but remains uncertain about how far they will go in the Snowball Tournament.
Her passion for basketball began at home, where she first played on a court in her backyard. Enjoying the game led her to pursue it more seriously on a team.
With her first season at NFA underway, Annette looks forward to growing as a player and continuing her basketball journey in the years to come.
Hoops & Hustle: Isla’s Love for the Game
By: Nadia Roman
Isla, a 5th grader at Norwood Fontbonne Academy, shares what it takes to play on
the JV basketball team, the practice, dedication, and passion behind the game.
“I started playing basketball when I was six years old,” Isla shared.
When asked about her favorite part of basketball, she said, “Playing with my siblings. I love playing with them!”
Isla’s love for the sport started at home. “My mom and dad inspired me to play basketball because they both played in high school, and I wanted to be just like them!”
She also shared what first drew her to the game. “I started playing because I thought it would be fun, and I loved watching the Sixers on TV.”
Before games, Isla and her team feel a mix of emotions. “I feel nervous but also excited because I get to play, and it’s one of my favorite sports.”
Isla and her teammates are already looking forward to next season!
JV Girls Basketball Star: Autumn Wisher's Passion for the Game
By: Sofia Hulitt
I had the chance to sit down with JV girls basketball standout Autumn Wisher to talk about her season, her love for the game, and her hopes for the upcoming Snowball Tournament.
“Who do you think will win the Snowball Championship?” I asked.
“I think the varsity girls basketball team,” Autumn replied confidently.
Autumn has been playing basketball for two years and is excited for the tournament. When I asked her why she started playing, she said, “All of my friends were playing last year, and this year I'm doing it again because it was really fun last time!” She first joined the team in 5th grade and has been an integral part of the JV squad ever since.
“What’s your favorite position and why?”
“Front left on defense because I'm left-handed, so it's easier—and I just love being a front.”
Every position in basketball is important, but practice is key to improving. I asked Autumn when she finds time to practice, and she shared, “I only practice at school, but my mom got
me a basketball for Christmas, and she says we can go practice at the courts!”
It was great chatting with Autumn about her basketball journey. Best of luck to her and the JV girls basketball team for the rest of the NFA 2025 season!
Meet NFA Student President Malley Brandenham: A Leader On and Off the Court
By: Jabril Coleman
I had the privilege of sitting down with Norwood-Fontbonne Academy's student president, Malley Brandenham, to learn more about the person behind the leadership role. Malley exemplifies the
qualities of both a dedicated student and a team player, showing a remarkable balance between academics and extracurricular activities.
When asked how she maintains a positive attitude throughout the basketball season, Malley shared, “I can help maintain a good attitude by cheering everyone else up, even when I’m on the bench.” Her answer highlights her selflessness and dedication to supporting her team, regardless of whether she’s playing or not.
In addition to her athletic commitment, Malley is focused on her academic success. When asked about how she prepares for tests, she explained, “I study two days before the test to help me prepare.” This approach reflects her work ethic, ensuring she stays on top of her studies.
Over the summer, Malley had the opportunity to travel abroad with her cousins, enjoying a seven-day cruise through Italy and Spain. This experience not only broadened her horizons but also allowed her
to spend quality time with her family.
Looking ahead, Malley has not yet decided which high school she will attend, as she has applied to several schools, including Penn Charter, SCH, and GMA. No matter where she chooses to continue her education, it is clear that Malley Bradenham will continue to be a leader, both in the classroom and beyond.
Malley’s journey at Norwood-Fontbonne Academy reflects her dedication, academic ambition, and strong leadership qualities, making her an outstanding role model for her peers.
Jake Donovan: Basketball, Big Plans, and Saying Goodbye to NFA
By: Shelby Stefan
On January 7, 2025, I had the privilege of sitting down with Jake Donovan, an 8th grader at NFA who has been part of the school community for nine incredible years. During our interview, Jake reflected on some of his favorite memories, shared his excitement for upcoming events, and gave us a glimpse into his plans for the future.
When it comes to basketball, Jake is no stranger to the court. He’s been playing for eight years and joined the NFA team in 5th grade, continuing through 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. Naturally, I had to ask about the highly anticipated Snowball tournament. Jake’s excitement was infectious: “I am very hype. I think it will be a great opportunity to prove ourselves (Varsity A Boys Basketball
Team) against better competition. I’m excited to play in the games, watch the games, help at the snack bar, hang out with my friends, and reconnect with old ones.” Clearly, Snowball is more than just a tournament, it's a highlight of Jake’s NFA experience.
Of course, I couldn’t resist asking about his favorite Christmas gift this year. Without hesitation, Jake revealed it was an Xbox Series X. “I had the PS5, but it wasn’t great. I like how on the Xbox you can connect with your friends better,” he said. One of his favorite activities?
Creating football leagues with his friends and hopping on to play college football games together. “It’s pretty cool,” Jake added, with a grin.
As Jake prepares for the next chapter of his journey, he’s reflecting on his time at NFA. After learning in December that he was accepted into Saint Joseph’s Preparatory High School, Jake is ready to follow in the footsteps of his brother, Thomas. Leaving NFA after nearly a decade won’t be easy, but Jake feels confident about the future. “I would rate my experience at Norwood a nine out of ten. I’ve made great memories and awesome friendships at NFA, but I’m ready to go to high school. I think Norwood has definitely prepared me for my upcoming high school experience and will
forever have a special place in my heart.”
Jake Donovan is not only a talented athlete but also a thoughtful and well-spoken leader in the NFA community. With his drive and positive attitude, there’s no doubt he’s headed for great things.
NFA’s Swimmers Show Off Their Talents!
By: Megan Schneider and Sienna Stossel
New to NFA this year, the swim team is an extracurricular program for 4th-8th grade students, coached by Mr. D’Orazio and Ms. Maloney. The team had their first meet at Immaculata University, and despite having just one practice at the Greater Plymouth Community Center, they put on an impressive performance.
One of the swimmers, Elise Fitzgerald, shared her experience on the team. “I already swim at Lifetime, but my mom said that it would be fun to do it at NFA. Also, my friend joined, so I decided to do it,” she said. The NFA swim team provides a great opportunity for both experienced and new swimmers to
improve their skills while having fun with friends.
Mr. D’Orazio reflected on the team’s effort and dedication. “The NFA Bears swam hard and should be quite proud of themselves after the CAL meet. It's challenging to jump in the pool in the middle of January with kids you don't normally swim with, with only one practice under your belt, and still swim well—but they did a great job,” he said. He also highlighted how rewarding it was to see the students supporting each other. “I honestly loved seeing the kids cheer for one another. It makes all of the planning and organization completely worthwhile to see them happy for one another and high-fiving after each race.”
Beyond just competition, swimming offers lifelong benefits. Mr. D’Orazio emphasized that “on top of swimming being a life/safety skill, it is a wonderful exercise that works the whole body. It's
also very technical, so it allows children to concentrate and focus on their craft while also working together as a team to gain points.”
Overall, the NFA swimmers had a fantastic first season, showing determination, teamwork, and school spirit. Both coaches and swimmers are already looking forward to another great season next year!
Middle School Prayer Partners: Crafting Connections for a Good Cause
By Sienna Stossel & Lillian Virga
At Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, the tradition of prayer partners is bringing excitement and warmth to the school community. This beloved tradition pairs older students with younger ones, fostering meaningful connections while engaging in activities that benefit others.
On Friday, December 13th, 2024, all of the prayer partners gathered to create ornaments for families in need. As middle school students headed to the lower campus, the excitement in the air was palpable. "It was really nice to see all of the designs on the ornaments that the little kids made," shared Nadia Roman, reflecting on the fun and creative activity.
Prayer partners at NFA include students from 4th to 8th grade, who are paired with younger students to build
relationships and participate in meaningful projects. For example, 6th-grade students partner with JLB and JLC students, strengthening bonds across grade levels while supporting the community.
"Seeing the older and younger students work together is heartwarming," shared Miss Sheridan, a faculty member who supports the tradition. Ryan Meehan, a student participant, added, "We decorate ornaments with our prayer partners, and it was a really fun experience."
This event was a wonderful opportunity for students to bond, be creative, and spread holiday cheer. The connections formed through the prayer partner program are one of the most cherished aspects of NFA’s school culture, reminding everyone involved of the joy and warmth that comes from giving back and spending time together.
All Aboard! NFA’s Polar Express Brings Holiday Cheer
By Jabril Coleman
The Polar Express has been a fun tradition at NFA for the past two years, bringing holiday magic to students in grades K-5. On December 19th, the Commons transforms into a festive train station where students board their very own Polar Express experience.
While watching the classic holiday movie, students cozy up with a warm cup of hot chocolate, making for a perfect winter treat. Photos are taken throughout the event, capturing the joy and excitement as a keepsake of the special day.
This tradition was created to give younger students a chance to relax and celebrate together before winter break. After the movie, the fun continues with a lip dub performance, where students sing and dance to a festive song that is recorded and shared on NFA’s social media. To wrap up the day, students enjoy delicious treats and quality time with friends, making it a heartwarming way to head into the holiday season.
Festive Fun: 7th & 8th Graders Celebrate at the Annual Christmas Tea
By: Shelby Stefan
As the holiday season at NFA came to a close, the school was filled with festive traditions, the annual 8th-grade-led Christmas liturgy, beautifully decorated Jesse Trees, and stockings hung with care. To cap off the celebrations, the 7th and 8th graders gathered for a time-honored tradition: the Christmas Tea.
On December 20th, 2024, students came together for a feast, fun, and holiday cheer! Two long tables, one for 7th grade and one for 8th, were decorated with cheerful snowmen filled with candy, sparking conversation and excitement. As everyone settled in, students were invited up to get food. The menu featured delicious meatballs, chicken fingers, salad, and refreshing
drinks. And, of course, no holiday celebration is complete without dessert! The irresistible aroma of hot chocolate, cookies, and sweet treats filled the room, making it a highlight of the feast.
But the Christmas Tea wasn’t just about food, it was also packed with fun games and activities! No NFA event would be complete without the classic toilet paper snowman challenge, where students wrapped each other up to resemble frosty figures. The festivities continued with an exciting gift-passing game. Students sat in circles, passing a wrapped present while responding to fun prompts like, “Who has the most green on?” or “Who has the best hair?” The game kept everyone on their toes until the final question was asked, and the lucky student holding the present at the end got to keep it!
As the celebration came to a close, students snapped pictures, played basketball, and, of course, went back for more dessert. The Christmas Tea was a huge success, and there’s no doubt it will remain a beloved tradition for years to come!
A Day of Service in Honor of MLK
By Jake Donovan
The MLK Day of Service was truly unforgettable this year. For the second year in a row, Norwood Fontbonne Academy (NFA), Chestnut Hill College (CHC), and Mount Saint Joseph Academy (The Mount) joined forces to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy with meaningful service opportunities on the Friday before MLK Day.
The day began with inspiring presentations from two guest speakers who shed light on pressing issues, both global and local. Their words opened our eyes to the challenges faced by communities and how we, as individuals, can take action to bring about change. One immediate way we responded was by writing letters to our local representatives, sharing the knowledge we gained and advocating for solutions.
One of the most memorable parts of the day was an art project dedicated to Dr. King’s legacy. Each of us created a small triangle painting to symbolize what we value and represent. Seeing everyone’s unique designs was amazing—each piece a reflection of their hopes for a better
world. My painting, a heart in the sky, was my favorite part of the day.
To cap it all off, we participated in the Kids Against Hunger event. This activity was a highlight for many, including myself. Working in assembly lines, students and teachers packed food kits filled with essential ingredients to help families in need. Throughout the day, different classes rotated in and out, keeping the effort running smoothly. It was rewarding to see everyone working together toward a common goal.
In the end, the MLK Day of Service wasn’t just about the projects we completed, it was about the spirit of unity and the power of community. The SSJ schools came together to honor Dr. King’s message of love and service by making a real impact. It was a powerful reminder that, together, we can create meaningful change.
Student Council: Calling All Leaders
By: Malley Bradenham and Annabel Tornetta
Have you ever wondered what goes on in the Student Council? We took a deep dive into this dedicated team to see what it's all about.
Student Council is like one small team—a group that shares ideas, supports one another, and works together to make our school better. As you probably know, the Executive Board consists of five positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relations Representative. The current Executive Board members are Malley Bradenham, Santiago Figueroa-Clark, Fiona Sorbello, Emma Assaf, and Annabel Tornetta. Each position plays an important role:
● Public Relations Representative – Advertises Student Council’s initiatives and upcoming events.
● Treasurer – Manages finances, keeping track of expenditures and money raised from dress-down days and major events.
● Secretary – Documents meetings and ensures everything stays organized.
● Vice President – Assists the President, pitches ideas, and offers a different perspective.
● President – Oversees all operations, keeps everything on schedule, and collaborates with teachers and staff to bring events to life.
Events Planned by Student Council:
● Pretzel Day – Distribute and deliver pretzels to all homerooms.
● Pep Rally – Blend old and new traditions with our own spin.
● Spirit Week – Lead up to HOCO with themed dress-down days and fundraising.
● Legacy Week – Plan dress-down days and special events leading up to Snowball.
● Heritage & Awareness Months – Highlight different cultures and spread awareness.
● Blue and Gold Day – Show NFA pride! The Student Council leads all the games.
● Prayer Partners – Build connections with younger students.
● Advertisements – Create videos, attend events, and design posters to represent the NFA community.
When all of this work comes together, Student Council creates something truly special—lasting memories, exciting opportunities, and an unforgettable school year. As a member, you represent
NFA’s values wherever you go and serve as a role model for younger students.
If you are an executive board member you will exceed all expectations of a student and you will do your best to embody the maxims in your day to day life.
To continue the hard work that Student Council does, you need to be the most determined, hard working, and the best leader to rise to the challenge and run for Executive Board.
Rising eighth graders get to have this opportunity to be on the executive board to present your ideas and so much more!
Regardless of what grade you are in, the Student Council needs your help! Run to be your class’s home room representative, you will represent your class’s ideas and be our eyes and ears on what students really want.
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The Heart of NFA: Honoring Our Legacy Teachers Who Shape the Future
By: Malley Bradenham and Annabel Tornetta
Many believe students define Norwood-Fontbonne Academy, but we argue that its teachers create the true community, embodying the Sisters of Saint Joseph’s maxims to help others grow. We interviewed three longtime educators, Ms. Craige, Mrs. Tippett, and Mr. Clark, to highlight their dedication and lasting impact on countless students’ lives.
“Let your life be a continuous act of love.” —Maxim 4
Ms. Craige exemplifies hard work and dedication. She began as a lower school teacher and later transitioned into administration, where she has thrived as the Director of Curriculum Advancement. Her love for the NFA community is evident: “I love Norwood-Fontbonne Academy because the mission of the SSJ aligns deeply with my own commitment to fostering community. Working alongside talented educators and dedicated staff, I am proud to contribute to creating a positive and nurturing environment that sparks a passion for learning. It is incredibly rewarding to watch our NFA students develop not only academically
but also as compassionate, confident individuals.”
When asked who inspired her to teach, she shared, “My mom was a teacher for a few years and always shared stories about her experience. She is a natural caregiver, and I learned a lot about helping others from her. That has helped me in this work! As a kid, I LOVED playing school and ALWAYS made myself the teacher. I gave my sisters tests to take and marked them with a red pen!” Her lifelong passion for education continues to shape students, just as she was shaped by the teachers in her life.
Trust and cherish God’s love threading through all the events of daily life. —Maxim 19
Mrs. Tippett embodies the strong sense of family at Norwood. A longtime Stone House teacher, she has set an incredible example for her daughter, the well-known JLB teacher, Ms. Maya Tippett, making them one of the most dynamic mother-daughter duos in Chestnut Hill.
When asked what motivated her to teach, she simply said, “My peers have too many problems, but children don’t.” On why she chose to teach younger kids instead of older ones, she replied, “Because [children] are littler than me.”
Her dedication has created countless cherished memories. One of her favorites? “A child was afraid to get her picture taken and was at school with a security chicken. I told her she could
take the picture with the chicken if she wanted, and she said, ‘I’ll only go if you do too.’ So, I took my picture with the chicken.”
Mrs. Tippett’s warmth, humor, and devotion have left a lasting impact on generations of students and families.
Be free enough to let others shine. Embrace the humble tasks.
—Maxim 47
Mr. Clark is a shining example of the incredible community we’re all a part of. He has been a dedicated teacher here for many years, has coached, and has remained deeply committed to Norwood. When we asked him what led him to NFA, he shared, "I wanted to get back to teaching after one year as a Vice Principal. NFA seemed like, and is, a great school and close to my home."
It’s clear he’s been on a journey to get here, and he loves every minute of it. When we asked why he became a
teacher, he said, "I thought about becoming a teacher when I was in high school. After a few years in the workforce, I wanted to do something more meaningful than just putting money in other people's pockets." His decision to pursue such a selfless career shows how much he cherishes the time spent here. Mr. Clark is a remarkable example of how hard work and dedication to others can have an extraordinary impact on the entire community.
When people come together, all striving toward a common goal, "To help one another" their greatness is unmatched.
Teacher Spotlight: Mr. Wood!
By: Autumn Wisher
One of NFA’s amazing teachers is... Stephen Wood!
Mr. Wood teaches 6th grade Science, 8th grade ELA, Broadcasting Basics for grades 6-8, and serves as the Homeroom teacher for 6B. He became a teacher because of his family’s background in education. After college, he worked in jobs that didn’t excite him, but he discovered a passion for video editing along the way.
He started teaching at Norwood in 2019 as a substitute for Mr. Clark. However, an unexpected call-out that day led to him covering Spanish classes on the
Fontbonne campus. To his surprise, his very first class was 3A, now the class of 2025.
Mr. Wood’s journey at Norwood began when he was just 4 years old, starting in the Carriage House before transitioning to Primary the following year. After Norwood, he attended St. Joseph’s Prep, earned his bachelor’s degree from Penn State, and later completed his master’s degree at Chestnut Hill College.
He was inspired to become a teacher by many memorable educators throughout his life, including Mrs. McGrath, Mrs. Greenberg, Sister Pat, Mr. Seaton, Mrs. O’Halon, and Ms. Porter. At St. Joseph’s Prep, his English teacher, Mr. Whelan, fostered his love for literature, which greatly influenced his passion for the
subject. His mom and sister, Liz, were also important role models who encouraged him to pursue teaching.
Mr. Wood loves teaching because every day brings something new. He has had
countless rewarding and hilarious moments in the classroom. He finds it hard to be cynical in such a dynamic profession, which he believes is vital as one faces life’s challenges. In conclusion, Mr. Wood is deeply committed to this school and its community.
NFA’s Guide to Staying Calm, Focused, and Healthy This
Winter
As the days grow shorter and colder, it’s easy to feel stressed or lose focus when spending more time indoors. Luckily, our guidance counselor, Ms. Ireland, has shared some helpful tips to manage stress, stay organized, and take care of ourselves during the winter months.
Stress-Busting Strategies
Feeling overwhelmed? Here are practical ways to manage stress and stay on top of your schoolwork:
1. Keep Your Desk Neat
A tidy workspace helps reduce distractions and makes it easier to focus on your assignments.
2. Use Your Planner
Track your assignments and deadlines in a planner. Break big tasks into smaller steps so they feel less overwhelming.
3. Practice the 5-4-3-2-1 Method
If you’re feeling anxious, quietly do this exercise:
○ Identify 5 things you see,
○ 4 things you can touch,
○ 3 things you hear,
○ 2 things you smell, and
○ 1 thing you taste.
Daily Self-Care Tips
Taking care of your mental and physical health is key to feeling good this winter. Here are some simple ways to practice self-care every day:
● Think of One Thing You’re Grateful For
During class transitions, take a moment to reflect on something good that happened that day.
● Eat Balanced Meals
Fuel your body with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and don’t skip breakfast! A good meal gives you energy to start your day.
● Stay Hydrated
Even in winter, drinking plenty of water is important to stay healthy.
This winter, take Ms. Ireland’s advice and try these strategies to stay calm!
Welcome to the Creativity Corner! This special section of our school newspaper showcases the amazing talents of our students. From imaginative artwork and funny comics to creative writing and poetry, it’s a place to let your ideas shine. Want to see your work featured? Submit your creations to mstotz@norfon.org and share your voice with our school community!
by: 4th and 5th grade photography elective
6th-8th grade digital art elective
Created by: Lillian Virga
Our 4th and 5th grade students in the “Books Worms, Join Together” elective, which is led by Mrs. Canuso, designed and made shirts to wear for the upcoming Montgomery County Reading Olympics competition that they will participate in on March 6. Good luck!
Bear Print Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Soren Maybruck
Creative Staff
Malley Bradenham
Annabel Tornetta
Jake Donovan
Shelby Stefan
Jabril Coleman
Megan Schinder
Sienna Stossel
Elise Fitzgerald
Lillan Virga
Autumn Wisher
Nadia Roman
Sofia Hulitt
Faculty
Moderators
Mrs. Megan Stotz
Ms. Rita Sheridan
Coming Soon in Our Next Edition!
Don’t miss our next edition! We’ll have exciting reviews of the school play, full coverage of the Daddy Daughter Dance, and much more. Stay tuned for all the latest highlights, stories, and student features!
