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As the kids returned to school on Monday for the first full week of the school year, many students were warmly welcomed as they were greeted with smiling faces from staff, School Board representatives and members of the community.

Students of Opelousas Senior High School were greeted on Monday by St. Landry Parish School Board Superintendent and Kiwanian Milton Batiste along with members of the Opelousas Kiwanis Club and Rotary Club of Opelousas Sunrise.

Non-profit organization Dads & Kids are kicking off another school year with their Positive Morning tour, visiting schools to greet and motivate kids with positive energy for a successful school year. On Monday morning the group partnered with the Eunice police officers, fire fighters and city marshals to welcome the students at Eunice Elementary. Their next Positive Morning greeting will be Central Middle School on August 16th.

Photo credit: Dads & Kids

The Power of a Positive Morning Routine: Back to School Success
A message from Macaroni KID Acadia-St. Landry Publisher
Going back to school can be exciting for many but a little scary, too. It’s important to start the day off on a positive note, not just for the students but for teachers and staff also. A bright morning can set the tone for your entire school day, making it smoother and more enjoyable.

Why Mornings Matter
Mornings lay the foundation for your day. Research has shown that how you feel and what you do in the morning can greatly affect your mood and productivity later on. A positive start often leads to a more focused and successful day at school.

1. Create a Morning Schedule
Having a morning routine can help you manage your time better. A consistent schedule can reduce stress and make sure you don’t forget anything for school.

Adjust the times you and your family wake up and get ready to fit your needs but aim for a routine that works for you!

2. Start with a Healthy Breakfast
Nutrition plays a huge role in how you feel throughout the day. Eating a healthy breakfast can boost your energy levels and helps kids stay focused to perform better academically.

3. Get Moving
Physical activity helps kickstart your body. Even if it’s just stretching or a short walk, it increases blood flow to your brain, helping you feel more awake. Allow for at least 10 minutes of physical activity in your morning routine.

4. Mindfulness Matter
Starting your day with some mindfulness can greatly improve your mood. Mindfulness is all about focusing your mind and being in the moment, which helps reduce anxiety.

5. Set Your Intentions
Before heading off to school, take a moment to set your intentions. Think about what you want to accomplish for the day. This could be academic goals, social interactions, or even sports achievements.

By setting intentions, you’re more likely to stay motivated and focused. It creates a mental roadmap for your day.

6. Connect with Family
Take a few minutes to connect with a family member. Whether it’s a 5-minute chat, helping a sibling with something, or just enjoying a cup of coffee together, these moments strengthen your support system.

Engaging with family can boost your morale. You’ll feel a bit more grounded and ready to take on the world when you leave for school.

7. Dress for Success
Wearing something that makes you feel good can change your mood for the day. Picking an outfit that fits well and reflects your style can enhance your confidence.

**Tip:** Plan your outfits the night before to save time in the morning!

Going back to school isn’t just about hitting the books. It’s about creating habits that lead to success.

With a positive morning routine, you can elevate your mood and energy levels. It might take some time to build this habit, but little changes can make a big difference. So, embrace the school year ahead with a smile and a good morning routine!

Author

  • Courtney Jennings is a contributing writer with St. Landry Now since 2023 covering local events throughout the parish. She also runs the local publication MacaroniKID Acadia-St. Landry, an online publication and weekly e-newsletter on family friendly activities, local events, and community resources for parents.

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