December 5th, 2024

Dates of Note

December 6th - Vision Screenings for Grades 1/3/5/7
December 10th - AIG Info Session
December 12th - Finance Committee
December 13th - Community Builders Gathering

December 18th - Winter Showcase Grades 5-8
December 19th - Winter Showcase Grades K-4
December 19th - Board Meeting
December 23rd- January 6th - Winter Break

Grandfriend’s Day has been rescheduled for Valentine’s Day!

The Giving Spirit Tradition

Monday is the final day for gifts to be delivered to Kelly.

Click here if you would like to be a Magical Elf and provide a gift for an Evergreen child. We will send a list of wishes out on Nov. 24 (gifts $30 or less). Gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to Evergreen no later than Dec. 9.

AIG Info Session- December 10th

Come learn more about Evergreen’s Academically/Intellectually Gifted program: our philosophy, how students are identified and included, as well as the services available.

Meet Brittany, Cameron, and Michaela in the Multipurpose Room (behind middle school) on Tuesday, December 10th from 5:00-6:00pm.

Wolfpack Basketball & Ski/Snowboard Club

Club Sign Ups started right before Thanksgiving break! Based on positive response, it looks like most people saw the EA Newsletter and signed up, but if you missed the call to sign up for Winter Clubs, look for last week’s email from James, or visit your My School Bucks account to register.

Each year EverAfter operates a Ski & Snowboard Club at Cataloochee. We get a group rate on Night/Weekday season passes that can be used by families beyond the five official club dates, and regardless of whether or not you are enrolled in the club. The deadline to sign up is next Wednesday, December 11th.

Winter Showcase

You are invited into the classroom on December 18th and 19th, to celebrate achievements, view student work, and connect with your school community ahead of the winter break. These events will fold Fall Family Nights into our abbreviated fall/winter schedule, so that our students can still showcase the projects they have been working so hard on.

December 18th - 1:30pm - 5th-8th Grades
December 19th - 1:00pm - K-4th Grades

Look for more specific information, and ways to get involved in classroom newsletters.

We know that these daytime hours are not ideal for many parents. We apologize for the lack of evening options. If you cannot make it, consider sending a grandparent, friend, or neighbor in your stead.

On December 19th- The K-4 event will be combined with the Annual K-4 Winter Concert and will begin in the gym at 1pm.

We hope to see you on campus for these important Celebrations of Learning!

December 13th: Community Builders Gathering

Please join the Community Builders for Holiday Card Crafting!

Together we’ll make cards to be delivered to community elders in assisted living. We will provide hot chocolate, light snacks, and craft supplies! Everyone is welcome. 

Friday, December 13, 4-6pm

East Asheville Library: Meeting room AB

We loved seeing so many of you at RAD Brewing this month. If you'd like to give us feedback or tell us what type of events you'd like to see, please fill out this short survey.

Join our Whatsapp group to get gathering invites and reminders, and connect with other Evergreen families through this QR Code.

Photo Credit: Toa Heftiba: Unsplash

 

Join us on WhatsApp

 

Wildflower and Sourwood Honey from our local apiary, Haw Creek Honey, are now available for purchase! Stop by the front office to bizzle your drizzle.

Evergreen will be conducting hearing and vision screenings for 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Grades on December 6th. Parental permission is required for students to participate in one or both of the screenings.

Attn: Middle School

Love Capture the Hoops? Loathe Capture the Hoops? Want to do a dance-a-thon instead? Miss the Trail Run? Have your own ideas for a fun fundraiser? Make your voice heard!

Click the button to let us know what you would like to see this Spring!

5K Raised for Giving Tuesday!

Thank you to new and renewing supporters who helped us meet our Giving Tuesday Goal! You may have noticed our social media posts featuring local artist and Evergreen parent, Karine Rupp-Stanko.

We still have to meet our $100K goal for the year, so keep on liking, commenting, and sharing when you see donations asks so that we can expand our reach beyond WNC. Send them on to family and friends when they ask, “How can I help?”.

We are now offering Designated Giving. Donors can choose to give to one of three funds: Financial Assistance for Families, Nutrition, and our General Fund.

Don’t use Social Media?

You can also ask folks to:
TEXT: WEARECREW to 53-555
or
Visit us on our website:
www.evergreenCCS.org/give

Shine On, Shine On!

We are grateful for each of you! Thanks for playing along with the gratitude survey!

Looking For Parents to join our N&E Committee!

Wait. What?

N&E is our Nominating & Evaluating Committee. Members help shape our board of directors by identifying potential candidates, arranging board development opportunities, conducting evaluations of the board.

Connect With Free Resources for Families

Buncombe County
Public Library

Buncombe County Library has such a rich calendar of free events for the community! Lego Clubs, Ukelele Lessons, Intro to Mindfulness, Book Clubs, Festivals, Watercolor Painting, Clothing Swaps, D&D!

Come find your community (and a good book) at the library!

Don’t forget to check out ZOOM Passes, your free ticket to local attractions.

Resources for Resilience

Resources for Resilience shares practical tools and research-based resources that people of all ages can use to manage stress and find compassion and connection. Our trainings and professional development workshops help participants work together to prevent future adversity and create healthier, more resilient communities.

Click the button above to learn more about their workshops, trainings, and listening circles.

Ways to give that don’t involve cash!

Linking your card really does make a difference! If you cannot afford to give monetarily to our fundraisers, linking your grocery cards is a great way to make sure that you are helping to support our school!  
Click on the picture to get started. 
School ID Number 10713

Purchase a book for the library, or use it as a book recommendation list for your next library trip!

Do you use aluminum cans in life? Do you want to help support our Adventure Program? If the answer is yes to both then we’re looking for you. Our Cans for Climbing program is a major fundraiser for Evergreen’s Adventure Program that is easy to participate in. All you need to do is drop off any aluminum cans you have in the Cans for Climbing Trailer located right by our buses.

Download the app and start scanning your receipts at checkout!

Did you know that 10% of each Artsonia purchase is donated to the school.

November 21st, 2024

Dates of Note

November 21st - Board Meeting
November 27-29th - Thanksgiving Break
December 4th - Facilities Committee

December 5th - N&E Committee
December 5th - Executive Committee
December 6th - Vision Screenings for Grades 1/3/5/7

Grandfriend’s Day has been rescheduled for Spring. We will announce a new date soon!

TEXT “YES” to 79041 to Opt in to important text announcements from Evergreen.

Wildflower and Sourwood Honey from our local apiary, Haw Creek Honey, are now available for purchase! Stop by the front office to bizzle your drizzle.

Evergreen will be conducting hearing and vision screenings for 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Grades on December 6th. Parental permission is required for students to participate in one or both of the following screenings.

Community Needs

Evergreen Families are looking for the following items:

  • a small couch - pet free/ smoke free preferred

  • a stationary exercise bike for a student’s PT/OT needs

If you have items to give or would like to make a request, please contact our Student Services Manager, Kelly Stephenson.

Welcome Middle Schoolers!

and yes, you too, Fifth Grade

After hearing how out of the loop you all are clearly feeling during Student Council speeches, we thought we should start including you in The Scoop each week!

The Scoop comes out each Thursday and is where we publish notifications of dances, fundraisers, potlucks, and other events. Historically, this has only been sent to parents and faculty, but it is clear that you all would like to be more involved, which is wonderful.

We are happy to promote things like school dances, service opportunities, and more. Events need to include the whole school, or at least the whole middle school, or be open to the whole community. You can submit these events to your teachers to pass on to me. Please note that the deadline for student submissions is by NOON on MONDAY, and your teacher will have to have time to edit these with you.

It was on my to-do list to send you all a survey about our Spring Fundraiser. We want to hear your thoughts! Click the button to let us know what you would like to see this Spring!

Gratitude Sound Off

Asking staff, parents, caregivers, students, and other Evergreen Family and Friends to take a moment to tell us what you are thankful for this year. I’ll be using these to create a word cloud to post on our socials on Thanksgiving Day. Follow along for results!

Photo Credit: Mark Casey: Unsplash

The Giving Spirit Tradition

Tomorrow is the last day to submit requests.

It's time, once again, for the Evergreen tradition of helping families within our community provide a more cheerful holiday! Any family can send us their child(ren)'s wishes, and Evergreen Magical Elves will shop for the children of Evergreen!

  • Need some magic this season? Simply fill out this online Wish List. We have lots of givers, so please don't hesitate to let us know your child's wishes! All Giving Spirit wishes are kept anonymous, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 22.

  • Click here if you would like to be a Magical Elf and provide a gift for an Evergreen child. We will send a list of wishes (gifts $30 or less) out on Nov. 24. Gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to Evergreen no later than Dec. 8.

Also, during this holiday season, please keep in mind that we can provide grocery store gift cards to our families to help with your holiday meals! You can sign up for a grocery store gift card by clicking here.

Looking For Parents to join our N&E Committee!

Wait. What?

N&E is our Nominating & Evaluating Committee. Members help shape our board of directors by identifying potential candidates, arranging board development opportunities, conducting evaluations of the board.

Like, Follow, Share

Spread the Word to shift our calls for donations from WNC to a larger audience outside our mountains. We are going to be posting a special Giving Tuesday post, please watch for and share on the day that many non-profits go from red to black!

We are hoping that you will share our donation asks out to your wider community, to communities perhaps outside of WNC. Send them on to family and friends when they ask, “How can I help?”.

We are now offering Designated Giving. Donors can choose to give to one of three funds: Financial Assistance for Families, Nutrition, and our General Fund.

Don’t use Social Media?

You can also ask folks to:
TEXT: WEARECREW to 53-555
or
Visit us on our website:
www.evergreenCCS.org/give

Fostering Gratitude in our Children

With the return of potable water and Thanksgiving around the corner, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the importance of gratitude in our lives and, more importantly, how we can instill this value in our children. Gratitude is more than just saying “thank you.” It’s a powerful emotion that can foster resilience, improve mental health, and enhance relationships.

The Importance of Gratitude

Research shows that cultivating gratitude can lead to a range of benefits for children and adolescents, including:

Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: Grateful children often experience lower levels of depression and anxiety. By focusing on what they appreciate in life, they can develop a more positive outlook.

Improved Relationships: Gratitude fosters empathy and strengthens connections with others. Teaching children to recognize and appreciate the kindness of others can enhance their social skills and encourage prosocial behavior.

Increased Resilience: Grateful individuals tend to be more resilient in the face of challenges. Gratitude helps children recognize that, even during difficult times, there are things to be thankful for, which can provide comfort and hope.

Practical Ways to Teach Gratitude at Home

Here are some simple yet effective strategies to encourage gratitude in your children:

Model Grateful Behavior: Children learn by observing. Share your own experiences of gratitude with your kids. Talk about what you are thankful for, whether it’s a small joy or a significant achievement.

Keep a Gratitude Journal: Encourage your child to keep a gratitude journal where they can write down three things they are thankful for each day. This practice can help them develop a habit of focusing on the positive aspects of their lives.

Express Appreciation: Make it a routine to express appreciation for one another as a family. At dinner, take turns sharing something each person is grateful for that day. This promotes open communication and helps everyone feel valued.

Volunteer Together: Engaging in community service can give children perspective on their own lives while helping them appreciate what they have. Look for opportunities to volunteer as a family at local shelters, food banks, or community clean-up events.

Create a Gratitude Jar: Set up a gratitude jar in your home. Family members can write down things they are thankful for on slips of paper and place them in the jar. Read them together at the end of the month or year to reflect on the good moments.

Celebrate Small Victories: Acknowledge and celebrate everyday accomplishments, no matter how small. Whether it’s completing a homework assignment or helping with chores, recognizing these efforts can boost self-esteem and gratitude.

Teaching gratitude is a lifelong journey that can profoundly impact our children’s lives. By instilling this important value, we are not only nurturing their emotional and social development but also contributing to a more compassionate and positive community.

Thank you for your continued partnership in fostering a supportive and enriching environment for our children. Let’s embrace this season of gratitude together!

From the Desk of:

Hunter Holland
NCC, LCMHC-A
(828) 298 2173 x1204

Rescheduled - AIG Info Session- December 10th

Come learn more about Evergreen’s Academically/Intellectually Gifted program: our philosophy, how students are identified and included, as well as the services available.

Meet Brittany, Cameron, and Michaela in the Multipurpose Room (behind middle school) on Tuesday, December 10th from 5:00-6:00pm.

Shine On, Shine On!

From the Kindergarten/ First Grade Weekly Newsletter:
We will begin collecting food tomorrow and will end on Tuesday, November 26th. 

St. John's Episcopal Church which is in Haw Creek, is collecting food to add to Beverly Hills Baptist Church's food pantry. They consistently provide food to their neighbors and parishioners, but as we all know, need has increased since Helene and therefore, their food pantry is running low. They take any kind of non-perishable food from canned goods to pre-packaged boxed food, like cereals, crackers, rice, Mac and cheese, etc. Latinx cuisine is also needed.

Contributing to this food pantry allows us to provide support to our immediate, local community as we explore gratitude in this Thanksgiving season. We also want you to know that you can access the food pantry each Thursday through November and December from 4 to 6 except for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day. In January, their schedule will be every second and fourth Thursday from 4 to 6. 

We are grateful for each of you and your children!

A collection bag will be located at the end of the elementary hall near the playground exit, so you can send in items with your child or drop them off yourself.

Connect With Free Resources for Families

Buncombe County
Public Library

Buncombe County Library has such a rich calendar of free events for the community! Lego Clubs, Ukelele Lessons, Intro to Mindfulness, Book Clubs, Festivals, Watercolor Painting, Clothing Swaps, D&D!

Come find your community (and a good book) at the library!

Don’t forget to check out ZOOM Passes, your free ticket to local attractions.

Resources for Resilience

Resources for Resilience shares practical tools and research-based resources that people of all ages can use to manage stress and find compassion and connection. Our trainings and professional development workshops help participants work together to prevent future adversity and create healthier, more resilient communities.

Click the button above to learn more about their workshops, trainings, and listening circles.

Ways to give that don’t involve cash!

Linking your card really does make a difference! If you cannot afford to give monetarily to our fundraisers, linking your grocery cards is a great way to make sure that you are helping to support our school!  
Click on the picture to get started. 
School ID Number 10713

Purchase a book for the library, or use it as a book recommendation list for your next library trip!

Do you use aluminum cans in life? Do you want to help support our Adventure Program? If the answer is yes to both then we’re looking for you. Our Cans for Climbing program is a major fundraiser for Evergreen’s Adventure Program that is easy to participate in. All you need to do is drop off any aluminum cans you have in the Cans for Climbing Trailer located right by our buses.

Download the app and start scanning your receipts at checkout!

Did you know that 10% of each Artsonia purchase is donated to the school.

November 14th, 2024

Dates of Note

November 21st - Board Meeting
November 27-29th - Thanksgiving Break
December 4th - Facilities Committee

December 5th - N&E Committee
December 5th - Executive Committee
December 6th - Vision Screenings for Grades 1/3/5/7

Grandfriend’s Day has been rescheduled for Spring. We will announce a new date soon!

The Giving Spirit Tradition

It means even more this year, to give and to receive.

It's time, once again, for the Evergreen tradition of helping families within our community provide a more cheerful holiday! Any family can send us their child(ren)'s wishes, and Evergreen Magical Elves will shop for the children of Evergreen!

  • Need some magic this season? Simply fill out this online Wish List. We have lots of givers, so please don't hesitate to let us know your child's wishes! All Giving Spirit wishes are kept anonymous, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 22.

  • Click here if you would like to be a Magical Elf and provide a gift for an Evergreen child. We will send a list of wishes (gifts $30 or less) out on Nov. 24. Gifts need to be delivered unwrapped to Evergreen no later than Dec. 8.

Also, during this holiday season, please keep in mind that we can provide grocery store gift cards to our families to help with your holiday meals! You can sign up for a grocery store gift card by clicking here.

Looking For Parents to join our ILT and N&E Committees!

Wait. What?

ILT is our Instructional Leadership Team. Members analyze data and identify goals, help to develop and monitor a School Improvement Plan, oversee and guide actions of Faculty Leadership Team.

N&E is our Nominating & Evaluating Committee. Members help shape our board of directors by identifying potential candidates, arranging board development opportunities, conducting evaluations of the board.

Evergreen Family Fundraisers

Click the image to access an evolving list of links to Family GoFundMe Pages, Evergreen Families’ Business Fundraiser Pages, and small business owners’ still functioning businesses that need our support as we move Onward Together.

If you would like to be added to the list, please email Jen with your details.

Community Needs

We have an ask from a family for the following items to restore some of what was lost:

-A Small Couch
-A Queen Bed
-Coffee Table
-Bookshelf
Due to allergies the family requests that the items be from a smoke-free and pet free home.

If you have items to give or would like to make a request, please contact our Student Services Manager, Kelly Stephenson.

Like, Follow, Share

Spread the Word to shift our calls for donations from WNC to a larger audience outside our mountains.

This week and moving forward, you’ll notice a lot of calls to GIVE hitting social media from Evergreen. We know that for many of our families, this is simply out of reach this year. We are hoping that you can share these asks out to your wider community, to communities perhaps outside of WNC. Send them on to family and friends when they ask, “How can I help?”.

We are now offering Designated Giving. Donors can choose to give to one of three funds: Financial Assistance for Families, Nutrition, and our General Fund.

Don’t use Social Media?

You can also ask folks to:
TEXT: WEARECREW to 53-555
or
Visit us on our website:
www.evergreenCCS.org/give

Honey

Wildflower and Sourwood Honey from our local apiary, Haw Creek Honey, are now available for purchase! Stop by the front office to bizzle your drizzle.

December 6th: Vision and Hearing Screenings - Action Required

Evergreen will be conducting hearing and vision screenings for 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Grades on December 6th. Parental permission is required for students to participate in one or both of the following screenings:

  • Vision Screening - intended to recognize vision concerns as early as possible

  • Hearing Screening - intended to identify potential hearing problems and determine the need for further evaluation

The Power of Co-Regulation:
Supporting Emotional Growth Together

This week we are expanding on last week’s topic of resetting our nervous systems by focusing on the related skill of co-regulation—an important and powerful way to help children manage emotions and develop resilience. Co-regulation is a mutual act that is essentially an “exchange of calm” between two people and involves:

  • Providing support: Offering understanding, empathy, and a listening ear 

  • Modeling: Demonstrating how to regulate emotions through calm behavior 

  • Coaching: Providing feedback and helping others learn to recognize and respond to their own emotional cues 

  • Creating a supportive environment: Structuring a space that encourages self-regulation

When people are in close proximity, their brains and nervous systems can read each other’s emotional states and influence the production and release of certain hormones such as cortisol and oxytocin, which are involved in stress response and feelings of safety, security, and connection. When we can remain present and calm, we are demonstrating that big emotions can be managed, which is a crucial first step to self-regulation. 

Research shows that children who experience consistent co-regulation develop better emotional awareness, empathy, and coping skills. Remember, it’s okay if you’re also learning these skills along the way; modeling calm responses not only helps your child but strengthens your connection too. Let's make co-regulation a small part of each day, helping our kids grow into resilient, self-aware adults! 

From the Desk of:

Annie Mast
NCC, LCMHC
(828) 298 2173 x1312

Regulation & Nervous System Reset Techniques for Practice:

Vagus Nerve Reset: The Voo Breath

1 Minute Suprasternal Notch Massage

The Butterfly Hug

Rescheduled - AIG Info Session- December 10th

Come learn more about Evergreen’s Academically/Intellectually Gifted program: our philosophy, how students are identified and included, as well as the services available.

Meet Brittany, Cameron, and Michaela in the Multipurpose Room (behind middle school) on Tuesday, December 10th from 5:00-6:00pm.

Shine On, Shine On!

Thanks to everyone who came out to the Community Builders Gathering at the River Arts Brewery! 

Connect With Free Resources for Families

Buncombe County
Public Library

Buncombe County Library has such a rich calendar of free events for the community! Lego Clubs, Ukelele Lessons, Intro to Mindfulness, Book Clubs, Festivals, Watercolor Painting, Clothing Swaps, D&D!

Come find your community (and a good book) at the library!

Don’t forget to check out ZOOM Passes, your free ticket to local attractions.

Resources for Resilience

Resources for Resilience shares practical tools and research-based resources that people of all ages can use to manage stress and find compassion and connection. Our trainings and professional development workshops help participants work together to prevent future adversity and create healthier, more resilient communities.

Click the button above to learn more about their workshops, trainings, and listening circles.

Ways to give that don’t involve cash!

Linking your card really does make a difference! If you cannot afford to give monetarily to our fundraisers, linking your grocery cards is a great way to make sure that you are helping to support our school!  
Click on the picture to get started. 
School ID Number 10713

Purchase a book for the library, or use it as a book recommendation list for your next library trip!

Do you use aluminum cans in life? Do you want to help support our Adventure Program? If the answer is yes to both then we’re looking for you. Our Cans for Climbing program is a major fundraiser for Evergreen’s Adventure Program that is easy to participate in. All you need to do is drop off any aluminum cans you have in the Cans for Climbing Trailer located right by our buses.

Download the app and start scanning your receipts at checkout!

Did you know that 10% of each Artsonia purchase is donated to the school.

November 7th, 2024

Dates of Note

November 11th - Veteran’s Day - No School
November 13th - Facilities Committee

November 14th - Finance Committee

November 15th - End of First Trimester

November 21st - Board Meeting
November 27-29th - Thanksgiving Break

Grandfriend’s Day has been rescheduled for Spring. We will announce a new date soon!

Lunch

If you have qualified for D-SNAP, please fill out our Free and Reduced Lunch Application. You will only need your D-SNAP case number.

Though our lunch caterer is not yet back in operation, we are still offering lunch.

We have kid favorites like Strawberry and Peanut Butter Uncrustables, Turkey and Cheese Sandwiches, String Cheese, Pretzels, Carrots with Ranch, Fruit and Milk!

No need to pre-order!

EVERAFTER

Thank you all for understanding the need for modified hours and sign-up process. We are now back to the normal "drop in" model where you just need to let your child and their teachers know when they are attending.

Wolfpack Sports:

Unfortunately the storm disruptions mean we were not able to continue with our volleyball team season. Flag Football is resuming but only for a couple weeks and with just one or two games. Looking ahead, we will have a Wolfpack Basketball season, though we might not start it as early in December as originally planned. Middle school parents will be notified of the signups for that when they become available--expect that closer to Thanksgiving.

Ski and Snowboard Club:

We are planning to run this again this year! Look for more announcements in the next two weeks or so.

Looking For Parents to join our ILT and N&E Committees!

Wait. What?

ILT is our instructional Leadership Team. Members analyze data and identify goals, help to develop and monitor a School Improvement Plan, oversee and guide actions of Faculty Leadership Team

N&E is our Nominating & Evaluating Committee. Members help shape our board of directors by identifying potential candidates, arranging board development opportunities, conducting evaluations of the board.

Evergreen Family Fundraisers

Click the image to access an evolving list of links to Family GoFundMe Pages, Evergreen Families’ Business Fundraiser Pages, and small business owners’ still functioning businesses that need our support as we move Onward Together.

If you would like to be added to the list, please email Jen with your details.

Community Needs

We have an ask from a family for the following items to restore some of what was lost:

-A Small Couch
-A Queen Bed Frame - (Mattress procured!)
-Coffee Table
-Bookshelf
Due to allergies the family requests that the items be from a smoke-free and pet free home.

If you have items to give or would like to make a request, please contact our Student Services Manager, Kelly Stephenson.

Community Builders Gathering - NEW LOCATION

Evergreen Gathering organized by the Community Builders. All invited (parents, children, and staff)!
Look for the green tablecloth! 

Friday, Nov 8 @ 4pm, RAD Brewing

13 Mystery Street, River Arts District https://theradbrewco.com/

Please sign up for Community Builder announcements, help requests, and resource share with Whatsapp!

Get notifications of gatherings on WhatsApp! Sign up to join HERE! 

Honey

Wildflower and Sourwood Honey from our local apiary, Haw Creek Honey are now available for purchase! Stop by the front office to bizzle your drizzle.

December 6th: Vision and Hearing Screenings - Action Required

Evergreen will be conducting hearing and vision screenings for 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th Grades on December 6th. Parental permission is required for students to participate in one or both of the following screenings:

  • Vision Screening - intended to recognize vision concerns as early as possible

  • Hearing Screening - intended to identify potential hearing problems and determine the need for further evaluation

Resetting our Nervous Systems

As we continue processing the impacts of Hurricane Helene, self-regulation is an important skill that can help our bodies and minds process and recover. The overwhelming stress of surviving or witnessing traumatic events can activate the body’s "fight-or-flight" response, which is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. When trauma responses like anxiety, panic, or hypervigilance linger, the body may remain in this heightened state, making it difficult to regain a sense of safety and calm. This is where resetting the nervous system becomes essential.

One effective approach is to focus on calming the vagus nerve, which plays a significant role in managing the parasympathetic nervous system. Activating the parasympathetic response can help counteract the sympathetic "fight-or-flight" response, allowing the body to return to a state of rest and recovery. Here are a few techniques:

  1. Deep Breathing: Slow, deep breaths, particularly exhaling longer than inhaling, can help activate the vagus nerve. Try inhaling for four counts, holding for four, and exhaling for six to eight counts. This pattern slows the heart rate and sends calming signals to the brain.

  2. Grounding Exercises: Grounding involves focusing on the present moment, such as by feeling the texture of a chair, the ground underfoot, or holding a comforting object. Bringing attention to physical sensations helps shift focus away from distressing memories or fears and returns the mind to the present.

  3. Vagal Stimulation: Activities like gentle humming, singing, or even gargling stimulate the vagus nerve directly. The vibrations produced can send calming signals through the nervous system, helping to shift it out of the heightened state.

  4. Gentle Movement: Practicing gentle yoga or mindful stretching encourages the release of tension and helps the body reconnect with a sense of balance. Moving at a slow, mindful pace can help create a sense of safety and control within the body.

Illustration: Joel Burden/The Guardian

From the Desk of:

Annie Mast,
M.A.Ed., NCC, LCMHC
K-4 School Counselor & Behavior Support
828.298.2173 ext. 1312

By regularly practicing these techniques, individuals affected by trauma can gradually support their nervous system’s return to a state of calm, improving emotional resilience and overall well-being.

Rescheduled - AIG Info Session- December 10th

Come learn more about Evergreen’s Academically/Intellectually Gifted program: our philosophy, how students are identified and included, as well as the services available.

Meet Brittany, Cameron, and Michaela in the Multipurpose Room (behind middle school) on Tuesday, December 10th from 5:00-6:00pm.

Shine On, Shine On!

Students have made a shelter out of a fallen tree with limbs and sticks and leaves. Last week it even had a coat of mud. 

Art from the World of Kindergarten

Eighth Grade, in their Halloween attire, restocks the water in the gym.

Mr. Dewayne (sic) turns trash into art! 
A Second Grader reports on their field trip to the Burton St. Peace Garden. 

Connect With Free Resources for Families

Buncombe County
Public Library

Buncombe County Library has such a rich calendar of free events for the community! Lego Clubs, Ukelele Lessons, Intro to Mindfulness, Book Clubs, Festivals, Watercolor Painting, Clothing Swaps, D&D!

Come find your community (and a good book) at the library!

Don’t forget to check out ZOOM Passes, your free ticket to local attractions.

Resources for Resilience

Resources for Resilience shares practical tools and research-based resources that people of all ages can use to manage stress and find compassion and connection. Our trainings and professional development workshops help participants work together to prevent future adversity and create healthier, more resilient communities.

Click the button above to learn more about their workshops, trainings, and listening circles.

Ways to give that don’t involve cash!

Linking your card really does make a difference! If you cannot afford to give monetarily to our fundraisers, linking your grocery cards is a great way to make sure that you are helping to support our school!  
Click on the picture to get started. 
School ID Number 10713

Purchase a book for the library, or use it as a book recommendation list for your next library trip!

Do you use aluminum cans in life? Do you want to help support our Adventure Program? If the answer is yes to both then we’re looking for you. Our Cans for Climbing program is a major fundraiser for Evergreen’s Adventure Program that is easy to participate in. All you need to do is drop off any aluminum cans you have in the Cans for Climbing Trailer located right by our buses.

Download the app and start scanning your receipts at checkout!

Did you know that 10% of each Artsonia purchase is donated to the school.