From the Fox's Den - SAOTG February Newsletter

This month isn't just about hearts and flowers. February is short, but it often packs a punch in the school calendar. With new projects underway, looming deadlines, and winter routines firmly in place, students can find themselves juggling more responsibilities than they did in January. As the school year marches forward, every assignment and test becomes a chance to polish key executive function skills like organization, time management, and self-advocacy. Rather than just getting by, students have an opportunity to fall in love with the rhythm of the semester and refine the strategies that keep them on track. We've seen that when families and educators stay proactive—checking in on routines, clarifying expectations, and adjusting study approaches—students gain a fresh burst of momentum. By helping students?reflect on what's working and what could be better, we foster the kind of self-awareness that makes learning relationships last.?

For anyone looking to solidify these habits and build a supportive home and classroom environment, here are our February tips:

Encourage Thoughtful Check-Ins - Many students wait until report cards or major tests to evaluate their progress, which can be too late for timely changes. Spending a few minutes?each week discussing goals, upcoming deadlines, and overall workload can prevent academic issues from escalating. These small but consistent conversations also allow parents and educators to uncover hidden stressors and steer students toward effective solutions before burnout sets in.

Teach the Power of Self-Advocacy?- When students learn to communicate their needs—such as asking for clarification, requesting extra practice, or seeking an alternative format for an assignment—they build confidence and take ownership of their education. Self-advocacy can start with something as simple as emailing a teacher about a confusing concept or asking for guidance on how to prepare for an upcoming exam. By normalizing these conversations, we give students the tools to shape their learning experience.?

Set Digital Boundaries for Better Focus?- Spending hours scrolling through social media or juggling multiple open tabs can quickly break students' focus. Although technology can be a valuable learning ally, students benefit from structured routines and clear guidelines around device use. Encourage scheduled periods of offline study time (i.e., a digital diet), limit unnecessary app notifications, and show your students how to use website blockers or "do not disturb" features to keep distractions at bay.?

Apply the 'Reflect, Refine, Repeat' Mindset - Every quiz or test—whether the grade is strong or disappointing—should serve as a learning tool. Students who look beyond the score to examine careless mistakes, study gaps, or time management hurdles can refine their strategies and move forward more confidently. Supporting them in scheduling a brief post-test review helps maintain a cycle of continuous improvement. It helps students?identify where they went wrong, adjust their methods, and carry those insights into the next challenge.

Empowering Beeville's Best?- Our commitment to supporting students in Texas continues as Evan Weinberger, our Founder and CEO, returned?to Beeville this month in partnership with the?Joe Barnhart Foundation's Scholarship Program. Evan's engagement with the scholarship finalists through conducting mock interviews reflects our dedication to providing students with the tools they need to present their best selves. This ongoing partnership with the?Joe Barnhart Foundation remains a cornerstone of our mission to prepare students for their academic futures.

Finding Common Ground for Student Success?- This month marked another successful gathering of Common Grounds, our quarterly networking group for Houston mental health professionals. Evan co-hosted this impactful event at PX Cafe alongside distinguished colleagues Liz Ross (Clinical Psychologist and Owner of The Coping Resource Center), Helaine Sandler (Director of Clinical Partnerships at Fulshear Treatment to Transition), and Leah Clionsky (Owner and Director of Thriving Child Center). With nearly 400 Houston mental health professionals now part of this collaborative community, we're fostering connections that enhance support for both students and families.

Strategies for Success at Neuhaus?Education Center - Executive function skills took center stage at Neuhaus Education Center this month as Evan shared research-driven strategies with parents of students facing learning differences. The presentation, coordinated by Jenny Skjonsby, Neuhaus' Family Support Coordinator, delivered practical solutions for developing positive school habits, mastering physical and digital organization, and effectively maintaining planners and portals. Parents left equipped with creative, actionable ideas from SAOTG's proprietary program—tools they could implement immediately to support their children's academic journey. This engaging session exemplified our commitment to providing families with concrete strategies that make a real difference in students' daily lives.

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