GOTR provides all the tools, training,
and the support you need.
Coach Commitment is once a week!
You don’t have to be a runner!
No coaching experience is required.
5 coaches per team to allow for flexibility
in coaching schedule. Two at every
practice.
Chester GOTR team will meet
on Tuesdays and Thursdays
from 3:30 - 5:00
Questions?
Elizabeth Cordell/Girls on the Run Program Coordinator
ecordell@embe.org
605.681.8349
www.embe.org/gotr
Also, NO youth wrestling practice when school is cancelled or let out early due to weather.
Tonight's girls basketball game has been postponed to Thursday, January 22nd, starting at 5 pm.
Holiday Stress, Mental Health, & How to Cope
The holidays can bring stress from gift preparation, family dynamics, weather changes, and unrealistic expectations (like perfect decorations or gifts), which can worsen or trigger mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and eating disorders. However, coping strategies or professional help can ease this stress. Managing expectations and prioritizing realistic goals- rather than perfection- can make the season more manageable.
Holiday Expectation Coping Strategies:
Set a realistic budget and stick to it. Holiday pressure can tempt overspending, so be generous but know your limits.
Plan when and where to shop. Choose less crowded times or shop online to reduce stress.
Take care of yourself. You can’t do it all or please everyone. If overwhelmed, step back and decide what things you can let go of.
Another common mental issue around the holidays is seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which is a type of depression that often occurs in winter when days are shorter and darker, making the holidays harder. If you or your child are struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some coping mechanisms that you can try together:
Stay hydrated with water and lotion to nourish your brain and boost mood
Exercise regularly; choose activities you enjoy. Moving your body will release endorphins, which helps lessen the symptoms of depression. If you live in a cold or snowy area, sledding, skiing, or skating can be fun family activities
Pamper yourself or your child with warm baths, favorite activities, or treats to lift spirits.
Spend time with loved ones and encourage your children to connect with others to reduce holiday loneliness
Sometimes coping alone isn’t enough and professional help might be needed. Consider reaching out if you or your child:
Feel constantly irritable or sad
Struggle to concentrate
Experience major appetite or sleep changes
Feel persistent sadness
Feel unable to cope with feelings of hopelessness.
Have thoughts of self-harm
The holidays can be full of so many emotions. Staying in touch with how you are feeling is the most important way to ensure that you can reduce stress and take care of yourself.
Learn More: Take Our No-Cost Course
Take this course to learn simple mindfulness techniques. Through mindfulness, you can find calm by settling into the moment and realizing that you’re already complete. It will help you return to fundamental wholeness. It is these simple principles of mindfulness that have the power to completely transform your life.
Coping, Healing, and Finding Peace Through Mindfulness
https://parentguidance.org/courses/mindfulness-healing-peace/
Find the December and all of our monthly newsletters in the file link below:
December (Spanish) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t_4e9hKeXziAj32EsemDUCzpeekCXaNm/view?usp=drive_link
December (English) https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WcWD0II3I-NCzT8k-R4Brswit81b_7vc/view?usp=drive_link
https://chesterflyers.signdesign1977.club/
Please click on the link below for more information
https://aptg.co/d6F-qL
To allow our students, staff, and community to support the Flyers at State, there will be no school on Thursday, November 20, and Friday, November 21.
We encourage everyone to come cheer on the Flyers and show your Flyer pride! Details about game times, locations, and fan information will be shared as soon as they are available.
Let’s go, Flyers!
Getting ready for the holidays or need a quick gift? Get script cards from the school and help support Chester Area Helping Hands!
Please enjoy our Chester Area Community Veterans Day Slideshow.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1wG5l-XaghpFiGDl7H2Ms_DqU0z2mHd9H/view?usp=sharing
Also, if you know of anyone from our community who is not represented in our slide show, please reach out to JoAnn Alverson at JoAnn.Alverson@k12.sd.us so they can be added.
https://liveticket.tv/flyers/
The program begins at 10:00 am today. Join in person or online!
Enjoy our tribute to our local Veterans and Active Duty Servicemen and women.
Veterans and their families are invited to join us following the program for lunch in the commons.
A valid photo ID will now be required at the time of donation. While most donors already bring identification, we are now enforcing this policy. Acceptable forms of ID include:
Driver's license
State ID
Employee ID with photo
School ID with photo
Passport
Military ID
Immigration and Naturalization Service card (green card)
Community Blood Bank donor card (that tracks donations)
Even during stressful seasons, small acts of gratitude can make a big difference. This issue shares simple, research-backed ways to boost connection, mood, and well-being.
• November Mental Health Newsletter
English https://aptg.co/sn0SgY
Spanish https://aptg.co/QZDBDk
Reminder… Parent / Teacher Conferences TOMORROW (Thursday, October 9th) from 2:00 to 8:00.
Please note… Flu Shots will be available from Dell Rapids Medical Clinic from 4:00 to 7:00. If you would like your child to receive the flu shot, please bring them to the auxiliary gym at the elementary school... and please have the following survey completed.
Flu Shot Clinic Survey (must be completed in order to receive the shot):
Tuesday, October 7th Volleyball match vs Tri-Valley
Wear your pink to school and to the game to show your support for breast cancer survivors.
LAKE AREA BAND FESTIVAL
October 3rd 2025
Starting at 10am
Chester Area School
Pre-pay for burger meals and/or long johns by October 1 . Venmo is preferred; however, cash/check can be dropped off with Kari or Molly.
If using Venmo, please put your child's FULL NAME and GRADE in the memo line of the payment. Venmo @Chesterband
Good morning! Please take note of the following updates / reminders...
The last day of school before Christmas vacation is December 19th. One small change... school will dismiss at 12:30 rather than 3:30 as originally stated on the school calendar.
Reminder... Parent-Teacher Conferences is October 9th from 2:00 to 8:00.
Flu Shots will be available from Dell Rapids Medical Clinic during Parent Teacher Conferences (on October 9th) from 4:00 to 7:00. If you would like your child to receive the flu shot, please bring them to the auxiliary gym at the elementary school... and please have the following survey completed.
Flu Shot Clinic Survey (must be completed in order to receive the shot):
Form to complete prior to Flu Shot
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask!
