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Bold colors and dynamic shapes come alive in this stunning abstract art piece, showcasing Winston’s 10th grader, Tesla B.’s creativity and unique perspective!

This Week's Highlights:

• ☕ Hot Chocolate & Pajama Days: Get ready to embrace cozy vibes with hot chocolate and pajamas!
• 🚗 Morning Drop-Off Reminder: Back gate staffed until 8:10 AM. Afterward, use the front entrance for student safety.
• 📚 Middle School Library Visit: Students explored resources and digital tools at the Del Mar Library, fostering a love for reading.
• 🤝 Student Volunteers: Winston students make a positive impact by volunteering at St. Peter's Episcopal Church Thrift Store, contributing to the local community.
• ✈️ Spring Break Trip: Sign up by December 19 for a Boston and NYC adventure from March 31–April 4, 2025.
• 💌 Annual Fund Update: Halfway to the $100,000 goal! Donate before December 31 to support Winston's programs.
• 🎓 Canopy College Coaching: Remote coaching for academics, writing, and executive functioning for college students.
• 🏃 NFAR Race for Autism: Join the Winston team for the 5K on April 12, 2025, at Balboa Park to support neurodivergent individuals.
• 💬 Feedback Welcome: Share your thoughts to help improve Friday Communication updates.

The 2024-2025 Winston Academic Calendar is on our website. Click here.

Saturday, December 14

~ Saturday School

Wednesday, December 18 - Friday, December 20

~ Student Council Hot Chocolate Sales during Lunch

Friday, December 20

~ End of First Semester

~ Pajama Day

~ Dungeons & Dragons with Messrs. Jacobsen and Weber, Mx. Roberts, 3:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Saturday, December 21

~ Saturday School

Monday, December 23 - Monday, January 6

~ Winter Break, No School

Monday, January 6

~ Staff Professional Development Day, No School

Tuesday, January 7

~ Classes Resume

~ Second Semester begins

Saturday, January 11

~ Saturday School

Tuesday, January 14

~ Parent Association Meeting, In-Person, Room 25, or via Zoom

Saturday, January 18

~ Saturday School

Monday, January 20

~ Martin Luther King, Jr., Day, No School

Parents, please note that the back gate is staffed for student drop-off only until 8:10 AM when the bell rings. If you arrive after this time, we kindly ask that you drop off your students at the front entrance to ensure they can safely enter the school. Thank you for your cooperation!

Middle School students from The Winston School enjoyed an enriching walking field trip to the Del Mar Library on Thursday. The visit included an engaging tour of the library's resources, an introduction to digital tools, and a chance to explore the book collection. Students participated in interactive activities designed to foster a love of reading and research skills while learning about libraries' importance as community hubs. The trip was a wonderful opportunity to inspire curiosity and lifelong learning in our young scholars.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Del Mar, with special thanks to Gillian Crooks and Kathleen Caldwell, for their dedication to training and supporting our students in their volunteer roles at the Thrift Shop. Through this enriching experience, our students have gained valuable life skills such as teamwork, customer service, organization, and responsibility. Working alongside the compassionate staff and volunteers at the Thrift Shop has provided them with an inspiring sense of purpose and a connection to the broader community. Thank you for creating such a welcoming and impactful environment for our students to grow and thrive!

📢 Reminder: Sign-Up Deadline Approaching for Our Spring Trip!

We’re thrilled with the enthusiasm for our rescheduled spring trip to Boston and New York City! This unique opportunity promises our students unforgettable experiences of discovery, learning, and connection.

🗓 Trip Details:

• Dates: Monday, March 31 – Friday, April 4, 2025
• Partnership: This collaborative trip with another school will foster new friendships and make the journey more affordable for all participants.

🚨 Important: Sign-Up Deadline

• Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
• Tour Center ID: Winston-2024

👉 Register and access detailed trip information here.

📌 Questions?

Contact Mary Sterling-Torretti at maryst@thewinstonschool.org.

Mark your calendars and secure your spot for this exciting adventure. Let’s create memories that last a lifetime! 🌟

Time is Running Out – Help Us Reach Our Goal!

With only 17 days left to make your tax-deductible end-of-year donations, we’re halfway to our goal of raising $100,000 to support The Winston School Annual Fund.

Every dollar you give directly impacts our students, ensuring they have access to the strength-based programs, personalized learning, and supportive environment they need to succeed.

As we approach the close of the year, your generosity can make a lasting difference:

• Empower students with diverse learning styles to thrive.
• Bridge the critical gap between tuition and the full cost of a Winston education.
• Sustain exceptional programs that foster creativity, resilience, and confidence.

Your support matters. Let’s come together as a community to reach this critical milestone.



Don’t wait—be a hero today. Make your gift before December 31st and help us shape the heroes of tomorrow.

Thank you for investing in our students’ futures!

Canopy College Coaching is dedicated remote coaching for college students, focusing on Academics, Writing, Executive Functioning, and College Life Coaching.



Students who work with Canopy receive comprehensive academic support, expert writing instruction, individualized student-centered and goal-oriented executive functioning coaching, and a team of professionals supporting them at every step so they can get the most out of their college experience. Click here to learn more!

NFAR--National Foundation for Autism Research--CALLING ALL WINSTON  SUPERHEROES! Race for Autism 5K Run/Walk Balboa Park, San Diego, Saturday, April 12, 2025!

The race raises funds for programs and services that benefit neurodivergent individuals.

This inclusive event welcomes all in the community! The fee is $30 per adult, $25 for youth 13-17, $20 for children 12 and under. Please let us know if you'd like to join our Winston team of superheroes, which will qualify us for a discount package.

Join our interest list here!

We are resharing the link to David Rivera's story due to issues accessing it behind the San Francisco Chronicle paywall.

David Rivera, a Winston School Class of 2019 alum with autism, shares his inspiring journey to underscore the critical importance of renewing the Autism CARES Act, the primary federal funding source for autism research, services, and training. Rivera recalls his struggles in middle school, where inadequate support systems led to academic and emotional challenges. His life changed when he transferred to The Winston School, which provided the personalized support he needed to regain his confidence and achieve academic success.

Rivera highlights the Autism CARES Act, established in 2006, as a driving force behind advancements in autism research and essential programs like diagnostic evaluations and specialized training. With autism diagnoses now affecting 1 in 36 children, he emphasizes that the act's renewal is vital to maintain these critical resources. As president of the nonprofit Mentoring Autistic Minds, Rivera continues to advocate for the renewal of the act, ensuring autistic individuals have the resources to thrive.

You can read his story here.

Winston Community: We value your input!  Please take a moment to share your feedback about our Friday Communication by clicking here.  Your responses will help us ensure these updates meet your needs and expectations.

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Check out our profile to see the great work we do for our community. We want to make sure you have the progress updates you need to support our work with trust and confidence.