in Austin, TX
Dear Paragon Families,
We are officially in the stretch of the school year we gently warned you about: the late-winter doldrums. This is the time when student emotions can feel a little more charged, patience runs thinner, and parents are simply tired. The excitement of the new year has worn off, spring break still feels just out of reach, and everyone seems to be digging a little deeper into their reserves.
And I’ll be honest– I am in it too. My husband was out of town this week, and for the first time in my 23 years of being a parent, I allowed myself to be “just enough.” Normally when he travels, I try to operate at full capacity for two people. I cook the meals, keep the house spotless, prep everything in advance, walk the dogs, make the green smoothies, and attempt to maintain our usual rhythm without missing a beat. It is exhausting.
This week, I didn’t do that. I embraced the deficit. The dishes sat in the sink. I did the bare minimum. There were no elaborate meals, no morning smoothies, and the dogs did not get daily walks. And you know what? I felt better. My cortisol levels stayed steady. There were no tears, no emotional spirals– just a calmer, more centered version of myself.
What surprised me most was how much that shift affected my girls. Their emotions were steadier. The house felt more peaceful. It reminded me how powerfully our energy sets the tone for those around us. I noticed the same thing at school, when I consciously kept my own stress from escalating, I felt clearer, more grounded, and better able to lead.
So as we head into another week before spring break, I encourage you to give yourself permission to be just enough. Lower the bar where you can. Let something go. Embrace the moment instead of trying to master it. It may be exactly what we all need to get across the finish line feeling whole.
I also hope to see everyone at our Science Expo on Thursday night from 5:30–7:00 p.m. Our students are working incredibly hard on their projects, and it is always one of my favorite evenings of the year– a chance to see their curiosity, effort, and pride on full display. It’s such a special night to celebrate their hard work together as a community.
Wishing you the best,
Lindsay Hay, M. Ed.
Head of School
