New month, new mindset (and new website)!

Hey-lo,

September. New month, new mindset. September is giving me new chapter energy. Back to school, back to routines.

I'll miss the summer vibes, but I feel like I need some routine back in my life. I've talked about the importance of self care before, both for myself and to inspire others to do so. In my September chapter, I'm going to merge the two - routine and self care.

I've already started back at the gym. Not consistently yet, but once Paytyn is back at school, I plan on dropping her off and hitting the gym. Two birds, one stone. It's such a great way to start the day.

After that you may see me at Halo, doing the behind-the-scenes maintenance or getting my monthly facial or lash lift and tint. I've been good about getting my facials but it's been a while since my last lift and tint - back to routine and self care.

Thank you to our teachers!  

As a thank you, mention you're a teacher and get an extra 10% off any of our specials. Most teachers go from no routine to full speed ahead at the start of the school year. I always say being a teacher is the toughest job, so this is Halo's way of saying thanks. 

Check out our spotlight this month, too, and get to know a Melrose High School teacher. 

Speaking of community spotlights - in March 2024 we highlighted Danielle Festa from the The Aplomb Project. The Aplomb Project is an organization that uses art to support trauma survivors through various initiatives, including community healing experiences, scholarships, and original paintings. 

They're hosting their annual portrait exhibit and gala this month. I encourage you to check it out and consider donating.  

New website alert! 

Our clients aren't the only ones with fresh new looks for the school year. We refreshed Halo's website: www.halostudiomelrose.com! Check out our talent page to learn some fun facts about your stylist or esthetician, or catch up on our past newsletters. 

Thanks as always for your support of Halo, and good luck with the new school year!  

Community Spotlight

by Julia Mongeau

 Lydia Mays is a Melrose High School graduate and currently teaches at MHS. She teaches Algebra 1 and Algebra 2 to 9th and 11th grade students, as well as a small senior math class for students with math disabilities.

 “I always knew I wanted to be a teacher,” said Lydia. “Some of my first memories were making my siblings be my students while we played school.” 

 While in high school, Lydia always looked forward to math class. She wanted to create an environment for her students so they could have a similar experience in her classroom. 

 “I love to see the light bulb moment happen for students who think math is a difficult subject,” said Lydia. 

 Returning to teach at her alma mater was a bit of an adjustment at first. She went from being a student to a peer with some of her former teachers. She even had a few students in her classroom who were kids she used to babysit. But it didn’t take long to feel comfortable and confident as an MHS teacher. 

 Lydia’s impact goes beyond the classroom. She’s currently the assistant varsity coach of the MHS girl’s soccer team. 

 “We should have a good season and I look forward to all the good times that come along with coaching.”

 Teaching isn’t easy, but Lydia does the job with empathy and grace. 

 “Classroom management can be the most challenging part of being a teacher,” said Lydia. “I have some students that don't respect teachers or really despise coming to school. Understanding that these frustrations are coming from a deep place in a student keeps me forging ahead.”

 In the spirit of showing teachers our appreciation, I asked Lydia how the Melrose community can better support our teachers. She mentioned the upcoming override referendum and how those funds would improve working conditions for all teachers. For example, right now, Lydia has one of the biggest class sizes she’s seen. The class size could only increase if they can’t add more teaching positions. Check out the City of Melrose website to learn more about the override.  

There’s something special about going back to where it all began, and Lydia did just that. Teachers make an impact well beyond graduation - though handing out diplomas to her students is one of the most rewarding parts of her job. 

“When a student asks you to do that, you know you made an impact on that student's life,” said Lydia. “I'm so proud of the students I've had that have gone on to do incredible things.”