Let’s Ring in the New Year Right: Strategies to Keep SOMO at Bay This Winter

For many students, the weeks leading up to winter break are filled with anticipation: special classroom projects, performances, and the chance to make lasting memories with friends. But nothing brings disappointment quite like being sidelined by illness and missing out on these fun holiday moments.

As school leaders, we know how quickly a few days away can leave students feeling disconnected or “sick of missing out” (SOMO)—and how important it is to keep everyone engaged through the holidays and into the new year.

Here are a few ways we can keep kids in the classroom this winter:

1. Make Smart Scheduling Decisions: Limit large indoor gatherings when illness is circulating heavily in your district. Consider virtual assemblies or staggered events to reduce crowding and minimize germ transmission.
2. Empower Staff with Resources: Ensure custodial teams and classroom staff have easy access to Lysol® Disinfecting Wipes and Lysol® Disinfectant Spray. When used as directed, these products eliminate 99.9 percent of illness-causing viruses and bacteria, helping students spend more time in class and less time at home sick.
3. Reinforce Handwashing Habits: Share reminders with staff and families to help students practice thorough handwashing, especially during peak illness months. Activities like those in Lysol’s Hand Washing Activities sheet can make the routine more engaging for younger children.

Lysol’s Here for Healthy Schools provides free resources, classroom tools, and more for educators.