Flipping Your Lid
Lynda Runge • January 17, 2025
Understanding and Regaining Control of our Emotions
We all have moments when we don’t act our best. Daniel Siegel, in Parenting from the Inside Out, calls this "flipping our lids"—when we react impulsively instead of thinking rationally. Siegel uses a closed fist to illustrate how the brain works. The palm represents the brainstem, which controls fight/flight/freeze responses. The thumb inside the palm represents the midbrain (amygdala), where memories and emotions tied to past fears and insecurities are stored. When you fold your fingers over your thumb to form a fist, it represents the cortex, where rational thinking and emotional control occur.
When we’re upset, we "flip our lid"—our fingers open, exposing the midbrain—and we act from irrational emotions rather than logic. At St. James, we use this model to help both staff and students understand how to regain control of our rational selves.
For more insights from Dan Siegel, watch this video: link
At St. James Lutheran School, graduation is more than the end of 8th grade, it's the culmination of years of academic growth, faith formation, leadership development, and lifelong friendships. As we celebrate the Class of 2026, we are filled with pride as our graduates prepare to take their next steps at some of the most respected high schools in Chicago and beyond!
As we wrap up another year of Mini Mavericks, we are reflecting on all of the meaningful mornings spent playing, learning, and building community together. Designed for families with children ages 0-4, sessions create opportunities for young children and their parents and caregivers to connect through play-based experiences in a welcoming, engaging environment.
There are so many ways to enjoy the Lincoln Park area with your children this spring and summer. From playful early childhood programs and neighborhood festivals to enriching camps in the arts, science, and sports, families will find plenty of opportunities to explore, create, and connect. Below includes several offerings hosted by St. James Lutheran School, along with a wide range of programs from local community partners!
Earth Day Week Highlights: Student Projects and Classroom Activities In celebration of Earth Day on April 22nd, students across all grade levels engaged in hands-on learning experiences focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability, and community responsibility.
Starting at a new school can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. For families joining St. James at a non-traditional entry point, one of the biggest questions is often: What will the transition actually feel like?
Each year, St. James students leave our halls equipped to thrive in the next chapter of their academic journey. In fact, 95% of our 8th grade classes are accepted into their first-choice high school, a testament to the strong academic foundation, character development, and faith formation they receive during their time here. We’re excited to feature some of our recent St. James alumni who started high school this past fall. They shared reflections on their experiences so far, the ways St. James prepared them, and advice for current students.
At the heart of our school is a simple but deeply held belief: a Christ-centered education should be accessible to families who desire it. Our mission is not only to educate students academically, but to walk alongside families as partners in the formation of their children spiritually, intellectually, and relationally. Our philosophy on financial aid flows directly from that commitment.
Author Night at St. James is a beloved opportunity for our Early Childhood families to step into the classroom and experience literacy learning alongside their children. Rooted in our inquiry-based approach, the evening highlights how students have explored a particular author’s life, works, stories, themes, and art through meaningful, hands-on experiences while inviting parents to be active participants in the learning process. Below is a look at how each class brought Author Night to life this year!
Choosing the right school for your child is both exciting and deeply personal. At St. James Lutheran School, we believe the admissions process should feel just as thoughtful as the education we provide. From your first inquiry to your child’s first day, our goal is to walk alongside your family, answer your questions honestly, and help you discern whether St. James is the right fit for your child. Below is a closer look at how our admissions process works and what you can expect along the way.
This article was written by Newspaper Club Reporter, Scout O.