March 2020 Newsletter

 

March and April are some pretty tough months.  These are months filled with rigorous academics, state testing, increased expectations and the dreaded daylight savings change.  All of this can lead to student (family) stress, loss of energy, and loss of focus. This is one of the times we need it most! If your like me, I just need to make some time to hit reset so my kids and I can do our best in our respective work. So here are some hints base on research (not just my opinion).

• Make or take some time regularly to relax together or play a game. 

• Revisit or re-establish routines after school/work, in the morning, and night time.

  • Some do homework after school, some after dinner, but making sure it is an established time helps.

• Many kids have many different sleep patterns.  Find one that is reasonable, predictable and consistent.  Regular rest is key to attention and learning.

  • If your kids don't respond to verbal directions (like mine) for that transition to bed, reading etc, draw a visual schedule where pictures show the task followed by each ensuing task. Those ambitious enough may even take pictures of your kids doing that task and show them the picture when it's time to transition. 

• As a last special note, the same applies to state testing time.  Establish and practice schedules and hold tight to them for the testing window.  In order to do well on the testing days, students should experience their regular routine just like the day they learned the test material. 

Wishing everyone a successful spring season.  

 

If you have a student that needs to attend a school outside of their home school please fill out the Out of Attendance form HERE.

Join us for a presentation by Licensed Family Therapist, Joy Wagner, about how we can help our children understand their feelings.  More information was sent home in Blue Envelopes. 

Please make sure to send back the RSVP. 

 

March Social Skills Focus:

On February 28 we had our monthly Freaky Friday. The goal of this month’s activity was to practice having a conversation with a small group.  Prior to Freaky Friday, classes discussed what a “Conversation Maker”(Example: Showing interest in what the speaker is saying) and a “Conversation Breaker” (Example: When someone interrupts) was.  On Freaky Friday, each class divided up their students into groups of 4 or 5 and were given tokens. Students were then given prompts/scenarios and had a conversation about them. If a student noticed a conversation breaker they tossed one of their tokens into the middle. The class then counted the tokens and discussed how the “Conversation Breakers” affected the conversation. 

Social Skills Tip of the Month:

Caring For Others

• Ask your child about ways that he or she has helped a classmate “have a good day.”

• “Catch” your child being kind to someone and point out how good it must have made the person feel.

• Model small acts of kindness during your daily activities and talk with your child specifically about how and why the act may have benefited the other person.

• Brainstorm ways your family could do kind things for others in your neighborhood or community, or participate in a community service project as a family.

March Raffle:

(4) students from K - 2 and (4) students from 3- 5,  will get to play basketball in the gym with some special guests and enjoy a treat afterwards.

Looking Ahead (Cougar Way Events):

Calling all parents....grandparents or E. Cook Neighbors....We are looking for someone to help by being a Crossing Guard a couple mornings a week.  This is a volunteer position and and does not required to be EVERY day.  You would be needed from 7:20am - 7:50am on either Monday's, Tuesday's, Thursday's or Friday's.  Volunteer for 1 day a week or a combination of any of the days. If you or someone you know is interested in helping keep our students safe while crossing the street, please call the office at 920-424-0152.