Good Evening,
Many of you may have heard about a very cool addition to the playground, out by the basketball court. The Gaga Pit was constructed by the Girl Scouts with funding support from the PTA. Our new facilities director, Aaron Newman worked with the group to prep the site and did some extra sanding to make sure it’s good and smooth! This week, Heather Heinz will do a warm-up in her 3rd through 8th grade P.E. classes to teach students the rules for safe play and good sportsmanship. We are working on a special Gaga Grand Opening during Friday’s Fall Fun Day festivities. A HUGE thanks to everyone who pitched in to make this possible and especially to Emily Crouse for making sure it got done! Next goal…an ice rink!
Congratulations to our 5/6 boys’ soccer team. They won the Haverhill Tournament under the lights. Way to go boys and families!! I know those days can be long but I promise you will miss it :). It sure was a beautiful weekend to be outside.
Fall Fun Day!
We are all looking forward to our Fall Fun Day this Friday. The first half of the day will be “business as usual.” After lunch, students will attend an All School Assembly to introduce the activities for Fall Fun Day. Older classes will partner with younger classes for a variety of fall-themed games, crafts, and activities.
First Dance - Grades 6 to 8
Friday evening, from 7 to 9 pm, the 7th-grade class is hosting our first dance of the year. Students in grades 6 to 8 are welcome to attend and may request to bring friends/visitors from other schools. There is a form available in the office. Forms are due back by Thursday morning. Tickets are $7 which includes refreshments. Proceeds go to the Class of 2024 fund.
National Bullying Prevention Month
When I go to conferences and workshops, I try to have the mindset that if I leave each session with at least one good idea, it was worth my time. That was definitely true of last week’s Caregiver Forum on Bully Prevention. There were only a few of us there but it was a rich discussion. I already brought one idea back to our counselor, Felecia Foley. She has been implementing “Lunch Bunches” with small groups of students in grades K to 4. Moving forward, she plans to incorporate a “check-in” about how students are feeling related to climate, safety, and other key indicators of healthy peer relationships. She will then be able to follow up, as needed, on behalf of individual students, classes, or through changes/additions to the school counseling curriculum.
The group also talked about the importance of open communication between the school and caregivers. I imagine most of you have, at one time or another, learned of a peer conflict your child is facing at school. I have no doubt, you help your child think through various strategies and skills they can try to resolve the conflict. I want to encourage you to also reach out to your child’s teacher to make them aware of the situation so we can work together with you. Relationships and conflict are tricky, even for adults. Together we can teach and helps children practice setting healthy boundaries and communicating respectfully with one another, even when they have differences.
Thank you so much to those who attended. It’s always so helpful to hear what’s on your mind. I also understand how busy everyone is. For those who could not attend, there are some great resources for parents and caregivers online:
Pre-teen through teen years - I highly recommend the parent section of this site. It has some really helpful suggestions and information. https://www.pacer.org/bullying/parents/definition-impact-roles.asp
All ages - https://www.stopbullying.gov/
I am attaching a flyer I found especially helpful as well.
COLDER WEATHER
It looks like it’s going to be a bit chillier this week, especially in the morning. Please be sure students have the appropriate layers to be able to enjoy outdoor recess and activities. Our classes make excellent use of our campus and often head outside at some point during the day.
See you tomorrow!
Audra
OCTOBER
17 4 Winds Training at Plainfield 8:30 am
17 Wellness Committee Meeting – 3:10 to 4:30 pm
18 K to 4 School Sing – 8 am In main lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
20 Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee Meeting – 5:30 pm - Library
21 Fall Fun Day - All School Assembly
21 Middle School Dance (7th gr sponsor) – 7 to 9 pm
25 K to 4 School Sing – 8am In Main Lobby – Parents/Guardians Welcome
26 Professional Development Committee Meeting – 3:10 to 4:30 - Library
27 Early Release Day, Parent/Teacher Conferences
28 Early Release Day, Parent/Teacher Conferences
30 PTA Sponsored Trunk or Treat – 1 to 4 pm