Friday, December 18, 2015

Wrapping Up Another Year and Looking Ahead to 2016

As we enter the holiday break, it is a sign that the school year is half over, which is hard to believe.  You may be thinking, the school year is only half over OR, it’s already half over.  Heading into a new year, it’s a natural time to reflect on the year gone by and look forward to what may be ahead.  There are great things happening in our school and more great things to come in the months ahead.  In the elementary, we will be partaking in the One School One Book program once again.  The book has been selected, but is being kept a secret until our kick-off event.  Look for more information on that in the next month.  State assessments will be taking place in January, March, and April.  In February, upper elementary students will be participating in an Elementary Quiz Bowl competition for the first time.  Another event that will be new this spring Dad’s and Doughnuts where we will be inviting our dads in for a special breakfast with their child before school.

Recently, I stumbled across an article by Jon Gordon (author of The Energy Bus) who wrote 20 Tips for a Positive New Year.  There are some great ideas that I wanted to share with you and give you something to think about as you look ahead to 2016.  Stay positive, fuel your body, focus on learning, loving, growing, and serving.  Don’t waste precious energy on gossip, instead invest your energy in the positive.  Remember there is no substitute for hard work, take time to focus on the 3 most important things you need to do that day.  Read more books than you did the year before, get more sleep, smile, laugh more, and enjoy the ride!

Here is to wishing you a happy, healthy, and joyous 2016!

Sunday, August 23, 2015

Getting Healthy One Step at a Time

A big topic in schools right now is health and wellness.  We know that First Lady Michelle Obama started the "Let's Move!" campaign back in 2010 because she recognized there was childhood obesity problem.  Our lifestyles have changed so much.  Thirty years ago, students walked to and from school more, played outside after school until supper time, had healthy, home cooked meals with reasonable proportions, and there was more time spent in physical education at school or playing sports after school.

Now look at where things are.  Students get a ride to school even if they are within walking distance, playing outside has been replaced with video games, electronics, and cell phones.  Families rarely sit down for a meal together and going through the drive-thru happens more in a week than eating at home.  Portion sizes are out of control including beverages.  It's no wonder with these changes that 1 in 3 students are obese and are at risk for major health problems in their adult life.

It's scary and it's time to make some changes which is why Mrs. Obama started her campaign.  Schools are being heavily criticized for their lunches.  They are being more regulated than in the past.  However there are some good things going on with them.  There are more fresh fruits and vegetables being offered and served to students.  School lunches are not the problem with obesity in children.  It's shocking to see what some kids bring in their sack lunches.  I have seen lunches with fruit snacks, cookies, gatorade, and cheese crackers.  Or chocolate milk, granola bars, jerky, and carrot sticks.  Meanwhile a school lunch might have tacos, rice & beans, lettuce, fruit, and milk.  One school lunch is not creating unhealthy children.

Living a healthy lifestyle is just that, a lifestyle.  It takes more than just what we can do at school, it has to happen at home as well.  So at Freeman, we are going to make some changes and will continue to do so to encourage health and wellness.  Our staff participates in an EHA group (Educators
Health Alliance).  This provides staff the opportunity to be part of healthy challenges like exercise, nutrition, water consumption, proper amounts of sleep, and being happier to name a few.  We are in the process of changing out a vending machine that will have better, healthier choices like yogurt, trail mix, and fresh fruit.  In the elementary we made a handbook change that said students were not allowed to be on their electronic devices during school hours, which included before school while waiting for the bell to ring.  Last spring, the school board approved the addition of a second physical education teacher so that we could offer more PE classes to students and more often.

Another change that you may be aware of is Walking Club for the elementary.  Over the summer I learned a lot about movement and the brain and how movement can affect our learning or overall activity.  On Tuesday and Thursday the K-2 students are going to participate in walking club, while on Monday and Wednesday it will be grades 3-6.  The PE teachers created a path around the playground for students to walk around and record the number of laps that they complete.  That number goes into a chart so we can graph how far each student is going and how far the class goes over time.

As with anything it takes a while to adjust to something new.  The purpose with walking club is to get kids moving and wake up the brain before the school day starts so they are ready to learn when they walk in their classroom.  This is not designed to be another "chore" at school, but rather an enjoyable way to socialize in a positive way with their peers, while getting a little extra movement into their day.  We appreciate support from parents, staff, and the community as we encourage healthier living with our students.  If you ever want to come join us in the mornings, you are welcome to.  As the year progresses we hope to implement other healthy habits with our students so be on the lookout for those as well.

Thursday, July 30, 2015

School is Right Around the Corner!

It happens every year.  Summer vacation starts with much excitement. Everyone can smell the sunscreen, feel the cool water of the anticipated splash in the pool, hear the roar of the crowd at the ball park, and taste the delicious ice cream you have been waiting all winter for.  Families urgently begin their vacations and summer activities, as they should. Summer is a much welcomed break from school and a nice change of pace from a daily routine. Students and families spend a lot of their time doing things they don't have time for or can't during the school year.

There are certain activities that only come around during the summer which makes them very exciting; softball and baseball, swimming, camp, VBS, extended sleepovers with grandparents, summer reading programs, the county fair, and on and on.  Most kids spend their time sleeping in and staying up late.

Then the 4th of July hits and everyone is still relaxing and enjoying the sights and sounds of summer.  About mid July school supplies and back to school shopping adds start to pop up. There starts to be a little anxiety about the return of school because summer is SO MUCH FUN!

Before you know it, it's July 31st and the school is sending out paperwork and reminders that Back to School Open House night is soon.  Some students are ready to go back, some students are not, and some are ready to go back because they miss their friends.

If you ask teachers, they may say they aren't ready to get back to school, but secretly they are loving getting their room set up and putting their Pinterest ideas to the test.  The school staff is busily wrapping up all of the summer projects and restocking school supplies.

So yes, it is that time of year, where the start of school is Right Around the Corner!  Open House is Wednesday, August 12th from 6-7pm.  Be sure to come to school to meet your teacher and new classmates, bring in paperwork, have your picture taken at the Photo Booth, each supper in the cafeteria, and visit with your friends!

Take your time to soak up the last few days of summer!  We will be seeing you soon!

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Kindergarten Round Up

Kindergarten Round Up is quickly approaching which means that our little pre-schoolers are almost ready for school!  Although going to pre-school is a lot like "real" school, adjusting to going to kindergarten can have it's own challenges.  The first big decision you have to make is WHEN to send your child.  The old rule was you had to turn 5 by October 15th.  The current state law is students have to turn 5 by July 31 in order begin kindergarten.  Of course parents always have the choice to hold their child back until they are 6 years old to begin kindergarten.  The complication is with pre-school.  A student cannot continue to be enrolled in a public school pre-school if the child has turned 5 on or before July 31.  In order to continue with pre-school services, they would have to find a daycare outside of the public school.  However, if your child has been identified with special needs and is placed on an IEP (Individual Education Plan), the child's IEP team will decide what is best for the child which may result in another year of public school pre-school even if the child is 5 years old after July 31.

The Nebraska Department of Education produced a document called, Ready for Success:  What Families Want to Know about Starting School in Nebraska.  Below are some other questions and answers to consider when deciding if your child is ready for school.  It is a big decision and you need to be comfortable with your choice.  If you are really struggling with what to do, contact the school and have a few conversations with the principal, pre-school and kindergarten teachers.  They will be able to give you a good idea about what is expected and how your child might respond to kindergarten.

What does school rediness mean?
Children are born ready and eager to learn.  The goal of school readiness efforts is to support ALL children entering kindergarten with skills, knowledge, health, and attitude to be successful life-long learners.  Ready children have families who support their children's learning, and schools that are prepared to meet the individual needs of ALL children the year they are age-eligible to attend kindergarten.

How do I know if my child is ready?
It's about more than what your child knows.  It also includes if your child is healthy rested, and well fed.  Is able to pay attention, follow directions and communicate their thoughts and needs without being disruptive.  Is he/she curious and enthusiastic about new activities.  Is he/she confident, cooperative and able to practice age-appropriate self control.  Consider all areas of your child's development, no just his/her academic skills.  

What will kindergarten be like?
It is normal for children to be at different levels of development with a wide range of abilities.  Nebraska teachers plan their curriculum based on state standards (which is what children should know by the END of the school year) in language arts, math, science, and social studies.  Many kindergarten teachers provide plenty of time for play and exploration because young children are active learners and learn best through play.

How can I help my child be ready?
Promote good healthy habits, encourage social and emotional well-being, support language and learning.

How can I prepare for the first day?

  • be enthusiastic and positive
  • make an appointment for kindergarten check up and immunizations
  • turn in all documents requested by the school such as:  original birth certificate, emergency contacts, before and after school care information, school calendar, school expectations and routines.
  • read books about kindergarten
  • participate in the school Open House
  • meet with your child's teacher
  • start a new bedtime and morning routin
  • arrive at school early for the first day!
How can i support my child's education?
  • be enthusiastic about school
  • help your child be at school, on time, every day
  • read with your child daily
  • ask about your child's day
  • talk to your child's teacher often and early.
Entering kindergarten with your first child or your last, can be a stressful time and full of a lot of worry.  It's usually harder on the parents than it is on the students.  Kindergarten aged students are usually very ready to attend.  If your child seems a little reserved at first, that is normal.  Give them time to take everything in and absorb their new environment.  By the end of the school year, you will be amazed at how much they have grown up!  As always, remember to contact the personnel in your child's school if you have any reservations or questions about kindergarten or choosing the appropriate time to attend.  Our job as educators is to keep students safe and to do what is best for them.




Source
2012.  Ready for Success:  What Families Want to Know about Starting School in Nebraska.  Nebraska Department of Education.  www.education.ne.gov/oec

Friday, February 6, 2015

One School One Book and The World According to Humphrey...the Hamster

The secret has been revealed.  This morning at an assembly for the elementary students our inaugural program One School One Book was unveiled.  What is One School One Book (OSOB)?  It's a school wide program targeted at families and increasing literacy at home together.  Each family will receive a copy of the book, The World According to Humphrey, a bookmark, reading completion certificates, and a flyer that includes the reading schedule and tips for reading aloud at home.  Most of the time, the reading assignment for the night is to read one chapter.  They are short, about 5-10 pages.  The ideas is to involve EVERYONE in the family.  Gather all the kids and parents, heck aunt, uncles, cousins, and grandparents are welcome too.  Sit down together and read the chapter together.  Take turns passing the book around to read and talk about it afterwards.

Each morning, there will be questions asked to the students over the morning announcements.  As a class, they will submit their answers via email to Mrs. Sieh.  If the class answers the question correctly, they get a point.  We will see how many points each class has at the end of the reading period.  In addition, for every child that completes the weekly reading selection, the can fill out a certificate and bring back to school on Monday to be entered for a drawing.  Prizes will be awarded!

To read a description of the book, click here:  Humphrey

I hope that you will all get on board with our inaugural OSOB program enjoy reading about Humphrey.  The students were all expecting a real hamster...we will see if one shows up!


Here is the letter than went out to students today about the program:

Dear Parent/Guardian:

This month our school will be embarking on a special project, an all school book club called One School, One Book.  Every family will receive a copy of the same book – Betty G. Birney’s The World According to Humphrey - and will be asked to read it at home over the month of February.  I am personally asking you to make the time so your family can participate in this special activity.

Reading aloud at home is valuable because it better prepares your child to be an effective reader.  But it is also a fun, worthwhile family activity.  Through our One School, One Book program, we aim to build a community of readers at our school.  Everyone - students, parents, teachers, even administrative staff - will be participating, and we can all reap the many benefits.

Your child will receive his/her copy of The World According to Humphrey at a special school-wide assembly, February 6th, introducing the program and the book.  When the book comes home, you will receive a tailored reading schedule so you can keep up at home.  Generally you will be asked to read a chapter a night – about 15 minutes per night.

In school, your child will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive, aggressive listening.  You will soon find that your child will take pride in knowing and anticipating the details of the story.  In class, there may be various activities which discuss or explore the book.   You will want to make sure your family keeps up so your child can be included.  Throughout February, everyone will be talking about The World According to Humphrey!

One School, One Book is a novel program in that children at all grade levels will all be listening to the same book.  Strange or daring as that may seem, it actually makes sound educational sense.  Reading professionals recommend that you can and should read material out loud that is beyond a child’s own reading level.  And we also believe that you can and should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves.  We have selected a title that can be followed, understood, and enjoyed by younger students, but that will still captivate and stimulate older children.

Good luck!  I hope to talk with both you and your student sometime this month about the adventures of Humphrey.  “When a whole school reads a book, there’s a lot to talk about.”  With your help, we can build a Community of Readers at our school.





-- Mrs. Sieh, Elementary Principal





Thursday, January 22, 2015

Helping a Student Succeed in School: Teacher, Student, Parent

Parent Teacher conferences are right around the corner.  From a teacher’s viewpoint, they are a lot of work, but in my opinion, an essential component to the success of a child’s education in school.  Oh sure, coming to conferences twice a year isn’t going to determine if a child passes or fails a class, but it’s the relationship aspect and communication that sets the tone for a child’s year. 

Some view PT Conferences as a time to just get a grade update.  What conferences should be is a time to talk about a student’s strengths, weaknesses, what assessments are given and what the data means.  It’s about a time to get to know families and build relationships.  It’s a time to discuss class projects, field trips, and ways to support homework from home, and reading.  The list is really endless. 

I just came across an article titled: “10 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed in School –The Right Way!”  Sometimes the issue isn’t that parents want to help their children, but it’s how to help them.  Curriculum has changed so much over the years.  For example, students in 4th grade are introduced to algebra whereas 20 years ago, students didn’t know about algebra until junior high.  Some parents now panic if their kindergartner doesn’t know how to read before school starts.  Less than 20 years ago, a student in kindergarten was successful if they knew all of their letters and sounds upon leaving kindergarten let alone knowing how to read.   There is a lot of pressure for students to succeed and teachers to have students prepared.  The truth of the matter is, students and teachers can’t do it alone.  Parents need to be involved too.  This article does a great job of suggesting ways parents can be supportive of their child’s education.

  1. Teach them that learning is their job.
  2.   Aim high.
  3. Distinguish studying from learning.
  4. Prioritize study time. 
  5.  Provide a proper homework environment.
  6. Let them figure things out on their own.
  7.  Teach proper reading comprehension skills.
  8. Have them go above and beyond.
  9. Make learning a four-season endeavor.
  10.  Set a good example.

To read more in-depth about these 10 ideas, click on the link below.