November Meerkat Monthly

November

11/3

• Elementary: 5th Grade Field Trip

• Elementary: Picture retake day. Have your student bring their picture packet with them

• K-8 No School Grading Day

• Elementary: 5th Grade Field Trip

• K-8 No School Veterans Day

• K-8 No School
• K-8 Conferences 12pm-8pm

• K-8 Conferences 7am-2pm

• Elementary: 5th Grade Field Trip
• 6:30pm-8:30pm PTO meeting

• EA (Teachers Assistant) Appreciation Day

• Middle: 4:15pm-5:45pm Basketball Tournament & High School Forecasting
• 7pm-8:30pm MLA Board Monthly Meeting

• Middle: 4:15pm-5:45pm Basketball Tournament

• K-8 No School Thanksgiving Break

• Middle: 6:30pm Winter Band Concert @ Reynolds Auditorium

https://www.mla.k12.or.us/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4384480&type=d&pREC_ID=2591442

Elementary

Students: Emma M., Jensen, Drew, Autumn, Johnny, Taurean, Selma, Zane, Catalina, Eyrah, Ivy, Stella, Holden, Gideon, Ruben, Lincoln, Victoria, & Kaleigh

Staff: Miss Hill

Middle

Students: Zackery, William, Aurora, Isabella, Laska, Lincoln, Alandra, Olivia, Alexander, Ruby, Isabella, Aaliyah, Sergio, Camden, Izabella, Jade, Carson, Allison, Kyle, and Aurora

Staff: Miss Vanessa, & Mr Jones,

As the holidays approach we are preparing for our Annual Holiday Store event that we have at both the elementary and middle school campuses during the last week before the break in December.

We are beginning to collect new and like new items for this event.

During this event EVERY child will get the opportunity to shop for free for two special people(mom, dad, siblings, grandparents or even their favorite pet, etc.) in their lives to take home to give gifts to over the holidays. Please consider donating items to this very special event.

Please make sure you are off campus by 7:45am unless you have signed in as a volunteer.

1. Promotes Independence: When children participate in packing their backpacks, they learn to take responsibility for their belongings. This process encourages independence as they become more confident in managing their own materials and daily routines.

2. Develops Executive Functioning Skills: Executive functioning skills, such as planning, organization, and time management, are essential for academic achievement. Packing a backpack requires children to consider what they need for the day, prioritize items, and arrange them in an orderly manner. These skills are critical for staying focused in class and completing assignments efficiently.

3. Encourages Decision-Making: Involving children in packing their backpacks allows them to make decisions about what items they need for different classes or activities. This decision-making process enhances their ability to evaluate needs, problem-solve, and adapt to changing situations—a valuable skill set both in school and in life.

4. Reinforces Memory and Attention Skills: Packing a backpack involves remembering necessary items and paying attention to details. Children learn to double-check their supplies, ensuring they have everything they need for the day ahead. This practice reinforces memory skills and encourages attention to detail, which are crucial for academic tasks and personal organization.

5. Fosters Parent-Child Communication: Packing a backpack can also be a bonding opportunity between parents and children. It allows for discussions about the day ahead, upcoming events, and any special requirements. This open communication reinforces the importance of preparation and sets a positive tone for the day.

Tips for Encouraging Backpack Packing:

• Create a Routine: Establish a consistent time each day for packing the backpack, such as before bedtime or after completing homework.

• Use Visual Checklists: Visual aids can help children remember what items to pack, making the process more manageable and reinforcing organizational skills.

• Provide Guidance: Initially, offer guidance and support as children learn to pack their backpacks independently. Gradually, encourage them to take more responsibility for the process.

  
  

In conclusion, involving children in packing their backpacks is more than just a daily task—it's a practical way to promote independence, develop essential executive functioning skills, and strengthen parent-child relationships. By encouraging this habit, parents and educators can empower children to become more organized, responsible, and prepared for academic success and beyond.

Our elementary school is in need of boys' pants in youth sizes 6 youth and up.

If you have any gently used pants you'd like to donate, we would greatly appreciate it!

Donations can be dropped off at the elementary school office.

Thank you for supporting our Meerkat community!

This form is for if you need to bring in any medication for your student: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GCtTYuA0nCms089yGEyfdirDdpyV10id/view

Interested in joining? Email mailto:pto@mla.k12.or.us

Monthly meetings 3rd Tuesday of the month at MLA Middle School Annex

If your family could use a little extra support with groceries, we’ve created a helpful guide featuring local food pantries across Clackamas, Multnomah, and Washington counties. The list includes hours, locations, contact information, and details on how to sign up or access services. Please take a moment to review the resource guide and reach out to any pantry that best fits your family’s needs and schedule during the holiday season.

FOOD RESOURCES GUIDE, Clackamas, Multnomah, & Washington Counties