Explorer Wednesday Briefing

Dear Chloe Clark Families,

As we move through the school year, we want to encourage continued learning beyond the classroom. Research shows that consistent reading, reviewing school assignments, and engaging in meaningful conversations at home strengthen skills and build confidence in young learners.

One key factor in academic success is limiting screen time, including cell phones, video games, TV, and iPads/tablets.

Guidelines for Healthy Screen Use (from the American Academy of Pediatrics - AAP):

✅ Prioritize active play and face-to-face interactions over screens.
✅ Encourage educational and age-appropriate content when screen time is used.
✅ Establish screen-free zones (e.g., during meals and before bedtime).
✅ Balance screen time with other activities like reading, outdoor play, and family time.

Setting clear boundaries helps children develop healthy habits while still enjoying technology in a balanced way. Studies suggest that excessive screen time can impact attention, sleep, and overall learning. Instead, we encourage setting aside time each day for:

📖 Reading together – Whether it’s a bedtime story or your child reading to you, daily reading fosters a love for books and improves comprehension. Visit the local library or the Chloe Clark Free Library to grab a new book!
✏️ Reviewing classwork – A quick check-in on assignments helps reinforce learning and shows kids their work is important.
🗣️ Family discussions – Talking about their day, asking questions, and sharing stories builds strong communication skills.

Small habits make a big impact! Thank you for all you do to support your child’s growth.

Warmly,
Principal Duncan

• Enrollment is open for the 2025/2026 school year

Hello Chloe Clark Families,

As we continue to learn about problem-solving and how to resolve conflicts, we begin a new lesson about "escalator" and "de-escalator" behaviors.

Escalator behaviors often intensify conflicts or make a problem worse. These behaviors can include yelling, blaming, name-calling, physical aggression, threats, eye-rolling, ignoring the person's feelings or words, and many other maladaptive reactions.

In contrast, de-escalator behaviors help calm situations or make a problem better. These behaviors can include active listening, validating feelings, keeping a calm voice and body, apologizing, asking for help, ignoring annoying behavior or words (that are not unsafe), and other strategies that facilitate communication, empathy, and emotional regulation.

We all engage in escalating behaviors sometimes, particularly when experiencing intense emotions. Our students are no different. You can reinforce our counselor's lesson by naming escalating behaviors and encouraging the use of de-escalating behaviors when you observe your child having a conflict or problem. Helping students practice de-escalation strategies, such as using the problem-solving wheel, the 4-step apology, or the peace path process, empowers our children to navigate life's challenges with confidence and grace. This foundation paves the way for healthier interactions and emotional well-being as they grow.

Warmly,
Mrs. C

Click on the flyer below for more information

• 2/14 - Snow Make-up Day, No School
• 2/17 - President's Day, No School
• 2/24 - Spring Picture Day
• 2/28 - PTA Bingo Night and Canned Food Drive - 5:30 pm dinner and Bingo at 6:00 pm
• 3/14 - No School, Professional Development for teachers
• 3/31 Spring Book Fair begins