Panther Update - 11.1.26

Greetings Panther Families,

This is a message from your proud principal, Mrs. Kinard, and the school leaders at Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary. We strongly encourage you to access the digital version of this announcement, available on our school website and social media. It contains additional important information that you and your students need to know.

November is here, and we’re beginning the second week of our second quarter! This is a wonderful time to celebrate progress, refresh routines, and set new goals. Here’s what you need to know this week.

📸 Monday, November 2 | Fall Picture Day

Get those Panther smiles ready! Strawbridge will take students’ fall pictures on Monday. Please help your child arrive on time and ready for their moment in front of the camera. Check the picture-day information sent home for ordering details.

💻 Tuesday, November 3 | E-Learning Day

Students will learn from home on Tuesday. Please check ParentSquare for messages from your child’s teacher about assignments, directions, and learning expectations.

To help your Panther prepare:

• Make sure their device is charged and learning materials are ready.
• Help them find a comfortable space to work.
• Review assignments together and encourage their best effort.
• Contact their teacher with questions or problems accessing assignments.

Teachers will be reachable through ParentSquare on Tuesday. Each teacher will also post office hours and a Microsoft Teams link so students can receive additional assistance. Check your teacher’s messages for specific times and access information.

📚 A Fresh Start for the Second Quarter

With report cards recently sent home, take a few minutes to celebrate your child’s progress and identify one goal for this quarter. Reading together, completing assignments, and asking for help are small habits that make a big difference!

🐾 Ask Your Panther!

Try these questions to get the conversation started:

• What is something you’re proud of learning so far?
• What is one goal you have for the second quarter?
• What do you do when your work feels challenging?
• How did you show your PAWS at school this week?
• What do you need to be ready for Tuesday’s learning at home?

A little conversation can tell you a lot about your Panther’s day!

🍂 November Family Reminders

• Every day matters! Help your Panther arrive on time and ready to learn on in-person school days.
• Dress for changing weather. Layers help with chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. Label jackets and sweaters so misplaced items can find their way home.
• Stay connected. Check ParentSquare regularly for classroom updates and school announcements.

Thank you for partnering with us and supporting your Panther’s learning at school and at home. Together, we can make every day matter!

With Panther Pride,
Mrs. Kinard
Principal, Elizabeth Duncan Koontz Elementary

Koontz families, mark your calendars! Fall Picture Day is Monday, November 2. We’re sharing an early heads-up so you have time to pick out that special outfit and get your Panther camera-ready!

Bring those bright smiles—we can’t wait to capture them! ✨

When children feel anxious, nervous, or angry, their brain’s “alarm system” can switch on. Their heart may beat faster, their muscles tighten, and it can become harder to listen, think clearly, or solve a problem. Slow, gentle breathing helps settle that alarm and calm the body, giving children a chance to pause before reacting.

Watch this short video together, and make breathing practice part of a calm moment at home. Practicing when children feel comfortable makes the skill more familiar when big feelings show up.

Try saying: “I see you’re upset. I’m here. Let’s take a few slow breaths together.” You can invite your Panther to pretend to smell a flower, then gently blow out a candle.

The goal isn’t to make feelings disappear—it’s to help children feel calm enough to talk about what happened and choose their next step. Connect first, breathe together, then problem-solve.

🍂🐾 Panther Families, Let’s Make Every Day Count!

We’re heading into November celebrating 93% schoolwide attendance for October 26–30! A special shout-out to 2nd and 3rd grades, both at 96%!

November may be a short month with holiday breaks, but every school day brings opportunities to learn, connect, and grow. Help your Panther finish strong by keeping bedtime and morning routines consistent and arriving on time, ready to learn.

Thank you for partnering with us—we’re thankful for our Panther families! 💙 Make Today Matter. Be the Difference.

November brings holidays, excitement, and changes in routine. Families can help our Panthers finish each school day strong by reviewing our PAWS expectations: Practice Respect, Always Do Our Best, Work Together, and Show Responsibility.

A few reminders at home go a long way:

• Use kind words and safe hands, even when frustrated.

• Listen and follow directions in classrooms, hallways, the cafeteria, and on the playground.

• Pause, take a breath, and ask an adult for help when a problem feels hard to handle.

• Keep consistent bedtime and morning routines to help students arrive ready to learn.

• Celebrate good choices! Ask, “How did you show your PAWS today?”

November may be a short school month, but every day is a chance to learn, grow, and make great choices. Thank you for helping us keep Koontz safe, kind, and focused!