Power Notes--Stay Connected!
March 18, 2024
Collaborating over Conflict-Resolution
Greetings, Colonel Richardson Middle School families!
You may notice a pattern from the last Power Notes to this one...March can be really tough at school. It's a long month with crazy weather and many students (and adults) are worn down. When that happens, we all have a little less patience to handle situations that are bothering us.
In the last newsletter I discussed the need for our students to learn more pro-social skills that can avoid escalating conflicts. One strategy included was to introduce conflict-resolution skills. This week, I've included some specifics on those skills.
Active Listening: Encourage your child to actively listen to their peers during conflicts. Help them understand the importance of acknowledging others' perspectives.
Stay Calm: Remind your child to stay calm and composed when faced with conflict. Emphasize the significance of taking deep breaths and thinking before responding.
Problem-Solving Approach: Teach your child problem-solving techniques such as brainstorming solutions and evaluating their consequences. Encourage them to seek win-win resolutions.
Empathy: Foster empathy in your child by encouraging them to consider how their actions may impact others. Help them recognize emotions and express empathy towards their peers.
Seeking Help: Teach your child when it's appropriate to seek adult intervention. Remind them that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but a proactive step towards resolving conflicts peacefully.
Building these skills can be helpful to supporting your student's overall personal development and will help us maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment.
We wish you well,
Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal
UPCOMING DATES
March 21st-- Rock your Socks--World Downs Syndrome Awareness Day
March 25th--Junior Achievement 6th Grade Field Trip
March 27th-- No School; Teacher Professional Development
March 28th-April 1st--Spring Break
April 2nd--Return to School
April 5th--1/2 Day of School/End of 3rd Quarter
April 16th--3rd Quarter Report Cards distributed
April 19th--1/2 Day for Students/Teacher Professional Development
Not at School=Absent
Good attendance for your student begins on the first day of the school year. Consider the following facts:
STUDENTS ARE CONSIDERED CHRONICALLY ABSENT WHEN MISSING 10% OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR. For example, if a student has been absent 8 days already, he/she is already considered Chronically Absent by the State of Maryland. EXCUSED and UNEXCUSED absences COUNT AS ABSENCES!
Chronic absenteeism may prevent children from reaching early milestones.
Chronically absent students have difficulty keeping up with the pace at which they are expected to learn and grow.
Students who are absent even a day or two every few weeks fall behind their peers.
Irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out before graduation than test scores.
Consistent, on-time attendance is a habit that lasts into adulthood.
We closely monitor absences because Maryland law requires that children ages 5-18 attend school. Students may be withdrawn if not attending school regularly; students not enrolled or attending will be considered truant.
Students who are absent for 10% or more of the school year (based on a running tally), are considered chronically absent. For example, if we have been in school for 110 days and your student has 11 absences, they are now considered chronically absent.
An absence is an absence. Parent notes, doctors' notes, court notes, suspensions are all examples of CERTIFIED or EXCUSED absences; however, they STILL COUNT as an absence.
How Can Parents Encourage Good Attendance?
Build good attendance habits early so children know that getting to school on time every day is important!
Set a regular bedtime & morning routine, laying out clothes and backpacks the night before.
Avoid scheduling appointments & trips when school is in session.
Don't let your child stay home unless he/she is truly sick.
Consider that sometimes a stomach ache or headache is a sign of anxiety. If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to the school about helpful resources.
For more information: https://www.carolineschools.org/page/enrollment-attendance#attendance
Nurse's Health Message
CRMS Contact Information
Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Mr. Neil Lambert, Assistant Principal lambert.eric@ccpsstaff.org
Mrs. Charlene Sanders, Community Schools Coordinator sanders.charlene@ccpsstaff.org
Ms. Jennifer Blunt, School Counselor 8th Grade and 6th Grade blunt.jennifer@ccpsstaff.org
Mr. Jarrod Moaney, School Counselor 8th Grade and 7th Grade moaney.jarrod@ccpsstaff.org
Mrs. Jane Towers, Enrollment Secretary Towers.Jane@ccpsstaff.orgMrs. Heidi Plutschak, Administrative Secretary plutschak.heidi@ccpsstaff.org
Email: holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.colonelrichardsonms.org/
Phone: 410-479-1462