Husky Headlines

• March 1st-17th - ELPA Testing Window Open

• March 1st - NHS Product Drive

• March 2nd - NHS Product Drive

• March 7th - S-RC's Got Talent Dress Rehearsal

• March 8th - End of 3rd Quarter

• March 8th - S-RC's Got Talent Show @ 2:30!

• March 8th - Book-It Goals DUE!!!

• March 9th - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

• March 10th - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

• March 13th - NO SCHOOL - Spring Break

• March 14th - Spring Photos!!

• March 20th - Knock Your Socks Off Day!!!

• March 20th - BoE Meeting @ 7pm (Open to Public)

• March 21st - ACT Day - No School for PK-5 Students

• March 24th - Elementary Movie Night

• March 31st - Kindergarten Round-Up

Fun activities to promote language development

When parents overuse technology, it can hinder language development. Simple everyday activities and adventures can help promote language development in children of all ages.

Here are some simple and inexpensive ideas for promoting language skills.

• Day trips: bowling, shopping, swimming, eating out at a restaurant, trips to the park

• Visiting Nebraska Landmarks: Aksarben Aquarium, Henry Doorly Zoo, Lincoln Children’s Zoo, SAC Museum, Children’s Museums throughout Nebraska

• Jokes, riddles, and rhymes

• Story telling

• Singing songs

There will be DANCING.

There will be MUSIC.

There will be ART, and MAGIC, and TALENT galore!

Each month, we compile statistics of daily yellow sheet signatures and office referrals. This allows us to track behavioral trends in our school to ensure that we are meeting the needs of our students and that we are retraining appropriately.

For the month of February we had a tie for our highest offenses. Students were being written up on the yellow sheet for missing work (either not completing classroom assignments, or not bringing back their homework assignments) and for disrespect (either toward adults or other students).

Here are intervention ideas that you can use at home to help us with these behaviors.

Interventions for Homework Completion (that could also apply from home):

• Break down assignment
• Break down directions
• Clear, consistent, and predictable consequences
  
• Individual work space
  
• More structured routine
  
• Organize materials daily
  
• Rewards, Simple Reward Systems, & Incentives
  
• Take away privileges
• Teach organizational skills
  
• Teach relaxation techniques
• Use timer
  
• Visual schedule

Interventions for Disrespect:

• Acknowledging positive behavior
• Avoid power struggles
• Praise when good attitude and involvement occur
• Teach conflict resolution skills
  
• Teach coping skills
• Teach relationship skills
• Teach social skills
• Use calm neutral tone

What: Wear fun socks

When: March 20, 2023(Elementary doesn’t have school on 3/21)

Why: To spread Down Syndrome acceptance and inclusion

Hosted by: Shelby Rising City Circle of Friends Group

March 21, or 3-21, is a symbolic date to celebrate people with Down Syndrome and those who live and work with them throughout the world. The date, 3-21 represents Trisomy 21, the medical term for Down Syndrome, which is the third replication of the 21 st chromosome.

As part of the celebration around the world, people are encouraged to wear fun socks. The fun sock initiative was formed to get people talking and asking questions about Down Syndrome. The idea is to wear brightly colored, mismatched, long, printed socks—or even layer three socks, one for each chromosome. Why socks you ask? The socks resemble chromosomes, and who doesn’t love a pair of fun socks!?

As you know, we are coming closer and closer to the end of the school year - and that means we are gearing up for another testing season! Testing season is EXCITING for me as a principal because I know that I am going to see amazing GrOwTh and GAINS that our students have made throughout the school year - and I am going to be able to congratulate teachers on their hard work and INTENSE dedication.....BUT testing season can also mean BIG ANXIETY for some students. If your child is one of those students, please check out the tips below!! ⇣⇣⇣⇣

1. Investigate what is making your child feel anxious

Ask your child what the specific worries are about tests. Once you understand the worries, you can work on some strategies that will help.

2. Teach Study Skills

• Use class notes to create questions or flashcards
• Get help during class if you need it
• Verbalize what you know – tell/teach the material to someone else
• Get all of your questions answered
• Ask the teacher if there is anything you can work on at home

3. Teach Test Taking Skills

Too often we assume that kids know HOW to take tests. When a child does not know how to “navigate a test,” this can contribute to anxiety. Show your child different types of tests and teach how to move through them with confidence.

• Instructions

Teach your child to READ the instructions carefully.

• Listening

Explain the importance of listening to the teacher’s instructions and ask for clarification if needed.

• If your child comes to challenging questions:

1. Re-read the question three times.
2. Move through the easier questions and come back to the harder ones at the end.
3. If your child still does not know the answer, encourage making a guess. It is better to have something on the test rather than leaving it blank.

4. Teach positive re-framing and visualization

Teach your child to “re-frame” negative thoughts to more positive ones. Instead of: “I am going to fail.” Try: “I’ve got this.” or “I am confident, I work hard, and I will do my best.” Have your child visualize walking into the test feeling confident and “acing” the test. Writing positive affirmations on the bathroom/bedroom mirror is also helpful.

6. SEE Approach – Sleep – Exercise – Eat Well

Make sure that your child is getting enough sleep, movement, and nutritious food. Too little sleep, poor nutrition, and lack of movement are a recipe for anxiety.

7. Teach your child about a growth mindset

Tests can create anxiety and frustration because studying may not always lead to success. Keep in mind:

People with a growth mindset will show commitment and resilience to overcome their learning barriers, but those with a fixed mindset will give up before they even try!

8. Acknowledge your child's feelings and effort

Do not dismiss the feelings that your child shares with you. Acknowledgment helps us feel heard, safe, and encourages open communication.

**Bonus 9. Reassure your child that test accommodations are in place (if applicable)

If your child has a learning difference or attention issues, ensure that the 504 plan or IEP includes testing accommodations. These should be in place at the beginning of the school year.

Special Education Director

Shelby-Rising City Public Schools

Email: hthompson@shelby.esu7.org
Website: https://www.shelby.esu7.org/
Location: 650 North Walnut Street, Shelby, NE, USA
Phone: 402-527-5946 5718
Twitter: @mrs_thompson007