Florence Wilson Elementary School

Consistent expectations and strong routines at home are vital tools that support your child's learning and emotional well-being. By being predictable and clear, you empower your child to feel secure and responsible. This approach aligns perfectly with the principles of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Students, helping your child become more Proactive and focused on the important things.

The Power of Routine and Consistency

Establishing a consistent routine for things like bedtime, homework, and chores reduces stress and uncertainty for your child. When routines are predictable, children learn to manage their time and expectations, freeing up mental energy for learning and creativity.

• Consistency: When rules and expectations remain the same day-to-day (and between parents/guardians!), children learn what to expect and what is expected of them. This is the foundation for the Habit "Begin With the End in Mind"—knowing the desired outcome (e.g., a tidy room or a good night's sleep) guides their daily actions.

• Routines: A regular schedule helps your child develop "Put First Things First" by teaching them to prioritize important tasks (like homework or reading) over distractions. A set routine minimizes arguments because decisions are already made.

Why "Saying No" Is a Healthy Part of Parenting

It's okay—and necessary—to set boundaries and say no to your child. This teaches them resilience and that they can't always get what they want, which is a crucial life lesson.

• Setting Boundaries: Saying no reinforces the Habit "Think Win-Win" by teaching your child that their needs and the family's needs can be balanced, and that they must respect limits. It helps them understand that a "win" for one person can't come at the expense of others.

• Building Responsibility: When you say no to an extra hour of screen time or an unplanned purchase, you are teaching "Be Proactive." Your child learns that their actions have consequences and that they are responsible for how they react to limits. They learn to manage disappointment and work toward their goals instead of relying on immediate gratification.

Reinforcing the Habits at Home

You can use the 7 Habits language to reinforce consistency and routines:

• "Be Proactive" (Habit 1): Encourage your child to start their homework before being asked.

• "Begin With the End in Mind" (Habit 2): Before bedtime, ask, "What needs to be done to have a successful morning?"

• "Put First Things First" (Habit 3): Use a schedule and stick to it. If a chore is first, it must be done before play time.

• "Synergize" (Habit 6): When the routine breaks, work together to find a solution to get back on track.

By being the consistent anchor in your child's life, you are laying the groundwork for them to become responsible, self-reliant, and effective individuals.

Walk to school day will be Friday, October 10th. We will have 2 spots to meet so we can walk together. There will be a group at Bible Christian Church (on Mary Street) back parking lot at 7:45am. There will also be a group at the Presbyterian Church (on Texas Street, behind the school). Staff will walk the 2 groups to Florence Wilson at 8:00am. The GCHS Cross Country team will be joining us. Please watch for a note that will be coming soon and join us as we celebrate this nation wide event.

USD 457 App

Please take a minute to download the USD 457 app. This will be where we post announcements, send messages, and share important information. This is a district-wide app that will be used at all schools in Garden City. A QR Code is available in this newsletter, on Facebook, and has been sent home. We will also have step-by-step directions available for anyone who needs them – just check at the office!

Pull all the way to the curb to pick up your child. This keeps the lane clear for other cars.

If you park across the street or on a side street, you must walk across the street to meet your child. DO NOT have your child walk across the street alone.

Remember that the church parking lot is available if the street out back is full.

Be respectful of our neighbors. Do not block their driveways or mailboxes.

Always follow all traffic laws. Drive slowly, obey all signs, do NOT stop in the middle of the street, and be aware of crossing guards.

Oct 7th-Ranch House Bingo

Oct 9th-School Pictures

Oct 10th-Walk to School Day

Oct 14th-Ranch House Bingo

Oct 17th-No School

Oct 21st-Ranch House Bingo

Oct 22nd- P/T Conferences 4:10-7:10

Oct 23rd-No School

P/T Conferences 8:00-6:20

Oct 24th-No School

Oct 27-31 Red Ribbon Week

Oct 28th-Ranch House Bingo

- Our doors do not open until 7:45am. Please drop off your child/ren after this time.

- Pull up to the curb fully to drop off and pick up before and after school.

- Help us keep everyone safe!

• KDG – 2nd grade $25.00 instructional fee/ $15.00 Tech fee = $40.00
• 3rd & 4th grade $30.00 instructional fee /$ 15.00 Tech fee =$ 45.00

Payment Methods

• We accept cash, check, or card in the office.

• Online – E-Funds

• If joining you child for lunch please let the office know by 9:00 a.m.
• Cost is $5.00
• No commercial food is allowed in the cafeteria

PTO members will be selling popcorn on Fridays!!

PTO members help with:

Holiday Parties

Friday Popcorn Sales

Luncheons for Staff

Snacks for State Testing

Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts

Last Day of School Treats

A FW Scholarship for high school students/graduates to GCCC

If you are interested in joining our PTO, please contact the front office.