September Hawk News

Hello Hawk Families,

We have been back in school for three weeks! The time is flying and the students are working hard to learn the procedures and grasp academic concepts in their grade level. Our overall attendance for the first 3 weeks is at 96.53%. We are working to have 100% attendance as often as possible. The class with the most days of perfect attendance each month will win a popcorn party. Please remember tardies, leaving school early and absences make it harder for students to be successful because they are missing out on important concepts.

Please remember that attendance counts bell to bell. We encourage you to schedule appointments after school hours to avoid taking your child out early.

Toys are a distraction in class and can get lost on the playground. Please have your child keep personal items at home.

Here are some helpful hints for parents regarding homework:

1. Let your child know that homework is important
2. Set a regular time each day for homework completion
3. Be sure your child has all essentials readily accessible, such as sharpened pencils, papers, and clean working area
4. Discourage distractions during homework time
5. Check for homework completion
6. Read comments the teacher has made on returned assignments
7. Contact the teacher for clarification if a homework problem arises

A child’s mindset influences how they perceive and respond to their world. In a growth mindset, children understand that challenges and failure framed as learning opportunities can help them to become smarter. Struggling and working on a challenge or setback is good for the brain’s neurological growth. Whereas in a fixed mindset children work to look smart, avoid challenges and shy away from taking risks where there is the possibility of failure. This can impact a child’s development at school, sport and their relationships.

Talent Praise vs. Effort Praise

When you give your child feedback about how smart or talented they are you send the message that your child has talent in some areas, but not in others. When they struggle to learn something, they view this as not having the talent and won’t ever be good at it. Talent praise also makes your child want to demonstrate their talent by doing things that they can do well and avoiding difficult or challenging tasks.

The alternative is to praise the effort and hard work that goes into learning and success. For example:

TALENT PRAISE

It is normal for every person to have some amount of anxiety from time to time, but when anxiety begins affecting your child's school and home functioning, there are many things you can do to help your child in addition to possibly consulting a mental health professional.

Listen to your child's worries and fears and remind them that they are not alone and that other kids have worries too.

Help children address their concerns and if they are not realistic, help them see the truth.

Help your child gradually ease into new situations that may cause anxiety and provide encouragement when they are in these situations.

Practice relaxing including deep breathing, counting to 10, visualizations (taking a pretend field trip to the relaxing beach or a peaceful meadow), and listening to calming music.

Encourage structured play dates or extracurricular activities if your child has an anxious temperament.

Promote your child's independence and build on their strengths.

No school in honor of Labor Day.

Students will be taking their class picture and an individual picture. Students may be out of dress code but must be at or above dress code standards (no tank tops, short shorts, ripped jeans, etc.)

Please come visit with the principal and learn strategies to support your Hawks learning.

Wear your red or patriotic clothes in honor of Patriots Day. Remember to be at or above dress code standards.

STUCO Elections

Cafeteria

1:00pm

Grades 3-5

Students may wear Red, White or Green tops, with uniform bottoms.

Students will be taking their writing assessment the week of Sept. 15 - 19.

Please be sure your student is at school each day on time so that they can eat in the classroom and be ready for their assessment.

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we’ve already completed our first month of school! The energy and excitement in our hallways each morning have been inspiring. Thank you for working alongside us to ensure a smooth and positive start for all of our students.

This first month has been filled with learning, laughter, and growth. I’ve had the joy of visiting classrooms and seeing students engaged in meaningful lessons, collaborating with peers, and building strong relationships with their teachers. It is clear that our school community is rooted in kindness, curiosity, and a commitment to learning.

As we look ahead, we are excited for upcoming events that will bring us together as a school family. Please keep an eye on our newsletters, Facebook and calendar for important dates and opportunities to connect.

I am so proud of the way our students have embraced the start of the year and grateful for the partnership we share with each of you. Together, we will continue to help every child learn, grow, and thrive.

Best Wishes,
Christina Dang
Principal