Week #7
October 19-23, 2026
The Power of Praise
Welcome back, everyone!
It has truly filled my bucket to be back at school, reconnecting with our returning students and meeting all of our new friends! I hope all of our families were able to experience summer break one day at a time, and spend each day doing what fulfilled your souls. For my family, the most fulfilling days were as simple as games, parks, and a weekly movie & dinner night.
But not every day was as simple and enjoyable for us. Even though it was summer break—a time to turn off the morning alarm and have nothing on the calendar—my children still struggled with big emotions. It almost feels embarrassing to put that in writing, that my own children struggle with the exact thing that I help others with for a living. However, it doesn't make me a bad parent that my children struggle with big emotions. It makes me aware. It doesn't make me a bad parent that my children and I participate in family therapy. It makes me curious and open-minded. But more importantly, it makes me human.
That awareness and curiosity taught me something impactful this summer: The power of praise! This likely is not new knowledge for most people, but I do believe it's something that is easily forgotten by parents and adults; personally, I know I rarely gave it much thought before.
I can only speak for myself by saying that previously, most of my time was spent critiquing what my children do/say or don't do/say. "Don't take that from your sister without asking," "Stop yelling and pushing each other," or the classic, "Get your shoes on, we're going to be late!" However, this summer, I was made aware of the impact those frequent "do's" and "don't do's" have on children. Essentially, I've been shaping my own children's behavior in the exact ways I was directing them NOT to behave. By simply giving those behaviors more of my attention, I've inevitably given less attention to the positive & productive behaviors.
Needless to say, my mind was blown hearing this perspective. Now when my children are playing cooperatively together, or I hear them problem-solving without me, I praise it! I make a big deal, even about the little things, that I hear or see them doing well. I especially acknowledge any effort put into something, regardless of the outcome, and I make sure it's clear and specific what I am praising.
Admittedly, although it's been a great starting point for improvement, I can't say that it has solved all of our struggles. However, if I had a dollar for every time one of my children has heard their sibling being praised, and they then redirect themselves to do what I just praised their sibling for…I could probably buy a few gallons of gas by now. I can honestly say, the power of praise is simple yet significant.
Lastly, I'm pleased to share that Michael's Place will be returning to FEAS to provide in-school, bi-weekly grief groups. Please see the group flyer here for more information. If you would like me to send home an enrollment form with your student, please complete this brief google request form here.
Go Panthers 💜 💛
P.S. If you have yet to have seen our elementary school counseling page, please take a look here for all the resources I share in this newsletter, plus more!
Handle with Care
Handle with Care. If your child is coming to school with carrying extra concerns, we can help. Please contact the classroom teacher, me (agwaltney@frankfort.k12.mi.us), or Carrie Aldrich (contact information below) with an email, message, or call to let us know. We will be sure your child has extra support throughout the day.
Panther Pride
Every day we focus on Panther Pride. Each morning we start our day with the Pledge of Allegiance, and the Panther Pride Pledge. So, what is Panther Pride? It is composed of:
- doing one's best ("Every day I will honor my pride and try my best"),
- being responsible ("I will be responsible for my choices")
- being respectful to all people and property (I will be respectful to all people and property")
- using one's body safely ("I will be safe in my actions")
- and being the difference ("I will be the difference")
"Being the Difference" means exhibiting all elements of Panther Pride, being kind to others, and being a role model for others.
Be sure to ask your child about how they use Panther Pride at school and outside of school!
Administrative Assistant Carrie Aldrich
Benzie Shores District Library News
Are you ready for a fun-filled Halloween party? Come to the Boo Bash at the library on Friday, October 23 from 5:30 - 7:00 pm for a spook-tacular time!
Upcoming Programs
Friday, October 23: Friday Family Fun Night: Halloween Boo Bash! 5:30 - 7:00 pm
Friday, November 13: Friday Family Fun Night: Lego Block Party! 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Benzie Shores District Library
630 Main St.
Frankfort, MI 49635
Frankfort Elementary is a peanut-nut tree-nut free building!
October 19-23
Monday, 10.19
6th Grade Girls Basketball, 3:15 – 5:00 p.m.
5th Grade Girls Basketball, 5-6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, 10.20
4th Grade Girls Basketball Practice, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
3rd Grade Girls Basketball Practice, 4:30-5:45 p.m.
Wednesday, 10.21
6th Grade Girls Basketball, 3:15 – 5:00 p.m.
5th Grade Girls Basketball, 5-6:30 p.m.
Thursday,10.22
Kindergarten Field Trip
4th Grade Girls Basketball Practice, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
5th Grade Girls Basketball, 5-6:30 p.m.
Friday, 10.23
3rd Grade Girls Basketball Practice, 3:15-4:30 p.m.
Satruday, 10.24
Can Do Costume Carnival, 6-7:15 p.m.
Upcoming:
Halloween Parade,10.30, 2:30 p.m.
November 2--No School for Students
Early Release Wednesday, November 18--12:30 dismissal for students
November 25--12:30 dismissal for students
November 26-27, No School, Thanksgiving Break
Early Release Wednesday, December 9--12:30 dismissal for students
Holiday Music Programs:
- Grades 3-5, Tuesday, December 15, 6 p.m.
- Grades PK-2, Thursday, December 17, 6 p.m.
Winter Break--December 21 through January 1, School Resumes January 4, 2027
School Hours
Elementary: 8:05-3:05
🚗🛻🚙 Carline Procedures and Protocols 🛻🚙🚗
⭐⭐No cars are permitted in the elementary parking lot turn around before 8:10 a.m. or 3:10 p.m. to allow buses to move easily through the turn around.⭐⭐
Read more here!