Husky Headlines

Hello Jr. Husky families! I am beyond excited to have teachers back in the building again and to know that students will be in the building soon! I am counting down the days...and I hope all of you are too!!

Our theme for this school year is S-RC...Education that is Out of this World! Teachers are ready to BLAST of into a new year of exploring, learning, and fun with your child and with you!

I would like to take this time to remind you that can not have a successful year with your child if we do not partner together to ensure that we are all on the same page. As a school team, we will do everything we can to make sure that your child is successful at school. We ask that you make sure your child gets a full night of sleep (research says that elementary students - aged 9-12 - should sleep for 9-12 hours per night rb.gy/l65or).

Another thing you can do to help your child be successful in school is talk to them each night about what they are learning to help reinforce the concepts. If practice opportunities are sent home, please make sure those problems are completed. If they do need help, or do not understand what they are doing, please contact your child's teacher directly so they can help! The earlier we can identify a misunderstanding, the better off we all are!

A bit about me - I am a firm believer in open communication. I am always willing to talk to you or your child about any situation that may arise at school (or at home). I know that it is crucial to work together as a TEAM for your child(ren). If there is ever anything I can do to help you or your child(ren) - please do not hesitate to reach out! My email is hthompson@shelby.esu7.org and my office phone number is 402-527-5946 ext 5718. Let's have an AMAZING year BLASTING into success for each and every student at S-RC Elementary!

• August 15th - Elementary Open House 6-7:30

• August 16th - First Day of School (1:25 Dismissal)

• August 21st - Preschool 1st Day of School

• August 24th - School Picture Day

• August 30th - 10:10 LATE START - Staff Development

Our picture day is much earlier this year! Make sure your kiddos have those smiles ready on August 24th this year! Our photographers will be here to capture memories and smiles along with anything else that may happen to come along with your child that day!!! Check out some of these AmAzInG school pictures from years past...

With new hours this year, please know that students should NOT enter the building until 7:40 at the earliest. We do not have staff on duty until 7:40 for breakfast and or Walk & Talk areas. Your help in making sure you do not drop your child off until 7:40 is greatly appreciated. With this in mind, we will not be unlocking the interior doors until 7:40. If students arrive prior to the authorized time, they will not be able to enter the main building.

At 7:40, Walk & Talk officially begins. This is an awesome opportunity for students to walk with their friends, chat before the school day begins, and get ready for a great day. If students are going to breakfast, they should come in and go directly to breakfast. They can then come to walk & talk once they have finished eating.

Remember - students do need to sign up for breakfast the day before if they are eating HOT breakfast at school. Please remind your child to add their name to the daily count if they will be here in time for school breakfast! This is a great opportunity for students to get the nutrients they need for a successful day of school. Your child can sign up for breakfast the day before they eat with their classroom teacher (all classroom teachers take a count each day as part of their daily routine).

The Physical Education classes will be going outside as long as the weather is nice. We will be working on many skills that involve running, kicking, jumping etc. Students must wear appropriate shoes on PE days. Flip flops, sandals, and boots make it hard for students to participate at their full ability. The P.E. schedule can be found below. Thank you.

Kindergarten - Tuesday, Thursday, and rotating Fridays

1st Grade - Monday, Wednesday, and rotating Fridays

2nd Grade - Monday, Wednesday, and rotating Fridays

3rd Grade - Tuesday, Thursday, and rotating Fridays

4th Grade - Monday, Wednesday, and rotating Fridays

5th Grade - Tuesday, Thursday, and rotating Fridays

Did you know that if your child reads 20 minutes per day statistics say that they will score higher on standardized tests? Crazy, right?? If your child starts reading 20 minutes per day in kindergarten they will have read for an equivalent of 60 school days by the end of 6th grade! If they only read for 5 minutes a day they will have read for an equivalent of 12 school days. A student who only reads one minute a day at home will have only read for an equivalent of 3 school days. That's a HUGE difference!!

My challenge for students (and for parents), is the 20 minute challenge!! Each night, I challenge students to read, listen to audio books, or even listen to another reader for 20 minutes. Let's come together to encourage our next generation to explore their imagination and learn through literature! Let's get them READING!!

Have you ever wondered:

• ...who should I call when my child is sick and can't come to school?
• ...who should I tell when my child has an appointment?
• ...who can I call that will get a message to my child's teachers?
• ...who should I contact if I have a message that needs to get to my child?

Mrs. Wendi Sanley is your NEW "go to" elementary contact! Please call or email Wendi whenever you have questions or concerns. She will either have the answer or find the answer!

Here is Wendi's contact information: (402) 527-5946 ext 5717 or wsanley@shelby.esu7.org

We will have an Elementary Open House on Tuesday, August 15th from 6:00-7:00. This is a great opportunity for your child to come and meet their teacher, see their new classroom for the year, drop off ALL of those school supplies so they don't have to lug them all to school on the first day, and to see some of their friends!

Additional Happenings for the evening:

• Tables will be set up in the gym to drop off ALL paperwork that was sent home in our family mailers (demographic pages, free/reduced paperwork [recommended for all families], and the elementary technology agreement)!
• Speech, Special Education, Counseling, High Ability Learners/STEAM, and English Language Learning teachers will all have tables set up in the gym to meet and greet with students and families!
• 5th graders - you will have an opportunity to chat with Mrs. Hyde about BAND!!!
• Little Spikers - Kasey Hopwood will be here collecting forms and answering any questions.

Every month, in our newsletter, I will have a section about PBiS. For those of you who are unsure, PBiS is Positive Behavior Intervention Supports. It is a support system that we use here at school to positively impact learning and to encourage all aspects of growth for students.

PBiS recommends using MORE positive language rather than negative. For example, when setting back to school expectations: we may let students know the following:

• "Walk in the hallways" instead of "No running in the hallways"
• "Raise your hand to speak" instead of "No shouting"
• "Keep your hands to yourself" instead of "Don't touch other people"

This gives students a clear picture of how to behave, rather then how NOT to behave. All PBiS rules also fall under three main rules: Be safe. Be Responsible. Be Respectful. That is what we truly want our students to be!

Each month I will let you know which area students have struggled with, and I will give some possible interventions for home. I will also give you some success updates! If you ever have questions, please feel free to reach out. We continually collect PBiS data and strive for new ways to look at that data, so your questions and ideas are welcome.

Elementary Principal

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