The Panther's Roar-Issue # 2

As our students settle into the rhythm and routine of the school year, we have seen so many wonderful moments of connection, communication, and flexibility. From playing with classmates and staff, to engaging in academic activities, we are getting to know everyone’s unique strengths, interests, and personalities.

It is exciting to see our students adjust, but we also know that adjusting is a process, not a single event. Building new routines, relationships, and comfort in a new school environment takes time, and every child moves through that process at their own pace. We will continue to meet students where they are and support them as they grow more comfortable in our school community! Thank you for partnering with us as we support each student’s continued growth and development.

Important Dates

📌Parent Back-to-School Night: Thursday October 8th, 5:30-7:30pm

📌School Closed: Monday 10/12 for Indigenous Peoples’ Day

This Month's Highlights:

• Our permanent principal Daena Berdougo has begun at MLS Plymouth, as our interim principal Deanna Mayer’s work with us comes to an end on Friday 10/2. Daena has her Masters in Early Childhood Education, and has been a Head of 2 small independent schools in the Philadelphia region for the past 12 years. Daena’s earlier background includes teaching young learners both in Philadelphia and New York City classrooms.

• We are going to wait to start our swimming special so students can have more time to adjust to their new school routines and feel settled in. We will begin with other specials soon, most likely PE and art, and swimming will be added later this year. If your child has already brought swim items to school, we can either keep them here or send them home- let us know what you would prefer!

• Staff are learning how our students communicate and exploring we can expand on those skills to help students express their ideas, feelings, needs, and interests

• Students are growing peer connections and strengthening relationships with staff and classmates

Quick Reminders

• Share any important updates from home that may impact your child’s day (changes in sleep, illness, routines, big life events, etc)

• Every Wednesday is early dismissal (8:45am-1:00pm)

• Send weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor play

• Notify the school if someone different will be picking up your child

• Check the ClassDojo app for school announcements and communications

Martin Luther School-Plymouth Campus is rooted in the DIR Floortime model. The first piece of the DIR Floortime model is D for Development. Rather than expecting children to meet a specific timeline, we focus on understanding where each child is developmentally and supporting their next steps toward growth.

Development includes a child’s ability to feel calm and regulated, connect with others, communicate their needs, and engage in shared problem-solving. By understanding where a child is developmentally, we can provide support that helps them continue building new skills and confidence.

Try This at Home!

Feelings detective: Watch a TV show, read a book, or look at family photos. Ask “how do you think they feel? How can you tell?”