Greeting Hereford Families,

We are excited to invite you to our Family Thanksgiving Lunch this Thursday, which will be held during regular lunch rotations. To ensure we have enough food prepared, please RSVP using the link below. Be sure to check with your scholar's teacher for their specific lunch time.

We also look forward to seeing everyone at our Family Math Night this Tuesday from 5:00 to 6:30 PM! It will be a wonderful evening filled with engaging activities that support learning and family fun.

As a reminder, school will be closed next week for Thanksgiving Break. We wish you a restful and joyful holiday with family and friends.

Kindly,

Principal Williams

RSVP below for Thanksgiving Lunch

(Please list siblings in other grades in case you want them to join you for lunch)

Parent Party - November 20, 2024

Where - HES Library Time - 1:00 - 2:15

How to Motivate Children: Science-Based Approaches for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers

What’s the best way to motivate children? The intrinsic motivation to learn about the world around us begins in infancy. This type of motivation can either be encouraged or suppressed by the experiences adults provide for children. Psychological research points to a set of promising approaches that parents and practitioners can use to promote positive motivation and learning during development.

1. Follow babies’ lead.

   Babies naturally orient toward novel objects and events. They look away from objects that are overly familiar, but also from new ones that are too complex. This is sometimes called the “Goldilocks effect:” things are interesting when they are novel, but not too novel. When interacting with infants, notice what they pay attention to, and engage with them around their interests.

2. Elicit curiosity.

   Even infants seek to explore objects—especially those that behave in surprising ways. When they drop something on the floor or throw it, they’re trying to see what will happen next. Provide children with opportunities to interact with new objects—and let them lead and learn!

3. Encourage children’s playful exploration.

   When given the opportunity, children of all ages spontaneously engage in play. The ingredients of play are precisely the ones that fuel learning: play is intrinsically motivating, it presents an opportunity for novel experiences and for learning from others, it requires active engagement, and it can strengthen social bonds and reduce stress. When life is busy or chaotic, it can be hard to find the time and space to encourage children’s play, but this is an important aspect of development.

4. Prioritize social interaction during learning.

   In the digital age, there are many educational, computer-based applications designed for children, even as young as 6 months. However, even the best-designed and most effective apps cannot replace real-life social interactions with adults and peers. In one study, babies learned elements of language more effectively when face-to-face with a teacher or on video. Recent research shows that young children can learn from digital media, such as touch-screen tablets, but social interaction during this learning experience appears to be essential.

5. Challenge children just enough.

   Kids are motivated to work toward achievable goals. From infancy onward, effort is required to sustain motivation, but success must be possible. They lose motivation when a task is too easy, but also when it is so difficult as to be insurmountable. Video games harness this basic principle of learning effectively, constantly increasing the level of challenge based on an individual child’s performance. Try to adapt a challenge according to a child’s current capabilities, and provide prompt feedback on his or her performance.

6. Give children agency.

   Children are more motivated when they have some degree of self-determination, and can elect to pursue tasks that are personally meaningful. When they have a choice of projects, or at least a little wiggle room as to how a task gets done, children are more likely to stay engaged.

7. Provide incentives only when necessary.

   When children are suddenly rewarded for something they enjoy and do freely, they may begin to do it only when they know they will be compensated afterwards. Wherever possible, harness children’s natural curiosity and inclination to work toward an achievable goal, rather than promising a reward.

8. Praise the process rather than the outcome.

   When we praise children for their intellect or skill level—or the grade or gold medal they received—it can lead to a performance orientation. They may be motivated to achieve more rewards, but they may also learn to shy away from challenging activities that they might not excel at, for fear of negative evaluation. Performance pressure increases as children move up in school, and it is associated with depression and anxiety in addition to diminished joy of learning. When we praise children for their effort and help them see falling short as an opportunity to learn and improve (rather than simply focus on the outcome), they will be more motivated to work hard and more likely to believe that they can achieve what they put their mind to.

9. Maintain a close connection with adolescents.

   Adolescence is a period when many young people take risks and push boundaries. This trend reflects, in large part, a natural inclination toward novel and exciting experiences that maximize learning opportunities and are important in making the transition to independence. As teens become more motivated by the approval of their peers, it can be socially rewarding to follow risk-taking leaders or stand out by breaking boundaries. However, teens with close family relationships are less prone to risk-taking. High parental support and open dialogue are associated with fewer problem behaviors, including less substance abuse and delinquency. Be empathetic and supportive, knowing that youth are going through changes in their brains, bodies, and social relations that can make risky behavior appealing to them. Keep the lines of communication open—and keep close tabs on teens.

Source: Center on the Developing Child

Harvard University

Thank you for all you do!

Have an amazing day!

AP Grant and AP Frye

https://youtu.be/9fZhnAr00JQ

Greetings Hereford Elementary School Families,

We are quickly approaching Thanksgiving Break! Some of the best Thanksgiving science activities only need a few supplies to create. These science activities help your child to brush up on their inquiry skills and they also make them feel important as they help prepare presentations to share with the family. Use the experiments below to help your child practice their inquiry skills.

1. Pumpkin Volcano

• Concepts: Chemistry, reactions between baking soda and vinegar.
• Materials: Small pumpkin, baking soda, vinegar, food coloring.
• Activity: Carve out the top of the pumpkin, fill it with baking soda, add a few drops of food coloring, and pour in the vinegar for a fizzy "eruption."

2. Floating Cranberries Experiment

• Concepts: Density and buoyancy.
• Materials: Fresh cranberries, water, salt, clear container.
• Activity: Drop cranberries into water and observe if they float or sink. Create a saline solution to see how it affects buoyancy.

3. Candy Corn Dissolution Test

• Concepts: Solubility.
• Materials: Candy corn, water, vinegar, oil, clear cups.
• Activity: Place candy corn in different liquids and observe which one dissolves it the fastest.

4. Turkey Feather Chromatography

• Concepts: Separation of pigments.
• Materials: Coffee filters, washable markers, water, dropper, and paper turkey template.
• Activity: Color the coffee filter feathers, drop water, and watch the colors separate and spread.

5. Thanksgiving Density Tower

• Concepts: Density and layering.
• Materials: Corn syrup, vegetable oil, water, dish soap, food coloring.
• Activity: Carefully layer the liquids in a clear container to create a density tower. Observe how small Thanksgiving-themed objects (e.g., candy corn, cranberries) behave in the layers.

These activities blend science concepts with Thanksgiving family time, making learning fun and interactive for young students! We can’t wait to see you on Monday for another week of learning!

Thank you,

April M. Draine

Have a great week!

Learning to read begins at home through everyday parent-child interactions, long before children attend school. Your continued support of literacy development throughout elementary school positively affects your child's reading ability.

These Family Activities from the Regional Educational Laboratory Program include easy-to-follow plans to help you support your child's foundational reading skills at home. Materials needed for each Family Activity, such as letter cards, are included. They begin with simpler activities and progress to more difficult ones. You may want to start with the first activity and move to the next when you notice that your child has a firm understanding of the content from that activity. We encourage you to select appropriate activities for your child, and feel free to set aside an activity that seems too difficult. The goal is to engage your child in activities that promote learning in a positive environment, not to induce frustration. The activities should be completed with the child, frequently, with patience, and positive feedback. Using the activities at home will be a fun way to spend family time together!

The Family Literacy Videos show families engaging their child in the Family Activities. The key points about the videos can help you know what to focus on for a specific activity.

This information was borrowed from the following site. Please visit the link to find literacy activities to try at home with your children in Kindergarten through 3rd grade.

Have a great week!

Mrs. Tomes

Using everyday information to create graphs with your child can be so fun! Kids love to “see the math” and graphs are a great way to compare sets of numbers to learn something new. Here are a few ideas:

• Open a pack of Skittles or M&Ms and make a bar graph showing the number of each color found inside the pack.
• Look through a science book or website and find three examples of different types of graphs.
• Watch the weather report for a week, write down the temperatures for each day, and then graph the temperatures.
• Track the scores of games played by your favorite team, then graph them over a period of several weeks.

Go Wildcats!!

Rebecca Ramsey

A Season of Thanksgiving

Being thankful is a special feeling that helps us appreciate the good things in our lives. It means recognizing and being grateful for what we have, like our family, friends, and even our favorite toys. In the book "Thank You, Mr. Falker" by Patricia Polacco, the main character shows gratitude for a teacher who believed in her. When we express thankfulness, we make ourselves and others feel happy, and it helps us build strong friendships. So, let’s remember to say “thank you” and share our appreciation every day!

Activities to Teach Thankfulness

1. Thankful Tree

• Have children write or draw things they are thankful for on the paper leaves. Attach the leaves to the tree or hang them on the branch.

2. Gratitude Journals

• Encourage children to keep a gratitude journal where they write or draw one thing they are thankful for each day. Set aside time for your child to share their journal with you.

3. Thank You Cards

• Have them create thank you cards for someone special in their lives, like a family member, teacher, or friend. This teaches them the importance of expressing gratitude.

Have a wonderful week!

Mrs. Q. Hereford

Nourishing November

Here are some ways you can include kids in Nourishing November…

1. Exercise: Research has shown that exercise can improve your emotional well-being, energy levels, and sleep.

2. Model Behavior: Adapting healthy habits and modeling them for your children.

3. Encourage children to help others: Children who may feel helpless can feel empowered by helping others. Engage children in age-appropriate volunteering or assisting with housework.

4. Encourage open communication: It’s important your child knows they can approach you with any issue, and they will be received and listened to.

5. Let them have fun: Playing will develop your child’s creativity and self-control.

6. Teach your child to be independent: It is important to teach your child to be positive and remain optimistic when faced with difficulties. This helps boost their self-esteem and self-confidence.

7. Limit screen time: Excessive screen time can negatively affect a child’s mental health. Get outside, spend time in nature, use art (music, drawing, writing in a journal).

8. Feelings Charades: When we are open and honest about how we feel, children are more likely to come to us with their feelings.

9. Reduce stress together: Stress is a natural part of life but if left unchecked, it can have physical, mental, and emotional effects. Encourage healthy ways to cope with stress such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or engaging in activities you all enjoy.

10. Encourage connections: Help them strengthen positive connections. A feeling of belonging is important for children to feel that they matter, and that they are valued.

~The human brain requires connection to thrive. Warm and loving interactions with people we care for helps the brain learn to grow~

Have an awesome week!

Mrs. B

Greetings Sonnie Hereford Family,

The temperature drops, but warm feelings warm our hearts as we look forward to time with family for Thanksgiving. Students are also excited for their time off, but remember that every school day counts. Also, remember that absences count toward chronic absenteeism whether they are excused or not. Time out of school is time lost from academic instruction. We look forward to seeing each student each day as long as they are well. Enjoy your Thanksgiving week and we look forward to seeing everyone fresh on Monday, December 2, 2024. Let’s ace attendance and ace life!

Have a great week!

Ms. Thornton,

School Attendance Officer

Tips for Creating a Homework Routine

Establishing a homework routine can help children stay organized and improve their study habits. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Set a Consistent Time: Choose a specific time each day for homework. This helps children know when to focus on schoolwork and makes it a regular part of their daily schedule.

2. Create a Dedicated Homework Space: Designate a quiet and comfortable area for homework. Make sure it is well-lit and free from distractions like TV or loud noises.

3. Gather Supplies: Keep all necessary school supplies, such as pencils, paper, and books, in the homework space. This way, your child won't waste time looking for what they need.

4. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: If your child has a lot of homework, help them break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes it less overwhelming and allows them to focus on one thing at a time.

5. Use a Timer: Set a timer for work sessions, such as 20-30 minutes, followed by a short break. This technique can help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

6. Encourage Questions: Let your child know that it’s okay to ask for help if they don’t understand something. This encourages them to seek clarification and learn actively.

7. Review Together: After homework is completed, take a few minutes to review what they did. This reinforces their learning and allows for discussion about any challenging concepts.

8. Stay Positive: Always be supportive and celebrate your child’s efforts, not just their achievements. This builds confidence and a love for learning.

By following these tips, you can help your children develop effective homework habits that will benefit them throughout their education.

Upcoming Meeting

Parent Party - November 20, 2024

Where - HES Library Time - 1:00 - 2:15

Have an awesome week!

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, let's take a moment to reflect on the character word of the month: citizenship. Being a good citizen means being a responsible and caring member of our community. It means helping others, following rules, and showing respect to everyone.

Here are some ways to practice citizenship during the holiday season:

• Help with chores: Lend a hand with cleaning, cooking, or setting the table.

• Show gratitude: Write thank-you notes to family and friends.

• Be kind to others: Offer a helping hand to a neighbor or volunteer your time.

• Respect others: Listen to different viewpoints and be patient with others.

Thanksgiving Activity Ideas:

• Create a gratitude journal: Encourage your child to write down things they're thankful for each day.

• Volunteer together: Find a local charity or organization to volunteer with as a family.

• Cook a meal together: Involve your child in the cooking process, teaching them about different cultures and traditions.

• Play board games: Spend quality time together as a family, laughing and learning.

Remember, being a good citizen is a lifelong journey. By practicing these acts of kindness and respect, we can make our community a better place for everyone.

Sincerely,

Mr. Reginald Johnson and Mrs. Jerlene Thorne

School Counselors

Have a great week

• Supervision of students begin at 7:30 each morning; therefore, students should not arrive to school before 7:30 AM.

• Students who are walkers are to follow the sidewalk leading to the crossing guard and to the front door of the school.

• Students who are walkers should not walk across the Pre-K parking lot without being supervised by parent/guardian.

• Parents who enter Pre-K parking lot (yellow arrows) to drop off Kinder-6th grade students must park and escort student(s) to front of school.

• Parents who enter faculty and staff parking lot (blue arrows) to drop off Kinder-6th grade students must park and escort student(s) to crosswalk.

• School starts promptly at 8:00 AM.

• Students arriving after 8:00 AM are tardy and must have a parent or a guardian sign them in at the main office.

Student check-out ends at 1:45-must have valid identification and listed as a contact in

PowerSchool SIS.

• All students will be dismissed at 2:30.

• Students are either a bus rider, car rider or walker.

• Parents are asked not to congregate near the front door of the school or the pick-up area. You

will be asked to clear the dismissal area- please do so.

• Parents of walkers are asked to meet your children at home or at the crosswalk.

• Parents of car riders are asked to remain in your vehicle in the car line during pick-up.

• Pre-K parking lot (yellow arrows) is reserved only for Pre-K families with Parking Permit displayed.

• WALKERS- in the event of rain, parents are asked to provide child/ren with rain gear or send a written/typed note to teacher to change dismissal to car rider for that day by 1:30 pm.

Assistant Principal Frye