The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As your partner in education, we share a common goal: to ensure that our children have a positive, productive, and successful school experience. One key component to achieving this is fostering acceptable school behaviors. Understanding how behaviors at home can transfer to school and recognizing the importance of working together can make a significant difference in our student's lives.

Each year, around spring, schools around the United States experience an uptake in student behaviors. Student behaviors may be due to the upcoming spring and summer breaks. As the break approaches, students become excited about the upcoming time off and planned activities. This anticipation can lead to increased energy and restlessness, making it difficult for some students to stay focused and follow classroom rules. In addition, the prospect of a break can disrupt the regular school routine. Students may feel that the end of the school year is near, and the structure they are accustomed to may feel less important. This change in routine can result in decreased attention to schoolwork and increased disruptive behaviors.

Furthermore, as spring break or summer vacation approaches, students may be experiencing fatigue from the demands of the school year. This exhaustion can lead to irritability and a reduced ability to manage emotions and behaviors effectively. Also, for some students, breaks can bring uncertainty about their daily lives, such as changes in family dynamics, lack of access to school resources, or concerns about what they will do during the break. This uncertainty can lead to anxiety and stress, which may manifest in challenging behaviors. As breaks approach, academic activities may wind down, leading to less engaging and stimulating classroom experiences. This decrease in academic engagement can result in boredom and increased disruptive behaviors.

We recognize the pivotal role parents play in shaping their children's behavior. The behaviors children learn and practice at home may influence their school environment. Here are a few ways home behaviors can impact school life:

1. Respect and Courtesy: Children who learn to be respectful and courteous at home are likelier to exhibit these behaviors at school. Simple acts of saying "please" and "thank you," listening when others speak, and showing kindness can create a positive classroom atmosphere.
2. Responsibility: Encouraging responsibility at home, such as completing chores or homework, helps children develop a sense of accountability. This trait translates to responsibility for their actions, timely completion of school assignments, and caring for school property.
3. Self-Regulation: Teaching children to manage their emotions and behaviors at home equips them with the skills to handle conflicts, follow rules, and stay focused during class.
4. Positive Attitude: A positive attitude towards learning and trying new things begins at home. When children see their parents valuing education and approaching challenges with a can-do mindset, they are more likely to adopt the same attitude at school.

When we work together, we create a supportive environment for our children, which involves a strong partnership between parents and educators. Here are some ways we can work together to foster acceptable school behaviors:

1. Open Communication: Regular and open communication between parents and teachers is essential and beneficial. Sharing insights about your child's behavior at home and staying informed about their progress and behavior at school can help address any issues early and ensure consistency in expectations, providing you with a sense of reassurance about your child's school journey.
2. Consistent Expectations: Consistency in behavior expectations at home and school is crucial. Reinforce the school's rules and values at home, and discuss why these behaviors are essential. When children see that their parents and teachers are on the same page, they are more likely to follow the guidelines.
3. Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child's successes and positive behaviors at home and school. Positive reinforcement, such as praise, rewards, or special privileges, can motivate children to continue displaying acceptable behaviors.
4. Modeling Behavior: Children learn by observing the adults in their lives. Model the behaviors you want to see in your child. Show respect, responsibility, and a positive attitude in your interactions; your child will likely mirror these behaviors.
5. Support and Encouragement: Provide support and encouragement as your child navigates their school journey. Acknowledge their efforts, listen to their concerns, and offer guidance when needed. Your involvement and support can boost their confidence and help them feel more secure in their behavior choices.

Fostering acceptable school behaviors is a collaborative effort involving parents and teachers at any time of the school year. By understanding the impact of home behaviors on school life and working together to create a consistent, supportive environment, we can help our children develop the skills they need for a successful school year. Let's continue to work hand-in-hand to ensure that our students have the best possible experience, both at home and at school.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

https://secure.smore.com/n/krz4u0-the-weekly-update-4

Below is the Hillcrest Swim Program Schedule. Your child's teacher will be sending additional information via the APS App-Rooms. Please contact the office for any questions you have.

From the desk of the K-5 Counselor:

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

My name is Mya Ward and I am one of the two K-5 counselors who has the privilege of getting

to know your child(ren) and supporting them in the school environment. I am currently housed at

Hillcrest and work primarily with our 1-3 grade students, but have had the pleasure of working

with our other grade levels during various opportunities.

Last week our MTSS Coordinator, Jen Jaeck, shared information on the role Executive

Functioning plays in learning and development. Just as executive functioning is crucial for your

child's ability to manage tasks and make decisions, getting enough quality sleep is essential for

strengthening these skills and ensuring their brain can perform at its best.

Why sleep matters: Executive functioning skills are essential for your child’s ability to focus,

follow through on tasks, manage their emotions, and make good decisions. Research shows

that a lack of sufficient sleep can impair these skills, making it harder for children to stay

organized, control impulses, and process information effectively.

What can you do?

● Create a consistent bedtime routine: Establishing a regular sleep schedule helps

reinforce your child’s internal body clock, leading to more restful sleep and improved

focus during the day.

● Encourage wind-down time: Limit screen time and encourage calming activities before

bed to help your child transition to sleep more easily.

● Ensure enough sleep: Most elementary-age children need 9-11 hours of sleep per

night. Keep track of your child’s sleep habits to ensure they’re getting the rest they need

to thrive.

By prioritizing sleep, you're not just helping your child get enough rest; you're supporting their

ability to learn, grow, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

Sleep well, and let’s continue to set our kids up for success!

Warm regards,

Mya Ward, LMSW

K-5 School Counselor

1st Grade Cooperation

2nd Grade Cooperation

3rd Grade Cooperation

4th Grade Cooperation

5th Grade Cooperation

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors:

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Hillcrest is 11:38 and Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am