The Badger Bulletin
Brandywine Elementary Monthly Newsletter
Message from Ms. Clack
Hello, Brandywine Community!
It has been such a pleasure to serve the Brandywine community this school year. We have had a wonderful start, and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all of our students. The Brandywine students are some of the most kind and respectful students I have met! Prior to working at Brandywine, I served the Mashburn community as a teacher and Administrative Assistant. I am originally from Ohio (Go Buckeyes!) and have lived in Georgia for 14 years now. Outside of school, I enjoy reading and spending time with my family camping. One of my greatest joys as an educator is watching our students grow and thrive. I am proud to be a part of this community. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of our students.
#DifferenceMaker
#DifferenceMaker
From the PTO
JOIN the PTO!!!
The PTO works with the school and parents to host fun events such as International Night, Father/Daughter Dance and Mother/Son Night. Your membership dues allows us to create an awesome environment!!! Go to https://brandywinepto.membershiptoolkit.com/ to learn more!!
We can’t wait to see everyone at our McDonald's Spirit Night Thursday October 5th, from 5PM-7PM. Brandywine staff will be at the Winward Pkwy location so make sure to stop by and say hello! Come through the drive-thru or eat in the dining room. A portion of all proceeds during our designated time frame will be donated to Brandywine Elementary.
McDonald's
5210 Windward Pkwy, Alpharetta, GA 30004
Hey there Badgers! In the counseling world at BWE, we are fully in the Zones of Regulation (“Zones” for short). Ms. Lundy and I are in the classrooms talking about different emotions and how to handle big emotions when they come up. For K-2, we have focused on when we feel angry, we first need to stop, then breathe, and lastly, tell an adult. For 3-5, we are focusing on how even if we can’t always control how we’re feeling, we can control our actions.
As we work through the Zones, it’s very helpful to use common language at home. Here are a few things that could help reinforce the Zones at home:
1. Use a visual reference of the Zones
2. Identify your own feelings (e.g., “I feel frustrated.” “I’m in the Yellow Zone today; I’m feeling nervous.”)
3. Talk about how you make yourself feel better (e.g., taking deep breaths)
4. Ask what Zone your child is in
5. Teach your child which tools they can use (e.g., take 5 deep breaths, take a break for two minutes, read a book)
6. Check-in with your child
7. Praise and encourage your child when they share which Zone they’re in (e.g., “I love that you shared with me which Zone you’re in.”
We want to emphasize the message that emotions are just emotions. We explain to students that while it’s not okay to hit/throw things because they feel a certain way, it’s okay to feel angry, frustrated, sad, etc. We want to work on the importance of communicating how we feel to other people in a productive way.
Looking ahead for this month, Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated at Brandywine October 23-27. During this time, we focus on how making healthy choices can positively impact our overall wellness and future. We will have a Wellness Challenge everyday that week and will celebrate with a theme day throughout the week.
Here are the themes for each day-
Monday: Wear Red to celebrate Red Ribbon Week
Tuesday: Step on Unhealthy Habits (wear silly socks)
Wednesday: Put a Cap on Unhealthy Habits (hat day)
Thursday: Shade Out Unhealthy Habits (wear your favorite sunglasses)
Friday: We’re All in this Together (wear BWE gear or your favorite sport’s team)
Have your student be on the lookout for the daily Wellness Challenge featured on the morning news! Have a great month Badgers:)
Love,
Lizzie & Jess
- Lunch Money still goes through My Payments Plus. Everything else for collecting money at Brandywine online goes through SchoolPay
- Verify your bus transportation by completing this form for students K-2 or students 3-5
- Would you like to celebrate a child's birthday at school? Let the cafeteria do that with you! Fill out this form to order treats for your child's class
Denmark Community of Schools Family Connect Night happens each month! Teachers will not assign homework and we encourage students to engage with their families without technology. Upload any fun pictures here so we can share!