Panther News
Bryant elementary, proud home of the Panthers!
From Mrs. Wilkins, School Principal
Dear Panther Families,
We look forward to seeing you at our Winter Program this Thursday @ 2:00 in the Bryant gym. Doors open @ 1:30. More information below. After the Winter Program families can find Lost and Found items located in The Hub, as well as shop our Bryant Food Pantry.
Holiday Spirit Week-
Monday- Festive Sweater
Tuesday- Feeling Grinchy
Wednesday- Christmas T-Shirt
Thursday- Dress your best
Friday-PJ Day
With gratitude,
Principal Wilkins
Holiday Food Shop: Now open every day after school 3:15- 3:30
Save the Date: Winter Concert~ Bryant Gym
This concert is a big deal for our students (and their teachers)!
It is their one chance to show the hard work they invest in their music learning all year long. Will you help us by doing the things listed below?
CONCERT WEEK:
Please help your student prepare to perform by:
Helping them choose a special outfit that will reinforce the importance of our concert. We ask that your child wears the best/nicest clothes that they’ll feel confident wearing. Please keep in mind that they must navigate some stairs and risers (keep heeled shoes low). This is a wonderful day for all of us, and we would like the kids to feel special in every way. If concert clothes are a hardship, please let us know so we can help. Additionally, “fancy” might look different for every family. A simple outfit of dark bottoms and a solid-colored top without graphics is fine, too! (Please leave distractions at home ie, tech watches, fidgets, etc.)
Encouraging proper self-care the week of the performance. Students need to be well-rested, hydrated, and eating healthy foods to stay alert on risers and in rehearsal.
Keeping your student home if they are sick. I know how it feels to miss a performance or dress rehearsal, but sending children to school when they are unwell isn’t good for anyone. Please help us keep germs to a minimum this cold and flu season!
CONCERT DAY:
Pickup procedures will remain in place if you choose to take your child home early. Please have your student arrive at Bryant that day in their concert dress. After the performance, you may sign your child/ren out in their classrooms. We do this to ensure the safety of all our students and appreciate your understanding.
Please show your student what a respectful audience looks like. We work hard in school to prepare students to be a respectful audience for their peers during the concert, but words only go so far. They will be looking to you for their audience etiquette example. Please plan to stay for the entire performance as it is disruptive to have audience members leaving throughout. The students are excited to share their hard work with you!
Thank you! We can’t wait to see you on December 18th!
Your Bryant music teachers,
Sibling Registration for Bryant is NOW Open.
We are currently enrolling siblings of students currently enrolled at Bryant. Please come to the office ASAP to enroll your child.
From Mrs. Ozburn~ School Counselor
Dear Bryant Families,
I can't believe it is DECEMBER! I wanted to give you a little update on what we are working on in Social Skills. For the next couple of months, we will be focusing on Emotion Management—a key skill that helps students recognize their feelings, express them in healthy ways, and make choices that support well-being at school and at home. Learning to manage emotions builds confidence, strengthens relationships, and helps students succeed academically and socially.
What Students Are Learning
Throughout the month, students will participate in lessons and activities that include:
Identifying emotions using facial expressions, body clues, and situations.
Understanding the size of a feeling and matching it with an appropriate reaction.
Using calming strategies, including deep breathing, stretching, counting, and using positive self-talk.
Practicing problem-solving skills to handle conflicts or overwhelming emotions.
Building empathy by recognizing others' feelings.
These lessons help students gain important tools for regulating their emotions in the classroom, on the playground, and at home.
Strategies You Can Try at Home
Here are some simple, powerful ways to support your child in managing emotions:
1. Name the Feeling
Help your child practice identifying emotions with phrases like:
"It looks like you're feeling frustrated."
"I can tell you're excited about this!"
Labeling emotions helps children feel understood and teaches them to express themselves clearly.
2. Practice Calming Techniques Together
Try:
5 slow deep breaths
Counting to 10
A quiet break
Stretching or movement breaks
Belly breathing
Practicing when calm makes it easier for students to use these strategies when upset.
3. Create a Calm Corner
A small space with soft items, coloring materials, books, or sensory tools can help children reset when big feelings arise.
4. Model Healthy Emotion Expression
Children learn from watching us. Narrate your own strategies:
"I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take a few deep breaths."
Books to Support Emotion Management
The Color Monster by Anna Llenas
My Many Colored Days by Dr. Seuss
When Sophie Gets Angry—Really, Really Angry by Molly Bang
A Little Spot of Emotion series by Diane Alber
Conversation Starters for Families
What was a feeling you noticed today?
What helped you calm down when something was hard?
How can I support you when you have big feelings?
What strategies work best for you when you feel upset or frustrated?
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s emotional well-being. When families and schools work together, students thrive! Please don't hesitate to reach out with any concerns! -Mrs. Ozburn-
Community Events
HHS Wresting
The future Bengals are invited to attend Wrestling home dual with Hellgate on Tuesday, December 16. It is scheduled to start at 7:00 p.m. in the HHS gym.
All elementary students can get in for free that night, parents will need to pay.
Upcoming Dates
December 11- Bryant Alliance @ 5:30
December 18- Bryant Winter Program~ 2:00 (doors open @ 1:30