The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents,

As your partner in education, we are committed to supporting your child's overall well-being and success. Establishing healthy routines is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. Here are some tips to help your child develop healthy habits that will benefit them both at school and at home:

1. Consistent Sleep Schedules

A good night's sleep is crucial for your child's growth, development, and ability to concentrate in school. Aim for 9-11 hours of sleep per night for children aged 6-11 years. Establish a consistent bedtime routine with calming activities such as reading or listening to soft music.

2. Nutritious Meals

A balanced diet is vital for maintaining energy levels and supporting cognitive function. Encourage your child to eat fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Limit sugary snacks and beverages, and ensure they have a healthy breakfast to start the day.

3. Physical Activity

Regular physical activity helps improve mood, reduce stress, and enhance focus. Aim for at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity each day. Physical activity can include playing sports, riding a bike, or simply playing outside.

4. Screen Time Management

While technology can be a valuable educational tool, it's essential to set limits on screen time to prevent adverse effects on sleep and attention span. Encourage your child to take breaks from screens and engage in other activities such as reading, drawing, or playing games.

5. Healthy Study Habits

Create a dedicated and distraction-free study area at home where your child can focus on their homework. Establish a routine with regular study times, breaks, and a reward system for completing tasks. This area will help them develop good study habits and time management skills.

6. Emotional Well-being

Supporting your child's emotional health is as important as physical health. Encourage open communication, listen to their concerns, and help them develop coping strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Providing a loving and supportive environment at home will help them thrive.

Incorporating these healthy routines into your child's daily life can help them achieve their full potential academically and personally. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

Do to the upcoming street closure of Pine Avenue, the fourth and fifth grade trimester awards will be held on Thursday, February 27, 2025. To accommodate parents with more than one student at Pine Avenue, please see the listed time below.

2:00 Nevins

2:15 Wilson, Allison

2:30 Adkins, Smith, Ferguson

2:45 Fornusek, Nieman, Farrar, Snow

Can you believe the second trimester is wrapping up? It’s been an incredible journey filled with learning, growth, and exciting achievements. We’ve seen our Panthers work hard, make new friendships, and develop their skills. As we prepare to close out this trimester and get ready for the next, we wanted to take a moment to reflect and share some important updates to keep everyone on track!

Ending the Trimester Strong

As we approach the end of the trimester, it’s important for our students to stay focused and finish strong. Here are some tips to help your child stay motivated and finish the trimester successfully:

1. Review Learning Goals – Check in with your child to see what they’ve been working on. Are there any projects or assignments that need extra attention? Encourage them to finish strong by taking pride in their work.

2. Celebrate Achievements – Whether it’s mastering a new skill, completing a big project, or improving in a subject, celebrate the progress your child has made. Positive reinforcement boosts confidence and motivation!

3. Stay Organized – As assignments and assessments wrap up, help your child keep their materials organized. Clear out their backpack and folders to ensure everything is in order for any final homework or projects.

4. Keep a Routine – Sticking to a consistent routine will help your child stay on top of homework, practicing math facts, and reading time. Encourage a healthy balance of work and rest.

Looking Ahead: Preparing for the New Trimester

The third trimester is just around the corner, and with it comes new learning opportunities, exciting challenges, and fresh goals. Here’s how we can set our students up for success:

1. Set New Learning Goals – Sit down with your child and help them set some personal academic goals for the new trimester. Whether it’s improving in math, reading more books, or mastering a specific concept, goal setting will keep them engaged and motivated.

2. Encourage a Growth Mindset – Remind your child that learning is all about progress, not perfection! Encourage them to embrace challenges and learn from mistakes—this is how we grow.

3. Stay Involved – Stay engaged in your child’s school life by attending parent-teacher conferences, checking in on progress reports, and being an active participant in school activities or consider joining the Alma Elementary PTO. Your involvement makes a huge difference!

Melissa Dow, MTSS Coordinator at HES

mdow@almaschools.net

1st Grade Honesty

2nd Grade Honesty

3rd Grade Honesty

4th Grade Honesty

5th Grade Honesty

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