With Valentine’s Day quickly approaching and it being the month to recognize "Random Acts of Kindness", it is important to remind your child the value of kindness and friendship, and respect. Kindness begins with the way your child feels about others. Thoughts can lead to words and words can lead to actions. Remind your child that kindness toward others can create a positive impact in someone’s life and can create lasting friendships. Children who have friends tend to do better in school and enjoy it more. Talk with your child about what he/she values in their friendships and encourage him/her to show friends that they care. Give your child opportunities to strengthen bonds with old friends and find new ones by joining various activities. Remember, “No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” - Aesop

2/2 Groundhog Day

2/3 Pre-K Pre Registration Opens for the 2025-26 Year
2/3 "Wear RED Day" in recognition of National Heart Month

2/4 Pre-K Family Engagement from 12:00 - 1:15 -- The Importance of Conversations with Your Child

2/5 4th Grade Financial Literacy with HCSB

2/6 WVU Ext. Office STEM program with 4th Grade
2/6 PTA Meeting at 6:00 p.m. with 4th Grade Presidential Presentation

2/7 Lion's Club Vision Screening

2/10 Sarris Candy Fundraiser begins

2/11 4th Grade Financial Literacy with HCSB

2/12 LSIC Meeting at 3:30 p.m.
2/14 Valentine's Day Activities

2/17 No School For Students
2/17 Random Acts of Kindness Day

2/20 Progress Reports

2/20 WVU Ext. Office STEM program with 4th Grade
2/26 Oglebay Presentation for 2nd Grade

2/28 Sarris Candy Orders are due

2/28 Family Read Aloud

Grab & Go and Lunch menus can also be found on our school website page under the tab "food service".

Parents, staff, and students (only 3rd and 4th grade students) are being asked to complete an online survey about school climate at New Manchester Elementary School. This is the learning and teaching/working conditions of the school. The results from this survey will help guide school improvement efforts. The results will be utilized to make changes at New Manchester Elementary School to ensure a supportive environment for teaching and learning.

Your participation in this survey is voluntary; however, we are asking all parents/guardians to complete this survey. You can complete the survey from any computer with an internet connection. If you have any questions or problems completing the survey, please contact our school office.

You may access this survey at

The parent login code is: P029208

This survey is open now through Friday, March 14, 2025.

Your participation is voluntary. You may choose not to participate; not to answer any questions you do not want to answer; and you may stop participating at any time during the survey without penalty. Your responses will be anonymous and confidential.

Pre-K Registration is happening in February..... Registration opens ONLINE on February 3, 2025.

Some things to note:

• Children must turn 4 prior to July 1, 2025 in order to be considered for Pre-K

• The Pre-Registration online form will not be open until February 3, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

• Registration packets will be mailed out in early March based on the online registrations

• For a spot to be held for your child, ALL materials in the cover letter must be present in
  the online registration

Kindergarten Registration opens on February 3, 2025. Registration is ONLINE. Please see the flyer for the QR code to register your child.

Please note the following:

• Students must be 5 years old by July 1, 2025
• Once you register online, a packet of information will be sent/mailed to you
• Paperwork drop off will be on March 28, 2025 from the hours of 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. We will schedule appointments for this day.
• If your child is already enrolled in our Pre-K program, we will have the majority of the required paperwork; however, you will still need to register your child

Congratulations to the following students for earning the "Crew Chief" recognition for the month of February.

Preschool: Theo & Oaklyn

Kindergarten: Magnolia, Colt, & Jaxton

1st Grade: Virginia, Sebastian, & Barrett

2nd Grade: Luke & Cullen

3rd Grade: Harper, Lilly, & Damron

4th Grade: Laila & Laila

Criteria for selecting the Students of the Month will include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Effort
  
• Character through compassion, honesty, trustworthiness, optimism, and responsibility
• Behavior and self-control
• Attitude toward others/learning
• Good citizenship
• Leadership and integrity
• Demonstrates responsibility
• Respectful to peers and teachers
• Significant progress in the classroom and/or marked improvement in grades

New Manchester Elementary School follows the Expected Behaviors in Safe and Supportive Schools – Policy JG. A condensed version is found in the New Manchester Elementary School student handbook. A complete copy can be obtained in the Hancock County Board of Education office or our school office.

Our theme for the students is "CONSTRUCT"ING POSITIVE BEHAVIOR"

CONSTRUCT stands for a behavior we will focus on each month (C= Character; O = Optimism; N = Nurturing; S = Supportive; T = Trustworthy; R = Respect; U = Understanding; C = Compassion; T = Truthful). Students will work toward earning a hard hat for each month related to the focused behavioral concept. Each student will keep track of their progress each nine weeks. Throughout each month, students will have the opportunity to turn their dojo points in for classroom incentives so that they are rewarded for positive behavior continuously throughout the year.

In February we will focus on the character trait RESPECT. Respect can be defined as a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something. Teaching respect in the classroom helps students succeed. It is an important part of the learning process. In a classroom full of students from diverse backgrounds, it is important that students learn to respect each other and their teachers. Mutual respect improves the educational experience for both students and teachers. When children are able to treat each other respectfully, they respond to direction and instruction in a positive way. In effect, students are more likely to succeed in academics.

Respect is important because it means we treat others the way we want to be treated. Respect can be described as caring enough to consider how words and actions may impact others. Respect can be a big concept for elementary students to grasp. Respect has two parts - having respect and showing respect.

Having respect means that you feel positively toward someone because of how they affect others. For instance, you may have respect for someone because they treat others kindly or because they worked hard to achieve something.

Showing respect means that you act in a way that shows care for how your actions may impact others. This could be done in a variety of ways. For example, when meeting someone new, you would shake their h and or when someone is talking to you would listen to what they are saying. Other examples include using kind words, using manners, accepting differences, and being careful not to damage places or things.

It is common for us to discuss respect as something we give and show to others; however, it is important to show yourself respect too. Respecting oneself could be respecting your body by eating nutritiously and exercising or treating yourself kindly when you make a mistake or are facing challenges.

To understand why respect is important, you must think about what life would be like if we didn't treat one another with respect. IN a world without respect, no one would care whether they were hurting other people. They may do things that are mean or hurtful and could cause harm to others. If we want to feel safe and live happily in our world, we must treat each other with respect.

Kindness is a quality that children learn over time and through practice. Each year on February 17, National Random Acts of Kindness Day is recognized. It is celebrated by individuals, groups, and organizations to encourage acts of kindness. Not only do acts of kindness bring joy to the receiver, but they spread positive reactions to the giver as well. There are many things you can do to encourage your child to be a kinder, gentler person. Research has found that the desire to help and comfort comes just as naturally to humans as being self-centered or hurtful. The following are some suggestions to encourage kindness in your child

• Model positive action - what you do and say is critical
• Treat your child with respect
• Coach your child to pay attention to people's facial expressions - this is the first step in learning how to understand another's perspective
• Let your child know often that how they treat others matters to you greatly
• Don't let rudeness pass
• Acknowledge kindness - be sure to show your child that you notice when someone does something nice
• Understand that your child's perception of differences in others comes into play - children notice differences in people
• Be sensitive to messages that your child picks up from the media - children are just as likely to imitate kind actions they see in movies and read about in books as they are to act out other types of scenarios so be aware of programs your child watches and be available to talk about what they see
• Explain that calling someone names or excluding him from play can be as hurtful as hitting
• Show your child how to help people in need - encourage your child to donate a toy he/she has outgrown or to make cookies for a shelter
• Be patient with your child - being a great role model will go a long way toward raising a wonderful, tolerant human being

Parents, February is all about love and relationships. Join Parent Coaching to nurture and strengthen your connection with your children. This free resource pairs you with a parenting coach and offers content designed by therapists. Click here to register and receive ongoing support: https://cookcenter.info/coaching

Childhood anxiety is a common issue that many of our school families face. It can present itself as excessive worry, fear of separation from parents, or reluctance to attend school or social events. As a parent, understanding how to support your child through this is important. Here are some suggestions to help you manage your child's anxiety effectively.

1. Open Communication
Encourage your child to share their feelings. Create a safe space where they can express their worries without fear of judgment. Use open-ended questions to help them express their thoughts. For example, ask, “What makes you feel anxious/nervous?” or “Please tell me more about what you’re feeling?” Listening actively can help your child feel understood and supported.

2. Normalize Their Feelings
Let your child know that it’s okay to feel anxious. Share that many children experience similar feelings at different times in their lives. Consider sharing about times you were anxious as a child. This normalization can help reduce their sense of isolation and encourage them to confront their fears rather than avoid them.

3. Teach Coping Strategies
Provide your child with tools to manage their anxiety. Techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and mindfulness can be effective. For instance, teach them to take deep breaths by inhaling slowly through the nose and exhaling through the mouth. Practicing these techniques together can make them feel more comfortable using them during stressful moments.

4. Encourage Gradual Exposure
If your child has specific fears, help them face these fears gradually. Start with small, manageable steps. For example, if they are nervous about making new friends or starting a new activity, you could schedule brief play dates or attend extra-curricular events as observers. Gradually increase their exposure to the situation, allowing them to build confidence over time.

5. Maintain Routine and Structure
Children often find comfort in routine. Establishing a consistent daily schedule can help reduce anxiety by providing a sense of predictability. Ensure that your child has regular times for meals, homework, and bedtime. This stability can give them a sense of security.

6. Limit Exposure to Stressors
Be mindful of the stressors in your child’s life. Limit their exposure to negative news or stressful situations that may contribute to their anxiety. Instead, focus on positive activities that promote relaxation and joy, such as family outings, reading, or playing games together.

7. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If your child’s anxiety is severe or persistent, consider seeking help from a mental health professional. A counselor can provide valuable support and guidance tailored to your child’s specific needs. They can also teach your child additional coping skills to help manage their anxiety.

In conclusion, dealing with childhood anxiety can be challenging, but with the right support and strategies, parents can help their children navigate these difficult emotions. By fostering open communication, teaching coping techniques, and providing a structured environment, parents can empower their children to face their fears and build resilience.

February is National Children's Dental Health Month! I will go to classrooms throughout February to educate your children on oral health and pass out dental supplies! Developing good dental health habits helps children get a jump start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.

Children and adults should brush their teeth twice daily and floss once daily. You should check your children’s work after they brush! Use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste on a soft bristled toothbrush and brush each tooth completely for two minutes. Avoid constantly eating and drinking sugary food and drink items. Visit the dentist at least every 6 months and talk to your dentist about sealants for your children. Sealants protect the chewing surfaces from cavities by covering them with a protective shield that blocks out germs and food.

Cavities in baby teeth can hurt permanent teeth and lead to future oral health problems. Cavities are preventable by keeping good dental hygiene, eating healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables, and drinking fluorinated water!

• February is the only month to have a length of fewer than 30 days, even during a Leap Year!
• February is one of the most frequently misspelled words in the English language.
• Valentine's Day isn't just about humans! Almost 9 million people in the US buy their dogs gifts for Valentine's Day
• February is the only month that can pass without having a full moon. That doesn't mean February never has a full moon - it usually does. As a matter of fact, the last time it didn't have a full moon was in 1999. The next time it won't have a full moon again will be in 2037.
• February is National Snack Food Month. What is your favorite snack food?
• The odds of being born on February 29 are about 1 in 1,461. If you're born on a leap day, you're typically known as a "leper" or "leapling". And depending on where you live, February 28 or March 1 is considered your birthday in non-leap years.
• National Bubble Gum Day is celebrated the first Friday in February.
• February has been recognized as Black History Month for over 40 years, celebrating the contributions of African Americans.

February is a great time to engage your child in "math talks" at home using fun holiday themes. There is Valentine's Day, Groundhog Day, and even National Bubble Gum Day. Use chocolates, heart shaped candy, bubble gum pieces, or cut out groundhogs to invite your child to talk about math. In "Math Talks", the goal isn't to solve the problem, it's to figure out various ways to solve it. All kids solve math problems in different ways, just like adults.

Here's an example to try at home: Estimate the Amount of Candy Hearts in the Jar

• Place candy hearts in a jar and display them
• Ask your child to estimate how many candies are in the jar using strategies they think up
• Have them share their ideas with you. Engage in conversation with them. Ask questions.
• Try their various ways at solving the problem. Discuss which way worked best and why. Which way didn't work? Why not?

"It Takes a Team to Educate a Child"

Email: cyeater@k12.wv.us
Website: https://newmanchester.hancock.k12.wv.us/
Location: 128 Frankfort Road, New Cumberland, WV, USA
Phone: 304-564-3242
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Elementary-School/New-Manchester-Elementary-School