The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents,

As your valued partners in education, we all share the common goal of seeing our children succeed academically and personally. One of the most effective ways to support their development is by instilling a strong work ethic. Interestingly, this begins in the classroom and at home through the simple act of doing chores.

Why are chores necessary? Chores are more than just household tasks; they are valuable learning opportunities that teach children responsibility, time management, and the satisfaction of a job well done. Parents can help their children develop essential skills that translate directly into the classroom by assigning age-appropriate chores. I have often discussed with parents how chores at home benefit a child in school. The following are the connections of how chores benefit success at school.

1. Responsibility: When children take on chores, they learn to be accountable for their actions. This sense of responsibility carries over to their schoolwork, where they understand the importance of completing assignments on time and taking ownership of their learning.
2. Time Management: Balancing chores with other activities helps children develop time management skills. They learn to prioritize tasks and allocate their time effectively, crucial for managing homework and study schedules.
3. Work Ethic: Regularly completing chores teaches children the value of hard work and perseverance. They understand that effort leads to results, encouraging them to put in the necessary effort in their academic pursuits.
4. Independence: Chores foster a sense of independence and self-reliance. Children learn to take initiative and complete tasks without constant supervision, a trait that is beneficial in a classroom setting where they are expected to work independently.
5. Sense of Accomplishment: Completing chores gives children a profound sense of accomplishment and boosts their self-esteem. As parents, witnessing this positive reinforcement can fill you with pride, knowing that your child is developing the confidence to tackle challenging assignments and engage actively in learning.

• Start Early: Introduce chores at a young age to establish a routine and build a foundation of responsibility. Remember, no matter the child's age, it is never too late to give children chores at home.
• Be Consistent: Set clear expectations and consistently assign and complete chores.
• Age-Appropriate Tasks: Assign chores suitable for your child's age and abilities. Younger children can help with simple tasks like tidying up their toys, while older children can take on more complex responsibilities like setting the table or doing laundry.
• Involve the Whole Family: Make chores a family activity to foster a sense of teamwork and create a supportive environment. This not only lightens the load but also strengthens the bond within the family, making everyone feel connected and integral to the household's smooth functioning.
• Positive Reinforcement: Praise and reward your child for completing chores to reinforce positive behavior and motivate them to continue.

By integrating chores into your child's daily routine, you are keeping the household running smoothly and laying the groundwork for a strong work ethic that will benefit them academically and beyond. Let us work together to support our children's growth and success at home and in the classroom. Together, we can help our students develop the skills they need to thrive and achieve their fullest potential.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

**The Power of Yet and Grit: Unlocking Your Potential!**

Hey there, students and parents! Have you ever faced a challenge that seemed too tough to

handle? Maybe it was a tricky math problem, learning to ride a bike, or even trying out for a

school play. It’s easy to feel frustrated and think, “I can’t do this!” But what if we told you that

adding just one little word could change everything? That word is “yet.”

The concept of “yet” is all about believing in yourself and your ability to grow. When you say, “I

can’t do this yet,” you’re opening the door to possibilities. It means that while you may not have

mastered something right now, you are on a journey to get there! This simple shift in thinking

can help you stay motivated and keep trying, even when things get tough. For example, if you’re struggling with a new spelling word, instead of saying, “I can’t spell this word,” try saying, “I can’t spell this word yet.” This mindset encourages you to practice and learn, knowing that with time and effort, you will improve!

Now, let’s talk about grit. Grit is all about perseverance and determination. It’s the ability to keep

going, even when things get hard. Think of it like a superhero power that helps you push

through challenges. When you combine the power of yet with grit, you create a winning formula

for success!

Imagine you’re learning to play a musical instrument. At first, it might feel overwhelming, and

you might want to give up. But if you remember the power of yet and keep practicing with grit,

you’ll be amazed at how much you can improve over time. Every time you practice, you’re

getting closer to your goal!

Parents, you play a crucial role in helping your children embrace the power of yet and develop

grit. Encourage them to try new things, celebrate their efforts, and remind them that it’s okay to

make mistakes. Share stories of your own challenges and how you overcame them. This will

inspire your kids to keep pushing forward, even when the going gets tough.

So, the next time you or your child faces a challenge, remember the power of yet and the

importance of grit. With a positive mindset and determination, there’s no limit to what you can

achieve! Let’s embrace challenges together and unlock our full potential—one “yet” at a time!

Maya Ward, K-5 Counselor

mward@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