September Bowlesburg Newsletter

• Staff Spotlight
• EMSD Essentials
• Supporting Your Student At Home
• From The PTA
• Calendar of Events
• Lunch Menus
• Digital Backpack

Hello Families,

My name is Elizabeth (Libby) Anderson, and I am excited to introduce myself as your Administrative Intern. My background is in special education and this is my 11th year at Bowlesburg. This year, I'll be working closely with Mr. Fairweather to support our students, staff, and families. My duties are similar to those of an assistant principal, which means I'll be helping with a little bit of everything. From organizing school events to assisting with student discipline and attendance, my goal is to ensure our school is a safe and positive place for our students and staff to learn and grow. I look forward to meeting many of you throughout the year!

In addition to my role at Bowlesburg, I am also the Executive Director and Board Chair of Girls on the Run Quad Cities and am also a Girls on the Run Coach here at Bowlesburg. Girls on the Run has been a part of Bowlesburg since 2016 and I am happy that I get to be involved in this inspiring organization.

On a more personal note, my husband and I are the proud parents of three wonderful children, two daughter in-laws, and four grandbabies. We love spending time outdoors, whether we're hiking, exploring local parks, fishing, or just being with family.

Being a parent myself, I understand the importance of a strong partnership between home and school. I'm committed to being a resource for students, staff, and your family. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me at eanderson@emsd37.org or 309-792-2947 with any questions or to introduce yourself. Here's to a great school year!

Parent Input Needed for "EMSD Essentials"

We need your help! As part of our district's strategic plan, we're working to define what an "EMSD Learner" looks like. We're calling this the EMSD Essentials, and your input is crucial in shaping it.

We invite all parents to a meeting to share your ideas and feedback. Please join us:

• When: October 15 at 5:00 p.m.

• Where: Administration Building

3451 Morton Drive

East Moline

Your perspective is essential in helping us create a vision for our students that reflects the entire community. If you plan to attend, please fill out this form so we know how many to expect: Parent RSVP

We look forward to seeing you there!

SEL Practices from School to Home Social-emotional learning is an all-day concept. At home, families can build on the work of the schools. Families can use their everyday interactions to build on the skills that EMSD #37 implements in their school-wide SEL program that will help children throughout their day in a variety of settings. Below are six strategies to utilize to help bridge SEL practices from school to home.

1. Focus on strengths. It can be tempting to focus on problem areas. Ask your child what he/she thinks they did well first. A focus on accomplishment can help children persist when things get difficult and can build self-efficacy.

2. Use visuals to help your child plan. When something is new or challenging for your child- getting ready for the day, completing homework, keeping the room clean - make visual reminders or a step-by-step checklist that can be displayed in the home. By showing children what they need to do to succeed, this practice can develop independence and contribute to a sense of pride when goals are met.

3. Ask about feelings. Talk about emotions together- what it feels like to be frustrated, nervous, or excited. The ability to label uncomfortable feelings can grow self-awareness. Encouraging your child to use “I” statements like “I feel sad” or “I’m angry” can help build self-control and communication skills.

4. Stay calm when YOU are mad. Learn to recognize your own triggering situations and talk about how you cope with anger as a family. For example, “I am feeling very upset, so I’m going to take a couple of deep breaths and five minutes to myself before we talk about this.” Modeling how to calm down helps your kids develop self-control.

5. Be willing to make apologies. When you do get upset, or make a mistake, take accountability and apologize to your kids. Explain what you meant to do or say to help teach social competence. Conflict is a normal part of life, and can be solved respectfully and calmly.

6. Encourage sharing and helping. Talk with your kids regularly about what others might need and how you could offer some help. Brainstorm big ways and small ways to help - whether by taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor or by volunteering at the local animal shelter, or helping a sibling pack for a trip. These acts build empathy and help to create a community-oriented mindset.

We had a wonderful turnout for our first PTA meeting last Tuesday, but could use more parent and teacher members. If you would like to join or have any questions, please email the PTA at pta.bowlesburg@gmail.com or attend the next meeting on October 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the school library.

PTA is planning a movie night on Friday, October 24th. Doors open at 5:30 and the movie starts at 6:00 p.m. The movie is yet to be determined, but information will be coming home as we get closer to the date.

• October 3rd - 11:30 a.m. Dismissal
• October 6th-10th - No School, Fall Break
• October 13th - No School, Columbus Day
• October 14th - PTA Meeting 6:30
• October 24th - End of 1st Quarter
• October 24th - PTA Movie Night 5:30

Click this link for LUNCH MENUS

The Digital Backpack creates a place for community events to be shared with our EMSD families. Click this link for the DIGITAL BACKPACK