STC Newsletter

My schedule changed March 3 to include more time at the VH Elementary schools.

This change will allow me to continue teaching Character Ed lessons in Waterville per the established schedule but also allow time for me to observe students in their classrooms and to meet with teachers during their plan periods. I will continue to begin each day at the VH Jr/Sr building to meet student needs at the beginning of each day.

Meet the Family Advocate, Jayne Whitson at school during school hours or by appointment. She is available to help students and families succeed with resources, referrals and donated items to help during a family trauma, crisis or setback.

The best way to reach the family advocate is via cell, 612-202-7366.

Why awareness AND acceptance? With the CDC reporting that 1 in 36 children are now being diagnosed with Autism in the US, awareness is already keen. And although the spectrum is wide, parents, clinicians and teachers recognize that those diagnosed with autism struggle throughout their lifetime with prejudices, bullying, limited job opportunities and health care. In 2020, the Autism Society of America replaced "awareness" with "acceptance" to celebrate Autism Acceptance Month in April and other organizations followed suit. Supporting "awareness" often includes raising funds or supporting promotions to learn or teach more about the disability known as the autism spectrum disorder, a neurological and developmental disorder and it's existence. Acceptance focuses on the people who have been diagnosed and celebrating their neurodiversity with understanding and acceptance.

The shift towards "acceptance" can hopefully lead to a world with more resources and opportunities for the people on the spectrum and their families.

With Spring in the air, the time is here to begin the annual Spring Cleaning Donation Drive to fill the "care bus" with household cleaning supplies for students and families with needs. All items listed above will be accepted; if you have a favorite brand-please buy two next time and donate one. You never know if you or someone you know will have a family emergency, trauma or set back and may ask for a hand up. Schools That Care is here to help provide during times like that, so keeping a few items on hand is necessary. Please drop off donations at any school or bank in USD#498. There is also a Schools That Care basket at the Dollar Store in Blue Rapids. Thanks for partnering with Schools That Care to help those who live in our community.

This month, Waterville Elementary Character Education lessons will focus on Perseverance and turn to our final lesson on Hope at the end of the month as we prepare to finish out the school year with a review. How are you modeling perseverance for kids at home, at school and in our community? We will begin conversations about using perseverance when we get a "do over" to "do better". Perseverance and courage work together to keep us motivated to try again when we feel like quitting. Perseverance can have "all the feels" of determination, fear, patience, confidence and stamina, yet looks like practice, sacrifice, good work ethic, saving, studying hard, and setting goals.... it is NEVER GIVING UP! Perseverance helps us succeed in reaching our goals. Click here to download this flyer to practice perseverance at home.

Parenting is tough! Who doesn't want to offer their kids the best paths to success? Screen time is one more controversial matter when it comes to parenting and raising kids. Some parents may think that allowing their kids to play games on "educational apps" is giving them a step up to learning and enhancing their knowledge. Others tend to allow a screen to "entertain" their kids while they take a needed break from parenting. It's true that kids are spending less time outdoors and more time with videos, video games, learning apps and games than ever before. On the other hand, there are some "low-tech" parents out there that intentionally sent their kids to No-Tech Montessori Schools. Ever heard of Steve Jobs, or other Silicon Valley tech wizards like Google founders Sergey Brin and Larry Page or Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Wikipedia's Jimmy Wales? Perhaps they knew something others didn't realize.
Now Scientists compare smartphones, iPads and Xboxes to cocaine, opioids and sex; they are like "digital drugs" in the way they impact our brains' hormones and it's especially dangerous to brain development. Doctors indicate that children suffer from sensory over-load, a hyper-aroused nervous system and a lack of restorative sleep. Regardless of diagnosis this leads to kids who are moody, impulsive and can't pay attention. That is not setting them up for success in the classroom.

Since we know the brain is moldable, it can trained or re-wired to become a stronger brain and there are things that parents can do now to help kids grow stronger brains. Limit screen time and start by letting your kids "earn" screen time responsibly; when homework and chores are completed. Start young, it takes time, discipline and intention. Use the tools below and click here to review some ways to re-train the brain to build it stronger and prepare it for a lifetime of learning.

To apply for Free/Reduced meals at VH schools for your student(s) please use this button!

Use This Button to apply for Kansas Food Assistance SNAP for your Family.

Use the button below to apply for energy assistance.

The last Say YES! to a Formal Dress event will be afterschool on April 10. Valley Heights Girls 7-12 grades are invited to attend. Focusing on dresses for prom, but if you have another formal event, photo shoot or occasion to wear a formal or semi formal dress, these dresses have been donated for you to wear! There is a great selection so please plan to attend or make an appointment with the Family Advocate!