A Piece From The Principal's Puzzle

September

27 - 1/2 Day Students & End of Grading Period

Sept. 30 - Oct. 4 FALL BREAK

October

10 - HHS Homecoming Parade @ HHS

16 - Report Cards Sent Home

16 - Make-up & Class Pictures

What a HUGE crowd of Blossomwood families at last Thursday (Gr. PreK-2) and Friday's (Gr. 3-6) BES Grandparents' Gatherings! It was a fun time for families to hang out, and of course everyone enjoyed the doughnuts, juice, coffee, and water!

Once again, special thanks to our PTA for all of the time and effort in providing another great family event!

Thank you to our wonderful teachers for providing a fantastic and informative Curriculum "Glowcase" last Tuesday. Each grade did an excellent job of designing a one page document with helpful grade level information and tips for helping at home.

Thank you also to all of the families that were able to attend the event!

Each year we encourage our students to continue learning during the extended breaks such as Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, etc. This Wednesday, your child should bring home a pink sheet in his/her Blossomwood folder (as pictured below) with the directions for participating in the voluntary Fall Break Learning Challenge which includes a reading, math, and family event challenge.

More specifically, one ticket can be earned for completing the reading challenge, one ticket can be earned for completing the math challenge, and/or one ticket can be earned for completing the family challenge. To be clear, the child can choose to do one, two, or all three challenges. We will be giving away several donated prizes including gift cards for ice cream, wireless headphones, etc.

Please see below for additional details.

The record sheet (on the back) for the Learning Challenge is due Mon., Oct. 7, 2024 to Dr. Scott. An adult signature is required at the bottom of the completed sheet.

The main function of the house system is to develop a sense of identity or belonging and to celebrate achievements. Schools with a structure or system like this cite the positive impact it has on the educational experience and school culture. Students report how it helps them form friendships and closer bonds with peers, and teachers share that students seem to enjoy seeing a connection with students in other classrooms as well as other grade levels. As a school, we also believe our new House System supports our school mission statement and vision.

During the first week of school or upon enrollment, all of our students and staff have the opportunity to digitally "spin" the wheel to randomly sort each student into one of four groups or houses — Emerald, Garnet, Onyx, or Sapphire.

Our House System is designed to:

1. Create school-wide community by creating opportunities for students to connect to staff and students in other classes and grades that share their house. Older students become natural leaders by mentoring and supporting younger students. Mentoring also extends to teachers and school staff members who are also assigned to a house.
2. Create a culture of belonging as students are recognized for accomplishments both academically as well as their choices related to behavior.
3. Emphasize building character through a reward system that goes beyond earning a piece of candy for doing something good. Each individual achievement adds to the collective house/group, making the reward hopefully more meaningful and social.
   
4. Provide opportunities to praise and accentuate positives for both individual students and collective groups of students.