Raymond Central Newsletter
October 2018
From the Desk of Dr. Joel...
In the climate caused by the possible loosening of lug nuts in the jr/sr high school parking lot, Raymond Central acknowledges the need to increase parking lot supervision, audit the current security camera coverage, and increase the lighting on the exterior of the building. I want to assure you the safety and well-being of each student in the Raymond Central School District is our highest priority. Any and all concerns are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. We commit to being transparent in our communication regarding safety concerns or threats deemed credible. Channel 10/11 News reported 5 to 6 incidents during the Friday, September 29th news broadcast, which is an elevated number in regards to the two recent incidents investigated.
Administrators have investigated two incidents in regards to the possible loosening of lug nuts on a student vehicle while parked in the school parking lot. During each investigation, the school notified and worked with law enforcement, interviewed potential witnesses or persons of interest, and followed-up with every statement for accuracy.
As a result of the two incidents, the school district has taken a few precautionary measures until work can be done on the existing security cameras and exterior lights. The district has hired a mobile security officer to patrol the parking lot after school until all students are back from events this week. Deputy Piitz will be patrolling the parking lot during the school day. Before and after school, adults will be present as students enter and exit school grounds. Any student who needs to leave school or run to their car will be escorted by an adult. Please contact the school with any questions, comments or concerns at 402-785-2685.
Our school structures and processes are focused on safety. Partnerships between our students, parents, guardians, and school staff to maximize a healthy and safe environment for our school community. Efforts to inspire a passion for learning in each student must first start with positive relationships rooted in kindness and caring for one another. There will always be unfortunate occurrences that arise but I look forward to our partnership as we continue to make Raymond Central a wonderful school district in which I am proud to send my own children.
In closing, I am excited to announce Raymond Central has purchased 67 acres of land below the jr/sr high school campus. The land is directly east of the driveway and runs all the way to NW 12th road. The property runs north and connects to the southern boundary of our campus. The Board of Education has received numerous bids to cash rent the property until conversations can be held to determine next steps.
Go Mustangs!
Dr. Joel, Superintendent
Fall Book Fair
Important Activity Dates
Oct 2nd - Senior night for volleyball
Oct 4th-5th - District SB @ Wahoo
Oct 5th - Pink Out FB/Cheer/Dance
Oct 9th-13th - NCC Volleyball tourney
Oct 10th-12th - State SB @ Hastings
Oct 11th - District CC @ Wildwood
Oct 12th - Senior night FB/CC
Oct 19th - State CC @ Kearney Country Club
Oct 22nd - 7-12 Vocal and 7-8 Instrumental Concert
Oct 29th/30th - VB sub-districts @ Pius
Taxi Ride with Mrs. Egr
Mrs. Benes's Students Read Directions and Made Dirt Cups During Reading
9th Annual Hustle Run
Oak Creek Trailhead
10K and 5K Run at 9 AM
1 Mile Fun Run/Walk at 9:20 AM
See registration form attached below.
Student Council Sponsored Blood Drive on November 12th -- Time TBD
Supporting Children with Social Anxiety
Social interaction is essential to almost everything we do and it is part of what makes us human. In childhood, children engage in a variety of activities like swim lessons, school and sleepovers. These social interactions can be fun, educational and uplifting, but for some children it can be anxiety producing. Equipping youth with the tools they need to be successful in social settings can help reduce the anxiety.
For some, a new social situation can cause stress, emotional
outbursts or physical symptoms such as stomach aches.
They may cry, become agitated or have a full-blown temper
tantrum. Other signs of anxiety may include headaches,
pacing or fidgeting. Children may be hesitant to join in the
activities right away or refuse to participate at all. It is
important to understand that many children need
assistance adjusting to new situations, not just children with
an anxiety disorder. However, if these symptoms persist
talk, to a physician or mental health practitioner in your
area.
Children that become anxious in social settings may need additional time to adjust to new situations.
The following are general tips to help reduce anxiety in social settings:
Arriving to the location early can help the children adjust to new surroundings before other
children arrive.
Bringing a friend along can also help the situation feel more familiar and make the transition
smoother.
Have discussions with your child or student about the event details to help them develop a
better understanding of what to expect.
Role playing or coaching can also help children feel more prepared and reduce anxiety.
Provide children with an outlet to share their feelings and concerns.
Be familiar with your child or student’s limits and give them their space when they are
overwhelmed.
Help them practice coping skills, like deep breathing when they are stressed.
One common activity that can be particularly anxiety producing is starting school for the first time or starting a new school year. Talk to your child about their anxieties and validate their feelings. Plan to attend student orientation with your student and facilitate a relationship between your child and the teacher. Strive to create a space that feels familiar and safe by helping your child find similarities to pre-school or daycare. Have discussions with your child about what to expect including their schedule. Have plans in place for drop-off and pick-up from school and who to talk to if they do not feel well or need to use the restroom. Open lines of communication between the school and parents can help determine ways to help reduce anxiety for the child. Teachers can provide children with tasks to engage them in
activities, help facilitate self-soothing techniques or help find a buddy in the classroom for the student.
It is important for children to have skills that they can use with and without their parents present to reduce anxiety. Practicing self-soothing techniques can help children be successful in a variety of situations. Begin by practicing the following self-soothing techniques together and repeat over time.
School Community Intervention and Prevention October 2018
SCIP is funded in part by: Lincoln Public Schools, United Way of Lincoln/Lancaster County, Region V Systems,
Nebraska DHHS: Division of Behavioral Health and Region 4 Behavioral Health System
Once they are familiar with the technique help your child understand how to practice the techniques at school or other activities outside of the home.
Take deep breaths with your child to help them relax in stressful situations. Repeat the behavior and encourage them to take deep breaths on their own when begin to feel stressed.
Help them relax their mind by coloring or visualizing a place that is relaxing.
Encourage movement or some form of exercise, like stretching.
Offer a squeeze ball or another soft object to distract from the anxiety.
Encourage positive thinking by practicing positive self-talk together.
Model self-soothing techniques.
For further reading about social anxiety, the article below contains great tips for children that have sleep-over anxiety:
https://childmind.org/article/how-to-help-kids-with-sleepoveranxiety/utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=Helping%20Kids%20With%20Sleepover%20Anxiety&utm_campaign=Weekly-5-1-18
References:
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/ages-stages-how-children-adjust-school/
Childmind.org
School Community Intervention & Prevention
Community Awareness Series:
Promoting Healthy Behaviors
November 13, 2018 - The Impact of Stress & Anxiety on Our Youth
Lincoln High School: Theatre
6:30 PM
Standard Response Protocol
About Us
Email: rcentraljournalism@gmail.com
Website: www.rcentral.org
Phone: 4027852685
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RaymondCentralHS/
Twitter: @RC_Mustangs