Timothy Ball News September 9 - 13
Welcoming all. Believing in all. Growth for all.
A Note from Mr. Ciochina
Safety is our number one priority and as a school we periodically practice important drills -- fire, storm, and lockdown. We talk often with our students about the importance of "If you see something, please say something." We have multiple staff members at Timothy Ball who are state certified School Safety Specialists and over 20 staff members who are trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention or CPI. Crown Point Community Schools has updated each school with a fantastic camera system and our Safe Visitor System screens all visitors to our school. Our doors to the building are always locked. Although it may be inconvenient, you will be asked your purpose for visiting prior to being buzzed in and then show your ID while the Safe Visitor System runs a background check for all adult visitors to our school. Thank you for your help and patience to help our students be safe.
It is paramount to us that all students feel safe, happy, and cared for at school. Later this month, we will hold our first Bulldog Buddies Session. During Bulldog Buddies, students will work with a teacher or staff member exploring Social-Emotional Learning, character education, anti-bullying programming, and other activities to help them build another strong bond with a trusted adult in our school environment. Students will be with the same mentor during their years at Timothy Ball! Bulldog Buddies will happen seven times throughout the school year.
We will be kicking off Bullying Prevention Month during the first week of October with some exciting activities including a Social-Emotional Learning Assembly, Walk to School Day, Bulldog Buddies, our Fit For Life Relay, and showing our TBall pride in the CPHS Homecoming Parade! We are calling this #BeAwesomeWeek!
Mr. Ciochina
Spring 2019 ILEARN Student Reports
ILEARN student reports were made available in RDS Parent Access on Wednesday, September 4th for you to view and/or print. ILEARN was administered to students in grade 3-8 during the 2018-2019 school year.
You can access the reports by logging into RDS Parent Access and clicking on the ‘standardized test’ tab and selecting each ILEARN student report under ‘Related Documents.’
RDS Parent Access https://intranet.cps.k12.in.us/rdsparentaccess/
To view an 8-minute video tutorial about the ILEARN student report, please click the link below.
https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cqjtoHtqIv
A parent letter reminder was mailed on Tuesday, September 3rd.
IMPORTANT DATES
SEPTEMBER 11th - PTO Meeting at 4pm
SEPTEMBER 24th - HALF DAY, Dismissal at 12:14 pm
SEPTEMBER 25th - Picture Day
SEPTEMBER 30 - OCTOBER 4th - #BeAwesomeWeek
ATTENDANCE
Our attendance rate this past week was 97% . Our schoolwide attendance goal is 97%. Thank you for limiting voluntary absences and scheduling appointments outside the school day whenever possible!
CAFETERIA INFORMATION
Student Breakfast: $1.50 (Reduced .30)
Student Lunch: $2.35 (Reduced .40)
Adult Breakfast: $1.85
Adult Lunch: $3.40
Milk: .40
Snacks/Ice Cream: .75
Water: $1.25
If you have a child that is gluten free, please provide us with a doctor's order for a gluten free diet. We are happy to work with our families to create a menu that is Gluten Free approved.
For any cafeteria related questions please contact Mrs. Jeeyoung Sheppard
Fruit or Veggie of the Month: Radishes
Starting this month, the school cafeteria will be introducing a fruit or a vegetable once a month to our students to explore and try to broaden their awareness of healthy eating.
Social-Emotional News from Mrs. Holok
Parents,
Next Tuesday, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. The purpose of World Suicide Prevention day is to encourage people to engage with each other and join together to spread awareness of suicide prevention. There are many common misconceptions regarding suicide. We are sharing this at the elementary level because according to statistics, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for children ages 10-14. Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts can start even younger and early intervention can make a significant impact.
Below are a few facts:
● Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. It does not “put the idea” in their head
● Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometimes during the week preceding their attempt.
If you suspect that a loved one or someone you know if thinking about suicide, here are some ways to help:
● Take your loved one seriously: Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child, friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help
● Learn the warning signs: Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling.
● Listen with empathy and provide support: A fight or breakup might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize and listen. Minimizing what your child or friend is going through can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.
● Question-Persuade-Refer: Ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts. Persuade them to talk to a professional, and refer them to that person.
Suicide can be a sensitive topic. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273- TALK. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
For more information, please visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Fifth Grade Cross Country Meet
On September 19th, Taft and Colonel Wheeler Middle School cross country coaches are sponsoring a race for 5th grade students. No experience is required - most participants will be beginners.
The race will be on September 19th at 5 pm at Lemon Lake Park. Bus transportation will be provided to the meet. Parents will be responsible for transporting their child home after the meet.
Mrs. Henley sent home permission slips this week with the 5th grade students.
Kindergarten Color Weeks
Monday, September 9 - Green
Tuesday, September 10 - Purple and/or Pink
Wednesday, September 11 - Brown
Thursday, September 12 - Black/Gray
Friday, September 13 - Wear your favorite color!
Positive Behavior Note from Mrs. Derwinski
October is Bullying Prevention Month
Timothy Ball is committed to educating our students about the importance of being kind and respecting others. To celebrate Bullying Prevention Month, we will wear Blue on Tuesdays during October! You can purchase this year's shirt -- order forms came home today and are also accessible by clicking the button below. Students are welcome to wear any other blue shirt or a previous year's Bullying shirt on Tuesdays!. Please send order form and money by Friday, September 13th.
BIRTH TO SCHOOL
Timothy Ball September 2019 Events
9/9 Family Fun Night 5:30-7:30pm
*LOCATION CHANGE* This event will now take place at Colonel Wheeler Middle School
9/13 Caregiver Café at 9:30am
Please contact Kristen Pozen, Timothy Ball Liaison, at kpozen@cps.k12.in.us if you plan on attending this event
9/20 Baby Bulldogs at 9:30am
9/20 Mini Bulldogs at 1:45pm
9/27 Mini’s Music & Movement at 1:30pm
Be sure to visit https://www.cps.k12.in.us/domain/1351 to register for the Birth to School program and for more information on upcoming events!
For questions or further information about the Birth to School program at Timothy Ball, please contact Kristen Pozen, Birth to School Liaison for Timothy Ball, at kpozen@cps.k12.in.us or Jamie Kalk, Birth to School Coordinator, at jkalk@cps.k12.in.us or 219-663-4330 ext. 22019.
FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE
All immunizations or waivers are due to our nurse by 9/18/19. If you have any questions please contact Mrs. Schurch
Attention: If your child has a Dr. note restricting them from PE they must sit out from recess. They can sit on the bench with a book or game. This is to keep them safe from further injury. If you have any questions please contact our nurse.
Regarding Taking Medication at School - Remember that ALL medications must be accompanied by doctor & parent notes. Otherwise the medication cannot be given at school. All medication must be in its original container. All prescription medication must have the correct information on the label. Also, no cough drops, or essential oils are allowed at school unless accompanied by doctor & parent notes. No child should be bringing medication to school in order to self medicate.
Regarding Illness - Please keep all sick children home if they are running a fever of 100.0 or above, vomiting, or have diarrhea. A child running a fever can return to school once he/she has been fever free for 24 hours.
PTO NEWS
Upcoming events:
September 11th at 4pm: PTO meeting in the library, come and see how you can help!
September 12th from 4-8pm: Dairy Queen Dining Night, they will give a percentage back to the school, flyers will come home prior to.
September 13th from 7-9pm: Join us along with Hometown Happenings for a free movie night at Bulldog Park! Dumbo will be played, there will be a DJ and fun to be had. Bring your friends!
September 14th from 7-9pm: Open Gym at Midwest in Crown Point, $10 per child, chaperones always welcome!
checking out and returning library books.
TIMOTHY BALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Email: tballparent@cps.k12.in.us
Website: https://www.cps.k12.in.us/tball
Location: 720 West Summit Street, Crown Point, IN, USA
Phone: (219)663-0047