GATOR TALES
Grace Abbott Elementary
March 11, 2022
Principal: Dr. Erik Chaussee, epchaussee@mpsomaha.org
Secretary: Cindy Wrenn, clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
About Us
Email: clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
Website: abbott.mpsomaha.org
Location: 1313 N 156th St, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-2900
Facebook: facebook.com/GraceAbbottElementarySchool
Twitter: @MPS_Abbott
NEWS FROM DR. CHAUSSEE
Book Recommendations:
Occasionally I recommend books for parents, but I have never recommend books without reading them, however these two are worth looking into. I haven’t read them as I haven’t been able to get to them yet. I’ve read reviews from The New York Times as well as one of the authors being interviewed on a radio program. The two books are relevant as parents and any of us that tend to, perhaps, overuse technology.
The first book is Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention-and How to Think Deeply Again by Johann Hari and The Loop: How Technology is Creating a World Without Choices and How to Fight Back by Jacob Ward.
Author Ward argues “that artificial intelligence in particular is not only predicting our actions but increasingly causing our actions, narrowing our scope of choices and imprisoning us in an automated existence.”
Author Hari addresses a wider range of causes but for a single target of concern-how we are losing focus. He breaks down the many causes into two categories: too much and too little. Too much information, stress, endless scrolling, and manipulation, and too little sleep, books read, and nutritious food.
Both books get things right and are, in my opinion, worth reading, but again, I’m basing the above on printed reviews and an interview. However, if you have no children and no technology, skip both books.
LUNCH AT ABBOTT
Returning to Lunch…
Parents and guardians,
With Covid numbers dropping schools would appear to be safer and a gradual return to some of what we did prior to Covid such as parents eating lunch at school. Life is unpredictable as we’ve all learned the last two years with Covid so we don’t want to rush this. We will start gradually allowing visitors at lunch on March 14. Initially, only one parent will be allowed per student and only two parents per grade level lunch. The level of interest will dictate what we do after the first two weeks of this.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW TO SIGN UP FOR A TIME.
OPTION ENROLLMENT
UPCOMING EVENTS
End of 3rd quarter, March 18
Group picture day (Band, Orchestra, Student Council, etc.), March 21
Omaha Tap House, March 24, 5 - 7 p.m.
Report cards go home March 25
Spring Break, April 4 - 8
UNDERWEAR NEEDED!
WALKING CLUB
KINDERGARTEN 2022-2023
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1jmknDf-GQqNzqZ5Qj_Wa21GmlJNn3xZnavWjM85Utds/edit
COMMUNITY COUNSELOR NEWSLETTER
ORIGINAL WORKS
WATER BOTTLES AT SCHOOL
Also, if your child is wearing a cloth mask, please wash frequently.
SPARK ( Formerly Kids Network)
Don’t Miss Out On This Epic Summer!
Are you looking for full day fun for your student this summer? Spark (formerly Kids Network) is a program provided by the Millard Public Schools Foundation and this summer we have great adventures planned for your child. Weekly registration is available, themed activities and weekly field trips!
New this year – Spark UP is our new summer program designed exclusively for incoming 5th and 6th graders.
Join us for a summer to remember! Don’t delay – we have limited spots available. Register Today! www.mpsfoundation.org
The Millard Public Schools Foundation supports the school district by providing funds to all 35 schools to support strategic initiatives.
WATCH D.O.G.S. SIGN UP
We are excited to invite our Watch DOGS (Dad of Great Students) back into the building this year! If you would like to volunteer for either a full day, or over our lunch times, please complete the Watch DOG sign up. You can email Charlene Hale (cghale@mpsomaha.org) with any questions.
MILLARD SCHOOL BOARD 2020
President - Linda Poole
Vice President - Dave Anderson
Secretary - Stacy Jolley
Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson
Board Member - Mike Kennedy
Board Member - Mike Pate