Paw Prints
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - May 8, 2020
Winfield Elementary School Improvement Goals
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in reading.
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in mathematics.
All students will demonstrate growth in their social-emotional learning.
Winfield Elementary Family Check-In- May 8th
You can access this week's check-in here: Winfield Family Check-In 5.8.20
From the Principal, Mrs. Alonzo
Dear Winfield Friends and Family,
Please enjoy the special Mother's Day Read Aloud video below.
Happy Mother's Day to ALL the ladies in childrens' lives!
PLEASE, reach out at any time with concerns or questions. We (all staff members) are most easily reached via email at this time. You can reach me at jalonzo@cps.k12.in.us.
Newest read alouds: The Day the Crayons Quit, The Secret Life of Squirrels, Skippjon Jones and The Big Bones
Much love,
Mrs. Jillian Alonzo
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19001
Teacher Appreciation Week 2020
Wildcat News Network 5.8.20
WE NEED YOUR SUBMISSIONS to keep producing more episodes! Send your content to Mrs. Sassman at ksassman@cps.k12.in.us.
Counselor's Corner, with Mrs. Williams
May is National Mental Health Month: #endthestigma
There is no question that mental health continues to be a hot topic of discussions, especially considering the current state of our reality, and the overwhelming stress that we are all feeling. Let this month inspire you to start or continue your mental health journey.
Why should mental health be a priority for all of us?
- 1 in 5 people will experience a mental health illness during their lifetime.
- EVERYONE faces challenges in their life that can impact their mental health.
- 80% of Americans have experienced emotional abuse
- 60% of people have experienced a major loss in the last 3 years.
- 2 out 3 people who went through a life-changing event had physical symptoms while they were grieving.
- School-aged kids who are taught about emotions for 20-30 minutes per week see improvements in their social behavior and school performance.
Some of our parents may be familiar with the 5 love languages. Did you know that these same 5 languages can be applied to self-love? In the spirit of Mental Health Month, I encourage all of you to take some time and find your self-love language. Once you have identified yours, develop your action plan. What are you going to do each day to fulfill your self-love language?
This weekend we recognize moms everywhere! For all the hugs you give, the tears you wipe away, the memories you create, the unconditional love, and infinite selfless acts- you are the glue that holds your family together. I hope that you find a few minutes this weekend to celebrate all the amazing things you are!
Wishing you ALL a joyful Mother’s Day, know that you are loved beyond measure!!
Connect with me via email at: jwilliams@cps.k12.in.us
Positive Behavior Coach, Mrs. Adams
Dear Winfield families -
Healthy and happy greetings from PBIS land! With our continuation of problem-solving strategies in Second Step lessons, I wanted to share some ideas on helping children to make positive connections with others. The goal here to is teach children these skills so they are successful in solving peer issues.
We know that children thrive on healthy, positive connections with others. Research shows quality relationships as one of the strongest predictors of well-being among middle schoolers. Relationships trumped financial resources, neighborhood quality, and even life stress in terms of importance!
Additional research shows that children’s relationships have an enduring impact. Early connections to caring adults and peers mean higher self-worth, achievement, and better mental health even in adulthood. Know that positive relationships don’t just happen by accident. Like most things, they take intention and practice.
Listed below are four activities that promote positive connection building.
1. Model respect - Start by asking children: “What does respect mean to you?” Point out the ways you work to show them respect by listening, caring about their feelings, and staying calm when you are upset.
Other ideas include:
- Create a list of respectful behaviors (friendly words, compliments, honesty, good manners) and display in a visible spot
- Discuss how respectful relating looks, sounds, and feels
- Define unhealthy or disrespectful relationships (imbalance of power, rude words, excluding others, physical aggression)
- Show respect for your community and the environment by picking up trash, planting a garden, or championing a cause you care about
2. Practice mindful speech - There is power in pausing before we speak. When children choose words that help rather than harm, positive relationships take root. Use the "Three Gates" technique: Before we speak, our words must pass through three gates...1) Is it true? 2) Is it helpful? 3) Is it kind?
As parents, we can practice mindful speech simply by asking fewer questions of our children. Choosing our words carefully - “I’m so glad you’re home” versus “How was school today?” or “Let’s take a deep breath together” versus “Why are you crying?” - can make the difference between feeling like they’re on a firing line and feeling supported.
3. Disagree respectfully - Teach children how to assert themselves during conflict (this is something they are practicing in Second Step lessons when using a respectful, polite, and firm voice when asserting themselves). In tricky moments, children can learn to disagree in ways that even strengthen the relationship.
Some ideas on how to teach disagreeing respectfully are:
- Allow children to see parental disagreements and their resolution
- Model peaceful communication during real-life struggles
- Create a menu of choices for disagreements such as walking away or compromising or asking an adult for help
- Ask your child "Do you want to be right or do you want to be friends?" or "What's the most important to you in this situation?"
Children may also just need the words with which to disagree politely. You can suggest starting sentences with, “Here’s what I think...” or “I disagree, but I’d like to hear more….” In this way, deeper levels of understanding and engagement can occur. Finally, remind children that both people in an argument can be correct - they just have differing viewpoints.
4. Teach empathy
Empathy is a key ingredient in positive relationships - it deepens sensitivity and attachment to others. While empathy develops naturally, it can also be cultivated through a variety of activities.
Simple strategies include:
- Identify their emotions -“Your face looks red and your hands are clenched. It looks like you might feel mad” - and point out your own
- Hold family meetings to discuss conflicts, and encourage each member to take the other’s perspective
- Write notes of gratitude -“What would you like to hear if you’d spent time finding this awesome gift for someone/helped someone with a tough project/did a kind thing for a friend?”
I hope these positive connection building resources help extend our Second Step curriculum to your home. Please reach out to me at mladams@cps.k12.in.us for anything you may need!
Stay safe and strong,
Mrs. Mandy Adams
Is Your Child Returning in 2020-2021?
Current Kindergarten and First Grade Students
Please complete one form for each child.
Meal Distribution Update
Crown Point Community Library
The Crown Point Community Library provides vital resources and services to community members each day, and it's our mission is to keep the community connected to library resources while the library buildings are closed to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
APPLY FOR A LIBRARY CARD ONLINE:
Bring the library to your home by utilizing our digital resources with your library card. If you don't have a library card, if your card has expired, or simply don't remember your pin number, don't worry we can help you! You can apply or update your card online. To get started fill out and submit the online application and library staff will assist you.
Click here to Library Card: https://tinyurl.com/getaCPCLcardonline
EVERYDAY - 24/7 ACCESS TO DIGITAL RESOURCES Click Here
Hope for Healthcare Workers
Reading Connection
Learning to read, and learning to LOVE to read is a goal we work towards each day at school. Family partnership in this goal is critical if we wish to build a true community of readers. Each month I will share with you a publication titled Reading Connection. This quick two-page resource is geared towards busy parents, and includes practical ways to promote reading, writing, and language skills. You can check out May's issue below.
Nutrition Nuggets
Students with healthy eating and exercise habits have higher test scores, better attendance, improved concentration, fewer discipline referrals, and greater overall achievement. Nutrition Nuggets shares ideas to improve nutrition and physical fitness at home. Every issue is filled with practical ideas for:
- preparing nutritious meals on a tight schedule and tight budget
- smart snacking
- finding time for exercise—and ways to make it fun
- boosting vegetables and whole grains
- making nutritious foods appealing
- physical activities families can do together
- teaching kids about healthy choices
You can access May's edition here: Nutrition Nuggets May 2020
CAFE News
2020-2021 Executive Board Elections
Thank you to those who joined us on this week's Facebook Live segment. If you were unable to join us, you may view the recording on the Winfield/Jerry Ross CAFE Facebook Page.
Please complete the election Google Form if you are interested in holding an executive position for the CAFE board next year, or if you would like to serve as the chairperson for a specific committee. We will hold elections for the slate of nominees for the Executive Board next week. You can access the form here: 2020-2021 Elections.
Amazon Smile
AmazonSmile is a website operated by Amazon with the same products, prices, and shopping features as Amazon.com. The difference is that when you shop on AmazonSmile, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5% of the purchase price of eligible products to the charitable organization of your choice.
Every item available for purchase on www.amazon.com is also available on AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) at the same price. You will see eligible products marked "Eligible for AmazonSmile donation" on their product detail pages. Visit smile.amazon.com and select your charitable group: Winfield Jerry Ross Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization
Winfield Elementary
Email: jalonzo@cps.k12.in.us
Website: www.cps.k12.in.us/Domain/843
Location: 13128 Montgomery Street, Crown Point, IN, United States
Phone: 219-663-2287
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/47384622870/
Twitter: @WinfieldElem