Knights Parent & Family Newsletter
December 2023
Principal's Message
It is hard to believe that we are a few weeks away from the end of the first semester! Students and staff have been working hard this year and will have an opportunity to celebrate their progress throughout the month of December. This month our students will also be discussing the importance of service-learning during this season of giving and will end our semester with a spirit week starting December 11th.
We hope you will plan to join us for our Holiday Program on Thursday, December 14th at 1 PM! Please enter the building through Door 2. More information will be shared with families soon.
Don't forget that the last day of school for students is Tuesday, December 19th and winter break begins on Wednesday, December 20th! Students return for second semester on Wednesday, January 3rd.
Happy holidays and a blessed new year to you and your family!
In partnership,
Tyler Archer, Ed.D.
Principal
Nance Knights Book Club Update
We hope your family is enjoying our most recent selections for the Nance Knights Book Club!
Here are some activities you can complete with your child when you read this month's books.
Read the books aloud together as a family.
Before turning the page at different times in the book, discuss what you have read and what your child is learning so far.
Discuss the meanings of complex vocabulary words from the books.
Make connections between the themes of the books and ways that your child may have experienced similar feelings as the characters.
Draw a picture, create a graphic organizer, or illustrate a comic strip depicting the characters or events from the two stories.
As you complete activities with your child, please send pictures to your child’s teacher or other staff. We would love to share the images (with permission) on our through Class Dojo and in a display here at Nance! We hope you will enjoy sharing these books with your family! We will have new books to start 2024!
Are You Interested in Being a Volunteer?
Lost and Found- Claim Items by Friday, December 15th!
Has your child lost something this year (clothing, bookbag, etc.)? If so, please have them check the lost and found. Students' last opportunity to claim missing items for 2023 is Friday, December 15th. After that time, items will be donated.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library is dedicated to inspiring a love of reading by delivering high-quality, age-appropriate books each month to the homes of registered children under age 5, at no cost to the family.
The Missouri Imagination Library was made possible by legislation (Section 178.694 RSMo) that identifies school districts as the local partner for this initiative. Full funding was included in DESE’s Fiscal Year 2024 budget to establish and administer Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library for all children in Missouri age 0-5. Sign up at this link!
Mrs. Green's Family and Community Engagement News
Have you ever felt like you needed a vacation but it was not the right time? For whatever the reason you couldn’t get away, a vacation was still needed. As Winter Break is approaching for our students, December 20, 2023 to January 2, 2024, now is a good time to explore some staycation ideas to help engage your child. Below is a list of 5 "Family Staycation" ideas for you to consider during the Winter Break.
1. Have a Movie Marathon
While you probably don't want your kids glued to the TV for the whole school break, a planned afternoon or evening of movie-watching can be fun. Choose a theme or a genre for your movie marathon, or just have everyone pick their favorite movie. Make some popcorn, grab a few other favorite movie treats and some cozy pillows and blankets, relax and enjoy!
2. Visit a Museum
A trip to a museum is both educational and fun. Depending on the interests of your family, you could visit an art museum, museum of natural history, science center or any number of museums in your area.
3. Go Bowling
5-pin bowling is a fun family activity. For young children or beginner bowlers, many bowling alleys offer bumper bowling, where the gutters are covered so that the ball stays in the lane. This allows the kids to focus on having fun instead of getting frustrated by having their bowling ball continuously roll into the gutter.
4. Go to the Library
If the weather outside is frightful, but you still want to get out of the house, the library can be a great destination. Kids can read books, look for movies to borrow or use the computers at the library, and you can find some new reading material as well.
5. Make a Family Scrapbook
If you have a digital camera or a smartphone, chances are you have hundreds, if not thousands, of photos on your computer that you have never printed off. It's a nice idea to get some of them printed and spend some time organizing them into photo albums or scrapbooks.
Shantelle Williams-Green
Family and Community Specialist
Shantelle.Williams@slps.org
Ms. Montgomery's Assistant Principal Update
As we approach the winter break, consider these 5 tips to help keep your scholar engaged during the winter break:
- Create a Fun Learning Environment: Encourage a positive and engaging learning atmosphere at home. Use educational games, puzzles, and activities that align with your child's interests. Transform learning into a enjoyable experience, making it more likely that your child will stay academically engaged.
- Read Together: Winter break is a great time to explore new books or revisit old favorites. Set aside dedicated time for reading together as a family. Whether it's a captivating story or an educational book related to your child's studies, reading can be a shared and enriching experience.
- Set Realistic Goals: Collaborate with your child to set achievable academic goals for the break. These goals could be related to completing a certain number of educational activities, practicing a particular skill, or exploring a new subject. Establishing realistic objectives keeps your child motivated and provides a sense of accomplishment.
- Utilize Educational Apps and Websites: Leverage technology to make learning enjoyable. There are numerous educational apps and websites designed to make learning interactive and entertaining. Find age-appropriate resources that complement your child's curriculum and encourage self-directed learning.
- Incorporate Real-World Learning: Take advantage of the winter break to integrate real-world learning experiences. Whether it's a trip to a museum, a science center, or a historical site, hands-on experiences can enhance your child's understanding of various subjects. Connect the lessons learned during these outings to what they are studying in school to reinforce concepts in a practical way.
Ms. Toccara Montgomery
Assistant Principal
Ms. Allen's Academic Corner
The end of the first semester is near and I am excited to finish 2023 off strong. December 4-8, 2023, we will be assessing STAR student growth in Reading and Math. The goal for all students is to show at least five months of growth.
This month we will also be continuing our choice board activities. Please feel empowered to help students complete their choice boards. Choice board participants will be recognized in the main entry hallway of our school. Participants will also receive a prize for their participation. If there are any questions or concerns about academics please feel free to contact me.
Tifani Allen
Academic Instructional Coach
Tifani.Allen@slps.org
Nurse Kaelble's Health Update
Happy December Nance Families!
The end of Day Light Savings Time in November took me by surprise this year. I thought it would be helpful for all of us to be reminded of the importance of getting a good night's sleep.
https://childmind.org/article/encouraging-good-sleep-habits/
As we head into the busyness of the holidays, remember to take care of yourselves along with everyone else in your family.
Nurse K
Ms. Worley's Art Studio
The days are getting shorter as we fall into winter; which creates perfect opportunities to create art inside! I love being warm in the home while drawing objects I see close by or creating snowflakes!
In class, we are practicing our scissor fine motor skills by creating snowflakes and continuing our learning about art from around the world!
Keep up the creative work Knights!
Jenna Worley
Art Teacher
Mr. Taylor's PE Corner
The physical education learning target for the month of December will be physical activity and good health. Students will be able to recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and social interaction.
Guided movements activities, low organized games and round two of the fitness gram testing are planned. These activities will help students gain a understanding of what it means to be physically active in their pursuit of physical fitness and good health.
Student are expected to have on proper shoes for physical education class. Inappropriate footwear can be a safety issue. Students will, be allowed to, participate in class but their ability to perform may be hindered or limited.
The fitness goal for students at Nance is to create a daily routine that includes at least 60 minutes of vigorous physical activity.
Lastly the grading criteria has changed. Participation and basic content knowledge were the criteria to obtain a high grade in the past. Students now must display in-depth inferences and application that exceed standard expectations to obtain a high grade.
Ray Taylor
Physical Education Teacher
Ms. Fields' Music Spotlight
Healing With Music for All Seasons
Listening to a song that has not been heard in a long time can transport a person back in time. “That’s the power of music to evoke a memory. “With those memories come emotions and possibly nostalgia, or anger, or frustration, depending on your childhood.”
For the people who find joy in Christmas music, the brain may increase serotonin levels and may release prolactin a soothing and tranquilizing hormone that is released between mothers and infants during nursing.
Conversely, if negative memories and feelings are associated with Christmas, the same songs could cause the brain to release cortisol, the stress hormone that increases the heart rate, and trigger the amygdala, the brain’s fear center. “There are a lot of people who, when Christmas time comes around, they just want to run home and put their head under the covers and wait it all out.
Christmas music, like all forms of music, is powerful. But this genre is perhaps more potent than other forms of music because the holiday season itself is emotionally charged. It represents the ideals that most humans strive for like equality, tolerance, love and tranquility. “For some of us, that’s an inspiring message”. “For others of us, it just draws in stark relief how far we are from achieving that.”
Eudora Patterson-Fields, MA.Ed.
Music Teacher
Eduora.Patterson@slps.org
Ms. Foster's Reading Resources
Happy Holidays!
I hope you had an amazing Thanksgiving and are now looking forward to a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Our 1st Spelling Bee for this school year was very successful. Our students were very competitive and really enjoyed themselves. I would like to say congratulations to our Spelling Bee Champion:
1st grade- Lyric Jefferson
2nd grade- Mekhai Martin
3rd grade- Tatum Sauls
4th grade- Cra'Nieshia Rozier
5th grade- Laila Lewis
6th grade-Jamari Williams
Our spelling words come from our MyView Curriculum. These are the same words the teachers use when giving your child a spelling test. Please work with your child to learn these words because we will have another Spelling Bee in January. Also, your child will be tested over these words by their classroom teacher as well.
STAR Testing will begin on December 4th. Please encourage your child to stay focused when taking the STAR Test. This our district assessment and it tells us what grade level your child is reading on. By now, 1st grade should be at 1.5, 2nd grade should be at 2.5, 3rd grade should be at 3.5, 4th grade should be at 4.5, 5th grade should be at 5.5, and 6th grade should be at 6.5. If their grade equivalent score is less than these numbers, then they are reading below grade level. If their GE is above these numbers, then they are reading above grade level. Please encourage your child to learn their spelling words, vocabulary words, and read for 20 minutes each day. Students reading at/above grade level and meeting their growth goal will celebrate with a Glow Party on Tuesday, December 19th!
Corsandra Foster
Reading Intervention Teacher
Corsandra.Foster@slps.org
Ms. Wicks' Library News
Books Galore! I have new and exciting books in the library.
Keep books in sight as much as possible for your children. Create a library at home, then read and reread!
Joyce Wicks
Library Aide
Ms. Noelle's STEAM Update
Families, I cannot believe we are almost done with the first semester of school. Students have been working hard in the STEAM Lab, implementing their problem-solving skills and working together. As we begin to transition to second semester, we will begin working on the STEAM fair! Classrooms will be completing projects here at school, but we wanted to open the fair up to families.
While it is not mandatory, families are encouraged to complete projects at home for the STEAM fair. A brochure will be sent home after winter break with information. Details can also be found through the link below! If you have any questions, please reach out through email (below) or ClassDojo.
Kathryn Noelle
Supplemental Instruction Teacher/STEAM Instructor
Ms. Jackson's School Counselor News
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT-Student Advisory Committee
Kamryn Armstead, Skylar McCullough, Darroyl Buffington, Jakhori & Jakhia George, Isabelle & Gabrielle Edwards, Lauren Willis, Cra’Nieshia Rozier, Syresa Bommer, Kaly Jackson, Laila Lewis, Jhernise Ross Davis, Emori Davis, Cariese Nelson, Arianna Kimbrough, Ja’myah Simmons, DaMauri Coleman & McKenzzie Williams (Absent)
Thank you for allowing your scholar to be a part of the Student Advisory Committee.
Marilyn Jackson Luster
Professional School Counselor
Marilyn.Jackson@slps.org
Second Step Social Emotional Learning
Parent resources for the Second Step program are available at the link below, or by contacting your child's teacher.
Cooper's Corner
How to Keep Your Child Learning During Winter Break
As winter break quickly approaches, it seems everyone’s mind is on presents, parties and people. But, just the same way that kids lose knowledge over the summer that they’ve worked hard to cement during the school year, a bit of “brain drain” also occurs during the end-of-year time off. It’s a good idea to sneak in a bit of knowledge practice during the holiday break, just to keep those neural pathways active.
Holiday knowledge practice doesn’t have to be ho-ho-hum, though. Your child can enroll in a variety of winter break camps, or you can work your kids’ mind muscles with game-based learning and practice through play. Different personality types enjoy game-based learning for different reasons, so be sure to key into these aspects of the experience to maximize the learning fun for your kiddos until they head back to school in January.
Not sure what personality types each of your kids are? You can find out for free on kidzmet.com.
INTUITIVE KIDS
These kids enjoy focusing on the big picture and what “could be”
Create a die with a different subject you’d like to practice on each side. (In our house, there’s one side for spelling, one for math, one for Spanish, one for writing, one for music and one “you choose.”) Once the die is rolled, have your child come up with the game-based idea for how they’d like to practice that subject and the rules for the game.
SENSING KIDS
These kids prefer step-by-step instructions and repeating/reproducing things they’ve done before. Take your game-based lead from board games your kids already know how to play, then give it a little twist. Here are two familiar games you can adapt:
Uno – Pick a number you want to practice and the function (add, subtract, multiply, divide, exponents, etc.). On his turn, each person must say the equation and correct result. (Say you selected “19” and “subtraction” at the beginning of the game. If your child puts down a “5,” he would say, “19 minus 5 equal 4.”) A wrong answer means picking up two cards instead of putting one down. All other rules remain the same. Extra credit: a wild can change the function and/or the number.
Trivial Pursuit – Substitute your own questions tailored to what your kids are learning. Each color could represent a different school subject. Use this template to print your questions.
You can also find new ways to play Twister and Sorry.
THINKING KIDS
These kids relish black-and-white rules and competition. Create a holiday game Olympics. Put the different subjects you want each of your kids to practice on a display board, along with exactly what you’ll be practicing over the break. Establish a recall “baseline” for each subject before the holiday begins, then do time trials every few days in each of the subjects. Wrap up winter break with trophies, medals or certificates for most improved times in each area, most accurate answers in each area, and all-around improvement. Make sure you clearly define the rules for each reward, as Thinkers prefer to have a black-and-white choice for each winner.
FEELING KIDS
These kids enjoy interaction, consensus and activities like cheerleading
Key into “everybody wins” games where you can tie the new knowledge to an emotion at every opportunity. One idea is vocabulary charades. One family member acts out the vocabulary word and everyone has to guess what it is. If the family comes up with the vocabulary word, the actor scores a point for the family. Once the family earns a certain number of points, everyone wins. Make the game even more exciting by adding rewards; for example, earning a certain number of points means family movie night, a favorite dinner, or bedtime extended by an extra half hour.
Before the last day of school, be sure to connect with each of your kids’ teachers to find out what (if any) subjects your child is struggling with in class and what’s coming up just after winter break to give them a leg up in January. You probably got a good sense of this at your most recent parent-teacher conference, but it doesn’t hurt to just reconfirm the most important areas to practice. Most importantly, remember that you don’t have to go crazy with this practice – one game a day should do the trick.
This article was first published in the December 2012 issues of DallasChild, FortWorthChild and NorthTexasChild, and was updated on Dec. 10, 2018
Melvin Cooper
PBIS Coordinator
Ms. Douglas' Social Work Corner
I want to end the year with strong attendance. Parents as always, attendance matters! Please call the office if your child will be late or absent. My personal mission is to help people feel inspired and empowered. My office hours are Monday, Tuesday, and every other Friday 8:00am -3:15pm. You can reach me by calling (314)867-0634 Ext. 29122. I look forward to hearing from you! Happy Holidays!
Yolanda Douglas
Social Worker
Yolanda.Douglas@slps.org
Urban League Mentor Update- Mrs. Lee-Moore
We are moving into our last month of this year, and looking forward to a great holiday break.
Here are a few things to look forward to and to also keep in mind:
1. Always inform the school if your child will be late or absent
2. Please reach out if you need any uniforms, coats, etc.
3. Remember if anyone is seeking additional resources of any kind, please be sure to reach out. I will always post resources on Class Dojo, and in the main office near the front desk.
Tiffany Lee-Moore
Student and Family Mentor
(314) 608-8714
Ms. Daniels' Parenting Perspectives
Understanding Dr. Dan Siegel's "Flipping Your Lid" Concept
Greetings, wonderful parents! In this edition of Parenting Perspectives, we delve into a fascinating concept that can significantly impact our understanding of our children's behavior: Dr. Dan Siegel's "Flipping Your Lid."
🧠 What is "Flipping Your Lid"?
Dr. Dan Siegel, a renowned psychiatrist and parenting expert, introduces the concept of "flipping your lid" as a simple yet powerful way to explain the brain's reaction to challenging situations. Picture a boiling pot on the stove; this is our brain. The pot's lid represents the thinking, logical part of our brain responsible for rational thinking, problem-solving, and emotional regulation, while the emotional part simmers underneath. When we're calm, the lid is securely in place, and we can make thoughtful decisions. However, stress or overwhelming emotions can cause the lid to "flip," leaving us reactive rather than responsive.
Understanding this concept is crucial for caregivers because it provides insights into why we sometimes react in ways we later regret. Because it's not just kids who experience lid-flipping moments—caregivers do too!
👶 How Does It Apply to Parenting?
Understanding "flipping your lid" can be a game-changer in parenting. When your child is upset or misbehaving, it's likely that their lid has flipped, and they're operating from the primitive, more emotional part of the brain. In these moments, reasoning and logic may not be the most effective tools, and you have to approach the situation differently than you might if the lid was still on.
🌈 Tips for Managing Lid-Flipping Moments:
Take a Pause Together:
- Model self-awareness by recognizing when your lid is flipped and asking for a moment when you need it.
- Encourage your child to recognize their emotions and ask for what they need too.
- Take a joint pause – a moment to breathe and calm down together.
Name the Emotions:
- Help your child put their feelings into words.
- Express your emotions verbally as well to role model emotional intelligence.
- Use phrases like, "I can see you're feeling frustrated. Let's talk about it."
Connect through Touch:
- Physical touch can be reassuring for both parents and children.
- Offer hugs, gentle pats, or holding hands to provide comfort.
- This promotes a sense of safety and security, helping to regulate emotions and reconnect after challenging moments.
Create a Safe Space:
- Establish a designated safe space where emotions can be explored without judgment.
- Fill it with comfort items and encourage your child to use it when needed.
- Join them in the safe space when your lid is flipped, fostering a shared coping space.
Reflect and Learn:
- After a lid-flipping incident, reflect together on what happened.
- Discuss alternative ways to handle similar situations in the future.
- Apologize when necessary and show that learning from mistakes is a valuable part of emotional growth.
Remember, as parents, it's okay to acknowledge that we're still learning too. Coregulation is not just for our children; it's a skill that we can develop together. By putting the lid back on as a team, we strengthen our family bonds and create a nurturing environment for everyone.
📚 Recommended Readings:
If these ideas interest you and you’d like to know more, I highly recommend exploring Dr. Siegel's books, like "The Whole-Brain Child" and "Parenting from the Inside Out", for a deeper understanding of these concepts.
Remember, the goal is not to eliminate lid-flipping moments but to navigate them with grace and understanding. By embracing Dr. Siegel's insights, we empower ourselves to be the calm, compassionate anchors our children need during challenging times.
Wishing you all a harmonious and connected parenting journey!
Kit Daniels
Embedded Therapist
December Calendar
Monday, December 4th- Friday, December 8th- STAR Reading & Math Assessment Window
Wednesday, December 6th- Fresh Produce Food Distribution at Dismissal
Friday, December 8th- Kids Vision for Life Exam Day
Monday, December 11th- "Countdown to Winter Break" Spirit Week Begins!
Monday, December 11th & Tuesday, December 12th- Healthy Kids Express Screenings
Thursday, December 14th- Holiday Program, 1:00 PM, Nance Gym
Friday, December 15th- Lost and Found Pick-Up Day
Tuesday, December 19th- STAR Reading Glow Party Incentive
Wednesday, December 20th- Tuesday, January 2nd- Winter Break (No School)
Wednesday, January 4th, 2023- Second Semester Begins & Quarter 2 Report Cards Go Home