Central Connection
Central Elementary's monthly newsletter
From Principal's desk
Social emotional wellness corner
Each month our social worker Ms. Turner, Counselor Mrs. Henson, social skills interventionist Mrs. Carriger or sometimes Mr. Culver will be sharing some information regarding social emotional skills we are working with students on, or current struggles that we may see in our student population in general to help you have some conversations with your child, or at least know what some of the tips and skills we are working with students on.
We are a couple weeks into school, but still in the realm of "the first days of school". For our students that can spark a wide range of emotions from excitement to fear. Our SEL staff work daily with students to celebrate with those that are excited and talk with and comfort those that fall more on the anxious side. Below are a few things that you can do with your child, or encourage your child to do, to help them reduce and effectively manage those feelings as suggested by some experts.
- Develop a routine for drop off, which will help moving forward.
- You can write a note for the child to read during the day.
- Make sure you are positive and don’t add to any negative vibes or concerns. Share positive and fun times they can look forward to.
- Read books to your child about the first day of school. (This is a great strategy for many issues that students face as they try to figure out the right ways to handle life's issues.)
- Encourage your student to use their senses. Breathing slowly and deeply while counting, rub your thumb and finger together to feel their fingerprint ridges, etc. Focusing on a sensation for a brief time often will help reduce their anxiety.
We are safe, kind, respectful, and responsible. We are Champions!
Part of our goal in creating a positive place for students to learn is teaching students our expectations for their behavior and providing reinforcements when they make positive choices. SOAR is the acronym we use to represent the 4 character traits that will promote positive interactions between students and staff. Each year we kick things off with an event that reteaches the idea that our expectation of students at Central is that they are Safe, Offer Kindness, Act Responsibly and Remember to be respectful. This year we held an assembly with each grade level to start this process. 4th grade's focus was on being a team. They performed a few group activities where they got to know a few new people and compete with each other to reinforce that when we use our SOAR traits it helps us grow to be one big Central team. 5th grade was focused more on leadership. They participated in leadership focused activities and learned how using the SOAR characteristics will lead the other students in being their best and create the school we all want to be part of. The fifth graders then provided some words that were turned into artwork for the school highlighting the characteristics that we expect at Central. We ended by letting them all know they are Central Champions and they are set up now to do great things.
Belle's first days of school
There's a plethora of data showing the benefits of therapy dogs in schools. Increased attendance, reduced anxiety, increased confidence and a more positive school climate are just a few of the many researched benefits. Spend a few minutes in Central's hallways with Belle and you will see this in action. Belle is the therapy dog for Central Elementary. She joined our staff last April and had an immediate impact. Belle is a fully trained and certified therapy dog that comes to us from Mindfulness Therapy Dogs. She greets students every morning, comforts students as they talk with one of our SEL staff, listens to students read during the day, plays with students at recess and is sends our students off at the end of the day. She is quickly becoming the most popular staff member.
Off to a great start
Moving into week 4, everyone is starting to find their routines and get into the rhythm of the school year. I want to thank our families for having patience and following our procedures during drop off and pick up times. Remind your students that once you are stopped anywhere along the yellow line in front of Central your child can exit/enter your vehicle and help us move through the line most efficiently. Our students are doing a fantastic job of coming in and eating breakfast quickly. Doors open for breakfast at 8:04 and lessons begin at 8:20. You have done a fantastic job in getting your students here on time and we appreciate that. If you happen to arrive after 8:19am, please make sure you come to the office and sign your student in.
Opportunities for students
Cub Scouts Pack 111
If you missed our Rocket Launching event, it is not too late to join Linden Pack 111 Cub Scouts! Our program focuses on instilling good character while providing experiences that teach valuable skills! The Cub Scouts are for students in grades K-5. Our group is active in the community, from helping with events to community service projects. If you want to see what Pack 111 is about, please join us for our next Pack meeting on September 27th at the Linden VFW Hall at 6:30 pm. If you have specific questions, please reach out to the Pack 111 Cub Master, Jeremy Brown, at 517-304-8170 or lindenpack111scouts@gmail.com
Linden Athletics fund raiser/fitness competition
Join your classmates along with students from Fenton and Lake Fenton in a fun athletic competition. If you are fast enough you can earn the opportunity to represent Linden, traverse the inflatable run for fun or attend the concert later that night. Proceeds from the event are shared between the athletic departments for Fenton, Lake Fenton and Linden. It promises to be a fun night with our neighboring districts.