The Meadows Elementary
Parent Newsletter - Feb 2020





Celebrate Black History Month at TME
Come join us on February 27 at 6:00 PM for our Annual Black History Celebrations

Celebrate National School Counseling Week (2/3–7)
Happy 100th Day of School The 100th day of school is coming up on Monday, February 3rd and we will be having a school-wide celebration. All students will get to make their own 100th day of school t-shirt at home that they will wear on February 3rd. We encourage all teachers to make or purchase their own 100th-day t-shirts to wear on that day. There will also be a parade for Kinder and 1st-grade students to celebrate the 100th day of school. 2nd through 5th students will sit along the hallway walls, outside of their respective classrooms. The parade will begin at 8:30 am | School Rules vs. Home Rules School rules are often very different than home rules. Consequences for breaking the rules can be very different at school than at home. One of the biggest differences we hear between home and school rules is about fighting. Many parents tell their kids that if someone hits them, it is okay to hit them back. At school, however, we cannot allow fighting and ask the kids to try some of their conflict resolution strategies instead. We respect both and understand that sometimes different environments just have to have different expectations (I mean, we would never act the same at a theme park as we do at the movie theater, right?) Here are some ideas for keeping conflicts from getting out of control at school that can be taught at home.
| School Closed School will be closed on Friday, Feb 14 for staff development. School is closed on Monday, Feb 17 in honor of President's Day. |
Happy 100th Day of School
School Rules vs. Home Rules
Here are some ideas for keeping conflicts from getting out of control at school that can be taught at home.
- Don’t let your emotions take control. Simply ignore them.
- Listen to the other person - there are two sides to every story. Try to understand how the other person is feeling.
- No name-calling or insults. You cannot control what others say, but nothing should come from you.
- Always look for a compromise. Focus on finding a solution to the problem.
- Take a break! Remove yourself from the conflict and take a break.
Ready…set…action!Teaching good behavior doesn’t just mean telling children how to act. It also means showing them by being a good role model.
Here are 5 tips for being a good role model:
| Praise me, please!All children love positive, specific feedback. But just saying “Good Job” can get old - for you and your child.
Here are a few unique ways to give praise:
· That was very thoughtful of you.
Your [patience, hard work, etc.] amazes me. | Calling all Volunteers!!!Volunteers are very important partners in supporting the educational programs and activities in DeSoto ISD.
Visit the web address below to sign up today
|
Ready…set…action!
Teaching good behavior doesn’t just mean telling children how to act. It also means showing them by being a good role model.
Here are 5 tips for being a good role model:
- Be Honest: Always be honest and don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong.
- Use good manners. Say “please” and “thank you” often.
- Be respectful. Don’t gossip or say mean things about other people.
- Be a good listener. Don’t interrupt others when talking.
- Handle conflicts calmly. Work with the other person to find a solution. Don’t react in anger.
Praise me, please!
All children love positive, specific feedback. But just saying “Good Job” can get old - for you and your child.
Here are a few unique ways to give praise:
· That was very thoughtful of you.
- You’re really getting the hang of it now!
- How responsible of you. You’re really growing up!
- I couldn’t have done that better myself!
- I can see you really put a lot of effort into that.
- I like how you [cleaned your room, took turns, etc.]
Your [patience, hard work, etc.] amazes me.
Calling all Volunteers!!!
Volunteers are very important partners in supporting the educational programs and activities in DeSoto ISD.
Visit the web address below to sign up today

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support
PBIS is a process that teaches children how to behave appropriately by focusing on teaching, practicing, recognizing and rewarding the expected behavior. Research shows that when behavioral expectations are clearly established and taught in the home, children’s problem behavior is prevented or reduced. In order for PBIS to be successful at The Meadows, we need your help. Below is a list of suggestions of how you can help support PBIS:
- Remind your child of the Meadows Expectations on a daily basis (before leaving for school is a great time to review these) Ask what does it mean to be ready? What does it mean to be respectful? What does it mean to be responsible?
- Use the same language that is being used at school with your child. Develop a behavior matrix at home using the Meadows Expectations. List all the routines in your home and then write the behaviors you want to see in that setting. Remember to keep it positive.
- Ask your student if they received any Darden Bucks each week and how they earned them!
- Once expectations have been established, establish a reward system. That way your child can be recognized for using the preferred behavior.
Our mission is to provide a quality education through shared responsibility in a safe supportive environment for all students to meet the challenges of a global society.