Bear Tracks
October 26, 2018
Note from the Principal:
Dear Staff,
Happy Friday!
I think that we talk about mindfulness and wellness a lot as it relates to our students.
But I'm struck by how many times I read about, hear about, or even see anxiety, stress and worry from children. There are so many factors in kids lives, and we have 7 hours each day to do our best to make a difference in that time. I am appreciative of all that you do. Please remember that the smile, the high five, the hug, etc. and the relationships that we can build are as important, if not more important than anything that we teach academically. You know this already, but it's important for me to notice all of the little things that you do to create positive relationships and positive climates with your students. Thank you!
I came across an article that I can't stop thinking about relating to teacher burnout. About how stress in inevitable in our jobs, but that we can avoid burnout by doing our best to provide some mindfulness opportunities, chances to talk about stress and to infuse as much fun and morale building as possible. I just want to remind everyone how important it is to take care of yourself.
I have decided to send some general 'check ins,' every quarter or trimester just to see how people are doing and what you need. The form below is really simple and while I will ask your name (so I can follow up), all information shared will be 100% confidential and only I'll see it. Please also remember that you can talk to me any time if you need any help/support OR if you have a great idea to boost excitement, morale or fun as it relates to our day to day routines!
CLICK HERE for check in form.
Thank you for all that you do! Take some 'you' time this weekend and enjoy. Our kids are better off because you work with them - remember that and allow yourself to smile about it.
Sincerely,
Chris
Coming Up:
(Let Me Run - Tuesdays & Thursdays; Girls On the Run - Tuesdays & Fridays)
Enrichment Clubs:
Mon- EVB Robotics; Little Doctors
Wed- Mad Science ; Stop Motion Animation
Thurs- Magic Art Glass
Fri- Chess
- Friday, October 26 - 2nd Grade Pumpkin Math
- Friday, October 26 - Pre K Collab Day
Week of October 29th:
- Wed., October 31 - SGOs/PDPs due
- Wed., October 31 - HALLOWEEN (Parade at 9 am - Preschool parades at 10:30 am & 2:15 pm)
Coming Up:
- Thurs. & Fri., Nov. 8 & 9 - No School. NJEA Convention
- Monday, November 12 - Veteran's Day Ceremony 8:50 am.
Key Information:
Dress Down Wednesday - Our October dress down fund will be donated to the Susan B Komen Foundation to fight Breast Cancer. I'll let you know the exact amount next week. I'd like to thank everyone for their contributions! Moving forward, Marti and Corrine are going to chair the "Dress Down Charity" Committee. Look for details soon about how to put in a request for a charity or cause that you'd like to see us support.
Veteran's Day - Don't forget - Veteran's Day ceremony on Monday, November 12th. Not as far away as it seems! Please consider creating decorations for the gym and hallway. Let me or Connie know if you have any questions. See below for info about letters and decorations.
Grants - This Fall's deadline is November 15th. For more info go to http://hvef.org/grants/. Let me know if you have any questions or ideas.
Article of the Week
It is worth a read.