Weekend Wire
December 6, 2020
WESTWOOD ROADRUNNERS
Roadrunners, We Are Proud of YOU!
DATES TO NOTE:
11/16 -- 12/11--Adopt-A-Family Program
12/7--Parent/Teacher Conferences--NO SCHOOL
12/7-12/18--Sock Drive
12/11--Adopt-A-Family Program Ends
12/16--Materials Distribution--4th & 5th
12/18--Pajama Day
12/21-1/1--Winter Break--NO SCHOOL
1/4 --School Resumes
1/4--Materials Distribution--1st grade
1/5--XPloration
Counseling Corner
Parenting experts agree that it is important to set limits and boundaries with our children. However, when we try to “make” our child do what we want (by threatening punishment) it usually sets up a power struggle and creates distance rather than closeness in the parent/child relationship.
How do we engage children in a way that makes them more likely to cooperate and receptive to boundaries?
Stay calm. If we get upset, it moves our child into fight or flight, which makes us look like the enemy and makes our child less likely to cooperate. What helps is to take a deep breath and remind ourselves that this is likely not an emergency. We always have the power to calm the storm, or to inflame it.
Acknowledge our child’s perspective - sincerely and with empathy. “You really don’t like brushing your teeth, do you. I hear you, it’s boring to stand there and brush when you’d rather be playing.”
Restate your limit. “We all need to brush our teeth before bed to keep our teeth healthy.”
Give our child what they want using wish fulfillment. “I bet you wish you could wave your Harry Potter wand and your teeth would be magically cleaned!” Brain scans show that when we imagine having what we want, the brain indicates satisfaction as if we actually have it, so using wish fulfillment actually helps children to feel better. Using imagination to “think” about the issue also gives our child more access to the rational part of their brain. But most importantly, it shows our child that we understand their desires and that we do care about them even when we can’t say yes to what they want.
Invite cooperation through play. Once we make it a game, we eliminate the stand-off. Unless kids are really upset or really tired, they typically can’t resist an invitation to play.
Find a win/win solution. There are always many solutions to a problem - especially if we are willing to be creative. Just our commitment to finding a win/win solution will enlist our child in helping to find one. “Hmmm...you don’t want to brush...AND we need to keep your teeth clean and healthy to avoid cavities. What can we do to make this work for both of us?”
If we stay calm, we can almost always find a win/win solution. Of course, what works this week might not work next week, so finding new strategies will require creativity. When our patience is running thin, we can remind ourselves that when we force children to do what we want by threatening punishment our children lose out on developing critical skills and instead, develop resistance to our influence. This alternative approach is not only much more pleasant than punishing our child, it’s also better for our child’s development. It allows our child to develop the essential skill of self-discipline. The result? Fewer power struggles, more engagement and cooperation from our child, and a stronger parent/child connection.
Library Newsletter
Bringing the Library to You
Dec. 7-11, 2020
Winter Library - So many things to do this winter! I hope you enjoy this collection of read alouds, songs, drawing and all the ways to celebrate the holiday traditions that many cultures have around this time of year. Click HERE.
It’s a great way to encourage your child’s love of reading and it makes a difference in the library enjoyed by many students and teachers.
Mark your calendars! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to meet author, Peter H. Reynolds who wrote “The Dot,” and many more wonderful books. Visit this Facebook website to a live virtual author visit him.
Storytime Lessons with Mrs. Whitelock. Want to see what your children have been enjoying from the library? Go to Westwood Library Google Classroom.
Need more resources and information? Visit Westwood Library Canvas Course to view the many resources available.
Getting Started:
How to Put Books on Hold, Renew and Return library books - short tutorial
Library Services:
Checking Out Books for On-Campus Students
Checking Out Books for VLA Students
Wishing your family a joyful holiday season!
Mrs. Whitelock
Health Office Notes
Please remember to be proactive and prescreen your student at home prior to leaving for school. If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep them at home. If your child has developed any one of the symptoms below while at school, they must be sent home immediately. Parent(s) will be notified to pick up their student immediately.
- Fever or chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion or runny nose
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
Per the CDC Guidelines: The individual may return based on one of the following:
a) 10 days from the day symptom(s) first appeared, AND improved symptoms and no fever (or fever reducing meds) for the last 24 hours.
b) With proof of negative PCR COVID viral test, may return after 3 days if all symptoms are fully resolved; or after 10 days from the day symptom(s) first appeared, AND improved symptoms and no fever (or fever reducing meds) for the last 24 hours.
c) A signed note from a licensed MD, DO, NP, or PA (who manages that condition) must: confirm the chronic diagnosis (i.e., cites labs, date-of record when diagnosed); include provider’s contact information; explain how symptoms are unrelated to COVID-19; and be accompanied by signed consent for school to interact with MD, DO, NP, or PA.
Westwood Elementary Foundation
The Foundation needs you to volunteer. We need several board positions to be filled to continue to operate.
We are currently looking for a Secretary, Director of Special Events, Director of the Dining for Dollars program, Director of Community and Donor outreach, Director of Social Media/ Electronic Outreach and more volunteers to help plan and coordinate special events, Dining for Dollars and many other activities.
We’ve operated for years with a very small group of volunteers who have done a lot of amazing things. Currently, though, we don’t even have enough Board Members to operate per our legal charter.
We need the above board positions and four additional volunteer positions to be filled before the end of December.
If you are interested in keeping the Foundation operating then email wwefpresident@gmail.com
PTA Membership
The year may look different but Westwood still needs you! Join the PTA so we can all work together to make this year the best possible.
Westwood Elementary Adopt-A-Family
Three ways you can choose from to help:
1. Shop online through the Amazon link
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1K8G6D9DVWEWM?ref_=wl_share
2. Pick a gift tag from our Giving Line that will be out in front of the school
3. Pick up a gift card (any denomination for grocery, gas, Target, Walmart, Amazon) when you
are out shopping and drop it off in front of the school to our Adopt A Family volunteers.
It's that easy! We thank you for your kindness and giving hearts in helping our Roadrunner families in need.
Yearbooks
The 5% discount for the yearbook has been extended through November 18th so if you'd like to save some money be sure to order now!
Order your 2020-21 yearbooks here: https://tr5.treering.com/validate Use passcode: 1015978769242468
Or scan here:
About Us
Principal
Email: kholmes@powayusd.com
Website: https://powayusd.com/en-US/Schools/ES/WWES/Home
Location: 17449 Matinal Road, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: 858-487-2026
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WWESRoadrunners