Weekly Update
Together we can. Together we will.
Wrist Rubber Band
Families,
This week once again posed some new challenges and problems to solve. As early as Monday, I was working through some things that are new for the 2020 school year. It seemed like a "perfect timing moment" when I listened to my friend's podcast on Monday evening. I have a friend in Omaha who does wellness sessions and a podcast on how to think well, move well, and eat well. One of his podcasts focused on gratitude and the brain chemistry that exists when one is grateful.
We have all heard the saying, "Count your blessings." And, it turns out, that science would agree. There is increasing research that people who are grateful and find time to show gratitude are happier and healthier. Also, there is some data that shows that no other emotions can be felt at the same time as gratitude. That means...no one can be angry and grateful at the same time -no anxiety and gratitude simultaneously.
What does that have to do with podcasts, school, or really anything?
Well, as I was listening to my friend's podcast, he mentioned wearing a rubber band around the wrist to then snap every time you needed a "reminder" to be grateful. Throughout the day, really focus on blessings, and recognizing blessings when times are difficult by snapping the rubber band against the wrist.
I was curious if the rubber band reminder would help me refocus on the positives. Surprisingly, it worked! It worked through a car not starting two mornings in a row. It worked through an unplanned fire drill. And, it worked during some longer than normal work days.
Overall, I noticed I am truly grateful for the students that fill the halls and classrooms at WDS. I am thankful to have supportive families and staff members willing to go above and beyond each and every day. I am thankful for carpool buddies and rides to work. And, I am grateful we continue to work together-students, staff, and families-to navigate the 2020-2021 school year. I'm going to continue to wear the rubber band as a nice reminder that, even on the hardest days, there is still a lot to be thankful for
Together we can. Together we will.
Mrs. Brittany Sidders
West Dodge Station Principal
Screening Children
Call Ahead
Chromebook Safety
This past week, I spoke with 1/2 of the classes and taught about chromebook safety and digital citizenship. By the end of this week, all of the students will have learned more about using the District issued chromebooks safety and effectively.
Book Fair
This year the WDS book fair is going to be from September 16th - 29th and all online. It will be important at this fall book fair to create an account so that the West Dodge media center can benefit from sales.
Please watch the videos below and let Jake McAllister know if you have any questions. Happy Reading!
Links for the Fair
WDS 2020 Fall Book Fair Website - Site opens September 16th.
WDS Fall 2020 Book Fair Parent Commercial
Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Traffic Tips
***Please do not stop in the crosswalks.
***Please do not come through the staff parking lot.
***Please do not turn left off of of 184th Street.
**The video and directions below are helpful to share with anyone that is new to the pick-up and drop-off procedures.
Important Dates
September 20th - P-T Conference Pick-A-Time Scheduler Closes @ 11:59
September 22nd - 2:06 Dismissal
Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:00-7:00
*Caught with Character signs due back to school
September 23rd - 2:06 Dismissal
Parent-Teacher Conferences 3:00-7:00
September 24th - NO SCHOOL (Teacher Inservice)
Remote Supply Pick-Up (9:00-11:00) **change in date from previously stated**
September 25th - NO SCHOOL
October 2nd - Boosterthon Fun Run Kick-Off
Remote Learner Supply Pick-Up (9:00-11:00)
October 13th - Boosterthon Fun Run
October 14th - School Picture Day
Counselor Corner
Today I saw the first short pencil of the year. Considering we’ve been in school for less than 20 days and that the majority of work is being done on the computer, I was a bit surprised. I smiled though as I looked at the grinning student holding his shortened, prized possession. Seeing some “normal” felt pretty good and it’s nice to know that despite all the changes, time does march on.
Speaking of time, parent-teacher conferences are nipping at our heels. Next week will bring the first Zoom fall parent-teacher conferences! As always, the goal of conferences is communication between home and school. I can remember attending the conferences of my children with mixed emotions. Would I hear positives? Did teachers have concerns? Was my child fitting in? Sometimes I got the answers I had hoped for- sometimes I listened to constructive criticism. Parenting isn’t always easy. Teaching isn’t always easy, either. That’s why it’s important to have these conversations and work together. Listen. Share. Ask questions. We want your child to experience growth in personal, social, behavioral and academic domains while at West Dodge Station. Sometimes that growth comes easily and sometimes it takes work, but it does take a team. WDS - together we can! Together we will!
Mrs. Jean Herold
402.289.2773
District Information
PTO News
Yearbook Prices:
$20- early bird pricing through November 1st, 2020
$25- Purchases made November 2nd, 2020 - February 26th, 2021
PURCHASE YOUR YEARBOOK HERE:
http://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01122087.
Like our Facebook Page
Next time you're on Facebook, make sure to like the WDS PTO page to stay up to date on upcoming events, news and volunteer opportunities.
PTO FUN RUN INFORMATION
We’re only 2 weeks away from kicking off our West Dodge Station Fun Run on October 2, with the Big Event being on October 13. Our goal is to raise $20,000 to help our school! We’re excited to see our school come together in this fundraising program that will give us an extra boost of energy and much needed funds, too! As a family you can give, share your student’s fundraising link with others, or both. Check out a quick overview of our fundraising program. https://rebrand.ly/2wk-out-scn-overview
Thanks in advance for your involvement. This is going to be a great opportunity for all students to participate in fun, engaging character lessons and a high-energy event which will allow them to show their school spirit and help make a difference in a big way!
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me any time if you have questions, concerns, feedback, or want to share your great news. ~Mrs. Sidders
Email: bsidders@epsne.org
Website: https://www.elkhornweb.org/westdodgestation/
Location: 18480 California Street, Elkhorn, NE, USA
Phone: 402-289-2773
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElkhornPSWD
Twitter: @ElkhornPS_WD