Jaguar News
Volume 1, Issue 31 - April 13, 2018
We constantly have conversations with parents about attendance and being on time to school. Those conversations include a lot of concerns from parents who share that their kids don't sleep well and how it affects their life. I want to share this article with you because, even though it focuses on teens with ADHD, it includes good routines to follow with all kids to improve their rest. The recommendations are:
7 Rules for Sound Rest
- Teach from early childhood that sleep isn’t a waste of time, but a crucial task of the day.
- Cut off caffeine after 2 p.m. While caffeine often has a paradoxical impact on ADHD kids (it is, after all, a stimulant), it can increase the tendency toward insomnia, especially if your child is taking Adderall, Vyvanse, or methylphenidate.
- You can’t run a sleep deficit and pay it off later. So, to the extent possible, regulate teen sleep/wake cycles seven days a week. There will be exceptions, but the rule should always be to keep bedtime and wake-up times consistent. You can push back those times by a couple of hours during the summer, but try to readjust at least two weeks before school starts.
- Expect homework to be done before recreational activities begin in the evening, and avoid the habit of doing homework right before bedtime.
- Bedrooms are for sleeping. The brain associates behaviors and environments, and your teen should walk into his or her bedroom and think, “I need to sleep,” not “Let’s play ‘Call of Duty’” or “Time for homework.” Teens hate this, but it’s better to do all non-sleeping tasks elsewhere.
- End screen time about an hour before bed. Teens will protest mightily, but there are two reasons for this. First, most media activity (TV, video games) is exciting and engaging. That’s the last thing you need before bed. In addition, the blue light from devices prevents the release of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. A book or podcast is better. If your teen listens to anything, he needs to shut it off after an hour. Audio material stimulates the brain after sleep is initiated.
- Equip bedrooms with light-blocking shades, unless you live in the exurbs, and don’t have a yard light on the bedroom side of the house. When you pull the shades down, the room becomes nearly black.
Incoming 6th graders
If you have a current 5th grader that will attend Gentry next school year, we invite you to attend Get Acquainted Night! We will meet Monday, April 30th, at 6:00 p.m.
Please, mark your calendar to join us!
Talk to your student about what they are learning at school!
We've Got Spirit! How 'Bout You?
**Please, notice time change!**
Gentry's Got Talent!
It is that time again...Talent Show Time! This has quickly become an end-of-the-school year fan favorite among students and faculty alike. So, if your student would be interested in trying out for and showcasing their talent for our school wide talent show, now is their time. Please encourage them to stop by the main office to pick up an audition form (for parent signature) and get signed up for their very own tryout slot.
Sign-up Details:
1) Acts must be no more than 3 minutes.
2) All material/music must be appropriate! No bad words or questionable content will be
allowed!
3) Students should bring their music/wear their costume or outfit to the audition.
4) Singers only- only karaoke/instrumental versions of songs will be accepted at auditions
as we don't want to hear students singing with the recording artist.
8th Grade Football Mini Camp
7th Grade Author Visit
Clare Vanderpool will be visiting with 7th grade students here at GMS on Friday, April 20th as a part of the Unbound Book Festival. Clare is the award-winning author of two novels: Moon Over Manifest and Navigating Early. Moon Over Manifest, her debut novel, was awarded the prestigious 2011 John Newbery Award which is awarded annually by the American Library Association to the author of the most distinguished contribution to American literature for children. Clare is remarkably the first debut author in thirty years to win the Newbery Medal. Her books have both hit the New York Times best seller list as well as the Book Sense best seller list. The recipient of much critical-acclaim, including seven starred reviews, a top ten Historical Fiction Kid’s Book by Instructor Magazine, a Junior Library Guild selection, and a Golden Spur award, Clare’s writing has connected with readers young and old. Interviews with Clare have appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post and USA Today. Most recently, Clare’s second novel Navigating Early was named a Printz Honor Book for Young Adult Fiction by the American Library Association. (Excerpt from the Unbound Book Festival)
WMS & Burrell Behavioral Health Parent Night
Date-Topics:
April 26 - Depression/Suicide Awareness
May 10 - Middle School Transitions: From elementary to high school
West Middle School
401 Clinkscales
Columbia, MO 65203
5:30 to 7:00 in the media center
Japan Spring Festival
Don't miss it!
Dates to Remember
- April 17-18 - 6C Science Camp
- April 19 - Band Concert @ 6:00 pm
- April 19-20 - 6B Science Camp
- April 20 - 7th grade Author presentation
- April 20 - IPR's sent home
- April 20 - Spring Percussion Showcase at RBHS
For practices and games check Gentry website!
Dr. Fairouz Bishara
Email: fbishara@cpsk12.org
Website: https://www.cpsk12.org/Domain/17
Phone: (573) 214-3240
Twitter: @FairouzBishara