Justiss Newsletter
December 2023
IMPORTANT MESSEGE FOR PARENTS
Dates to Remember
Dec. 4- Progress Reports uploaded to Parent Portal
Dec. 5- 3rd & 4th Grade Math Benchmark
Dec. 6- 3rd & 4th Grade Reading Benchmark
Dec. 7- Honorable Attendance Party
Dec. 12- 3rd Grade PTO Program at 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Dec. 14- Choir & Jammers Program 9:00 AM & 6:00 PM
Dec. 15- Early Dismissal
Dec. 15- Second 9 Weeks ends
Dec. 18- Jan. 2- Christmas Break
Jan. 3- Students return after break
Jan. 3- Third 9 Weeks begin
Jan. 4- 1st & 2nd Grade Semester Awards
Jan. 5- 3rd & 4th Grade Semester Awards
Principal's Corner
Justiss Friends & Families,
We have made it to this wonderful holiday season of thankfulness, blessings, and feeling grateful for all we have. Since it is the season of joy, I wanted to talk to you just a little about helping your students understand the positives over the negatives with a simple game called “Unfortunately-Fortunately”. Sometimes, all kids struggle with negative outlook, for example, having to leave the park or a friend’s house, having to put the games up, time to go inside from playing, all of these can trigger “the end of the world” breakdowns and attitudes. Usually the more you try to point out the positives, the madder they get. With the game, “Unfortunately-Fortunately” the next time you have to leave something they complained, acknowledge them by saying: “Unfortunately, it's time to leave even though you want to stay.” Then, point out the positive: “Fortunately, we have your favorite dinner waiting for us at home.” Same thing if they have to leave their friends: “Unfortunately, it’s time to leave even though playing is SO fun.” Then, point out the positive: “Fortunately, we get to see your friends tomorrow and we can play a new game.” Your children will listen because you are not dismissing their complaint. Sometimes you may have to take extra time in the “unfortunately”, but once you move to the “fortunately”, you are training their brains to see the good parts! The goal is to eventually one day say the “unfortunately” part, and maybe your child will lead you into the “fortunately” part! When this happens you have helped your child realize that in almost all situations we can find both negative AND positive. Every time you acknowledge the negative together, the goal is for their brain to be already waiting for the positive! This helps children gain a better balance between the two extremes.
Your Principal,
Renee' Elmore
Counselor's Connection
Tis the Season!
The holiday season is supposed to be all about joy, peace, and spending quality time together, but often it can be a constant hustle and bustle, that can be just as nerve-wracking for kids as it is for adults. These experts tips can help decrease your child's stress and make this time merrier for everyone.
7 Ways to Reduce the Stress:
1. Stick to routines: Children experience comfort through a routine, so as much as possible, stick to the same cap times, mealtimes, and bedtimes that are usual for your child.
2. Give a heads up: Once you've figured out the family's plan for the day, provide your child with a schedule. Simply being in the loop to prepare for what's coming is a huge stress relief.
3. Schedule in downtime: When coming up with your day's events, pencil in some downtime. Even a 15-30 minute break can help kids recharge and decrease the likelihood of emotional or behavioral problems later on.
4. Let you child vent: Give you child permission to come to you if he needs to get something off his chest. Give your child paper to draw or write about whatever is making him feel sand, mad, anxious, or upset.
5. Work up a sweat: Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, the body's feel-good chemicals, which can reduce stress. Don't forget to exercise when you're traveling.
6. Just say "no": A major way to tame some of the craziness associated with the holidays is to skip out of some activities and the pressure to spend, spend, spend! Set limits on both!
7. Keep yourself in check: Children of all ages look to their parents for cures about how they should think, feel, and act. So make sure you manage your won stress. "Parents need downtime during the holidays just like children, so carve out some time, even if only a few minutes, to do something calming or enjoyable for yourself!
We wish you all the Season's blessings filled with joy and peace...even if things don't go exactly the way you planned!
Your Counselors and Social Worker,
Ms. Raney, Mrs. Irwin, and Ms. Jamar
PTO News
Mark your calendars! Our next PTO Meeting will be Tuesday, February 6th at 3:15 PM. A link will be sent out closer to time if you would like to join virtually.