Eagle Heights Family Newsletter
November 1, 2021
When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too!
Dear EHE Families,
I hope that you had a great weekend! We continue to #PressOn at Eagle. There are several updates for you in this newsletter. You will also find our important dates calendar attached here. We are excited to see everyone at our parent-teacher conferences this Wednesday, November 3, and Thursday, November 4. Please remember that school is not in session on Friday, November 5.
As the weather gets colder, please be sure that your child is dressed appropriately for outdoor recess. We will continue to go outside unless the temperature does not meet district requirements. You will find information regarding inclement weather notifications below. Please contact our office if you have any questions.
In my last newsletter, I challenged us to practice Habit 2 and begin with the end in mind by asking ourselves if we're living out the "who" we want to be every day. I shared the idea of creating your own personal mission statement which you would use to guide your everyday interactions. This month we are continuing to focus on Habit 2, but we are challenging each family to create a family mission statement. I have provided some guiding questions below! We would love to have families submit their family mission statement once they create it! You can email your family mission statement to me. I will print all of the ones I receive and create an EHE family mission statement wall!
Kindly,
Mrs. Slack
- Parent-Teacher Conferences: Wednesday, November 3: 4 pm-7 pm and Thursday, November 4: 8 am-5 pm. (No School on Thursday or Friday)
- Book Fair: November 3-12
Mrs. Slack's Personal Mission Statement
Habit 2: Begin with the End in Mind: Family Mission Statements
STEP 1 Ask yourself these seven questions: • How do we want our family to be known? • How do we want to treat each other? • What is most important to us as a family? • What are some of our talents, gifts, and abilities? • What makes us the happiest? • What makes us unhappy? • What kind of home do we want to invite friends to?
STEP 2 Write your Family Mission Statement. Consider all four areas: • Body (health and physical wellbeing) • Mind (learning) • Heart (relationships) • Spirit (inspiration) Keep it simple, one to two lines, so the youngest family members can memorize it and find it meaningful. Examples: “We are builders,” “No empty chairs,” “We love each other,” “All for one and one for all,” etc.
STEP 3 Stay on course. As parents, you are the role models. Keep smiling and getting back on track. The promise: By writing a Family Mission Statement, the message to your children is that your family is important. You know what you stand for and how you are going to work together to accomplish it!
Inclement Weather
Warrior Families,
With the approach of winter also comes the possibility of inclement weather, dangerous road conditions, and the need to consider school cancellations, late starts, and early dismissals. Click the following link for SSD's Inclement Weather Procedures: https://www.smithvilleschooldistrict.net/Page/919
Special Note: If an inclement weather day occurs before Friday, February 18, 2022, the missed day will be made up on Monday, February 21, 2022 (Presidents' Day). A second inclement weather day will be made up on Friday, May 27, 2022. No other inclement weather days will be made up, to guarantee Friday, May 27, 2022 as the last day of the 2021-2022 school year.
Have a wonderful weekend! Go Warriors!
Robert Hedgecorth
Give grace, get grace!~ Mrs. Slack
Book Fair
Clubs Choice Update
We have not received the Club's Choice items to deliver. Unfortunately, our PTO is waiting to receive a delivery date from the company. As soon as a date is given to us, we will send out an update! Thank you for your patience as this is truly out of our circle of control.
District Calendar
Make-Up Picture Day
We will do our best and let grace cover the rest!~J. Foster
Physical Education: Coach Parker
Physical Education:
Pre-K-1st grade will be wrapping up their scooter unit over the next few weeks. They have worked on scooter relays, races and learned different ways to ride the scooters (stomach, knees, bottoms and partner pushing). Students will be focusing on different locomotor movements while doing some obstacle course challenges in the next few weeks.
2nd- 6th grade has just finished up their first round of Fitnessgram testing (PACER, Curl Up Test, Push Up Test). We had some very good scores and we will take the fitness test again in the Spring. With basketball season starting up we will start focusing more on basketball in PE.
In PE, we will continue to use teamwork, sportsmanship, and focus on spatial awareness. Please remind your child to bring the appropriate PE shoes on their PE day.
Art: Ms. Aeschliman
Hello EHE families! Can you believe the first quarter is already over? Wow, it always seems to go so fast! The art room has been abuzz with artists creating in several different media!
PreK students have been doing some stations in art. We read “Leaf Man” and created a leaf man from loose nature parts such as twigs, rocks, stones, pods, gems, etc. They are also stamping fall-shaped cookie cutters with paint onto a large paper, which will be painted with watercolor later. Lastly, they are drawing and coloring a picture with an outline of a bare tree. They will add things to the tree and background to complete the picture. K-2 students have been choosing to work in drawing, collage, or painting studios now for several weeks. 2nd grade finished up their clay pumpkins at the end of October by painting them with tempera. 3-5th graders have been using drawing, collage and watercolor supplies as well. The 3-5th grade learned some watercolor techniques in art class using things like salt, rubbing alcohol, newspaper, crayon resist, tape resist and more! I created a sheet for each grade so they are not all learning the same techniques, so you’ll have to ask your student which ones they learned about! 6th-grade 2D art finished up the quarter learning about different watercolor techniques as well and included at least one of those techniques in their watercolor painting assignment. Sixth-grade 3D art has begun for the second quarter and they are starting out making paper mache pumpkins using plastic bags, newspaper, and masking tape. It’s a great way to recycle those plastic bags and paper! They will use plaster embedded gauze and paint along with some wire and leaves to finish them up!
We are using Artsonia again this year for PK - 6th-grade students’ portfolios. Here is a direct link if you need to connect to your student's portfolio: https://www.artsonia.com/connect/CF8WKBZ4
You can click or type in the link (or just go to the website and put in the code).
Eagle Heights code is: CF8WKBZ4
You will then enter your child's name and grade, along with an email address. It really is that easy! It will send your request to me and I will then finish connecting you on my end.
Art Assistants: 4-6th graders recently applied to take on a leadership role and become art assistants in the art room! Congratulations to the following art assistants:
4th Grade:
Brittian’s class: Kaycee, Madelyn & Avery
Cowan’s class: Lola, Kyli Jo, Ava, Hailey, Paige, Annabelle, Grey, & Zoe
5th Grade:
Steelman’s class: Ezekiel, Reese, Alivia, Lauren, Ellie, Olivia, Connor
Kochis’ class: Claire, Harper, Brody, Delainey, Brooklyn, Bailey, Adelynn, Jayden, Sarah, Liam
6th Grade:
Isis, Kaynon, Jacob, Ellie, & Molly
I count on these students to help keep the daily workings of the art studio up and running. They sharpen pencils, organize supplies, wipe down surfaces, refill the drawing and collage paper shelves, sort through paper scrap bins, take Artsonia pictures of PK, Kindergarten, and 1st-grade artworks, and many other odd jobs. Without their help, it would be nearly impossible for me to keep up with everything! I truly appreciate them stepping up and making the commitment to do this important task so congratulate these students for their dedication!
I do have an Amazon wish list for EHE because the yearly budget only affords me the very basics of art supplies. If you would like to help support our art studio and the EHE artists go to my wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TAO5QQQYZRM2?ref_=wl_share
THANK YOU so much for all of your support! You are an amazing school to work for!
Sincerely,
Ms. Aeschliman
Eagle Heights Elementary
PreK - 6th grade Art Educator
Media Center: Ms. Johnson
THE BOOK FAIR IS ALMOST HERE! Our book fair will open on November 3rd and 4th during conferences. If you would like to shop with your child, please sign up here. Students will also have the 8th-12th to shop during their library time. Every purchase from the Book Fair earns rewards for our school. You can sign your child up for an eWallet on our book fair website.
Recently our 3rd-5th graders had a chance to participate in a Pumpkin Book Character Challenge in the library. Here are just four of the many creative pumpkins received!
Words are powerful and can change the atmosphere!~Mrs. Slack
Music: Mr. Venner
Kindergarten and First will be playing percussion instruments, ukulele, and READING music this month, we will also mix in a few music games. Second and third grade will be creating a
STOMP style production to be staged in January. Third through fifth will be working on electronic composition, and playing in a drum circle. Sixth grade will be playing instruments, forming into bands, and creating long-term projects.
Counseling: Mrs. Downey
This month in counseling my lessons have focused on being an "Upstander" with October being Bully Prevention Month. From dealing with cases of bullying we have found that most students have a hard time distinguishing between conflict and bullying. A favorite definition is the acronym RIP. R is Repeated. I is Intentional. P is a Power Imbalance. In a bullying situation, one child has more power socially, physically, or intellectually. In conflict the two parties share power.
In kindergarten students learned how to identify how other people are feeling by observing facial and body expressions. In 1st grade, students listened to Spookley the Square Pumpkin and learned about celebrating what makes us unique and how students can use these qualities for good. 2nd-grade students read The Recess Queen and learned how being kind to one another can make all the difference in forming new relationships. In 3rd-5th grades, our students played Quiz Quiz Trade and practiced being an Upstander by either helping the person who is being hurt or telling the person who is being mean to stop the behavior. Finally, in 6th-grade students reviewed the difference between conflict, rude, mean, and bullying behavior. We also had a discussion about how taking care of our mental health is just as important as taking care of our physical health.
Behaviorist Blurb: Mrs. Opperman
Behavior is communication. What are our kids trying to tell us? After doing some self-reflection, I realized that as a behaviorist and mama, I spend so much time instructing, teaching, and talking at my kids that I’m not listening. Our kiddos communicate so much through their behavior. What are they saying? Oftentimes the answer lies in our listening. During a month where we naturally reflect on all we’re thankful for, I’m challenging myself to lean in and listen more. I would love for you to join me!
Please know I am on this journey with you! Don’t ever hesitate to reach out.
With you and for you,
Erika Opperman
oppermae@smithville.k12.mo.us
Grade Level Spotlight: 1st Grade
First grade has had a blast so far this school year! We had our field trip to Red Barn Farm at the end of September and enjoyed the company of Sheriff Quick Draw. He taught us how to turn numbers into amazing illustrations. In Reader's Workshop, we are learning about Non-Fiction text features including headings, captions, table of contents, and many more. In Writing, we are working hard on learning new illustration techniques and learning how to write detailed sentences that match our illustrations. In Math, we have been practicing addition and subtraction strategies and solving word problems with the numbers 0-10. We are also learning how to focus on our circle of control and how to appropriately problem-solve when conflicts arise. We continue to focus on using kind words and safe bodies. We are excited to have the opportunity to help all of our students grow academically and socially this year!
District Gating Criteria Information
Families,
At the October 20, 2021, regularly scheduled Board of Education meeting, the Board voted to implement gating criteria to determine whether or not masking would be required in the schools in the Smithville School District. This criterion will be implemented on November 1, 2021, based on the data presented on Wednesday, October 27. The gating criteria will be implemented at the school level, meaning that each school’s data will determine the masking requirement for that school and it could vary between schools in the District.
COVID-19 data updates are posted to the District website every Wednesday, and we will communicate with families via SchoolMessenger on Thursday, October 28 regarding the masking requirements that will begin on Monday, November 1. Weeks following, data will continue to be updated on the website on Wednesdays, communication regarding the masking requirements will be sent out on Wednesdays, and the changes will take effect the next day (Thursdays). To view the full gating criteria, click here. With student safety being of the utmost importance, if a single classroom or grade level were to experience an outbreak of COVID-19, Smithville School District reserves the right to implement a masking requirement at that level. Due to a Federal mandate, masks will continue to be required on school buses. We ask that no matter the current masking requirement, that all students have a mask with them at all times.
Parents have been given the opportunity to submit questions regarding the recent change in masking requirements, these FAQs were created based on the questions received.
FAQ
Q: Why was gating criteria implemented prior to 5-11-year-olds being approved for vaccination?
A: The board voted to implement the gating criteria at this time due to low positivity rates.
Q: Will teasing and bullying be addressed for students who choose to wear a mask?
A: Teasing and bullying is never an acceptable action at Smithville School District. To report misconduct, please complete a misconduct form for the appropriate school at the bottom of the District’s Homepage.
Q: Why are visitors required to wear masks when the students aren’t based on the gating criteria?
A: Schools are congregated settings with cohorts of students and staff who attend daily. Visitors are not typically around our students on a daily basis, so for increased mitigation, guests are required to wear masks in both the green and yellow categories. Guests will not be allowed if we pass 4% positivity and enter the red category.
Q: What quarantine guidelines will be followed with the gating criteria in place?
A: Quarantine guidelines in the Smithville School District have only changed slightly due to masking changes. Please see this infographic for quarantine guidance and the gating criteria for timeline and masking after quarantine guidelines.
Q: How do the county and community transmission rates play into the masking requirements?
A: If the county, community or our in-school transmission rates were to increase significantly, we would need to consider the impact on our students and families and whether or not we need to increase our mitigation measures.
Q: What if a vaccinated person is exposed to someone positive for COVID-19?
A: A vaccinated person, whether masked or not, will not have to quarantine if exposed to a COVID-19 positive individual. They will need to monitor for symptoms. If a vaccinated person tests positive for COVID-19, then they will be required to isolate 10 days and mask through day 14.
Q: How often does the category/color change?
A: Data will be updated every Wednesday. The category/color can increase mitigation measures on a weekly basis (from green to yellow or yellow to red). However, once a threshold for category/color is met, the mitigation measures should remain in effect for 14 calendar days before moving to less restrictive measures.
Upcoming Events
NOVEMBER
Nov. 3: Parent/Teacher Conferences: 4:00-7:00 pm
Nov. 4: No School: Parent/Teacher Conferences: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Nov. 5: No School
Nov. 7: Daylight Savings: Turn your clocks back 1 hour
Nov. 10: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am
Nov. 11: Veteran’s Day
Nov. 17: Picture Retake Day
Nov. 17: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am
Nov. 17: Board of Education Meeting: 7 pm
Nov. 18: National Parent Involvement Day
Nov. 19: FLY Day
Nov. 24-26: No School: Thanksgiving Break