GRE Staff Newsletter
January 27, 2020
Dear Team,
January can feel like a long month! What strategies will you use to keep your energy up and the excitement for learning the focus. This week Justin Plummer shared a great resource with tips and tricks for de-escalating students. Some key points included:
Give the student time to regain their calm: Say, “I notice you’re really upset. Let’s work together on breathing slowly for one minute in order to manage your impulses.”
Direct the student to be aware of their thoughts and feelings: Say, “What’s going on in your brain and body right now? Tell me how you feel and what you’re thinking, and if you’re ready to focus on moving forward with getting calm.”
Have the student redirect their thoughts: Say, “Take a minute, close your eyes, breathe slowly, and think about something that makes you happy. I know you told me how much you love your grandma’s fresh-baked cookies. Think about walking into grandma’s house in a calm state of mind as you smell the cookies, taste the cookies, and feel the warmth of them right out of the oven.”
Give the student positive feedback on becoming calm: Say, “Now open your eyes. How are you feeling? If you need more time to settle down, let me know. You should feel happy and excited about your work in getting to this point.”
Give the student a little more time to refocus: Say, “Take a minute and do something for you. Go for a walk and get some air, or tell me about your baseball game the other night.”
I thought these were great reminders that helped me get through some tricky behaviors with kiddos this week. If you'd like to read the whole article, click here.
Here's to a great week!
Kate
News to Share
1. Click here to review our PAC notes from this past week. Be sure to see a PAC member if you have any questions.
2. We've had some issues lately with parking in the back by the Kindergarten doors. If possible, please park in a designated parking spot. Some of mid day employees have gotten in a bit of a pickle. Let me know if you have questions or concerns.
3. TangerKids is offering educational grants. If you are interested you can learn more here. Remember that before applying for any grant, it needs to be approved by Kate.
4. The Leo Club at the High School is starting a project where they will be collecting dried up markers (of any kind) and sending them off to be recycled. GRE and the other Elementary's were asked if they were interested. If you want to participate, please save old markers (including highlighters and dry erase) instead of throwing them out. There will soon be a collection box in the office.
5. Congratulations are due to our friend and colleague Jen Nichols. She has accepting a first grade teaching position with Reynoldsburg schools. Here last day will be February 7th. I will be working hard to find a new reading tutor to fill her role. Thank you Jen for all you have done for GRE!
6. This past week I received some materials from the 2020 census including information about how important the census is and how you can use these statistics in your classroom. If you are interested in checking it out, please let me know.
7. February is Dental Health Month. If you are interested in having a local dentist office come in to your classroom, let me know and I will connect you.
8. Hard to believe but the end of the month is here! We will have party wagon during lunches this Friday. You will see Leader of the Month certificates in your mailboxes tomorrow. Please return to Katie's mailbox by Thursday.
Upcoming Events
Monday, January 27th- E Day;
Tuesday, January 28th- A Day; Happy Birthday Kelly Dixon!
Wednesday, January 29th- B Day; Happy Birthday Patti Malone!
Thursday, January 30th- C Day;
Friday, January 31st- D Day; Party Wagon!
Upcoming Events
Jan. 18-Feb. 1 Yearbook Sale
January 20 NO SCHOOL: MLK Day
February 7 Eagle’s Nest
February 13 PTO Meeting 6:30pm
February 14 K-4 Valentine Parties 2:30-3:20
February 17 NO SCHOOL: President’s Day
February 20 P/T Conferences 4:00-8:00pm
Feb. 24- Feb. 28 Read Across America Week
Feb. 28 Rockin’ Recess