What's Happening at Park
December WHAP
Principal Message
Hello Park Family,
I cannot believe that we are already into December. It has been such a great first half of the year. I am so proud of our students and all the growth they have made. Below is a list of dates and information for the upcoming month.
- Food Drive Information is below. It will start on Dec 4 and go through Dec 8. Check flyer for more info.
- Term 2 Party. This term we are focused on work completion and being engage in our learning. For all students that qualify will be able to attend the glow in the dark party on Dec 18.
- Our first Choir Concert will be on Dec 11 at 6:00. Please come support these amazing students that have been working so hard.
- Dress up days for Christmas for students and teachers
- Dec 4: School-wide Christmas Hats/Headbands
- Dec 15: School-wide Ugly Christmas Sweaters
- Dec 21: School-wide Christmas Character Day
- Dec 22: School-wide Christmas Pajama Day
Thanks again for all your continued support. Please reach out if I can help in any way.
I hope all of you enjoy the Holiday Season.
Mrs. Lindley
Counselor Corner
Counselor Corner
You may have noticed that your Park student(s) came home with a small magnetic picture frame the other day. I gave them out during my Grade Level Lesson in the Panther Den this past week. I taught students about the cognitive coping skill of "Reframing." According to Google, a Reframe is placing a picture or photo in a new frame. However, our Park Panthers learned that a Reframe is an essential skill to have in their toolbox. When we experience challenging feelings or struggle to find solutions to problems or tasks that seem insurmountable, a Reframe gives us a new perspective.
Author Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg talks about 5 research based strategies that can be utilized in Reframing. These are:
-Look outside the frame
-Rethink the goal
-Examine bright spots
-Look in the mirror
-Take their perspective
Wedellsborg writes specifically about how these strategies can be applied in solving problems in the corporate world. However, they are still applicable to overcoming challenging feelings, problem solving difficult tasks and navigating strained relationships.
Additionally, Reframing is the final step in the 3-pronged emotional regulation strategy of Name it to Tame it and then Reframe it. An example of how this regulation strategy works is illustrated as follows. When I asked students to give me an example of a challenging life event, a student raised her hand and suggested having to put a pet down. As we NAMED what the student might be feeling (sad, grief, lonely, mad, disappointed) we TAMED the uncomfortable feelings that can dysregulate us if we stay in our Downstairs Brain by engaging our prefrontal cortex and moving into our Upstairs Brain. Then we REFRAMED the scenario and tried to look at it from a different perspective. Some examples shared were: realizing that the pet was no longer sick or in pain, being grateful for the time that was spent with the pet, focusing on fun memories with the pet, etc. We talked about how Reframing is not about trying to "bright side" tragic life events. But rather, to acknowledge the uncomfortable and challenging feelings AND ALSO look for opportunities for growth and gratitude so as not to get stuck in a negative thought pattern. More information on Reframing can be found by following these links.
How to Solve the Right Problems by Thomas Wedell-Wedellsborg,
Reframing Unhelpful Thoughts by Better Health NHS/UK
Utah Food Bank Mobile Pantry
Teacher Read-alouds on the Website
We had some parents requesting to have Teacher Read-Alouds from our Reading Night be given to our parents to use at home. We have put them on the website for your use.
Upcoming Important Dates
- Dec 4- Food Drive/Victory Assembly/ School wide Christmas Hats/Headband Day
- Dec 5- Food Drive
- Dec 6 -Food Drive
- Dec 7- Food Drive
- Dec 8- Food Drive/ Park School Spirit Day
- Dec 11- Choir Concert @ 6:00
- Dec 13- Fire Drill
- Dec 15- School Wide Ugly Christmas Sweater
- Dec 18- 2nd Term Reward Party
- Dec 19: Diamond Fork Middle School Assembly/Utah Food Bank Day
- Dec 21: School wide Christmas Character Day
- Dec 22: Half Day- Christmas Break. School wide Christmas Pajama Day
- School will begin again on Jan 8.