Hawk News
January 10, 2019
Getting Organized
Imagine a school morning where everyone knows what to do and is ready on time. Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s possible! Organization is a skill learned over time. By teaching organization at home, your child will learn this very important skill.
Use the first three habits as a learning tool for you and your child:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
Habit 1 is about initiative and responsibility. Help your child determine what he or she will need for the next day. To start, writing a list may be helpful. Next, have your child gather the non-perishable items and put them in his or her school bag.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
Habit 2 is about visualizing how you would like something to turn out before it happens. If a smooth morning is the goal, brainstorm with your child how that will look and feel like. Your child may actually have time to do something extra in the morning if he or she is organized and you will all have a happy start to the day.
Habit 3: Put First Things
Habit 3 means focusing on the task when there's something else you would rather be doing — the hardest part of all! Help your child learn how to avoid distractions by reminding him or her that, if they stick to it, all the fun things can come right after—with no guilt or nagging!
Once children know these habits, and how to apply them, they can start tackling more difficult tasks independently. They will begin to feel self-confident and proud when they're able to complete homework, chores, and other tasks by themselves. They're also sure to be pleased when they find they have some extra free time to do what they'd like to do.
Remember, it may take time to teach your child these skills. Sometimes, it will seem simpler just to do it for them. But remember, your child won't learn how to be independent and successful if you always do it for them. Using Habits 1-3 is a life skill that will benefit them their entire lives.
Plastic Bags for Benches
PTA News
Thank you to everyone who attended the PTA meeting on Tuesday! It was great to see you and have so many people join in on the discussions. You can access the minutes to this meeting next week through our website:hanawaltcommunity.com.
Prior to the PTA meeting, our Media Center Revitalization team met to discuss an initial action plan for the Media Center upgrades. There will be some exciting new changes! If you're interested in joining the team, please email Scot Surprenant at scot.surprenant@dmschools.com.
Another big event coming up is our Parents Night Out! This is a great event to meet and mingle with other Hanawalt parents. We also hold a silent auction with some amazing items! Money raised helps us support our school in so many ways. If you would like to be involved in the planning, please email us at hanawaltelementarypta@gmail.com. We are also looking for silent auction items. If you have an experience you'd like to provide, an item you're willing to donate or a connection that we can follow up with, please email us. Stay tuned for the date to be announced soon!
Save the Date! Movie Night will be on Friday, February 8! More info and volunteer sign ups to come!
Second Grade Families, it's your turn to spoil our teachers and staff on Fridays in January! Please sign up on the PTA website, hanawaltcommunity.com or use this link https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090445adac2c7-january2. Thanks in advance!
A Few Reminders
Upcoming Dates
January
January 21st: No School
February
February 8th: PTA Movie Night
February 13th: Conferences 2:45 - 6:45
February 21st: Conferences 2:45 - 6:30
Hanawalt Elementary
Email: jolene.liebl@dmschools.org
Website: hanawalt.dmschools.org
Location: 225 56th Street, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-8411