Rocket Fuel
Information to Keep Our Rockets Soaring -April
A Note From Dr. McMinn
Car Rider Tags
Counselor's Corner
Hello families! Thank you to everyone that participated with College and Career Week in March! The students always seem to enjoy this time and we look forward to next year with even more Careers to showcase! During April's classroom lessons we discussed having a Growth Mindset. This mindset is so important to have for everyday and especially for the upcoming end of year assessments. At home please help encourage your students to be confident in who they are and to continue to work hard even when some activities/life experiences are tough. These last six weeks of school can be a more stressful time for students and even parents preparing for the end of year assessments and transitions to new grades or new schools next year. As a parent, it may also be helpful for you and your child to talk together about ways to reduce stress and keep a positive mindset. Some strategies may include deep breathing in the moment dealing with stress, finding an activity that helps "let off steam or built up energy," or even just talking with someone about a challenging task. During Second Step this year all students have learned several strategies including belly breathing, counting to 10, and having positive self talk. Practicing these strategies at home and encouraging them at school are a huge benefit to students. Please let me know if you'd like more stress relief strategies or if I am able to assist you during this time. As always, please contact me if I can help you or your student in any way!
~Mrs. Ashley
Testing!
EOG Testing Dates:Friday, May 26th -Fifth Grade Only, Wednesday, May 31,Thursday, June 1
Students: You have been growing your brain and learning helpful strategies all year long! Remember to have a Growth Mindset when you face a challenge like your upcoming EOG test. Polk Central Rockets Can Do This!! Try your hardest and do your best, and ALWAYS remember you are more than a test!! We are proud of you Rockets!Notes from Nurse Anna
Happy Spring! With the end of the school year quickly approaching, I wanted to remind you of a few end-of-the-year items.
If your child has any medication at school, I will be sending a letter home in your child's binder in the next few weeks that will need to be filled out and returned to the nurse. This letter will indicate to me your intentions of what you wish to do with your child’s medication over the summer. If you choose to pick up your child’s medication, you have to come into the nursing office and complete that appropriate paperwork to do so, IT CAN NOT BE SENT IN BOOK BAGS.
Also if your child takes any prescription, as needed, or over the counter medications, you will need to have new orders signed by your child’s doctor prior to the beginning of the new school year and I will include the appropriate paperwork in the letter that will be sent home in the next few weeks. This paperwork needs to be completed and sent back in prior to the beginning of the school year. It can be faxed to the school at 828-894-3916 or emailed to anelon@polkschools.org. Please be sure that you complete any section that requires parent/guardian signature and information before giving to the doctor.
Also all medications must be in a current in date prescription bottle, with the child’s name clearly written. Over-the-counter medications must have the child’s name and date of birth written on the package/bottle and must have a DOCTOR'S order to be given. WE ARE NOT ALLOWED TO GIVE ANY MEDICATIONS (PRESCRIPTION/OVER-THE-COUNTER/ COUGH DROPS, ETC.) WITHOUT DOCTOR'S ORDER AND PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE.
Title I Updates
Ease your child’s thoughts about taking the test by helping them realize that they don’t have to get all the answers on the test correct. Helping them realize that they don’t have to be perfect will help ease their test anxiety.
If they get stuck on a question, choose the best answer and move on.
Encourage them to take their time on the test and stay focused.
Send your child to school encouraged, stress-free and on time for test day.
Ensure that your child gets a good night's rest and a healthy breakfast.
6. Remind them that the most important thing is that they do their best!!!
ELL News
Did you know that learning a new language enhances your brain power? Now only does it make the gray matter in your brain more dense, It also increases aspects of your intelligence. Learning a new language increases academic performance, creativity, stronger communication skills, and gives you a more powerful memory.
You can use apps and websites that teach you a second language for free. Some of these are Duolingo, Babbel, Fluentu, and Memrise. If you don’t have a second language yet, get one!
Sources: How learning a new language changes your brain | Cambridge English