Pine Island Update
Friday, January 15, 2021
Dear Families,
Building Our Proactive Muscles
• Discuss with family members: When do you feel you are most proactive? When are you most reactive? What are the consequences?
Creating a Pause Button: Stop, Think, and Choose
• Talk together about the concept of the “pause button.”
• Ask the family to choose something to represent the pause button for the family. It could be a body movement, such as signaling with a hand, jumping up and down, or waving an arm; an action, such as switching the lights on and off; a sound, such as blowing a whistle, ringing a bell, or mimicking an animal sound; or even a word. Each time this signal is given, everyone will know the pause button is being pushed. All activity, including conversation, arguing, debating, and so forth, should cease. This signal serves as a reminder for all to stop, think, and consider the consequences of continuing as they are. Talk together about how using this pause button gives family members the opportunity to subordinate what may seem important at the moment (winning an argument, getting their way, being “first” or “best”) for what really matters most (creating strong relationships, having a happy family, or building a beautiful family culture).
Working On Your Circle of Influence
• Have family members discuss some things that they do not have direct influence over, such as other people’s thoughts and actions, the weather, seasons, and natural disasters. Help everyone understand that although there are some things we cannot influence, there is much that we can influence. Talk about how much more effective it is to concentrate energy and effort on what you can influence.
Developing Conscience: A Treasure Hunt
• Choose a “treasure” that everyone will enjoy, making sure that there is enough for all to share.
• Choose a safe spot to hide the treasure, making sure that it is accessible to everyone.
• Develop clues that lead to the treasure. To obtain clues, participants must answer questions that will exercise their conscience. Positive answers lead them closer to the treasure; negative answers lead them away. Examples include:
− Question: As you are walking to class, you notice that the boy in front of you has dropped a five-dollar bill. What do you do? (Positive responses could be: Pick it up and return it to the boy. Tell a teacher and hand it over. Negative responses could be: Keep it. Head to the store. Taunt the boy.)
− Question: Someone steals the answers to next week’s math exam and offers you a copy. What do you do? (Positive responses could be: Refuse a copy and study. Encourage the person to be honest. Negative responses could be: Take it, you need the A. Tell everyone else so they will like you.)
Understanding the Emotional Bank Account (EBA)
• Visit a local bank, open an account, and explain deposits and withdrawals.
• Make your own EBA box. Let the children decorate it. Put it in a special place that is noticeable and accessible to everyone. Create some “deposit slips” on three-by-five cards. Encourage the children to make deposits during the week to other family members. Some examples include: “Dad, thanks for taking me golfing. I love you.” Or “Brooke, I noticed how well you folded the laundry this week.” Or “John made my bed today, and I didn’t even ask him to.” Or “Mom takes me to soccer every week. She is so nice.” Find a time to talk about the deposits made during the week. Encourage family members to use this opportunity to share what a deposit is to them.
Mrs. Reehl, Principal
Students returning to 4 days/week instruction
SchoolStore.com
SCRIP
Let us know if you have any questions!
Office Contacts
254-5504
Secretary, Mandy Rodriquez
254-5501
PBIS Coordinator, Pat Calkins
254-5503
Upcoming Events
Jan 22- 1/2 day (11:50am dismissal)
Jan 29- PTO Reading Logs due
Attendance Hot Line
Chromebook Usage and Insurance
Please go onto this form to read about the appropriate usage of these devices and to purchase insurance if you would like to:
If you need any assistance, you can contact our tech department at 616-254-5118 or email techsupport@cppschools.com
Building Healthy Communities- At Home Activity
Winter and snow are here. Playing in the snow is a great way to get exercise! Play Snowman Bingo before you head out to build! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SvNG6kUpGR7ABRV5_gcECwfSkQuOjh1s/view
Building Healthy Communities- Healthy Recipe
Try replacing chips & dip for these Apple Nachos and other healthy snacks! https://www.mommafitlyndsey.com/healthy-apple-nachos/
Pine Island Elementary
Email: sreehl@cppschools.com
Website: cppschools.com
Location: 6101 Pine Island Drive Northeast, Comstock Park, MI, USA
Phone: 616-254-5500
Facebook: facebook.com/pineislandelementary