Altamont Elementary School
November Newsletter-2016
Principal's Message-Changing the Mindset
Research shows that children who think intelligence is a "fixed" trait (something they either have or don't have) tend to struggle more in school, especially as the material becomes more challenging. However, kids with a "Growth" mindset (who view intelligence as something that they can grow) tend to do better in school. The key is to praise the process.
Consider the difference between these two responses. 1. Great job! You got the right answer, you're so smart! Versus the following: 2. Great Job! You worked really hard to get that answer!
The first response tends to promote a "Fixed" mindset. Intelligence is about being right and it is something you either have or do not have. The second response promotes a "Growth" mindset. It's about the process and working hard. Kids who hear this type of affirmation, tend to try harder and are more willing to persevere in problem solving.
There is a great deal of research and literature to support the value of promoting a "Growth" mindset. Some of the studies show that promoting a "Fixed" mindset may be very stressful to students/children and they fear being "found-out" that they are not, in fact, "smart" as they should be.
Although the ways to promote a "Growth" mindset sound simple, they are truly very challenging to many of us because chances are, we ourselves, were brought up more in a "Fixed" mindset culture. Here are some things to consider to help promote a "Growth" mindset within your child.
Praise Effort – Growth Mindset
Praise for effort or process (engagement, courage, perseverance, strategies, improvement, attention to detail, etc,) fosters motivation. This type of praise explains
what they have done to be successful and what to do in the future be successful again.
What we can say to praise effort or process: (Dweck, 2009)
“Wow, that’s a really good score. You must have tried really hard.” You really studied for your English test, and your improvement shows it. You read the material over several times, outlined it, and tested yourself on it. That really worked!
I like the way you tried all kinds of strategies on that math problem until you finally got it.
I like that you took on that challenging project for your science class. It will take a lot of work—doing the research, designing the machine, buying the parts, and building it. You’re going to learn a lot of great things.
“I liked the effort you put in. Let’s work together some more and figure out what you don’t understand.”“When we studied famous people like Edison, he failed
1,000 times but with effort and persevered he figured it out!"
Praise Intelligence - Fixed Mindset
Praising students’ intelligence or talent gives a short burst of pride, followed by a long string of negative consequences. (Cimpian, Arce, Markman, & Dweck, 2007; Kamins &
Dweck, 1999; Mueller & Dweck,1998)
What we say when we praise intelligence or talent:
“Wow, that’s a really good score. You must be really smart at this!"
You are such a good artist!” You made an A on that test. I am so proud of your
grade!
The B is great but if you try harder, I bet you could make an A.
‘Good job!” You made the highest grade on the test, you must be so proud.”
“You just need to work harder.” “You will do better next time.”
This whole parenting thing is a process as well. By making little changes now, hopefully we will see big results when our children are our age:-)
K-5 Early Dismissal at 11:30-Parent Conferences
Thursday, Oct 27, 2016, 11:30 AM
All Schools
Costume Parade
Students should not wear costumes to school on this day. They bring their costumes and change around 1:00PM. By keeping the disruptions to a minimum for this event, we ensure the best chance to keep having this type of fun.
If you wish your child not to participate, please let the school know as we do provide an alternate activity. Call Mrs. Clemons or Mrs. Huber at 861 8528. You can also send a note to school with your child indicating you do not wish him/her to participate in the parade.
In the event of rain, we parade through the halls at school. We encourage parents not to come if the weather is poor because it is hot, crowded, and much less fun:-) Fingers crossed for decent weather!
Monday, Oct 31, 2016, 01:15 PM
In front of Altamont Elementary
Thursday, November 3: K-5 Early Dismissal at 11:30 for all schools
PTA Craft Fair
Sunday, Nov 6, 2016, 10:00 AM
Altamont Elementary School, Grand Street, Altamont, NY, United States
NO SCHOOL-Tuesday, November (Conference Day)
No School Friday, November 11 - Veteran's Day
Report Cards Available
Thursday, Nov 17, 2016, 09:00 AM
AES
PTA Meeting
Thursday, Nov 17, 2016, 06:00 PM
Library
Picture Retake Day
Friday, Nov 18, 2016, 08:30 AM
Library
Book Fair: Thursday, December 1-3
Thursday, Dec 1, 2016, 02:00 PM
School Library
Children's Craft Fair Morning
Saturday, Dec 3, 2016, 09:00 AM
Cafeteria
Sick Day Guidelines
In an effort to control illness at school we ask for your cooperation by following these guidelines:
* Do not send your child to school with an abnormal temperature - 100 degrees or above.
* Do not send your child to school until he/ she has been fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
* Do not send your child to school if he/she has been vomiting or had diarrhea during the night or early morning hours.
* If your physician is considering a strep infection and a throat culture has been taken, do not send your child to school until the results are known. If results are positive your child should be on antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school.
*When your child has been diagnosed with an infection (such as bronchitis, strep, scarlet fever, pink eye) and your doctor prescribes medication he/she should be on
Medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
Please remind your child about the importance of covering your coughs and sneezes, washing your hands and disposing of dirty tissues. Remember hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of germs.
PTA News
Box Tops for Education
Please continue to send in your box tops to the school. This program
brings in $700 - $800 to fund PTA programs every school year.
Tyson Project A+
This year we will be collecting labels from bags and boxes on Tyson products. We will receive 24 cents per label to help fund PTA activities.
Through the Campbell’s Labels for Education program we can get free merchandise for our school. Send in proofs of purchase (UPC codes) from participating Campbell products to school.