Blue Ash Elementary Newsletter
April 14, 2022
Specials Schedule Week of April 18th - April 22nd
Upcoming Dates
April 15th - Spring Vacation Day No School
April 25th - Professional Development Day No School
May 16 - No School for Kindergarten Students due to 2022-23 Kindergarten Orientation
May 16 - Kindergarten Orientation for incoming families - More Info coming!!
Tips for Helping Children Cope with Traumatic Events
From the pandemic that began over two years ago, to the recent war in Ukraine, it can be difficult to know how to answer children’s questions about upsetting events and how to support them when these events create distress or anxiety for them. Mary Hill, our school based therapist, is sharing these basic tips below.
Be honest (to a point). Children catch on when we “sugar coat” or make things up. Use age appropriate language and concepts, based on your child’s developmental level. Being honest in an age appropriate way will enhance their trust in us.
Set aside time to talk. Let your children know that you are there to listen when they need to talk. Sometimes, all kids need is someone to listen and validate their feelings. Be sure to avoid having these discussions close to bedtime.
Limit exposure. While it is impossible to completely shield our children from upsetting events, it is important to limit their exposure to violent images and news coverage. Be aware of what’s on TV, even if it’s just on in the background.
Model Calm. Our children will look to us to see how we are handling these upsetting events. It’s ok for them to know if we are feeling anxious or worried, as that is a healthy human response. Share with your children what coping skills you find helpful when these feelings are triggered.
Acknowledge their feelings. Instead of trying to convince your child not to worry, confirm their feelings by saying something such as “I can see that you are really worried.” As much as we want to relieve our children from any anxiety or uncomfortable feeling they are experiencing, we will never have all the answers to their questions. It’s ok to say “I don’t know.”
Give them a sense of control. The root of anxiety is feeling out of control. Since there is so much that is beyond our control, focus on what you CAN do. Start a fundraiser or collect donations for those in need.
Take care of yourself. We aren’t truly able to care for our children until we care for ourselves first. Be sure to make time for your own self-care and frequently “check in” on your own mental health.
For more resources on parenting and children’s mental health, visit https://childmind.org/
4th Grade Celebration
Hi 4th Grade parents,
The Blue Ash Elementary PTO is working to plan a number of activities to celebrate our 4th graders' graduation from Blue Ash to the Greene school. We need YOUR help to make it fun and memorable! While there will be more detail to follow, we wanted to take this opportunity to give you an overview of what's to come as well as some things needed from you and ways you can get involved:
- 4th Grade Celebration, May 26, 7-8 at Blue Ash Elementary (weather permitting dessert reception afterwards): Each student will be allowed to bring family members in their immediate household and the event will be livestreamed for those guests who are not able to attend in person. In music class our students are already working on the performance with a theme of "Thank you for being a Friend". As part of the performance, the students will wear a t-shirt designed especially for the graduating 4th graders with all of their names listed on the back. Please click here to order your student's shirt. It is important that EVERYONE fills out this form so that we order the proper size for your student. The shirts are $15 with all proceeds benefiting the 4th grade celebration activities. If assistance is needed, please indicate through the link and we will make sure your student receives one. Please submit your response by Wednesday, April 13 to ensure we can have the t-shirts available for the performance.
- 4th Grade Picnic, June 2: Weather permitting, parents are welcome to come join their student for lunch. TBD if lunch (e.g. pizza)/dessert (e.g. Kona ice truck) will be provided - more information to follow.
- Slideshow: Each year a slideshow is put together memorializing the 4th graders' time at BAE. Along the "Thank you for being a Friend theme, please contribute pictures of your child with friends to: 4thgradebaecelebration@gmail.com.
- Memory Book: Each year a 4th grade memory book is distributed at the 4th grade celebration. Each student will be responding to various prompts during school. Alongside the prompt responses, we would like to include a baby or kindergarten picture AND a more current picture. Please submit 2 pictures of your child to: 4thgradebaecelebration@gmail.com
In addition to the special activities above, there are traditions surrounding 4th grade student gifts, gifts for the 4th grade teachers, a gift to the school and other teachers/staff. While the PTO provides a donation, all of these things will not be possible without parent donations as well. Your donations of any amount are welcome and very much appreciated. Donation interest can be indicated in the t-shirt order form link. T-shirt payments and other donations should be sent via Venmo (@BAEPTO) or Paypal:
- I would like to pay $15 for my child's t-shirt: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=45XV4GP54CKMQ
- I would like to pay $30 for my child's t-shirt plus an additional child: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=AKBL6ATE6KQHL
- I would like to pay for one shirt and an additional donation (any number greater than $15): https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RVJQ657VXFJTW
Thank you in advance for your generosity!
There are also other ways to get involved through volunteering. Currently we are looking for individuals to help put together the slide show and memory book. If you are interested or have any questions, please select that option in the provided link (same as t-shirt order form) or contact Ami Ackerman (Ami.Ackerman@gmail.com).
Looking forward to everything that's to come to help make this upcoming milestone extra special for our children!
Active Aves is back!
Active Aves is a recess running program that allows kids to set and meet goals while having fun and being active outside with their friends. Kids run (or walk) laps around the playground, each of which is marked on a card. When kids complete a card (each card equals about 2 miles walked or run) they earn a token to mark their accomplishment. Kids who complete six or more cards will be entered in a drawing for a prize at the end of the season. You can help by volunteering to punch cards and cheer the kids on. Indoor recess cancels.
Testing Information
Testing Schedules - AIR and MAP
AIR Testing: Grades 3-4
3rd & 4th grade students will be taking the Ohio Reading AIR Assessment in April! Below are the dates:
3rd Grade:
April 6- ELA part 1 April 12: Math part 1
April 8- ELA part 2 April 14: Math part 2
4th Grade:
April 5: ELA part 1 April 19: Math part 1
April 7: ELA part 2 April 21: math part 2
Please ensure that your child arrives on time on these dates. If they arrive after the test begins, they will have to sit in the office until after testing.
Make sure that your child has had plenty of sleep, and a healthy breakfast. It is hard to concentrate when you are tired and hungry!
*If your child is not feeling well, please keep them home.*
MAP Testing: Grades 1-4
May 9: Reading- 1st & 3rd grade
May 10: Reading- 2nd & 4th grade
May 11: Math- 1st & 3rd grade
May 12: Math- 2nd & 4th grade
Thank you!
Learn Sign Language with Us!
We are so fortunate to have a sign language interpreter supporting one of our children at BAE again this year. Nicole Schum has been busy teaching all of us sign language! If you would like to join in the learning from home, please CLICK HERE for the Flipgrid account.
Once you log on to Flipgrid, the code for Blue Ash Sign Language is: baesign
CAFETERIA NEWS!!
Click HERE to access the menu.
PTO INFORMATION
Coin Challenge
Next week, April 18-22 our 4th graders are holding a coin challenge to raise money for their 4th grade celebration. So start scrounging between those couch cushions and have your students bring in some spare change.
4th Grade Celebration tshirts
Attention 4th grade parents, If you have not ordered your child's t-shirt for the fourth grade celebration, please do so by filling out the following form. Directions for payment and donations are included. We need t-shirt orders as soon as possible to ensure delivery in time for the end of the year celebration.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdWQ41hFk_YrJwnTYXyCgkWlPGV0FXyFnYhu7kBqQLcjhfpfA/viewform
2022/2023 PTO positions available!!!
Our PTO is looking for some creative people to fill a few positions for next school year. Our meetings will be held in the evenings in the cafeteria and we will be providing childcare!!! Please consider one of the following positions:
VP of Student Programs
Ambassadors Program Chair
Library Coordinator
Variety Show Chair
Donut Days Chair
Restaurant Nights Coordinator
Kindergarten Meet and Greet Chair
Contact Kristen Poast for more information. bapto@sycamoreschools.org
Math Night
With the help of our friends at Mathnasium, the Blue Ash Elementary PTO is excited to host Math Night on Wednesday, April 27th from 6:00-8:00! Your family is welcome to come enjoy some fun math games. There will be plenty of math fun and prizes for preschool through 4th grade. Plus you'll have the opportunity to shop Aves spirit wear while you're there. The Aves Hangar will be present with a pop up sale for us! Its a great time to stock up on Green and Gold apparel.
If you have an older student (grades 5 -12) who would be interested in volunteering to help that night, please sign up here. Adults are also welcome and encouraged to volunteer. We need lots of helping hands to make this evening run smoothly.