Discovery Weekly Newsletter
Week of April 29, 2019
Mr. Brown's Beat
Greetings Trailblazer Families!
Ever have such a long week that when you get home, at your front door, you press your cars key fob button to unlock the door? Last night I did it, over and over, while standing there with shirt untucked and briefcase in the other hand. As I started to get concerned, my neighbors on their porch across the way started laughing at me and snapped me out of my trance. It will be a story they will tell their friends for a long time to come I am sure!
Alright, lets jump in as I am very excited to share this information.
Over the last few months teachers and students have been talking about how we can always ensure we give our best. Life can be challenging and sometimes we have to face moments which require us not to give up. Both Discovery teachers and students face challenges daily, but for our students in particular, tasks like solving mathematical problems and having to write creative stories sometimes become difficult and frustrating. Options like giving up, acting out, or contributing to reinforce others off-task behavior seem to become more appealing. To ensure we pick ourselves up and face these challenges head on we must have Grit. Most would define Grit by using a collection of some or all of the following words: passion, perseverance, and stick-to-it-ness. Making a plan, taking action, and keeping a sense of confidence helps to develop grit.
Speaking personally, I have a growth-mindset. I believe that everyone’s basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. I believe that you need to be resilient as that’s what is essential for great accomplishment. I feel my level of Grit is probably higher than most. But maybe not? If you find yourself interested enough to assess yourself against the 10-question Grit Scale, shoot me a message with your score and we shall see if you indeed are as ‘Gritty’ as your child’s Dean.
In trying to help all students navigate their developmental years, and in an effort to be proactive in supporting your child’s Social Emotional Learning (buzz word you may have heard ‘SEL’), I have stumbled upon some great information that just two weeks ago stopped me ‘dead in my tracks’ and had me engaged for hours. University of Pennsylvania psychologist Angela Duckworth has researched Grit and has some powerful information that may open your eyes when reflecting on your son/daughter and their “grit-ability.”
I will, however, allow Dr. Duckworth herself tell you about Grit. In the attached 7-minute video, you will hopefully be hooked (like I was) in the words and message Dr. Duckworth is conveying to us. I implore you to spend the tiny amount of time you have available in your day to watch this.
The article that will follow this section is entitled, “What is Grit, Why Kids Need It, And How You Can Foster It,” by Jenny Williams. It details Dr. Duckworth’s study and is well worth the time. The following lines are stated early and most definitely made me want to continue reading:
- “Today’s mounting research on Grit suggests that your child’s ability to work hard, endure, struggle, fail, and try again may be the key to determining his or her long-term success and happiness.”
- “Grit is a distinct combination of passion, resilience, determination, and focus that allows a person to maintain the discipline and optimism to persevere in their goals even in the face of discomfort, rejection, and a lack of visible progress for years, or even decades.”
- “And according to study after study, people who are smart, talented, kind, curious, and come from stable, loving homes, generally don’t succeed if they don’t know how to work hard, remain committed to their goals, and persevere through struggles and failure.”
- “Through extensive research, Angela Duckworth and her team have proven that the common denominator among spelling bee finalists, successful West Point cadets, salespeople and teachers who not only stick with, but improve in their performance is grit.”
https://afineparent.com/building-character/what-is-grit.html
Angela has also created a Grit Scale, linked here. Test your own Grit but also use the lines of questioning to glean certain Grit characteristics. Since Dr. Duckworth says herself that “there is no way to systematically measure Grit,” then why not also rely on your own ‘internal compass’ and assess for yourself your son/daughter’s Grit once you become more familiar with what it looks like.
Last, and since the theme this week is Grit, I would like to thank our amazing custodial staff, led by Mr. John McIntyre and Ms. Rosa Ramos. They have recently personified Grit, and are wonderful staff members who go above and beyond for Discovery Elementary School.
Have a great upcoming week!
Mark Your Calendars
April 29 - May 3
Tuesday, April 30
Friday, May 3
Don't Miss Out! This Friday- Discovery Rough & Tumble
Do you have what it takes to be a Discovery Ninja Warrior? If the answer is yes, then you do not want to miss our end-of-year event: The Discovery Rough and Tumble. This fun 1k race featuring obstacles and challenges along the way will be this Friday, May 3. Students will compete against grade level peers with top heat finishers getting medals and prizes!
Not up for the challenge? We hope you still join us to cheer on classmate, enjoy great music and eat delicious food from food trucks "Keepin it Grill" and "Kona Ice" as we end another school year at Discovery. Packet pick up will be at the school starting at 5:00pm with races beginning at 6:00pm.
REGISTER ONLINE TODAY. Cost is $15 to race or $20 to race and get an event shirt.
Volunteers are much needed and appreciated at this event. Please consider helping out on the race course to direct children and cheer them on. You will be at the front row of the action and will still be able to see your child racing! Teen volunteers are welcomed. Sign Up Here.
Help us Spoil the Discovery Staff
Do you own a small business or know of someone that does that would be willing to donate to our Staff Appreciation Raffle the week of May 6? Have a talent and would be willing to donate it? We're looking for gift cards, experiences, talent, etc...
In addition, we're seeking food donations and volunteers to assist with our scheduled activities that week. To sign up please visit this link. We thank you in advance!
PTO Update
Discovery Spirit Wear Sale
All items are 50% OFF! Limited quantities available so hurry while supplies last. Click this link to visit the PTO online store.
Scholastic Book Fair Coming Soon!
We are also inviting families to join their students for Lunch with Loved Ones - a perfect opportunity to spend time with your children/grandchildren and peruse the fair. Families with last names beginning with the letters A-L are invited Wednesday, 5/1 and families with last names beginning with the letters M-Z are invited Thursday, 5/2. See our website for additional information and schedule. We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair! Remember, all purchases benefit our school. Thank you for supporting our readers!
Discovery's math club team 'Discovery Pi-thons' grabbed another year of Awards
Congratulations to Sathvik Vaka for winning the 5th place (in 5th graders contest) and Tanmayi Mendu for winning the 2nd place (4th graders) at the Loudoun Math Tournament this past Saturday. Approximately 38 teams participated in the tournament.
Please reach out to the math coach Mr. Vinjamuri @Murali Vinjamuri for any further information regarding math club activities during Summer.
Free Basketball Clinic with Former NBA Star Gheorghe Muresan
You must register online to attend. See the flyer below for more information or click here to register online.
2019-2020 School Supply Kits Now On Sale
Believe it or not, we are already thinking about next school year! Save yourself time and aggravation by buying your school supplies online. Kits will be delivered to the school in August and waiting for you in the classroom. Order before May 1 and be entered to win a FREE supply kit! Visit this link to order and use our online code: DES005.
Lost & Found
Has your child lost a lunch box? Their jacket or water bottle? The Lost and Found area is located right outside of the cafeteria. All items will be donated at the end of each month to a local charity.
Please label your child’s belongings; it’s the best way to be sure it gets found or returned quickly.
Discovery's Calendar
April
- 29-30 - Scholastic Book Fair
- 30 - Spring Picture Day
May
- 1-3 - Scholastic Book Fair
- 3 - Rough & Tumble
- 14- PTO Meeting, 7pm
Thank you Discovery Elementary PTO Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Contact Us
Website: https://www.lcps.org/des
Location: Discovery Elementary School, Grace Bridge Drive, Ashburn, VA, USA
Phone: 571-252-2370
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/discovery.pto.trailblazers/
Twitter: @Discovery_elem