***
February, 2023
Woodside Elementary School, where we strive to make learning engaging and fun!
Principal's Message
Welcome to February!
Last month we celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday and the work he did around equal rights, love, acceptance, and friendship. Our fabulous second-grade students led our school assembly with readings, songs, and our first school-wide march around our courtyard. During the assembly, student writings included things they could do to make the world a better place, even though they were only in the second grade. They sang What Can One Little Person Do, to let ALL students know they can help make the world a better place. Our talented students ended their presentation with two final songs, Each of Us Has a Light and You’ll Be the Cause. Thank you to the many parents and special guests that joined us in celebrating the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The following link is one that your family can enjoy, The Story of Martin Luther King, Jr. by Kid President: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xXZhXTFWnE
This month we will be celebrating Valentine’s Day, this is always a favorite day for students. February 16th is the 100th day of school; this is a big celebration at Woodside. Many classes do math activities around the Big Number 100. We celebrate Dr. Seuss birthday in February with fun reading activities.
February is also National Acts of Kindness month. At Woodside, kindness is not just one month – it is year-round! Sometimes we need to be mindful that when we get busy it can affect the people around us – at home, school, and the wider community. It can start with not making time to stop, listen and appreciate others. When we are busy our tone of voice can change and words that have no mean intent can come across as harsh or uncaring. This can snowball and relationships can become strained.
One way to stop this is to deliberately pause, breathe, give ourselves a break and practice kindness to all. Remember, no act of kindness is too small, and every act of kindness sends endless ripples out into the world. One of the easiest acts of kindness is to use good manners and respect with others – and it does not cost a thing!! Kindness is an emotion that students feel, and empathy is a strength that they share.
8 Reasons for Teaching Kindness in School
1. Happy Children
Science explains that the good feelings we experience when being kind are produced by endorphins that activate areas of the brain that are associated with pleasure, social connection, and trust, and it has proven that these feelings of joyfulness are contagious, encouraging more kind behavior by the giver and recipient.
2. Increased Peer Acceptance
Research on the subject has determined that kindness increases our ability to form meaningful connections with others. Studies show that kind, happy children enjoy greater peer acceptance because they are well liked and that better than average mental health is reported in classrooms that practice more inclusive behavior due to an even distribution of popularity.
3. Improved Health and Less Stress
It’s widely documented that being kind can trigger a release of the hormone oxytocin which has a number of physical and mental health benefits as it can significantly increase a person’s level of happiness and reduce stress. More recently though, it’s been found it plays a significant role in the cardiovascular system, helping protect the heart by lowering blood pressure and reducing free radicals and inflammation, which incidentally speed up the aging process.
4. Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self Esteem
Studies show that people experience a ‘helpers high’ when they do a good deed, a rush of endorphins that creates a lasting sense of pride, well-being, and an enriched sense of belonging. Even small acts of kindness are reported to heighten our sense of well-being, increase energy, and give a wonderful feeling of optimism and self-worth.
5. Increased Feelings of Gratitude
When children are part of projects that help others less fortunate than themselves, it provides them with a real sense of perspective and helps them appreciate the good things in their own lives.
6. Better Concentration and Improved Results
As it increases serotonin, which plays an important part in learning, memory, mood, sleep, health and digestion, kindness is a key ingredient that helps children feel good. Having a positive outlook allows them greater attentions spans and enables more creative thinking to produce better results at school.
7. Less Bullying
Many traditional anti-bullying programs focus on the negative actions that cause children anxiety and often with little impact. Teaching kindness and compassion in schools, not only fosters the positive behavior that creates warm and inclusive school environments, but helps children feel that they belong. It is documented that the effects of bullying can be significantly reduced by integrating kindness-based programs in schools.
8. Reduced Depression
Dr. Wayne Dyer, internationally renowned author, and speaker, says research has discovered that an act of kindness increases levels of serotonin (a natural chemical responsible for improving mood) in the brain. It is also found that serotonin levels are increased in both the giver and receiver of an act of kindness, as well as anyone who witnesses that kindness, making it a wonderful natural antidepressant.
Thank you for sending such great kids to us every day and for continuing to support your student and our staff as we work together to make sure each child is learning.
Sincerely,
Dr. Betty J. Cobbs, Principal
Assistant Principal's Message
Dear Woodside Families,
Wrapping up the first semester on February 3rd means that we are also approaching the 100th day of school. This school year, our Woodside Toucans have been growing more confident and capable as readers, writers, mathematicians, and scientists, while strengthening their growth mindset through academic learning and social interactions with our school program utilizing the REACH for Reading, Illustrative Math, and Second Step curriculum.
One indicator of your child’s learning progress will be from the Elementary Progress Reports available online by February 17th. As we continue to work together to strengthen the school to home connection, Woodside Toucans will thrive with positive learning experiences. We truly appreciate your partnership with our learning program and family participation in school events. Your contributions continue to enrich our school community for all students, staff, and families.
“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”
~PELÊ
Warmly,
Christine Vo, Assistant Principal
cvo@everettsd.org, 425-385-7891
Counselor's Corner
Kindness matters! National Act of Kindness Day is on February 17th.
Here is an example of an act of kindness you could do with your student daily.
The Boys and Girls club of Snohomish County links adult volunteers to youth for a free mentoring program. Learn more at: https://www.bbbs-snoco.org. They are now accepting applications for ‘littles.” If you would like your child to have a mentor, please apply on their website, the link is https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4841923. Or adults can apply to be a “big” volunteer, the link is https://bbbs.tfaforms.net/4841919. If you are in need of clothes for your student the non-profit Organization “Clothes for Kids” offers wardrobes once a year for our students as needed. If you have not shopped at Clothes for Kids this school year (since August 1, 2022) you are eligible to receive a wardrobe. You can make an appointment by going to their website at www.clothesforkids.org or call 425-741-6500 and they will schedule an appointment for you.
Let me know if you have any questions!
-Stacy Story, LICSW
What is happening in music this February?
All grades will be celebrating black history month in music by learning about important and influential black musicians.
Students will engage in weekly listening lessons as we learn about various composers, singers, and songwriters who have become music legends:
Ask your child to share with you what they have learned about our musicians this month.
3rd, 4th and 5th Graders will receive information on recorders this month. Your child has the option to purchase a recorder for $8 or borrow a school recorder for our unit that runs from March-May. Be on the lookout for a recorder order form going home early this month!
2nd Grade will begin a unit on the xylophones and drums as they perform on the instruments to accompany a story, Cock-a-doodle doo, Barnyard Hullabaloo.
1st Graders are working hard on their Snowmen at Night Concert, which will be on Thursday, February 9th at 2:00PM and 6:30PM. The concert is based on the book, Snowmen at Night, and the students have learned a variety of songs about winter that they will share in between narration of the story. We hope to see you there!
The Kindergarteners are learning new songs and dances for Valentine’s Day this month. Ask your child about the songs they have learned in music and if they can share one with you at home!
4th and 5th Grade Choir
I am so proud to announce that there are 55 students in the before school choir at Woodside! I am thrilled that so many students are willing to wake up early and come sing every Thursday morning from 7:30-8:25AM! I look forward to all the wonderful music we will be singing in choir this year.
Upcoming Music Events
1st Grade Snowmen at Night Concert
Thursday, February 9th
2:00PM and 6:30PM in the Woodside Cafeteria
4th and 5th Grade Choir Concert
Thursday, March 23rd
2:00PM and 6:30PM in the Woodside Cafeteria
Honor Choir Concert
Monday, April 24th
7:00PM at the Everett Civic Auditorium (only for select/auditioned choir members)
If you have any questions or concerns, please email Mrs. Hill at: thill@everettsd.org