Dolphin Tales
The Week of November 11th
What You'll Find In This Newsletter
General Information
Quick Tips & Events for This Week
- Help Us Ensure Maximum Engagement at the Start of Our Day
- Help Us With Dismissal
- Early Release on Monday, November 11th
- Parent Teacher Conferences This Week
- Scholastic Book Fair All Week
- Principal Pick for Book Fair
- This Week's Worry Warrior's Session Cancelled
- Half Day on Friday, November 15th
- Dress Warm for Outdoor Recess
- Thanksgiving Break
- Picture Re-Take Day November 14th
Doherty Family Album
PBIS Winners
The One Big Thing
- The Four Questions to Help Your Child Self-Correct His/Her Behavior
In the Know with the PTO
- Dolphin Dash Celebrations
- PTO News
- Gleaners Food Drive
- Box Tops
Big Moments on the Horizon
- Worry Warriors for November 12th: Cancelled
- NEW After School Upcoming Classes
- First Lego League
- Our Children's Fund
- Tapper's Coat Drive
- United We Walk Celebration & button Contest
All in the Family: Schoolwide Connections
- Mrs. Hanifi's Art Blog
- PBIS Rewards
- Take A Break Program
Reruns
- Doherty Literary Garden
- How is Your Social Contract?
- Practical Steps for Helping Kids Through Challenging Situations
- Independent Reading and Buddy Reading
- Practical Steps for Reading at Home
- Next Level Efforts of Growing Our Readers--No Limits and No Labels
Blessings in a Backpack App
Lunch and Breakfast at Doherty
Doherty Elementary Traffic Plan
Upcoming Events/Dates
General Information
Important Contacts & Numbers
· Attendance Safe Line: 248-865-6002
· Main Office: 248-865-6020
· Website: wbsd.org (go to “Schools” to find Doherty)
Reporting Absences
If your child is sick and not coming to school, it is totally fine to let the teacher know. We also need you report this absence to our attendance safe line. When doing so, please report the child's name, the dates, and the reason for the absence.
School Times
· Building Opens: 8:05 AM
· School Starts: 8:25 AM
· School Ends: 3:17 PM
· Car Line Closes: 3:40 PM
· Don’t forget about our Early Releases on most Mondays
Nutrition & Allergy Prevention
· Pack a lunch as you wish (there are nut-free tables in the lunch room)
· Specific classrooms are nut-restricted (you will receive a letter)
· Class snacks: healthy snacks (preferably fruits & vegetables)
· Fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks only only for classroom parties
· No birthday food treats
Quick Tips & Events for This Week
Help Us Ensure Maximum Engagement at the Start of Our Day
Please Do Your Best to Get to School On-Time
We understand that late days happen now and again. Please do your very best to ensure that our kids are in school and on-time before 8:30 AM. This is important for so many reasons:- Being late and behind everybody creates unnecessary anxiety for a child.
- When children come in late, it becomes a distraction to the entire class. Getting off to a strong, focused start early in the morning is critical to creating maximum engagement and momentum for the teacher AND for each child.
- When children are late, they inevitably miss out on critical start of the day routines, as well as valuable learning opportunities.
If You Are Late, Please Give Your Child the Gift of Independence
We are now in the second quarter of the school year. That is really hard to believe. With that said, our children know the building well, and they are expected to be able to make it to their class on their own. So, if you are signing your child in late, please refrain from walking your child down to class and/or entering the class. This is important for several reasons:
- Momentum for our teachers is key. When unexpected guests come in to ask the teacher questions at the start of class, it disrupts their flow.
- Focus for our children is important. Every new guest and person that enters changes the channel of focus for our children.
- Allowing your child to independently follow our school routines of getting to class, getting unpacked, and getting ready is imperative for their development.
If you need help with something, or if you are looking for a lost item, or if you need something delivered to a teacher, our amazing office staff and support staff can help you with that.
Help Us With Dismissal
CHANGE IN DISMISSAL PLANS?
If you have a change in dismissal plans for your child, PLEASE take the following steps to ensure that we get your child to the correct location:
- Email your child's teacher and the main office staff: michelle.rudelic@wbsd.org AND wandas.turner@wbsd.org
- If your child's change in dismissal plans impact Kids Klub (either because your child is not attending Kids Klub on a particular day OR because your child needs to attend Kids Klub on a particular day), then please also include our Kids Klub lead and Kids Klub director: carey.saperstein@wbsd.org (this ensures that we get kids to the right spot at dismissal) and collette.goestenkors@wbsd.org (this ensures that billing is accurate for families).
Please help us in our carline by doing the following:
- Drive slow and be safe.
- When picking up or dropping off, stay in your car. We have staff members that can assist the kids. This helps keep the line moving quicker.
- When picking up, please be sure to keep your carline number tag visible and clear the whole time. This helps us move quickly through the line.
EARLY RELEASE DAY: Next Monday, November 11th
Early Release Day is Monday, November 11th
Please mark your calendar for Monday, November 11th, Dismissal is at 2:17 PM this day!!!
Our bus services will still run. The only difference is that they will drop off at stops one hour earlier. The bus will as normal just ONE HOUR earlier.
Please note that most (NOT ALL) Mondays are early releases. Below is a list of the early release Mondays for November and December
- Monday, November 18th
- Monday, December 2nd
- Monday, December 9th
- Monday, December 16th
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Parent Teacher Conferences will take place on November 14th (4:45-8:45 PM) and November 15th (12:30-3:15 PM). Please note that these are the only formally scheduled conferences in the district for the school year. With that said, we always encourage you to stay in touch with teachers throughout the school year.
In order to reserve your time slot, we ask that you use the Sign-Up Genius Links Below. Here are a few tips when you are signing up in a time slot:
- Be sure to use your child's name in the name section.
- If you would like translation services or sign language interpreter services, please request these in the comments area on the sign up.
- Specials teachers are available for sign up. However, you are not required to conference with them. Because they have every child in the school, their spots will fill up faster.
Links for Sign-Up
Scholastic Book Fair All This Week!
Dear Parents and Families,
Reading for pleasure unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are. Here’s what you can do to help children develop stronger reading skills and a love for reading:
- Set the example. Let children see you read.
- Have a collection of books in your home. Update this collection routinely to keepcup with changing tastes and reading skills.
- Support our school’s Book Fair. Allow your children to choose their own books to read.
Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.
Book Fair dates: SHOPPING: Monday, November 11 through Friday November 15
Shopping hours: During School Hours, iCenter class sessions & Parent/Teacher Conferences
Special activities: Help your child cast a vote for their favorite Arctic Animal: Polar Bear or Narwhal, send a donation for the All for Books Classroom Collection!!! Get your copy of my Principal Pick: “Can I Be Your Dog?” & have your child enter my letter-writing contest. I cannot wait to find out who will be principal for the day!
Two NEW shopping options! Book Fair eWallet is a safe and convenient digital payment option for your student to shop the Fair cash-free. If you’re not able to attend the Fair, try our new online shopping. We’ve partnered with the Scholastic Store to offer over 6,000 products that ship direct to home (with free shipping on book-only orders of $25 or more)! Visit our homepage to get started:
https://www.scholastic.com/bf/dohertyelementaryschool1
We hope to see you and your family at our Book Fair! Remember, all purchases benefit our school. Help us reach our goal to get 1,200 books into the hands of our students. We can do this!
Book Fair Principal Pick: Can I Be Your Dog?
$5.99 at our Doherty Scholastic Book Fair
Get your copy today!!!
I chose this book because it is fun, entertaining, models letter writing & provides good evidence to support claims! Above all else… I LOVE Dogs!!!
Buy a copy of the book & you’ll get a selfie photo with me!
If your class buys the most copies of my Principal Pick, I will make a special visit to your classroom with...and there may just be a special guest!!! One classroom, per grade level, will win this prize!!
Writing Challenge: Special Prize Entry
Can I Be Doherty Principal? Have you thought about what it would be like to be the principal of Doherty Elementary School? Why would you LOVE to have my job?
Here is what you need to do to enter this contest.
- Read the book.
- Think about the 3 top reasons that you would want to be principal of Doherty Elementary School.
- Write a letter to me explaining your reasoning. Include your claims and supporting evidence. Basically, tell me why this would be the most awesome job in the whole world.
- Turn in your entry to the front office, by 10:00 a.m. on Monday, December 23, 2019.
Winners will be announced in January.
There will be one winner per grade level.
Winners will have lunch with me and chat about what it’s like to be the principal at Doherty and even go on a special tour “behind the scenes” of Doherty school life.
Scholastic Book Fair: This Week
We still have spots for you to volunteer to help. If you are interested in helping, please check out this link:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C4AAAAC28AAFF2-doherty
Each classroom has assigned times to visit the book fair and shop. Also, we will be open during parent teacher conferences so please stop by and take a look at the awesome assortment of books for your child and family. These make wonderful holiday, birthday and family gifts, as well as just a wonder family treat to spend an hour together enjoying a book. The are also some amazing books for adults as well. This book fair is an excellent fundraiser for our Doherty iCenter as we earn rewards and are able to purchase books and online resources for our own iCenter to add to our collection.
This year's Principal Pick is "Can I Be Your Dog? This book is $5.99.
This Week's Worry Warriors Parent Session is Cancelled
Half Day on Friday, November 15th
OUTDOOR RECESS
Please be sure your child has the following with their name on it:
- Winter hat
- Gloves
- Snow boots
- Snow pants
- Winter jacket
Things get misplaced from time to time. But, if their items are labeled, it is so much easier for us to get them back to the rightful owner.
Thanksgiving Break
Picture Te-Take Day November 14th Morning Only
You will be able to order on mylifetouch.com with the Picture Day Id: LM729171Y1
There are order forms available in the school office if you need a new form. If your child is having their photo re-taken, please send the photos you already received back with your child on November 14th to give to the photographer.
Doherty Family Album
Positive Office Referrals
Part of our Portrait of a Graduate in West Bloomfield is helping students become impactful Contributors. Students are contributing when they positively impact the surrounding community and world by proactively applying personal awareness and relational skills.
At Doherty, with the support of our amazing families, we are developing Contributors. Moreover, we take the time to celebrate and recognize our Contributors!
PBIS (Personal Best In School) Winners
PBIS (Personal Best In School) Launches This Week
Beginning last week (and moving forward), we take time each week to recognize students for earning PBIS Rewards points. Weekly winners are recognized for making safe, responsible, and respectful choices. These winners are recognized on our morning announcements and receive a recess with Mr. Long.
Here’s how it all works:
Every week, students have a chance to earn 60 points or more.
Students' chances of winning are higher with the more points they earn each week.
And, here’s the best part. Every time a student earns a PBIS Rewards point, they still have a chance to win a weekly prize.
There will be 20 winners every week! Winners are chosen through a lottery system.
Winners from the past two weeks are below:
The One Big Thing
Use The Four Questions to Help Your Child Self Correct His/Her Behavior
But, before I share these magical questions with you, here are some things to consider:
- Your tone matters. How you ask the questions is just as important as what the actual questions are. Use a kind, calm, compassionate voice tone.
- Your body language matters. Body language is one of the most powerful forms of communication. So, if your body language says that you are angry, then it will be difficult to be effective with these questions.
- Don't fall for smoke screens or a child's attempt to avoid answering the question.
Question #1: What are you doing?
Question #2: What are you supposed to be doing?
Question #3: Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing?
Question #4: What are we going to do about it?
On any given question, you can ask the question two times. If the child has not answered the questions after the first two times, then here's what comes next:
- Step back and create physical space.
- Pause for a moment and provide the child time to think.
- Give an authentic compliment. It may be something like: "Grady, one of the things I love about you is that you are always so helpful around the house. Just the other day, you went out of your way to pick up all of the laundry without even being asked..."
- Clearly state that there will be a consequence if he/she doesn't answer the question. It may sound like this: "But, I am going to ask the question one more time. If you can't answer it, then you will have a consequence of (whatever consequence you might choose)."
- Ask the question a third and final time. If the question is answered, you move on to the next question. If it is not answered, it's consequence time.
Stay Connected with our Amazing PTO
In the Know With the PTO!
Dolphin Dash Celebrations!!!!
Top Fundraiser and Principal for the Day
Conor Walker from Mrs. Collins and Ms. Hoskow's class was the top fundraiser, raising $1,125! Conor's hard work has earned him a spot in the Principal's chair. That's right: on November 25th, Conor gets to spend the day with me to see what life as a Principal is all about.
Winning Classes
Mrs. Loeffler was the top fundraising class overall and the top fundraising kindergarten class.
Ms. Joynt was the top fundraising first grade class.
Mrs. DeGasperis was the top fundraising second grade class.
Each of these classes gets their very own movie party. Congratulations to those teachers and their students!
Dolphin Dash Superstars
The students below were fundraising superstars, raising $175 or more throughout the Dolphin Dash. In addition to being recognized her, their names will be recognized on our digital display by the main office AND they will get some pretty cool Doherty swag.
Caleb Woods Eric Jackson Emma Petersen Maxwell Petersen Parker Dean Clayton Nether Lucas Vasconcelos Myles Askew Mason Askew Madison Williams Blake Sweidan Everett Summerville Jack Lipson Andrew Lloyd Declan Edwards Larry Buck Korey Wren II Bryden Graff Krue Harper Emma Faris Fox Shannon Joseph Blount Jiyaa Gowda Riya Gowda Anson Wolenberg Conrad Stamper Ivan Williams Addison Holly Camille Hofstetter Wanda Wenczel Isaac Ellmers Eian Thompson Wesley Ostrowski Alex Edwards Malcolm Fiander McCoy Klebba Theodore Teller Bryson Roberson Liam Boyle Gayle Payton Sebastian Deiz Sienna S. Mackenzie Blount Cameron Chiawah-Lewis Jackson Husband Ryian Kelly Drew Graham Ryleigh Ortiz Lary Ligerakis Nevaeh Walker Rebecca Sullivan
Gleaner's Food Drive
Our PTO sponsored Gleaners Food Drive will run from Monday, Nov. 4th to Friday, Nov.15th. Please click the link below for more information.
Box Tops for Education
Please see the flyers below for information regarding Box Tops for Education. Our PTO is able to purchase amazing things for our school. The flyer will show you it is now easier than ever to help participate in the Box Tops for Education program.
The exciting change is No More Clipping!!! The box top app allows you to scan your receipt and instantly apply Box Tops to Doherty's earnings online.
No worries if you still have the traditional box tops at home , just send those into the office.
We thank you for your support.
Also, we have included a list of some products that work with Box Tops for Education.
Big Moments on the Horizon
Worry Warriors for November 12th is Cancelled: Rescheduled Date To Be Determined
NEW After School Upcoming Classes
First Lego League
Attention Parents:
Does your child like to build with Legos? A natural innovator? First Lego League Jr is a program that focuses on Grades K-3 building interest in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) through a real-world challenge – to be solved by research, critical thinking, and imagination. All skill levels welcome!
Theme: Boomtown Build
Please join us for a Parent Information Meeting at:
West Bloomfield High School - 4925 Orchard Lake Rd on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in the Media Center
Coaches Needed! Guarantee your child's spot and become a coach!
Students can only be on teams if there are enough coaches.
If you cannot make the meeting and are interested, email andrea.foglietta@wbsd.org
Please note this program practices after school, not during the regular class day.
First Lego League Junior Video
Our Children's Fund
Our Children's Fund is a non-profit organization run by a group of volunteers. 100% of the dollars donated to OCF are used to support our students. There are children in need in the West Bloomfield School District. For children in grades K-12, assistance through Our Children's Fund is available to meet the need that otherwise may fall through the cracks of government and private agencies.
Please contact the school office or Social Worker for assistance and the application form. You can email our social worker Jordyn Rosenzweig at jordyn.rosenzweig@wbsd.org.
Tapper's "Share the Warmth" Coat Drive
#sharethe warmth
#tapperscoatdrive
West Bloomfield United We Walk Celebration, Monday-January 19, 2020
Please mark your calendar to join our community on Monday, January 19th in celebration of
Dr. Martin Luther King for United We Walk!!!United We Walk and MLK 365.
Our district's United We Walk Committee will be celebrating 26 years of service in the community. Their 2020 initiative is MLK365 On the Run, a Martin Luther King Jr. inspired organization aspiring to put the power of change in hands of ordinary people so they can do extraordinary things.
You are invited to participate in the 2020 Button Contest for our upcoming January 19 celebration event. At the end of this newsletter, you will also find the Button Design Contest Form for United We Walk 2020. Please view this if your child is interested in submitting art for this year's button.
All in the Family: Schoolwide Connections
Mrs. Hanifi's Art Blog
Please click below to view Mrs. Hanifi's Art Blog. This is your chance to learn more about the exciting art opportunities taking place in your child's art class.
PBIS Rewards Information
What is PBIS Rewards?
The overall objective of the PBIS Rewards program is for our staff to successfully implement a schoolwide system that will help us provide high levels of acknowledgement to students through positive teacher attention to great behavior.
Monitoring Your Child’s Success with PBIS
Students earn PBIS Rewards points by living out our three schoolwide expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. At a minimum, students can earn points in the following ways on a daily basis:
9 points per day from their classroom teacher
3 points for each category--Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Responsible
3 points per day from their specials teacher
1 point for each category--Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Responsible
Using the Parent PBIS Rewards App On Your Smartphone
The PBIS Rewards Parent App (available for free download on smartphones) is a great way to check your child’s behavior on a daily basis. If you need access to your child’s code, please email Scott Long at scott.long@wbsd.org.
PBIS (Personal Best In School) Launches This Week
Beginning this week and for the rest of the year, we are going to take time each week to recognize students for earning PBIS Rewards points. Every week, we will have winners that are recognized for being a contributor and a difference maker.
Here’s how it all works:
Every week, students have a chance to earn 60 points or more.
Students' chances of winning are higher with the more points they earn each week.
And, here’s the best part. Every time a student earns a PBIS Rewards point, they still have a chance to win a weekly prize.
There will be 20 winners every week! Winners are chosen through a lottery system.
What to Look for on your PBIS Rewards App as a Parent?
The daily point system remains the same. Students can earn 9 or more points per day for being safe, respectful, and responsible in their homeroom. They can also earn 3 or more points per day for those same expectations in their specials classes each day. On top of that, students can earn points from staff in the halls, at lunch, at morning walking club, and at other points of the day for demonstrating their very best when it comes to living out our school's values.
Students that earn 9 points or more in a day have had a great day! When you look at your child's point balance, that's where you will be able to see how many points he/she has earned for the week. By week's end, our goal is for your child to earn 45 points or more.
At the end of the week, your child's point balance is cleared, and everyone starts back at 0 to start the next week.
Please keep in mind that students are not penalized for being absent or if a guest teacher is leading the classroom. Instead, students receive a prorated point total (based on what they typically earn per day) for such circumstances at the end of the marking period.
If you have not already done so, please get the app on your smart phone and begin checking for activity. If your student earns 9 or more points per day, he/she had a strong day! If you have not already added the PBIS Rewards Parent App to your smart phone, your child’s teacher should have given you directions on how you can track your child’s PBIS Rewards points. If you need help getting the app, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at scott.long@wbsd.org.
Take A Break
What is Take A Break?
“Take A Break” is a special space in the classroom where children can step away from the group and take a moment to decompress, reflect on their behavior, refocus, or think about making different choices. Children can choose to take a break themselves or may be asked to take a break by their teacher. It offers children the opportunity to reset and return to learning without negative consequences. The goal is for the students to recognize when they are upset or perhaps avoiding work and regulate their own emotions and outcomes.
Where does Take A Break happen?
Each classroom will have a designated space with a timer, a small basket of calming materials (stress balls, coloring sheets, play dough, etc.), and a comfortable place to sit, think, and write. It is typically separate from the whole group instruction area and is available to students at any time (including during specials). When a child is asked to, or chooses to, “Take a Break In” they use the classroom take a break card to go to the reflection area in their classroom.
Occasionally, taking a break in the classroom is not enough and children will be given a chance to take a break in a buddy teacher’s classroom (“Take a Break Out”). When that happens, the child will receive a friendly greeting from the buddy teacher and be asked to go to their reflection area until the teacher has a chance to talk with the student. After the student has had a chance to calm down and think, they will meet with their the buddy teacher (Take a Break Out), fill out a reflection sheet (a copy will be emailed home), and rejoin the class.
Click Here for Link to Morning Announcement Video That Highlights One Strategy From Take A Break
RERUNS
Doherty Literary Garden
Doherty Junior Literary Garden
The WBHS Literary Garden Club is so excited to partner with Doherty's students and our Jr Literary Garden. Like its high school counterpart, the Junior Literary Garden will have plants tied to the books the elementary students are reading so that the teachers can maximize sensory learning in literacy development. Your Doherty teachers are bursting with ideas beyond books - they are thinking of ways to use the Garden for math, science, and socio-emotional development.
The high school students have been designing the Garden to delight and surprise the elementary students at every turn. WB teachers Coletta Bain and Jennifer McQuillan have been collaborating on this project as well. Plans are in the works to connect high school students with elementary “book pals,” which would allow teens to come into Doherty and work with their younger counterparts in a variety of ways. This endeavor would not be possible without the generous support of the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation. We are so grateful for the “seed” money that is getting us started!
We would love your help as we “plant” this new initiative! Here’s our wish list:
Gardening gloves (kid and adult sized)
Gardening tools (kid and adult sized) (hand tools and shovels, rakes, etc.)
Brown paper lawn and refuse bags
Benches / seating / picnic table
Watering cans
Compost bin
Donations of perennial seeds, plants, and ideas are welcome!
Gently Used Picnic Tables
If you have items to help, please contact Ms. Bain at coletta.bain@wbsd.org
How is Your Social Contract?
Across the Doherty Family, our teachers and students are doing a great job living out their Social Contracts.
Below is a picture of Mrs. Griffin's classroom Social Contract and a picture of the new and improved Long Family Social Contract. I hope these inspire you :)
As a reminder...
Here's how you build it:
- Discuss the following four questions with your entire family: How do you want to be treated by me (the parent)? How do you think I (the parent) want to be treated by you (the child)? How do we want to treat each other? How will we treat each other when we have a problem/conflict?
- The goal is to create a set of words/phrases that you can highlight for your social contract. For example, you might have words/phrases like "be kind," "thoughtful," "patient," and "positive" on your social contract.
- Once you have generated your words/phrases, you record them on a larger piece of paper and post it somewhere in your house.
- Everyone signs it or initials it to signal that they agree to these values.
Here's how you keep it alive:
- Take time throughout the day to review the Social Contract. Pick one or two words to be the focus for the family.
- Pick someone to rate how the family has done with those 1 or 2 words for the day.
- Take time to affirm/compliment your children for doing a great job with one of the words/phrases on the Social Contract. Make the compliment very specific.
- If someone in the family is having a hard time living up to the agreements, you can remind them of the behaviors they agreed upon.
- At dinner, in the car, or during a walk, ask your child how he/she did in school with one of the values on your Social Contract. Ask them how a staff member lived out one of the values from your Social Contract.
- Refer to the Social Contract as often as possible.
Practical Steps for Helping Kids Through Challenging Situations
Here's the thing: every single parent can use the strategies Nikki imparted last week, regardless of the degree to which your child struggles with anxiety. And, to be honest, even us adults could use the strategies she imparted to help us with our own anxiety. On top of all of this, Doherty employs many of the same strategies when our children are struggling to cope.
With that said, I video taped key portions of our evening with Nikki, and the link is available below to watch.
This week, we have a few home challenges:
- Watch the video that includes some of the highlights from Nikki--click here for the link.
- Think about your language that you choose to use when working to empower your child towards growing his/her emotional resiliency. Use language that is at their level. For example, talk to them about putting on their armor so they can be a warrior. Talk to them about growing their emotional muscles as they encounter new situations and challenges. Use this language when they are calm and you are talking through potential scenarios, and use this language when they are struggling with their emotions. Watch the video for more details about the language you can use.
- Build a coping kit for home that your kid can use to help regulate their emotions. See the video for more details about how a coping kit works. You can also see the image below that explains how to build a coping kit.
- Create a Calm Down Jar for home. See the video for more details about how a calm down jar works. You can als refer to the calm down jar image below to create one.
- Check out the next Worry Warriors session on October 24th. See the flyer later in our newsletter for more details.
Independent Reading and Buddy Reading
Independent Reading
We challenge are students to grow their reading stamina each day by reading independently a little longer each day. Just like a runner will stretch his/her running distance over the course of time, we challenge our readers to stretch their reading time over the course of time. Many teachers actually chart the number of minutes the entire class remained focused with independent reading each day. This helps provide a visual representation of how the class is growing in their reading stamina.
At home, you can do the same. Carve out time each evening where you and your child read independently. You can start small--maybe just five minutes each night. Then, you can grow that time by 2-3 minutes. Research shows that children grow as readers when they have visible models of reading in their household, so please be sure to read independently at the same time. For your readers that can't actually read the text yet, keep in mind that your child can "read the pictures" to decipher what is going on. This is something your child has learned to do.
Extra points for you if you and your child read back to back during independent reading time. See the picture below. This is how most of our classes conduct their independent reading time--reading back to back with their reading buddy.
Partner Reading
Reading is a social experience. Readers grow when they have a chance to share and talk about their reading with others. At Doherty, after readers have the chance to engage in texts, we ask them to read with their reading partner and talk about their text. Most of the time, there is a specific focus point for the conversation.
At home, you can do the same. Once you are done with independent reading time, sit alongside of your child and engage in partner reading. You can take turns reading to each other and talk about what you read.
Extra points for you if you and child engage in partner reading by sitting shoulder to shoulder, knee to knee. See the picture below. This is how we conduct partner reading time.
Action Steps
- Set aside sacred, super important independent reading time.
- Start with a short chunk of independent reading time and then grow this over time.
- Read independently as your child reads independently. Feel free to read back to back.
- Follow independent reading time with partner reading time.
- Take turns reading and/or talk about your reading.
Practical Steps for Reading at Home
Let’s help our children grow and flex their reading muscles at home. When it comes to thinking about how we can help our children as readers, this can sometimes be an overwhelming task. But, it doesn't have to be! Here are some simple steps you can use at home that align with many of the things we are doing in the classroom.
It Starts With Giving Kids Access to Books That Interest Them
Sometimes it is a struggle to get our kids to read. The first step in getting them excited about reading is giving them an opportunity to choose books that are interesting to them. You can help give your child access to engaging and relevant books in many different ways, including:
- Get on Amazon and search for cool looking books with your child. The great thing about Amazon is buying a book is just a simple click.
- Go to the book store or the public library to shop for books with your child.
- Scan the Scholastic book order forms that are sent home with your child.
The most important thing is to make reading a magical and fun experience, where books open up new worlds to our kids.
Readability Matters: Give Kids Access to Books That Are Readable for Them
Research shows that the best way to help kids improve their reading is to give them access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level. Think of it this way. If you asked me to practice dunking a basketball on a ten foot rim for twenty minutes, I would easily give up. Why? Because I know that I can't jump that high. But, if you lower the rim a little (okay, okay..if you lower the rim a lot for me), then I will be more likely to engage in that task.
Here's a really easy way to figure out which books are at or slightly above your child's reading level:
- Email your child's teacher and ask them what your child's F & P reading level is. Your child's teacher will give you a letter.
- Once you know your child's F & P level, you can use Scholastic Book Wizard to search the reading level of a book. Click here to access Scholastic Book Wizard.
- If your child's level is a "D," then you might focus on books that are a D or E.
Something to really think about here: giving kids access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level does not mean that you cut them off from checking out or buying more complex texts. Allowing and encouraging readers to explore all types of texts makes reading fun.
Another thing to consider: we do not want to put labels on our readers. The last thing we want is for a reader to say, "I am a level D reader." An F & P reading level is simply a tool to help us support and scaffold our readers. It's not meant to compare my son's reading ability to another boy's reading, nor is it meant to place unnecessary stress on our little readers. Rather, it is merely one tool you can use when looking for books to put in front of your child. Just like I wouldn't use a hammer to drill a hole, I wouldn't use a reading level to exclude kids from books, nor would I use a reading level to make a reader feel like he/she isn't good enough.
Practice Building Reading Stamina
Make a simple chart that tracks the duration of time your child is reading. Start small with a goal to read for five minutes. Over time, increase this reading target time. Continue tracking it. Your child will love to see the progress he/she is making.
When we see how far we've come, we can realize how big our reading muscles are really getting!
Read Aloud
Read aloud to your child as often as you can. Right before bed is the perfect time. When reading aloud to your child, it's best to pick a "stretch text"---a book that is more challenging and a lot of fun. By reading aloud a fun book that is a little more challenging, your child will have access to more language and more complex reading.
Next Level Efforts of Growing Our Readers--No Limits & No Labels
Last week, we explored some ways in which we can help our children grow their reading muscles. This week, we are going to go a step further in terms of things you should consider when helping your child at home.
Make Reading Fun & Open New Windows to The World
Finding books and reading material that is relevant and engaging to your child is key. The most important thing is to make reading a magical and fun experience, where books open up new worlds to our kids. Head out to the library or the book store and go on a hunt for great books. Make looking for books a cool experience. When I reflect back to my earliest literacy experiences, the most magical experiences for me were the simple ones--where my dad took me to the library and told me to find anything I wanted to find.
Readability Matters, But Never Limit Your Reader
Giving kids access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level is a great way to help kids grow their reading muscles. However, be sure to avoid pigeon holing your little reader. Never stand in the way of a child and a book by saying that it is too difficult for them.
While it's nice to know your child's reading level for the purpose of giving them access of books that they can read, it shouldn't be the only thing you do. While it's great to ask your child's teacher about your child's reading level, always keep in mind that this level isn't meant to use in a way that holds a kid back, compares a kid to another kid, or even limits a child's opportunities.
Something to really think about here: giving kids access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level does not mean that you cut them off from checking out or buying more complex texts. Allowing and encouraging readers to explore all types of texts makes reading fun.
Another thing to consider: we do not want to put labels on our readers. The last thing we want is for a reader to say, "I am a level D reader." An F & P reading level is simply a tool to help us support and scaffold our readers. It's not meant to compare my son's reading ability to another boy's reading, nor is it meant to place unnecessary stress on our little readers. Rather, it is merely one tool you can use when looking for books to put in front of your child. Just like I wouldn't use a hammer to drill a hole, I wouldn't use a reading level to exclude kids from books, nor would I use a reading level to make a reader feel like he/she isn't good enough.
Huge Thanks to Dr. Hersh
These shirts would not be possible without Dr. Hersh. Dr. Hersh, West Bloomfield School Board of Education Trustee and leader of Hersh-Beattie Orthodontics, generously donated every single t-shirt. Thank you, Dr. Hersh!
West Bloomfield Kids in Charge
About Kids In Charge, from the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition
The program teaches:
- How harmful household chemicals, nicotine, alcohol, and other drugs can affect their physical health.
- The difference between safe and unsafe drugs.
- Basic refusal skills to reinforce their ability to make healthy life decisions.
- The effects of peer pressure, feelings, and advertising on decision making.
- KIC teaches children to be responsible for their own individual health and personal choices. It teaches that alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco use is legal for adults, who are in charge of themselves and their choices.
- Basic coping skills.
What can parents do?
- Use "teachable moments." This is simply relaxed time when you can casually bring up the subject of alcohol and other drugs as opposed to a "formal talking to."
- Be a positive role model. Older siblings, babysitters, and other adults influence children. Parents' drinking and drug abuse habits strongly influence children's attitude about alcohol and other drug use.
- Help kids deal with peer pressure. Children who have been taught to be cooperative and obedient may need parental support and encouragement to say "no" to peer pressure.
- Encouraging healthy, creative activities; hobbies, school events, and other activities may keep children from boredom that sometimes leads to experimenting with alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
- Connect with our local Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition at www.gwbcoalition.org to learn more for yourself. We provide resources and educational opportunities for parents.
West Bloomfield School District has always been a strong advocate for drug prevention education. Surveys show that students who have had Kids in Charge curriculum in elementary school, use substances at lower levels than other students in our county and the nation.
The GWBCC, West Bloomfield Education Foundation, and West Bloomfield Township partner together to fund this program. The GWBCC is reliant on sponsorships and funding from our community so that we may continue our prevention efforts. It is every expensive to run this program. Please help us make sure this important program continues in the future. Donations can be sent to GWB Community Coalition, P.O. Box 250072, West Bloomfield, MI 48325-0072. All donations are tax deductible. For more information about the Coalition, please look at our website at www.gwbcoalition.org or email Lisa Berkey, lberkey@gwbcoalition.org. For information on Kids In Charge, please contact KIC Coordinator Lisa Kaplan at lkaplan@gwbcoalition.org or 248-321-8476.
Order a Kids In Charge Shirt for Your Child!
At the end of this newsletter, you will find a PDF attachment order form for a Kids In Charge T-Shirt. You may order a shirt for your child.
The T-Shirt is $10.00. Please return the order form with payment by October 4th to the Doherty office. Please make your check payable to GWBCC.
Blessings In A Backpack
Blessings in a Backpack is back for its eighth year of providing food to the students of West Bloomfield. A national non-profit organization, Blessings in a Backpack is run entirely by volunteers and is in over 42 states and 450 schools. Last year alone, dedicated volunteers in our community ordered, packed and delivered bags filled with 6 meals to over 225 students who qualified for the Free and Reduced Food Program for every weekend of the school year. Packing is done on Wednesday mornings at 10 AM at Sheiko Elementary School and we welcome volunteers.
Mark your calendars for our third annual BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK TRIVIA NIGHT. It will take place on Friday, November 15, 2019 at 6:00 pm at Santia Hall in Keego Harbor. We need to raise $30,000 to purchase the food for our eligible students, as the cost of feeding a child every weekend of the school year is over $100. This year we are adding students at West Bloomfield High School who qualify this program, thus servicing all eligible students in our school district from Pre School to 12th grade!! Look for the Trivia Night Ad in this edition of the Laker. We have sold out the last two years, so be sure to get your tickets early—Great Fun, Great Good, Great Cause!!
Whether you attend Trivia Night or not, please consider donating to this worthwhile program, as no child in our great country should worry about where they will get their next meal. Donations can be made on line at www.blessingsinabackpackmi.org. Be sure to note that your donation is for West Bloomfield/Keego Harbor. Credit card donations will appear as cfound.org on your credit card statement. Donations by check should be made out to Community Foundation of Greater Rochester (CFGR)--Blessings in a Backpack—WB/KH and mailed to:
Blessings in a Backpack, 303 East Street, Rochester, MI 48307
Applications for your child to participate in this program are attached at the end of this newsletter.
For further questions contact katherinesheiko@hotmail.com or call 248 521 0074.
Information About Lunches & Breakfast
By clicking any of the links below, you can learn more about our lunch services. Please note that if you need your child's student number for setting up an account on E-Funds, you can access it by going to his/her PowerSchool account. If you are unable to access PowerSchool, you can email Mrs. Turner at wandas.turner@wbsd.org. If you need immediate access to a student number before the first day of school, you can email me at scott.long@wbsd.org.
Link to Doherty Breakfast Menu
Setting Up an Account on the New E-Funds Lunch Program
Doherty Elementary Traffic Plan
At both pick-up and drop-off:
- Cars enter using the right lane and loop through the parking lot.
- Once cars enter the parking lot, you'll notice that there are two lines of green arrows. We ask that you form two lines at this part of the parking lot. This is important, as it allows for more cars to fit in our car loop and ensures that our car line does not stop/block traffic on Walnut Lake Road.
- Pull to the farthest available spot in the "Pick-Up/Drop-Off" area.
- Drivers should remain in the car.
- Children should exit and enter the car through the driver side.
- Staff and volunteers will be available to assist children in opening and closing doors.
At drop-off:
- Children should remain in the car until 8:05 AM.
At pick-up:
- Place the Carline Identification Tag (you received one at our opening events if you applied for it) on your rearview mirror so it is visible.
- If you have multiple people picking up your child, please be sure each one knows your carline number. Also, it would be a good idea to photocopy the tag for other rearview mirrors.
In an effort to keep children safe, I agree to the following procedures:
- I will place the Carline Identification Card that I receive at the start of the year in my front window so staff can easily identify me at afternoon pick-up.
- I will follow the traffic lanes as indicated on the map.
- I will follow directions provided by the Doherty Crossing Guard and other personnel.
- I will arrange seats and other interior items so my child can safely enter and exit my care through the back door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
- I will remain in the vehicle, and I will allow a Doherty Staff Member to escort my child to and from the car.
In an effort to help ensure smooth and safe operations at Doherty Elementary, I agree to the following procedures:
- I will not park in the Doherty Parking Lot during drop-off or dismissal unless I have urgent business in the office/school.
- I understand that my child may NOT enter the building before 8:05 AM each morning, unless he/she attends Kids Klub (before school care).
- I understand that my child will be sent to Kids Klub (paid after school care) if he/she is not picked up when the car line closes at 3:40 PM.
Interested in Student Accident Insurance
It is information about the Vulnerable or Impaired (VIP) Program being offered by WBPD. This program offers adult/juveniles who are vulnerable or impaired to have a “file” with important information at WBPD disposal should they come in contact with them in the public.
The Michigan State Police has announced the Vulnerable or Impaired (VIP) Program. This allows the parent/legal guardian/power of attorney of an individual with special to voluntarily enroll the individual's prints and photograph into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System database. This allows law enforcement offices with access to a Live Scan to quickly identify enrolled individuals who may be confused or disoriented, There are many great benefits of this new act. Information about the Vulnerable or Impaired (VIP) Program being offered by WBPD. This program offers adult/juveniles who are vulnerable or impaired to have a “file” with important information at WBPD disposal should they come in contact with them in the public.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to WBPD, if you would like a packet please stop by the school office.
Upcoming Dates/Events
November 11th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
November 11th: Quarter 1 Report Cards Posted By Midnight
November 12th: Worry Warriors Parent Evening
November 14th: Picture Re-Take Day
November 14th: Evening Conferences
November 15th: Half Day for Students/ PM Conferences
November 18th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
November 21st: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 PM
November 27-29th: Thanksgiving Break
December 2nd: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
December 9th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
December 10th: PTO Craft Day
December 13th: Quarter 2 Progress Reports Due by Midnight
December 16th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
December 23-January 3rd: Winter Break
January 13th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
January 16th: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 PM
January 19th: United We Walk Event, 2:30 PM at WBHS
January 20th: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, No School
January 23rd: Half Day
January 24th: Half Day
February 3rd: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
February 3rd: Quarter 2 Report Cards Due by Midnight
February 6th: American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge Kick-Off
February 10th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
February 17-18th: Mid-Winter Break
February 24th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 2nd: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 2nd: Quarter 3 Progress Reports Due by Midnight
March 9th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 12th: PTO Shamrock Shake
March 16th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 19th: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 PM
March 26th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
March 30-April 3rd: Spring Break
April 6th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
April 9th: PTO Multicultural Night
April 10th: No School
April 14th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
April 15th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
April 15th: Quarter 3 Report Cards Due by Midnight
April 16th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
April 16th: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 Pm
April 20th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
April 27th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
April 29th: First Grade Musical Concert (Evening)
May 4th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
May 5th: District Fine Arts Showcase
May 7th: 2nd Grade Musical Concert (Evening)
May 11th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
May 11th: Quarter 4 Progress Reports Due by Midnight
May 18th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
May 21st: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 PM
May 25th: No School
May 29th: Doherty Field Day
June 1st: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
June 15th: Half Day
June 16th: Half Day, Last Day of School