CN Jr/Sr HS WeAreOne
November 30, 2019
Focus 2019-20
Communication
Two teachers shared how parent communications made a positive impact. Please see excerpts below:
#1 I wanted to share this email I received from a parent. As part of our effort to increase communication with our stakeholders I am sending home a monthly note with the students. I was thrilled to receive such positive feedback. It really helps feed the soul.
Thank you for the note that I got from Jeremiah yesterday and your constant reminder of having an attitude of gratitude! I appreciate all you do for the kids at Central Noble. You are certainly an asset there! I also wanted to thank you for the project you did with the kids. We were very impressed with Jeremiah‘s project and the things that he learned while making it. We were out the other day and he was looking at something and describing the kind of corners that something had. I had no idea what he was talking about, but it made me realize that he’s actually picking up things. Thanks again for your dedication to your job and the students at Central Noble.
#2 I do think these notes are making a difference. The parents that are emailing me are not blaming like they have been in the past. I think because they know what is going on, they are putting the blame right where it needs to be. I have had lots of parent communication and almost all of it has been positive. (What can my son or daughter do to get their grade up?)
Reading
Now that it's colder, I can't think of anything more perfect to do with my weekends and breaks than curl up under a warm blanket with a good book and a mug of something hot and get lost in a story. There are so many great books out there, and it's hard to know where to start. So if you've read something wonderful, please share.
Social/Emotional Wellness
We can't assume that every student had a thankful break and that they are looking forward to the holiday season. For some of our students school means something more than just getting an education. School is a place with food and shelter. School is a place of support. School is a place of consistency and routine. School is a place of stability. School is a place with caring adults.
The holiday season is a time of joy and cheer for most of us. It’s a time to relax, catch up with family and friends, eat, and enjoy time away. But for many students and their families, the holidays can also be a time of high anxiety and stress. Many students may go without the support and stability that school has come to mean to them during breaks.
There are other stressors to consider as well. The holidays can be a time of grief and sadness — a time when memories come flooding back and losses become magnified. The holidays can also be a time of financial stress for some families who worry about paying the bills and having enough money to buy gifts. It can be a time of family disputes and substance abuse. The reality is that some students may not have the warm, inviting experience that so many of us look forward to each year. In fact, many students might return to school after the break having experienced traumas rather than joy.
Though we may not be able to find solutions for every family and every child, we can provide support. We can identify resources. We can let student voices be heard. We can let our students express their sadness, their anger their frustrations, their fears. We can create and locate spaces for them to feel safe. Most of all, we can let our students and families know that we care and we acknowledge that for some of our students school is a better place to be.
Welcome Little One!
Staff Changes and Additions
Upcoming Events:
12/3 - Holiday Pops Concert w/ Ft. Wayne Philharmonic
12/4 - Sr High SOM
12/6 - Sr High Choices Matter Program
12/6 - Christmas Parade (everyone is welcome to participate)
12/7 - NHS/NJHS Gift Wrapping
12/11 - Sr High School Holiday Show
12/12 - CN Miracle Makers Trip
12/13 - Staff Holiday Party
12/18 - Jr High Winter Concert