Lenski Weekly Update
January 26th, 2024
From the Principal's Desk
Happy Friday! We hope that everyone had a great week!
As we enter into February, we are excited about Valentine’s Day. We will supply bags with handles for our students to decorate on the 14th. Your student’s teacher will reach out with more details about how the class will celebrate.
We are excited to gather and raise money for Lenski on March 1st. Thank you to our amazing PTO for their work in planning our Lenski Auction Night! Please scan the QR code to register for this fun event. We hope to see you all on March 1st!
Have a great weekend!
With Lenski Love,
Jessica
From the Office
Valentine's Day and Diaper Drive
Help us spread the love this Valentine’s Day to the young and old in our community! Love From Lenski is a yearly tradition where our Lenski kids make valentines for the elderly in our community during their lunch time on February 7th.
In addition to the valentines this year, we will be having a school wide diaper and wipe drive benefiting the St. Andrew’s Market in the old East Elementary school. This market serves the local community, many of which are a part of our greater LPS family. Diapers and wipes are not something that is covered under any public program, and a great expense for families in need. Please bring items for donation to the front entrance of Lenski. There will be collection bins in the vestibule. The drive will run January 29th-February 14. Thank you so much for helping us spread the love!!!!
Lenski Accountability Committee
At this week’s Lenski Accountability Team Meeting, District Social Worker, Meredith Henry presented fascinating information about student technology use. Following are a few slides from her presentation.
National Data (Pew Research, 2022)
TikTok has rocketed in popularity: teenagers ages 13-17 is now the top social media platform for teens.
YouTube is used by 95% of teens followed by TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat (used by about 6 in 10 teens surveyed).
Demographic differences: teen boys are more likely to use YouTube and Reddit, whereas teen girls are more likely to use TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat.
35% of teens share they are using at least one of these platforms “almost constantly”.
The vast majority of teens have access to digital devices, such as smartphones (95%), desktop or laptop computers (90%) and gaming consoles (80%).
Almost all US teens report using the the internet daily
Impact of Screen Time on Children and Teens
US Children 8-12 spend 4-6hrs/day on screens. 12-18yo spend up to 9hrs/day
The Downsides:
Can impact sleep
Can increase moodiness
Can decrease attention span
Can increase self-image/body image issues
Potential for exposure to violence, sex, bullying behavior
Can lead to problems with health (weight, tech neck)
Can decrease creativity
The Upsides:
Can be used to connect with others
Can be how to find out information about the world, academics
Can promote activism and social justice about causes that are important to teens
Can help with organization
Life 360/Google Maps - helpful to stay connected with teens when they are out in the world
We are reminding students about proper use of technology in school and on the bus. In school, we ask that students ask their teachers to call home if they need to communicate with parents. Parents, please refrain from distracting your learners with text messages sent to smart watches during the day.
On the bus, students may use their personal devices. However, as the bus is an extension of school, they need to play school appropriate games. Parents, please monitor your student’s cell phone to help them make appropriate choices.
Finally, students may not use their cell phones to take pictures on the bus. This violates transportation policy. Again parents, we ask that you help monitor cell phone usage.
Third Grade Music Performance
Thursday, February 1, 5:30-6 pm
Our third graders will present a concert featuring songs and dances from across the United States. Invite your family, friends and neighbors and join us in the Multipurpose Room!
Student performers must report to their classrooms at 5:15 pm, dressed for their audience in "school picture clothes."
From the Counselors
Social-Emotional Idea to Help Your Child Understand Big Emotions and Feelings
During read-alouds or family movies stop occasionally to talk about how characters are feeling. For example, watching the movie Migration you might say, “The Mallard family is hiding under a rock during a thunderstorm. How do you think the family is feeling right now? How would you feel if you were Dax?”
Emotions are normal. Share experiences from your own childhood to ease your child's anxiety when experiencing strong emotions. It may sound like this: “You get frustrated in math? I remember how annoyed I felt when I didn’t understand long division, but the teacher played a game that helped me understand. What makes you feel frustrated?"
Calling All 3rd – 5th Grade Girls! Girls on the Run is coming to Lois Lenski this Spring!
Spring Season begins the Week of March 4
What is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that empowers 3rd – 8th grade girls to build a lifetime of confidence, character, and connection through a fun running-based curriculum. For more information, please visit www.girlsontherunrockies.org or contact Coach Emily at Emily.Solomon@jacobs.com.
Interested in Coaching?
We coaches are trained volunteers who will lead our Lenski girls through a season of powerful and fun lessons. No running experience required – just a desire to support and encourage our next generation. You will receive all the tools and support you need.
Hello – my name is Coach Emily! I am a Lenski mom and we have a 3rd grader at Lenski. We are new to the Lenski community this year and I am beyond excited to bring GOTR to Lenski! I have coached for this amazing organization for nearly 10 years and I learn something new from our girls every season – I am equally inspired by our kids. Please feel free to reach out to me in the meantime at Emily.Solomon@jacobs.com with any questions.
Superstars of the Week
Important Dates
February 1st-3rd Grade Music Performance
February 2nd-PTO Meeting 12:00-1:30pm at Koelbel Library
February 7th-Love from Lenski
February 16th-Non-student Day-No School
February 19th- Presidents’ Day- No School
February 22nd-Restaurant Night at Parry's Pizza
March 1st- Lenski Auction Night
March 4th-March 7th: Conference Week
March 7th-8th- No School
March 25th-29th: Spring Break