Baker Buzz December 21, 2018
All Things Baker!
Principal's Message!
Empathy is the ability to understand how another person feels. According to new Harvard research in The Empathy Effect, it's a trait that can be taught and developed. Build empathy and you will be a more effective person and leader. When I think about all the things that we want to teach our children, it can feel overwhelming. However, I think teaching them empathy is one of the most important things we can model and teach. To me, empathy also implies that you not only understand how another person feels, you try to see things from another viewpoint different from your own. I have yet, in 50 years of life, found a situation or scenario that could not have been resolved or deescalated with a little more understanding of each other's feelings, a shift in a viewpoint, or a more honest investigation. What wonderful things to be able to pass on to our kiddos. The art of being empathetic should be a much treasured character trait, one to be fostered and honed! We all want empathy for our families and ourselves; we need to give it as freely! We never know when we will need it for our families or ourselves. I see it every day in our kiddos and our staff at Baker Elementary!
A very wise person sent me the following quote:
When our children are angry, they are working hard to shield themselves against more difficult emotions that are rising inside of them- shame, grief, fear, jealously, anxiety.
Empathy softens the shield. It opens the way to them and sends the message that all of their feelings are safe here.
As we head into the second half of the school year, I will challenge myself to hone my empathetic skills, I will try to look at all viewpoints, make sure I take responsibility for my own actions, and always look with honesty and truth at any situation! I owe it to you all, your kiddos, and the amazing staff at Baker!
Thank you for allowing me to serve you this first half of the school year. Have a wonderful winter break and we will see you on January 8!
Sincerely,
Danielle Wallace
Dress-Up Days Continued!
Holiday Party Fun!
Winter Wonder Reads!
Gingerbread Houses in Kindergarten!
Friends!
2nd Grade Main Idea Fun!
Life Planning for Special Needs Parent Information Meeting
Please join us for "Life Planning for Special Needs," Wednesday, January 9, 2019, from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at Cockrell Elementary. This is important information for parents of children of all ages. A representative from For Families of Special Needs, Inc., a non-profit organization specializing in assisting individuals with disabilities and their families in understanding the United States social systems and benefits which may be available to them, will be our guest speaker.
For more information, please contact Julia Chalker, Prosper ISD Transition Specialist, at jtchalker@prosper-isd.net or 469-219-2000, ext. 13224.
Invent, Innovate, and Improve, 3i Challenge Through NuMinds Enrichment
STUDENTS RETURN TO SCHOOL TUESDAY, JANUARY 8, 2019!
John A. Baker Elementary School
Email: dlwallace@prosper-isd.net
Website: https://www.prosper-isd.net/Domain/8
Location: 3125 Bluewood Drive, McKinney, TX, USA
Phone: 469-219-2120
Twitter: @BakerElem