Valley News
February 2024
A Note From Mrs. Chivington:
Hello Valley Families!
As we move through the winter months and find ourselves inside more often, it can feel like there is a little too much "togetherness" time. This can sometimes cause people to feel anxious or irritated. One way to counteract these issues is by finding ways to have fun together as a family. Families who have fun together and who truly make a point of enjoying each other build bonds that will last a lifetime. Laughter, being silly, and having fun with your kids is one simple way of switching the mood when everyone is feeling overly reactive. Of course children need boundaries and structure, but "playful parenting" and positive experiences as a family add more to your child's life and development than you may be aware of:
- Prepares children for relationships
- Encourages connection with others
- Offers positive reinforcement about being in a loving relationship
- Reinforces positive and healthy desires as dopamine is released from the reward system in connection with enjoying family relationships (i.e., fun and play is a reward)
- Reinforces bonds between parent and child
- Improves sibling relationships
- Improves child's receptivity, reduces reactivity
- Helps to shift negative emotions
- Reduces power struggles and encourages cooperation!
If you're looking for some ideas, this article called "87 Fun things to Do at Home to Avoid Cabin Fever" may be helpful: https://www.todaysparent.com/family/activities/fun-things-to-do-at-home/
Enjoy some FUN with those you love!
Sincerely,
Sarah Chivington
Principal
Scholastic Writing Contest
Congratulations to fifth grader Allie Draper on winning the Scholastic Storyworks Magazine Apple Contest! Allie competed against hundreds of other young authors, and was chosen because her entry showed "critical thinking, point of view, and reading and writing skills". Allie is part of the Valley Elementary Writing Club, which is advised by Mrs. McKitrick and Miss Welz.
Kindergartners are 100 Days Smarter!
Yearbook Orders
Now is your chance to order a Valley Elementary 2023-2024 yearbook! Paper order forms are due February 23rd, and online orders must be submitted by March 10th.
***Paper order forms are available in the office upon request***
Valley Elementary Read-a-thon
We will be hosting our first Read-a-thon fundraiser to raise money for Valley beginning February 26th. Money earned from this fund raiser will be reserved for purchases that directly benefit students and staff. One of our main focuses is to revamp our Viking Vik incentive program by providing new rewards and experiences. Students who participate in the Read-a-thon will have the opportunity to earn prizes both for raising money and for spending time reading. More information about student prizes will come home soon!
From the Clinic
We are often in need of gently used clothing items for students whose clothing becomes soiled during the day. We are specifically in need of the following:
Girls pants/leggings: small and medium (sizes 5-8
Boys pants: small and medium (sizes 5-8)
Dress Code
We are noticing more students violating the dress code established by Beavercreek City Schools for our elementary students. Please take a moment to review the dress code from the handbook in order to avoid potential disciplinary action:
IX. STUDENT DRESS CODE
Student behavior is often influenced by mode of dress and our goal is to provide a learning environment as free of distractions as possible. Therefore,
We encourage:
neatness, safety, good grooming and common sense when choosing articles to be worn to school
parents to read the wording on their child's clothing for suggestive language or prints
wearing apparel and appearance that is not disruptive to the instructional process
We prohibit:
revealing clothing including exposed midriffs
articles suggesting violence, alcohol, drugs or sex or make reference to body parts and clothing articles showing skulls, weapons of violence and partially clothed people
short shorts (bottom of shorts need to be at least at end of finger length)
sagging pants to include oversized baggy pants worn low on the waist or large pants cut off to allow a sagging crotch
mini skirts
tank tops (may wear sleeveless shirts if shoulder straps are at least 1 inch thick and arm holes are not oversized)
halter tops
muscle shirts
net/mesh shirts
bikers spandex shorts unless worn under another loose fitting pair
jeans with large holes
hats worn inside the building
bandanas
flip flops
high heels
sunglasses being worn inside the building
watches with active noise features
chains hanging from wallets/clothing
suggestive jewelry
Items or methods used to alter regular appearance that cause a distraction in the classroom, including make-up, body piercing, and body art.
Dangling earrings
Attendance Information
Attendance at school is an important part of your child's education. Ohio House Bill 410 has strict attendance guidelines, and you can read more about those requirements here. Our Building Office Assistant, Shannon Wyatt, has created a helpful list of do's and don'ts to help your family avoid a truancy or chronic absenteeism letter. Please call her at (937) 429-7597 with any questions!
Attendance Do's and Don'ts
- DON'T forget to report an absence to the office! Call 937-429-7597, option 1 OR email valleyattendance@gocreek.org. If the absence is not reported by 10:00am, our automated calling system will call home for any absent student who we have not heard from.
- DO keep your student home until they are 24 hours symptom free, without medication.
- DON'T forget to get a doctor's note and turn it into the Valley office when your student visits the doctor during school hours. Each student has 10 absences per school year that a parent can excuse, however, if you get a doctor's note, the absence does not count against the 10 you are allotted. Doctor's notes should be turned in within 5 days of the absence.
- DO let us know in advance of any absences due to a vacation. The district is no longer using vacation request forms, therefore, an email to valleyattendance@gocreek.org is the best way to let us know about an upcoming vacation. The district excuses 5 vacation/out of town days per school year.
Thank you for making your child's attendance in school a priority!
Greene County Educational Service Center's February Sessions
February Family Wellness Challenge
Community Chats with Mr. Otten
February Events
9 - PowerUp Girls @ 7:45 (IMC)
13 - Writing Club @ 8:00 (Room 53)
13 - PTO Meeting @ 6:30
15 - Second Grade Library Field Trip
15 - Math Club
15 - PTO Skateworld Event
19 - No School (Presidents’ Day)
21 - Picture Day for Clubs, 5th Grade Class Photo, and New Students
22 - Math Club
23 - PowerUp Girls @ 7:45 (IMC)
27 - Writing Club @ 8:00 (Room 53)
29 - Math Club