Theodore Robinson Intermediate
April 2019
News from the Principal
Happy Spring Everyone!
I am hoping that the spring weather continues for our Spring Break next week. H.E.R.O.E.S. groups participated in our annual Wacky Olympics on Friday. It is always a great time. The Tug of War continues to be the most popular event. Check with your child for details. Thank you to Mrs Horgen for organizing and running it each year as well as all of the family volunteers who helped to make it a success! It wouldn’t be possible without you.
We are excited to begin the 4th Quarter upon return from break. It might surprise you to know that a lot of learning and growth takes place during April and May. The break re-energizes students and staff allowing them to focus and push themselves during the last nine weeks. Thank you for taking the time to meet with your child’s teacher for a conference in March. It is so important that we work together as a team to support each child. Your thoughts and ideas matter to us.
As I mentioned in the March Newsletter, we are preparing for the state test called the Forward Exam. Students will spend some time during the first week of April getting ready for the exam. Students will work through some practice questions and familiarize themselves with the computer format of the test. Our goal is to help students feel comfortable with the exam ahead of time so that they are not stressed when taking the exam. Students will take the exam over several days between April 9th and May 24th. After Spring Break, your child’s teacher will send home the testing times/dates for your child’s class. Please make sure that your child eats a good breakfast and has a snack on testing days so that they can show us what they know. A full stomach really does help! We will have snacks on hand as well. Our goal is to do all that we can to make the students feel comfortable and successful while taking the exam.
We will rejuvenate our play areas after break with new soccer nets, thanks to your support of the Bucky Book Fundraiser. Thank you families and the PTO! We will also review the rules for soccer, tetherball, 4-square, the Walking Path and football so that we are all starting from the same place. This should help to keep recess enjoyable for all of us!
Please encourage your child to read over break. It is so important to hold onto all of the growth made thus far this year. Thank you so much for all that you do to support TRIS and your child! Together we can make TRIS the best it can be. Enjoy time with your family next week! Please let me know if you have questions, ideas or concerns. My direct line is 882-3842 and my email is DornB@evansville.k12.wi.us.
Upcoming Events
22nd - End of 3rd Qtr - Early Release at 12:00 Noon
25th - Start of Spring Break
April
1st - Staff & Students Return to School
22nd - No School - Professional Learning Day
Counselor's Corner
Dear TRIS Families,
Throughout the month of March students have been engaged in their Second Step lessons. Students are continuing to discuss our previous topics of empathy and being respectful learners while adding in some new topics and activities.
Our 3rd grade students are learning what the word compassion means and different ways to make new friends. Students are having fun role playing scenarios in which they are showing another student compassion as well as learning to recognize how others are feeling based on the person’s facial expression and body language!
Our 4th and 5th grade students have started the emotion management unit. Students are learning that strong emotions are normal but it is important to be able to recognize these emotions and handle them appropriately. Students are learning to use a stop signal, such as “hold on,” “I need to chill,” and “I just need to take a minute.” They are learning to name the feeling that they are experiencing and then choose a calming technique that they believe will work for them in that situation, such as deep centered breathing, counting or positive self-talk. With this unit students are also learning how the brain responds to these situations, with the amygdala responding impulsively to the strong emotions, this is why it is so important for students to learn to use their stop signal, identify their feeling, and use a calm down strategy.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, comments or concerns. I can be reached by phone at 882-3847 or by email at mcnamaras@evansville.k12.wi.us. Also, please check your email as this will be my primary way of communicating weekly guidance topics and home links. Thank you for supporting your child in learning the skills that lead to success in school and in life!
Sammy McNamara
TRIS School Counselor
Local 4th Grade Math 24 Winners
Jordy Bigelow - 2nd Place
Adrianna Bergh - 6th Place
Mathew Wickersham
Ethan Gray
Langdon Dobbs
Local 5th Grade Math 24 Winners
Brady Jarstad
Daniel Harnack
Race Howlett
Faith Mohrbacher
Nathan Scarmon - 5th Place
Reading Tips for Over Spring Break!
Spring break is a fantastic time to encourage reading. Since students are on a break from school, they have more time to read for fun and rediscover the joy that comes from books. Here are some ways to encourage reading during the break!
On the first day of break, be sure to take a trip to the library. Let the kids pick out two or three books they want to read over the break. Since a lot of kids will want to spend time watching movies at home or at the movie theater this week, why not take the time to read the source novel of a film together first? Then watch the movie and discuss differences. If you are heading out of town for the break, get some books about your destination to read together before you go. That way, you'll be more prepared for your trip and you'll be more excited about visiting! Remember to pack books in the car or in luggage. There's always a lot of wait time at an airport or on the road, which makes it a perfect place to read more.
And remember, if you are looking for some new books to read or to share with your family over the break, make sure to ask your local librarian for some recommendations.
Check out the Evansville Youth Center Available to 5th Grade Students
APRIL CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 2019
Craft of the Week: Origami Bunnies
1—Wii Wakeboarding
2—Boxing Bag
3—Boxing Bag
4—Singles Pool Tournament
5—Singles Pool Tournament
Craft of the Week: Glitter Eggs
8—Surprise Visitor
9—Fishing in the Park
10—Race Cars
11—Let’s Cook
12—Charades
Craft of the Week: Easter Bunnies
15—Frisbee in the Park
16—Library Alison
17—Mystery Activity/Permission Slips Due
18—Skeeball Tournament
19—GAGA Ball
Craft of the Week: Slime
22—FIELD TRIP
23—Movie
24—Challenge Us
25—Challenge Us
26—Party!
Craft of the Week: Ruberband bracelets
29—NERF wars
30—NERF wars
1—May Day
2—Scavenger Hunt in the Park
3—Mario Kart Tournament