Tommie Talk
November 2021
Mrs. Streeter - Principal
Mrs. Lawrey - Administrative Assistant
Mrs. Hughes - Administrative Assistant
WHAT ARE YOU THANKFUL FOR?
We are so very THANKFUL for each and every one of our Jefferson students and their families.
We are THANKFUL that we have been able to keep school open during these uncertain times.
We are THANKFUL for the smiles brought to school each day.
We are THANKFUL for our amazing teachers and staff and their positive outlook as they teach your children every day.
We are THANKFUL for our administration as they navigate each day to keep our students and staff safe.
We are THANKFUL for the opportunity to educate your children and set them up for great success!
What are you THANKFUL for?
Even when we have uncertainty, worry, or hardships, we always have something to be THANKFUL for.
Take some time this month to reflect on being THANKFUL!
School Events
November 7 - Daylight Savings Time Ends (turn clocks back 1 hour)
November 11 - No School (Happy Veteran's Day)
November 12-14 - Badlands Art Show
November 15-19 - American Education Week (see details below)
November 16 - 3rd Grade Music Concert -"A Patriotic Tribute" - 6:30pm
November 17 & 18 - High Plains Dental Sealant Program
November 19 - End of Trimester 1
November 29 - Report Cards Coming Home
November 24-26 - No School (Happy Thanksgiving)
American Education Week - November 15-19
American Education Week, first celebrated in 1921 is an opportunity to celebrate public education, to inform the community of the accomplishments and needs of public schools, to secure cooperation and support from the public, and to honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child receives a quality education. Take the time to thank and show your appreciation toward our educators at Jefferson this week!
11/15 Monday - Dress Like a Principal Day - "What would I do if i were principal for a day?"
11/16 Tuesday - Family Day - Thank you Parents/Guardians! Wear Red, White, and Blue (This is to support the theme for our 3rd grade concert today "A Patriotic Tribute".
11/17 Wednesday - Education Support Professionals Day - Students will be making a card to "Thank" a support staff member today.
11/18 Thursday - Educators Day - Dress Like a Jefferson Teacher - "Can we guess which teacher you are?"
11/19 Friday - Substitute Teacher Day - Students will be making cards thanking a substitute teacher.
Community Events
October 31 - Mall-O-Ween 2:30-4:30
October 31 - DHS Trunk or Treat 4pm-6pm
October 31 - Trick or Trunk - Downtown Dickinson -4pm-6pm
November 5 - Ladies Night Out - 5pm-8:30pm
November 17 - Turkey Bingo - Eagles Club - 7:30pm
SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE - Speak Honestly and Kindly
Think before you speak. Make sure your intention is positive and your words are sincere.
Words are powerful! They have the power to uplift and enlighten or put down and depress. A few cutting words spoken in a moment of anger can affect us for a long time, perhaps even a lifetime. On the other hand, a few kind words can make a very positive difference in how we feel about ourselves … sometimes for a lifetime.
What we say to others—and to ourselves—can have a huge impact. Speaking with good purpose is about always considering the intention of our words. It’s about communicating directly, clearly, honestly, and with a positive purpose. The first step is awareness. If we always think before we speak instead of just blurting out whatever comes to mind, we can learn to consider the reason for our words and make sure we are speaking with good purpose … will our words build someone up or put them down? We all sometimes have negative thoughts, but we don’t have to say everything we think.
There will be times when we need to share critical thoughts. At these times, if our purpose and how we phrase our words is considered first, sharing honest and direct feedback can be very positive and powerful, and build trust.
Speaking with good purpose is the cornerstone of healthy relationships. This Key fosters a positive emotional environment where people are happier, more productive, and more likely to succeed.
Thank You API & Gravity
Music News from Mrs. Holder
In November, students will learn songs about thankfulness and giving as we continue to work toward our essential standards goals.
Third graders will have a concert performance on Tuesday, November 16 @6:30pm. Please see details below regarding the performance.
Phy Ed News from Mr. Binstock
For the first two weeks of November in gym, K-5th grade will be participating in our parachute unit. Once the parachute unit is complete, we will then move into our basketball unit for grades K-5 to wrap up the month of November. In the last week of November, students in grades 3-5 will be asked if they would like to participate in the Elks Hoop Shoot Free Throw competition. This will be done at Jefferson during their assigned gym time. I will have further details of this event when the students come to gym in late November. Have a great Thanksgiving Break!
-Mr. Binstock
Art News from Miss Johnson
The Badlands Art Show is currently planned for November 12-14th at the Roosevelt Grand Dakota Hotel (located across from El Sombrero). You can enter 1 - 2 art pieces and each entry will cost you $1. Please have your artwork placed in a mat or picture frame. Artwork on notebook paper WILL NOT be accepted. Professional matting and framing can be done at JP Frame Shop (for a charge) in downtown Dickinson or inexpensive picture frames can be purchased at stores such as Walmart. Have your artwork and entry fee(s) brought to your school by Nov. 1st, 2021.
Cold Weather Changes & Guidelines
As cold weather begins to set in, please send your child(ren) with their warmest winter clothing. Students need warm coats, hats and gloves. Snow pants and boots are required if your child wants to play in the snow. It is important that they have these items and if possible please write their names inside of their coats, snow pants, gloves and hats.
- If the temperature is under 50° students must wear coats
- If the temperature is 51° - 60° students can wear long sleeves/sweatshirts
- If the temperature is 60° and above, students can wear shorts/t-shirts
- We go outside until the temperature reaches -10 degrees wind chill
CHANGE YOUR CLOCK - CHANGE YOUR BATTERIES
"Squid Games" Concerns
Important Information about “SQUID GAMES”
The following information is from the New Jersey Family Article, THE DANGEROUS ‘SQUID GAME” KIDS ARE PLAYING ON SCHOOL PLAYGROUNDS, https://www.njfamily.com/the-dangerous-squid-game-kids-are-playing-on-school-playgrounds/
“The Netflix, show “Squid Games,” has becomes a huge hit, surpassing 100 million views during the first month on the service. But, while the drama out of South Korea has massive global appeal, it’s definitely not appropriate for children, even though many are watching. With a plot that involves a group of people in debt competing for money by playing children’s games like Red Light, Green Light, and those who are eliminated from the game being executed, parents are rightly concerned about their kids being exposed to such violent content.”
Please take time to read the rest of the article listed above for further information. My greatest concern is that other elementary school principals in Dickinson are sharing that students as young as 2nd grade are now referencing this show and trying to play the games like it on the playground or talking about this in the classrooms. This show is rated MA. We can’t control what children watch when they are not at school, and it isn’t our decision, that is the parent’s decision. I encourage that if you see any of this behavior, please have a conversation with your child. I don’t believe that some parents know that the Netflix Series is rated MA. Also use the opportunity to make it a teaching moment and share that at Jefferson we don’t play games like this because it isn’t the Jefferson way. Dr. Cowan suggests using “I” statements, such as, “I worry about how playing these games may impact you now and in the future. It’s important that we always treat others with kindness and respect. I love you, and I’m trying to protect you.” You can also add on, “Thank you for choosing to play something else at recess, that helps to support fun, friendship, and kindness.”
Digital Suggestion Box
Here at Jefferson we value your thoughts, concerns, and ideas. You can use the digital suggestion box at any time to voice your celebrations, thoughts, concerns, and ideas that you may have. We love to here your positive feedback here too!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1rz6Dm9u5daQIWplSj4se5TzpUHFsNE74vyotthSxLcY/edit?ts=5dcad48f
LOST AND FOUND
Please encourage your children to check the lost and found for their lost items. It is quite full! We will be donating all items not claimed after Thanksgiving break.