MAVS MEMO
THURSDAY, October 31, 2019
Laughter, The Best Medicine
Have A Funny? Please Send So We Can Share!
But Only If You Really Want To! Really!
Starting Friday: 30 Day Challenge: Grateful November
Deanna and I were able to attend a training Tuesday about self-care for not only new teachers; but for all teachers and staff. But what was shared clearly had a direct link to how we can help our students as well.
Research shows that when you start with a positive mindset your brain is more open to embracing learning and challenges over all rather than feeling defeated or down because you are focusing on what you don't have in your life, rather than what you do have. Starting each morning helping our students find a positive note to begin their day, makes all our days a little brighter and perhaps more productive.
Research also suggests that setting a goal for 30 days is a great way to start a healthy habit, or perhaps break a not so healthy habit.
So in the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, let's take time each day to take a moment to reflect what we are grateful for.
With the start of November we are introducing a 30 Day challenge for students and staff.
Everyone has a hard copy in their box that they can use for themselves or run copies off for their students (or maybe something to share with your family at home?)
The challenge is to start each morning, taking a moment to think of something you are grateful for and write it down. (Writing might prove a bit challenging for our primary darlings which is why you can 'tweak' as needed.)
For the older grades and for each staff member, you have a paper copy that you can write down what you are grateful for.
By November 30 you will have a gift of 30 positive reflections to look back on.
This might be a great way to start each morning as students unpack waiting for announcements, or following announcements and/or before you begin Circle Time.
(Perhaps they will write down their thoughts of Gratitude on Sat. and Sun. to share on Monday or perhaps on Monday, they reflect and list three things for Sat., Sun., and Monday.)
Perhaps with our little ones you will use it as an ice breaker for Circle Time sharing something that you are thankful for, or makes you happy in your life.
For our older students who would write it down... In addition to setting the tone for Circle Time in this Season of Thanksgiving...the list could also be a great resource/reference for writing prompts whether writing a letter to a parent or friend, or perhaps a poem, or an essay...the opportunities are endless or inspire a picture.
The form for writing down thoughts of gratitude are in your box if you want to use them.
Even with colder weather outside, chilling us to the bone, we can warm our days with moments of gratitude.
Thanksgiving Food Drive
Kindness and Caring X 250!
It is also a wonderful time to teach children empathy and how small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Our can food drive will be the month of November. Coach B has some fun ideas of showing children how small acts of kindness can build something incredible when we work together!
Our goal is to donate 250 cans. One per family. We look forward to a drawing at the end of November to read to classes if we reach our school-wide goal. Just like our peanut butter campaign, this is not a competition between classes, but rather a celebration of our school community working and coming together to make a difference!
Thank you for sharing during Circle Time and with your grade level families this opportunity for our students to 'be the difference in the world.'
Thank You Sunshine
What a Treat! Don't Forget!
Special shout out to Sunshine for the adorable decorations and helping us get in the spirit!
(I just got to take a peek at the Teachers Lounge...just too cute!)
Vision and Hearing Screenings This Week
Monday, Nov. 4 through Wednesday, November 6
District Health Assistants will be at Mathews to do mass vision and hearing screenings ( for Kinder, 1st and 3rd).
Nurse Laura will send grade levels more information shortly.
DATES to REMEMBER
In The Near Future
For specific information regarding upcoming events please be sure to download the Mathews Outlook calendar. Nancy keeps the Mathews Outlook calendar current of all events going on at Mathews.
Thursday, October 31:
Kid Talk Thursday: Have your notes in Google Drive so we can review and plan accordingly.
Sunshine & PTA: Staff Bake Potatoes and Brisket
Friday, November 1:
Grade 2 Field Trip: Dallas World Aquarium with lunch at Klyde Warren Park
Monday through Wednesday, November 4 through 6:
Fifth Grade Adventure Camp!
Tuesday, November 5:
Non-Camp 5th grade HSLC Field Trip (Outdoor Learning Center)
Thursday, November 7:
Data Differentiation Day:
Grade Levels can work on updating their data for Tier 2, update Kid Talk (if needed) or work on your differentiated instruction for upcoming lessons.
(Grade 4 will be Wednesday, November 6)
Friday, November 8:
PTA Luncheon for staff
Monday, November 11:
Veterans' Day Assembly
Tuesday, November 12:
Picture Retake Day
Thursday and Friday, November 14 and 15:
5th Grade Colonial Day
Friday, November 22:
Kindergarten: Harvest Day
PTA & Sunshine: Pies Oh My!
November 25-29:
Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, December 5:
12 Days of Joy Begins
Friday, December 6:
Mavs Mentor Day
Tuesday, December 10:
5th Grade Music Makers Choir Concert
6:00-7:00 (Performers will arrive earlier)
Friday, December 13:
Holiday Luncheon
Thursday, December 19:
Grades K, 1, 2 Winter Parties
12:30-1:30
Grades 3, 4, & 5 Winter Parties
1:30-2:30
Friday, December 20:
Early Release for Winter Break
Noon
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
GT Hours
Click to see how you can find resources.
SAFE SCHOOLS REQUIRED TRAINING
ANNUAL COMPLIANCE TRAINING
If you have incomplete training please complete before the due date in order for you and for Mathews to stay in compliance. Thank you.
Duty Roster
Mathews Elementary School
Email: Patricia.Powell@PISD.edu
Website: https://www.pisd.edu/mathews
Location: 7500 Marchman Way, Plano, TX, United States
Phone: 469 752-2300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Mathews_Mavericks-284576455085191/