Penngrove Press
February 19th, 2020
Real Talk: The Stigma of Spring Conferences
Penngrove families, listen up, we LOVE being in communication with you! Sharing the progress of your children with you is a joy. Having honest and difficult conversations with you, is an honor. Asking for your partnership in an effort to watch your babes become inspiring humans, it's what we live for! I'm asking for your help to shift the narrative from, "Oh no, do you have to have a spring conference?!" to "My teacher cares enough about my child to set aside time to share his/her progress with me."
If you know anything about me at all, you know I'm pretty transparent. I'm not very good at sugar coating things, and especially lately (maybe the lack of sleep?!) I find myself not being able to hide what I'm thinking on my face. So this whole, "Oh no, I have a spring conference" mentality, has had my face making a lot of unattractive expressions lately. Not just because people jump to conclusions about the "why" of a conference, but because that means we also need to do a better job of educating you all on the many reasons why a spring conference may take place. Here are just a few of the questions we ask ourselves as we think about conferences:
- Have I noticed a shift in academic progress or behavior (either positively or negatively)? Let's celebrate and/or make a plan for success!
- Do I have any students who have greater potential than what I'm seeing? Perhaps a little motivation or support will send them soaring.
- Has anyone demonstrated excellent leadership skills or become a stellar friend to others and I just want to brag about them for a few moments without the every day distractions?
- Am I worried about anyone emotionally? Am I doing everything I can to foster a sense of belonging and connection?
- Are there any families I rarely see on campus due to work/life schedules, and I'd love a chance to just connect with them and see how their child enjoys my class?
- Were there any fall conferences I need to follow up on?
Truth is, we talked about you all today in our staff meeting. We know that some of you are feeling anxious, nervous, worried, or maybe even annoyed that you have been invited to a conference. Heck, some of you may be feeling jealous that you didn't get invited to one!
Don't worry, we see you. We know you're working hard. We know deep down you want what's best for your children. We understand boundaries sometimes feel fuzzy and establishing routines can be challenging. Some of you feel guilty for not reading often enough with your child, for failing to make healthy meals. Others may find themselves questioning their own parenting styles. Maybe your child is exhibiting new behaviors and you're scared. Perhaps you're starting to see the effects of too much screen time, or not enough unstructured play time. Social pressures, peer pressures. They're all around us. Again, we see you. And without any judgement or hesitation we say, "You can do this. It's never too late to re-set. It's always okay to say 'I'm sorry'. It's normal to feel protective. It's scary to let go. And we're here for you every step of the way."
So help me out #PennVillage. Let's shift the narrative on more than just our spring conferences. We're in this together. Lean on us, and allow us to lean on you.
Thank you for trusting us with your children. They give us hope for the future.
With love,
Amy
Stop and think...
Fiesta Familiar
Friends of Penngrove PTA está buscando miembros del comité para participar en la planificación de la Fiesta Familiar de este año. ¡Una de las noches más especiales del año, esta noche incluye comida deliciosa, increíble entretenimiento, compañerismo y amigos! ¿Le gustaría ayudar planear esta divertida noche familiar? Envíe un correo electrónico a Shannon Gilmore: friendsofpenngrovepta@gmail.com o Yesenia Espino: yespino@petk12.org.
¡Gracias!
Friends of Penngrove PTA is looking for committee members to
participate in planning this year's Fiesta Familiar. One of the most
special evenings of the year, this night includes delicious food,
amazing entertainment, fellowship & friends! Would you like to help
plan this family fun night? Please email Shannon Gilmore:
friendsofpenngrovepta@gmail.com or Yesenia Espino: yespino@petk12.org.
Thank you!
Celebrate your children when you see them "stepping away"! Look at the power it holds.
Garden Party Campus Clean-up
Last Call - Paper Box Tops
It’s time for another #teampenn staff room stock-up!
Sign-ups are on the #pennpta website linked below! #petk12
https://friendspenngrovepta.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/60995
Only a few spots are left!
Sponsor the Penngrove Talent Show!
Show your support here: bit.ly/talentsponsor
Contact fopptaevents@gmail.com with any questions. Thank you for your support!
“I SHOW KINDNESS BY...”
For details go to doodle4google.com. For past winners click HERE. I have a prepaid entry envelope if your student wants to send it with other Penngrove entries. Please bring in art on required entry form to the office attention Kris Thomason. Questions please email kthomason@petk12.org. Entries are due by March 13th.
Chess for Kids * Ajedrez para niños
Call: (707)527-6427 for info.
Enroll online at: www.chessclubforkids.com
Registrese en línea www.chessclubforkids.com
Penngrove Elementary - Home of the #pennpanthers
Email: penngrove@petk12.org
Website: www.penngroveelementary.org
Location: 365 Adobe Road, Penngrove, CA, USA
Phone: 707 778 4755
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Penngrove-Elementary-School-323595021067904/
Twitter: @pennpanthers