Loachapoka Elementary School News
May
Principal's Note
Loachapoka families,
The end of the year is sadly here. We have had a wonderful year at Loachapoka Elementary School. We have gotten to know each of our students and their families. Staff has worked diligently to ensure that this was a memorable year for all of our students. In the mist of everything that has gone on around us, students were still at the forefront. So much learning has taken place this year. Teachers worked relentlessly at their computers communicating electronically with students and parents, and researching and developing lessons and activities to increase student achievement during these challenging times.
Please continue to follow guidelines for the health and safety of your family. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you in the fall. Please stay tuned via our school webpage and media regarding all upcoming school related information.
Many of you have been concerned about the return of school issued items such as books and Chromebooks. See the information below regarding the procedure that will be followed next week.
Thank you for your unwavering support of Loachapoka Elementary School. We look forward to seeing you in the fall.
Returning of Chromebooks/textbooks/library books Schedule
Parents will remain in their vehicles on the day of pick-up.
Grade Level Day/Date Time
Pre-K & Kinder
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
8:30-9:00
First & Second
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
9:30-10:30
Third & Fourth
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
11:00-12:00
Fifth & Sixth
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
12:30-1:30
Dropping off school items and picking up student non-essential items using the carline:
Staff 1 stationed along the front entrance in the parking lot to determine who is in the vehicle and place an identifying numbered card under windshield wiper. Staff 1 will relay to staff 2 on radio the number assigned to the vehicle and the student name/homeroom. Staff 2 gathers student belongings and Staff 3 prepares students inventory list to bring to the distribution point.
When the vehicle pulls up to the distribution point, staff 2 places student belongs in the trunk of the vehicle, collects number card from windshield wiper, and the family tells staff 3 what they are returning and associated barcode numbers so that staff 3 can confirm it matches the LEECO Barcode #. Staff 3 should also visually inspect the device and ask the parent to open the device, turn it on to show the working screen and CONFIRM THE CORRECT CHARGER IS PRESENT FOR THE DEVICE. If any damage is noticed to the device staff 3 is to make note on the release form. Allow the student/guardian to place the device and charger onto the cart without making any contact.
Parents may leave at this point.
Natasha Foster; Principal
Carmen Anderson; Assistant Principal
April/ May Curriculum
Counseling Tidbits
We hope that everyone ends the year on positive note. Be sure to take time throughout the summer to read whatever you can get your hands on as well as practice your math facts. Parents take the time to read to your child daily or have them read to you. Continue to go over math facts so that too much is not lost during the summer months.
Modeling positive behavior around your children is very important. Use words such as please, thank you, you’re welcome and excuse me. Intervene whenever you see inappropriate behaviors and model appropriate ones for them. There’s an old adage, kids do more of what they see adults do and not what they hear them say. We may not always make the best decisions however it is never too late to start. Whenever we do make mistakes it’s important for us to acknowledge that. Our kids need to know that we are human and are apt to make mistakes.
Hopefully all will have a healthy and safe summer. Remember that we are still in a pandemic; therefore, proper hygiene and protection should always take place.
Online Awareness: Reminders for the Summer Months
As the summer approaches, along with all of the fun activities that will occur, many students will have an increase in their amount of free time. During this free time, many children turn to social networking to keep in touch with their friends. We would like to provide you with some useful information about social media and internet awareness. It is important to keep an open dialogue with your child about their activity online.
Here is some information that may be helpful:
Common Sense Media www.commonsensemedia.org
15 Apps and Websites Kids are Heading to After Facebook
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/15-apps-and-websites-kids-are-heading-to-after-facebook
Snapchat and 7 more Iffy Messaging Apps Teens Love
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/snapchat-and-7-more-iffy-messaging-apps-teens-love
Instagram or Vine? 5 Things to know if your Kids are Sharing Videos (article)
Trends in Social Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/3-teen-trends-in-social-media
5 Ways to Stop Cyberbullies
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/5-ways-to-stop-cyberbullies-0
NetSmartz http://www.netsmartz.org
Basic Internet Safety
http://www.netsmartz.org/InternetSafety
Social Networking
http://www.netsmartz.org/SocialNetworking
Connect Safely http://www.connectsafely.org
Summertime TIps for Kids’ Online Safety and Security
http://www.connectsafely.org/summertime-tips-for-kids-online-safety-and-security/
Parents’ Guide from ConnectSafely:
Instagram
http://www.connectsafely.org/wp-content/uploads/instagram_guide.pdf
Snapchat
http://www.connectsafely.org/wp-content/uploads/snapchat_parents_guide.pdf
Parents’ Guide to Cybersecurity
http://www.connectsafely.org/wp-content/uploads/securityguide.pdf
Parents’ Guide to Cyberbullying
http://www.connectsafely.org/wp-content/uploads/cyberbullying_guide.pdf
Click on this link for more information about reducing screen time and providing more active activities for your child : http://www.letsmove.gov/reduce-screen-time-and-get-active
Here are some simple easy ways to provide active fun for your child and for your family as a whole:
Train as a family for a charity run or walk
Volunteer for a local organization (i.e. animal welfare, senior center, etc.)
Create family friendly competition playing tag, tossing a softball, hitting golf balls, throwing a frisbee, playing badminton, dancing
Bike ride
Go camping in your backyard and sit around a campfire
Loachapoka Elementary School Counselor
Sanford.teneshia@lee.k12.al.us
334-528-8528
EL
Empowering English Language Learners
Angel Fowler
EL Teacher
Get Outdoors and Start Learning!
Try these fun outdoor exploration activities to nurture the budding scientist or mathematician in your home! These activities will also get both you and your child outside of the house!
Notice and describe trees and other outdoor plants and their parts. Vocabulary might include trunks, branches, stems, leaves, and flowers. See how many different types of leaves you can gather. Describe and sort leaves by shape, size, and color.
Observe any birds, squirrels, insects, and worms. Keep track of the different animals and insects you find. If possible, take pictures or draw a sketch of any unusual or unfamiliar ones. Ponds and slow-moving rivers are great spots for bug hunting. Other spots include a wood pile, a garden, or near the bright lights of a parking lot.
Title I
Do I Need a Parenting Coach?
Parenting coaches are emerging as a new way for parents to gain support for a variety of parenting issues. Unlike psychotherapists who treat diagnosed mental health conditions, coaches behave more like consultants. They provide tools, ideas, and support without treating underlying issues, like ADHD or depression.
How Do I Know If I Need a Coach?
Parenting coaches can help with a variety of issues. Here are a few services a parenting coach may be able to offer you:
- Behavior problems: Help you find effective ways to address issues such as aggression, sibling rivalry, and defiance.
- Stress-related parenting issues: Find ways to take care of yourself and manage your stress.
- Best parenting practices: Assist you in following through with research-based best practices in regards to issues such as homework, electronics, and exercise.
- Developmental activities: Strategies that support your child’s physical, emotional, and social development.
- Parenting during transition or crisis: Help you be the best parent you can during a crisis or hardship, such as divorce or loss of a loved one.
- Parenting questions: Answer a variety of questions regarding best parenting practices.
- Practical problems: Help you create a plan to address childcare issues or educational problems.
How Are Services Offered?
· Some parenting coaches go to parents’ homes and provide feedback while you’re caring for your child. Other coaches meet with parents anywhere, including in the community, or at your office. Other parenting coaches over services by phone, email or via video conference.
· It’s up to you to determine which type of services would be most beneficial to you. While some parents enjoy having a coach they can call on the phone during evening hours, other people prefer face-to-face meetings only.
How Much Does a Parenting Coach Cost?
· Coaches establish their own prices. In general, you can expect to pay somewhere $25 to $100 an hour, but fees vary greatly depending on the coach and the area in which you live.
· If you or your child has diagnosable mental health or developmental disorder, you may be eligible to receive services that are covered by your health insurance. Talk to your doctor, your child’s pediatrician, or your insurance company directly if you think you may qualify for this type of service.
Title I Teacher; Tanulyn McKinley
Library Media
I know that we have been out since March 16th but on May 22nd we all will be out! No more Zoom, Dojo, Google Classroom, work packets, and e-books. FREEDOM!
What are you going to do after 2 weeks of riding the bike, playing the Wii, PlayStation, X-Box, texting, looking at YouTube, and in the refrigerator for the tenth time within two hours? Click on this link:https://www.eduplace.com/monthlytheme/calendar.html Click on the May, June, July, and August’s monthly activities. There are 4 months of fun filled activities for grades K-8. You can learn exciting information about Memorial Day, Space, Safety, Summer Fun, Amusement Parks (Did you know that Coney Island is America’s first amusement park?), and Independence Day to name a few. Now what is extra cool about this is there are videos, pictures, puzzles, poems, and writing pages to help you to remember this info.
If that does not appeal to you try Coding! These days having a basic understanding of how coding works is just as important as learning math. We “code” without knowing it when we use a mouse or finger to “drag and drop” words on a computer screen. If you are saying to yourself “I like that!” then Code.org is a great place to start.
Now, if you are like me…put on a “show!” Create your own Reader’s Theater! Ask yourself what kind of play do you want to write? How many people will be in your play? What are they going to say and do in the play (write out their parts)? Get your family involved and put your play on. Don’t forget to record it on the phone. I would love to put it on our YouTube Channel next school year.
Whatever you decide to do…have fun doing it! Summer is here! Enjoy yourself!
I look forward to seeing you over the summer
Be Safe,
Librarian; Deborah Murry
Upcoming Events
Returning of Chromebooks/textbooks/library books Schedule
Teachers will communicate via Google Classroom, DOJO, Remind, etc. to parents to not park or get out of vehicle on day of pick-up.
Grade Level Day/Date Time
Pre-K & Kinder
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
8:30-9:00
First & Second
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
9:30-10:30
Third & Fourth
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
11:00-12:00
Fifth & Sixth
Wednesday, May 20th Thursday, May 21st
12:30-1:30