Eagle Heights December Newsletter
December 6, 2021
Brrrr..... It's Getting Cold!
I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and happy! It is hard to believe that we are almost to the end of the second quarter. This year is flying by! There are a lot of updates in this newsletter, so please be sure to read it all the way through. Please remember that we will continue to go outside for recess if the weather permits, so please make sure your child has dressed appropriately.
We have been focusing on Habit 3, Put First Things First. I have included some ideas for you to think about using at home with your family to work on this habit. My children are 29 and 25 years old not. I openly share that if I could go back and change one thing, it would be the time that I spent at work instead of with them. I challenge you to ask yourself if you are putting the most important things in your life first and intentionally giving time to them?
Please know that we are here to help and support your child and you. If you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to reach out. We are pressing on together!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Slack
Habit 3: Put First Things First
“Things which matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” —Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
STEPS:
1. I spend my time on things that are most important.
2. I say no to things I know I should not do.
3. I set priorities, make a schedule, and follow my plan.
4. I am disciplined and organized.
COMMON LANGUAGE: Big Rocks, Traditions, First things first
HOW DO WE PUT FAMILY TIME FIRST?:
1. Develop a family mission statement.
2. Schedule one-on-one bonding time.
3. Have regular family meals.
4. Plan regular family times.
5. Build family traditions.
HOW CAN I HELP MY CHILD WITH THEIR BIG ROCKS?:
1. Ask them what they feel are their most important jobs or responsibilities.
2. Suggest they do the hardest part of their homework or chores first.
3. Describe the word ‘procrastinate’ to your child. What is something they have been procrastinating?
RESOURCES:
Video: Search YouTube for First Things First, Habit 3, Big Rocks.
Books: Froggy Gets Dressed by Jonathan London, The Little Red Hen by Paul Galdone, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
Recess/Lunchroom Aide Position
Christmas Break
Silly String Facebook Live and Snow Cones
Mesner Puppets: PreK-2: December 15
Our PreK-2 students will get to experience a holiday-themed puppet show with Paul Mesner puppets on Wednesday, December 15! This will be a lot of fun!
NWEA Window
Counselor: Mrs. Downey
Counseling
For the month of December, my counseling lessons K-5th grade have been focusing on mindfulness and what brings them joy. When we are mindful, we are not worried about things that happened yesterday or the things that might happen tomorrow. We are focused on the current moment, we can rest and feel calm at that moment because we are not letting our minds create chaos. I know during this busy month students have a hard time focusing because of the fun and anticipation of the holidays. Learning to focus on the 'here and now' will help your student finish their semester strong. In 6th grade, students will be using Missouri Connections to identify career interests and explore career options. Students have also been enjoying Hot Cocoa with the Counselor on Fridays when they turn in their tribe tickets for positive behavior. Please reach out if you have questions or concerns. downeyc@smithville.k12.mo.us
2nd Quarter Virtual Assembly
Behavior Interventionist: Mrs. Opperman
Behavior is communication. What are our kids trying to tell us? After doing some self-reflection, I realized that as a behaviorist and mama, I spend so much time instructing, teaching, and talking at my kids that I’m not listening. Our kiddos communicate so much through their behavior. What are they saying? Oftentimes the answer lies in our listening. During a month where we naturally reflect on all our blessings, I’m challenging myself to lean in and listen more. I would love for you to join me!
Please know I am on this journey with you! Don’t ever hesitate to reach out.
With you and for you,
Erika Opperman
Second Grade Update
Second graders have been working hard growing and challenging their brains. In Math have been working on solving one-step addition and subtraction problems word problems within 100. We are finishing up the semester with learning about 3 digit numbers. In Writer’s Workshop, we have focused on Memoirs, which means we are writing about our own experiences. The students have had so much fun sharing memories they have made in their lives. In Reader’s Workshop, we are learning about plot. In Leadership, we are learning about Habits 2 and 3. We are learning to begin with the end in mind and to do the important things first. Lastly, in Social Studies, we have been learning about Native Americans and we will finish the semester with economic wants and needs.
Innovations: Mrs. Thompson
We have been busy in the technology and innovation lab!
The second quarter of 6th-grade engineering is hard at work. They finished their first project, cardboard arcades. They are in the beginning process of completing their roller coasters. Students will need to create a roller coaster that can move a ping pong ball around the track. They will need to include one loop or curve. They are looking pretty awesome right now!
In all grade levels, students have been working on being a global collaborator. Students are learning to work well with a team, with others from different schools in the district, and students across the country. First graders used their teamwork skills to build a boat (like the Mayflower) that can hold the weight of 10 marbles. Kindergarten students are creating winter cards and sending them to schools we’ve connected with through the Holiday Card Project. Lastly, fourth graders are working on a poster competition for the sustainability club in the high school. The winning poster will be displayed in the high school hallways.
Lastly, I wanted to give a big thank you to the families who have been donating materials and supplies for the innovation lab. The donations are very much appreciated! As always, if you ever need to reach me, my email is thompsoa@smithville.k12.mo.us!
Art: Ms. Aeschliman
Happy Holidays Eagle Heights Families! Here is a quick update on what students have been up to lately in the art studio:
PreK students have started to watercolor and we did some playdoh play this past month as well. K-1 students had a playdoh station added to their tabletop studios this past month. 2nd grade started paper weaving this month. We practiced weaving with laminated paper looms and strips before they got to try it on their own. They will be making their own looms next and weaving their choice of color into them! 3rd began working with modeling clay this month. We practiced making a clay project using a slab method so they had to roll out their own clay and cut out a shape, add textures or details, poke a hole in it to be able to hang it as an ornament or wall hanging. We will make one in earthenware clay next to be fired when it is dry! 4th grade has been diving into their watercolor techniques they recently learned and tried out. They also have modeling clay to work within class. These pieces are temporary and will not be coming home as modeling clay doesn’t dry out and we reuse it amongst grade levels. So they will be asked to take a photo on Artsonia to document what they make. 5th graders began with modeling clay as well but their earthenware project will be using the coil method. They are choosing a coil project to create in earthenware clay when we return from Thanksgiving break. They will be fired as well. Sixth grade 3D art has been working on cardboard letters & learning all about the 3 ways to use clay. They created 3 mini projects, one slab, one pinch and one coil. They got to choose to keep one after practicing those 3. They also made some texture and initial stamps. They are working on choosing their final clay piece for their choice project & will complete it in December.
We are using Artsonia again this year for PK - 6th grade students’ portfolios. Here is a direct link if you need to connect to your student's portfolio: https://www.artsonia.com/connect/CF8WKBZ4
You can click or type in the link (or just go to the website and put in the code).
Eagle Heights code is: CF8WKBZ4
You will then enter your child's name and grade, along with an email address. It really is that easy! It will send your request to me and I will then finish connecting you on my end.
If you are in a giving mood and looking for a place to make a donation...I have an Amazon wish list for EHE because the yearly budget only affords me the very basics in art supplies. If you would like to help support our art studio and the EHE artists go to my wishlist here: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/TAO5QQQYZRM2?ref_=wl_share
THANK YOU so much for all of your support! You are an amazing school to work for!
Sincerely,
Ms. Aeschliman
Eagle Heights Elementary
PreK - 6th grade Art Educator
Library: Ms. Johnson
Hello Eagle families!
This month in the library, K-2 students are working on an author/illustrator study of Jan Brett. Jan Brett has many great wintertime books that we are enjoying, including but not limited to, Gingerbread Christmas, The Three Snow Bears, Trouble with Trolls, and The Hat. 2nd-grade students will even be creating their own version of Brett’s folktale, The Mitten, and making their own audiobook project to present their story.
3rd grade began the month by reading a Greater Kids Can Read award nominee, Just Like Rube Goldberg. Students are creating their own Rube Goldberg machines in Innovation class. We will continue December with some winter books.
4th and 5th graders are working on a flying snowman project to go along with the book and film, The Snowman. Students are currently working on creating their own snowman and city landscape. Then, over the next two weeks, students will work on using stop motion animation in the green screen room to create a moving scene that shows them “flying” alongside their snowman.
Physical Education: Coach Parker
Please make sure that your child is bringing athletic shoes through the winter months. With all the bad weather I understand that your child might need to wear boots to school. I have encouraged your child to pack athletic shoes in their backpacks so they can change into them before PE.
2nd through 6th grade have wrapped up their basketball unit and are currently in the middle of their indoor soccer unit. They have done regular team soccer, soccer stations, Mega Soccer, and many other soccer activities.
Kindergarten and 1st grade briefly worked on their soccer skills while doing station work. They are now starting their dance unit and will be doing many different dancing activities such as Freeze Dance, Just Dance, the Cha-Cha Slide, and the Cupid Shuffle!
To contact Mr. Parker: parkerr@smithville.k12.mo.us
Music: Mr. Venner
Pre-K, kindergarten, and first grade will be playing percussion instruments, ukuleles, and READING music this month. We will also mix in a few music games. The second and third graders will be creating a STOMP-style production to be staged in late January or early February. Third through fifth grade will be working on electronic composition and playing the mixed xylophones and percussion. Sixth grade will be playing instruments, producing a recording, and editing short podcasts. It is going to be a busy two weeks!
Merry Christmas!
Important Dates
- Dec. 8: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am, No EC Classes
- Dec.15: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am, No EC Classes
- Dec. 15: Board of Education Meeting 7 pm
- Dec. 17: End of 2nd Quarter
- Dec. 17: FLY Day and 2nd Quarter Virtual Assembly
- Dec. 20-Jan. 3: No School: Christmas Break
- Jan. 3: Staff Work Day (No Students)
- Jan. 4: School Resumes
- Jan. 5: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am, No EC Classes
- Jan. 7: Grade cards and NWEA reports sent home
- Jan. 7: Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
- Jan. 10: PTO Meeting: 5:30 pm at Eagle (Virtual link available too)