Principal's Post
Friday, February 10, 2023
Dear Angell Community,
Please enjoy an update from Mrs. Greager, our school psychologist.
This month we’re focusing on working memory, which is the capacity to hold information in mind while performing complex tasks. It’s something we use all the time, and can be one of the most frustrating things to deal with when it’s not working effectively. Working memory is what we use when someone asks us to do something, and we say we’ll do it after we finish a different task, and then actually remember to do it. We know it’s failing when we walk into a room and cannot remember why we went there in the first place. Developmentally, working memory takes more conscious effort for children than it does for adults, which may help explain why children are less inclined to use their working memory to complete daily routine tasks (e.g. remember homework, completing all the steps in a routine, etc.). We can help our children build working memory in everyday situations.
According to Peg Dawson and Richard Guare (198), the following are some expectations of sustained attention at different age levels.
TK/Kindergarten
Run simple errands (get shoes from bedroom when asked)
Remember instructions that were just given
Follow a routine with only one prompt per step (brushing teeth after breakfast)
Grades 1-3
Run an errand with two to three steps
Remember instructions that were given just a couple of minutes before
Follow two steps of a routine with one prompt
Grades 4-5
Remember to perform a routine chore after school without reminder
Take books, papers, assignments to and from school
Keep track of changing daily schedule (different activities after school).
Now let us think about how to help our children build their working memory.
Make eye contact with your child before telling them what you want them to do.
Try to keep their full attention by minimizing distractions (turn off tv or turn down volume).
Use visual reminders (picture schedule, lists, etc). Give them a prompt to check the list/schedule.
Rehearse/remind your child what you expect of them just before the situation.
Help your child think about ways to help them remember something important that they think will work for them (songs, rhymes, or mnemonics).
Positive reinforcement! Children need lots of praise and encouragement. For example, consider rewarding them with extra quality time, such as a family game or movie night or getting to choose the game/movie if they are able to remember to turn in their homework all week.
Memory capacity also grows as we get older. As adults, we’re able to hold 7, plus or minus 2, chunks of information in working memory. We learn strategies to group things together (like breaking phone numbers into sections/groups) to remember more information. Below are some guidelines for working memory capacity based on age.
Age 5 - 2 (with a range of +/- 2)
Age 7 - 3 (with a range of +/- 2)
Age 9 - 4 (with a range of +/- 2)
Age 11 - 5 (with a range of +/- 2)
Children’s books about skills for learning:
It’s Okay to Make Mistakes by Todd Parr
My Mouth Is a Volcano! by Julia Cook
What Should Danny Do? by Ganit and Adir Levy
When Sophie Thinks She Can’t by Molly Bang
Games/Activities for Working Memory Skills:
Classic Simon Game (handheld electronic memory game)
https://childhood101.com/short-term-memory-games/
https://www.teachingexpertise.com/classroom-ideas/working-memory-activities/
References
Dawson, Peg and Richard Guare. Smart but Scattered. The Guilford Press, 2009.
Dawson, Peg and Richard Guare. Executive Skills in Children and Adolescents: A Practical Guide to Assessment and Intervention. The Guilford Press, 2018.
WINTER NWEA FAMILY REPORT UPDATE
You can now access your child’s Winter NWEA MAP Growth Student Progress Report in the MISTAR Parent Portal. All students K-8 were assessed mid-year (Jan) with NWEA in both reading and math as required by the State School Aid Act Section 98b (Section 388.1698b). At the bottom of your student’s report there is a quick reference guide that will help you read and understand the Student Progress Report. Here are some common questions when reviewing the report.
What is this report? A summary of how your student is performing academically, as measured by the most recent MAP Growth test.
What is MAP Growth? A test that adapts to your child’s responses in real time to measure your child’s skill level. Family Guide to MAP Growth
Why is my child taking MAP Growth? It helps us meet the unique academic needs of your child. MAP Growth scores help teachers check student performance by measuring Achievement and Growth. Teachers use results to tailor classroom lessons and to set goals for students. In addition, the Read by Grade 3 law requires that students are assessed in reading 3x per year in grades TK-3rd.
What do Achievement and Growth mean?
Achievement – How well your child has learned skills in a subject compared to similar students nationwide. Similar students have the same starting RIT score, same number of weeks of instruction, and in the same grade.
Growth – A measure of your child’s personal progress over the year.
If you have any questions about this report, please contact your student’s teacher.
MISTAR Directions - Log in to your MISTAR Parent Portal. Access “Documents” on the left-side menu. Click on the icon under DOC to open the Student Progress Report.
Also Included in this edition of the Principal’s Post . . . . . .
- Valentine's Day Party Reminder - Food Free Celebrations
- Battle of the Books
- Black History Calendar
- Angell Network News
- Upcoming Events
- PTA Updates - Angell Family Black History Open House
- PTA Founder's Day Winners
- Founder's Day Invite
- Girls on the Run and STRIDE Club Offering (3rd-5th grade only)
- Planning for the 2023-2024 School Year
- Kids Heart Challenge
- Dream Big, Dream Together Family Event
- Study Skills and Spanish Update
- Cold Weather Notice
- Spiritwear
- Lunch Information
- Daily Schedule
- Specials Schedule
- Subscribe to Angell iCalendar
- School Calendar
Have a wonderful weekend and see you on Monday!
Sincerely,
Mr. Gigliotti
Angell Principal
VALENTINE'S DAY PARTY REMINDER
We appreciate your cooperation as your children share Valentines with their classmates.
Battle of the Books is a book-related competition for students in 4th and 5th grades. Students are quizzed about books that they have read from the designated Battle of the Books reading list. Our teams were coached by parent volunteers and staff members.
A special thank you to all of our parent and staff coaches. We could not offer this wonderful learning opportunity without you. A HUGE thank you to Mrs. McKeeman for leading this process. Her organization, patience and enthusiasm made this an incredible experience for all of our students.
Congratulations to all the students and special shoutout to our winning team The Sus Tigers. Please enjoy pictures of the event courtesy of our communication department.
The Winning Team: The Sus Tigers
Monday, February 13
Black History Feature: Christian Robinson
7:00PM: Board of Education Meeting
Tuesday, February 14
Black History Feature: Serena Williams
Valentine's Day
Wednesday, February 15
Respect Circle
9:45AM: Kindergarten Field Trip to DNR
Thursday, February 16
Black History Feature: Alma Woodsey Thomas
8:40AM: TK-1st Grade Florella Strings Assembly
9:40AM: 2nd and 5th Grade Florella Strings Assembly
10:40AM: 3rd and 4th Grade Florella Strings Assembly
12:30PM: Student Council Store at Lunch
6:00PM: 2nd Grade. Music Concert at BHS Auditorium
7:00PM: 4th Grade Music Concert at BHS Auditorium
Friday, February 17
1/2 Day - Dismissal at 11:20 AM
African American Read-In
Angell PTA DEI Open House and Movie Night celebrating Black History
Monday, February 20 - Friday, February 24
Mid-Winter Break
Week of February 13, 2023
Upcoming Events!
PTA Meeting
The next meeting is Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 7pm in the Media Center. School age child care will be provided by Berkley High School National Honor Society members.
Restaurant Night
Restaurant night looks a little different this month. If you purchase a dozen original glazed donuts, 50% will be given back to Angell Elementary PTA throughout the month of February. This offer can be redeemed at any Krispy Kreme in the US so spread our link far and wide. See the graphic and link to order below.
Valentine's Day Love for Staff
This Valentine's Day we want to show our love for the staff with a sweet treats buffet. Please use this SignUp Genius to make a donation. THANKS!
PTA Membership
Please consider joining. Get involved and help support our Angell Community.
Printable Membership Form: PTA Membership Form
Join the PTA online: https://angellpta.memberhub.com/store
Volunteer / Chair Opportunities: Angell PTA Committees
Angell Dad’s Club
Know any dads who want to get involved? They are absolutely welcome to join our PTA but we also have an Angell Dad's Club!
Meetings: 3rd Thursday of the month at 7pm at Dog and Pony Show Brewing
Facebook: Angell Dad's Club
Contact: Scott Sehi
Email: sehisc@gmail.com
Social Media
Follow us on our social media pages to get important information and updates!
Facebook: Angell PTA Facebook Page
Instagram: angellfishpta
*2022- 2023 Angell PTA Board*
*Caitlyn Thrasher, President Caitlyn.thrasher85@gmail.com
*Autumn Sehi, Vice President Autumnsehi@gmail.com
*Katy Fasl, Secretary Katy.fasl@gmail.com
*Tara Samson, Treasurer, ellorysmama@gmail.com
PTA Founders Day Winners
Dear Angell Community,
The results are in and we are pleased to share this year's Founder's Day winners.
Congratulations to:
Debb Carlson- PTA Member of the Year
Jesse Rosales- Support Staff of the Year
Melissa Watkins- Educator of the Year
Congratulations to you all! Thank you so much for all your hard work and dedication to our Angell community.
Please join us at the Founder's Day dinner to honor all the recipients in our Berkley community on February 28th at 6pm at Club Venetian. Tickets available here: Founder's Day Tickets
See you there!
GIRLS ON THE RUN AND STRIDE RUNNING CLUBS
- Does your child like to run?
- Does your child like to have fun with their friends?
- Does your child like to take on new challenges?
- Is your child in grades 3rd, 4th or 5th?
If you answered yes to any or all of these questions then your child might be interesting in joining Girls on the Run or Stride.
This is a first come first serve opportunity. There are 15 slots available for all 3rd through 5th grade students. Please check out the fliers below for more information.
There is a $155 registration fee. Please note that there are interest free payment plans (3 payments over 2 months) as well as individual financial assistance available for families.
Please note that there are no practices the week of spring break.
There is a Virtual Information Night on February 16 from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM (additional information in the flyer) if you are interested in learning more about our programs!
SPECIAL NOTE: Our coaches will be Mr. Price and PTA Parent Volunteers.
Planning for 2023-24 School Year for current 5th Graders
Angell Planning for 2023-24 School Year for current TK-4th graders
Kids Heart Challenge is here!
Be the torch and light the way to healthier and happier hearts with the Heart Heroes. Our school kicked off a service-learning program, Kids Heart Challenge, on February 6th.
Help us get 100% of our students registered! When you sign up your student will be choosing a heart healthy pledge.
Thank you so much for supporting our school and the American Heart Association.
Interested in learning more about advocating for the AHA? Join You’re the Cure
STUDY SKILLS AND SPANISH UPDATES
LUNCH TIMES
LUNCH A
- TK/K, 1st and 4th Grades
- Lunch: 11:35 AM - 12:00 PM
- Recess: 12:00 PM - 12:25 PM
LUNCH B
- 2nd, 3rd, and 5th Grades
- Lunch: 12:00 PM - 12:25 PM
- Recess: 12:25 PM - 12:50 PM
Lunch Process and Cost
Students will place a lunch order with their classroom teacher each morning. Please take the time to review the menu below with your child so they know which lunch order to place each day. Lunch prices are as follows:
Full Lunch Rate = $3.00
Reduced Lunch Rate = 40¢
Milk Price = 65¢
Free and Reduced Lunch Application Process
If you think you may qualify for free or reduced priced meals, fill out an application today to verify your eligibility! Visit the Berkley School District's Food Service webpage to view the paper application, Federal Income Guidelines, and Frequently Asked Questions.
- Online Application: The Free/Reduced Meals application is embedded in the MISTAR Parent Portal. To access the application, login to the MISTAR Parent Portal. Once there, select any child shown. In the “School Links” section, select the link named “Apply for Free or Reduced Meal Benefits.” Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the application.
- Paper Applications: If you prefer to use a paper application to apply for the National School Lunch Program, contact the Food Service Department at 248-837-8122 or download the form from the Food Service website.
Family Benefits for Qualifying for Free/Reduced Price Meals
When families qualify for free/reduced price meals, they are also eligible for the following benefits:
- Reduced Summer School fees
- Reduced Athletics Resource Fees for students grades 6-12
- Reduced field trip fees
- Reduced AP testing fees
- Potential additional benefits for Bridge Cards/P-EBT
Nutrislice, an online platform for school meals and menus. Nutrislice not only has all school menus loaded, but it also has nutritional information for all menu items. Menus are loaded five weeks at a time and are also printable. You can print the whole month, or days you’d like, with or without the nutritional values. Nutrislice can be accessed on the Berkley Schools website as well as through the Nutrislice app.
If you have any questions about Food Service items, please contact LaVon Larson, Food Service Director at 248-837-8122.
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Stay In Touch
Email: vincenzo.gigliotti@berkleyschools.org
Website: https://www.berkleyschools.org/schools/angell/
Location: 3849 Beverly Boulevard, Berkley, MI, USA
Phone: (248) 837-8501
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angell-Elementary-School/688122847952184
Twitter: @GigliottiVince