Pleasant Hill Weekly Update
January 29, 2021
Message from Mrs. Steele
Pleasant Hill staff continue to deepen our understanding around topics of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and this past week, we had an opportunity to talk with each other about how we are approaching our conversations with students. We know that our young students are still very much connected to their family unit so it is important to our team that we share these experiences with you. Today, I'd like to provide a specific example from one of our classrooms that took place right after the MLK Jr. holiday. Although the following example deals with race, it is important to know that Equity, Diversity and Inclusion covers a wide range of issues.
After reading a book about the life of Martin Luther King Jr. a student asked what the word "segregation" meant. The teacher explained that there used to be laws that white people and black people could not go to school together, drink from the same water fountains, use the same bathrooms, etc. She pointed out a picture in the book of water fountains that had signs above them indicating that white and black people were kept separate. One of our students who is neither black nor white raised their hand and said "which water fountain would I have been able to use?"
What a great question and such a perfect example of how our students think at this age! Between ages 6-8, children are figuring out how they belong and where they belong outside of their family unit. They also have a growing awareness that their actions impact others. Hearing stories like the one about MLK Jr. helps them connect to ideas of fairness, right and wrong and they begin to see how they see themselves in a story. Early elementary students also start to see things from another persons point of view which is a foundational skill for future conversations about equity, diversity and inclusion.
The teacher responded that it was a really interesting question and that they should do some research to find the answer. How the teacher responded is called a "Talk Move." Talk Moves are strategies to help facilitate a discussion among students without being the one to provide all of the answers. If you ever find yourself not sure how to respond to your child's questions or wanting to deepen a discussion or enter into a conversation, consider using some of these Parent Talk Moves!
If you are interested in learning more or continuing this conversation with us, please reach out! We know there are many families who are hoping to engage with us in this work and it would be helpful to know what would be most beneficial to you.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jesseca Steele
PH Principal
From Nurse Dorice
Our K-2 schools will be holding a modified Valentine's Day exchange focused on kindness and friendship in February. Please read the following guidance carefully so that this is a safe and enjoyable exchange for everyone:
Students should bring in their cards, notes, or letters no less than 7 days before the teacher intends to distribute them. Teachers will let families know their individual classrooms timeline. Students will place their items inside each classmate’s individual bag/box and the bag/box must remain untouched for 7 days. Following the 7 day ‘quarantine’ period, each student will be able to take their own bag home.
Families should not send in candy, food or other treats and we are also discouraging other non-candy gifts (cups, pencils, stickers, etc). Our hope this Valentine's Day is to emphasize the aspect of giving a note, picture, letter of friendship, love and kindness to our friends at school.
Kindergarten Registration 2021-2022
We are eager to welcome our newest Kindergarten students to Scarborough Public Schools! We are currently planning for Fall 2021 and will be able to release more information about what school will look like later this spring. If you have a child who turns 5 on or before Oct. 15, 2021 and you are considering sending them to school in the fall, please complete this form. Formal registration packets will be available on our website at a later date.
The information you provide is important for us to accurately plan for the number of classrooms, teachers and materials we will need in the fall. Please complete the form so we can contact you through email with updates and news about the 2021-2022 school year as the situation evolves and decisions are made. We will hold registration appointments at each school later in the Spring.
Instructional Coaches Corner
Digital citizenship is part of our technology curriculum and Scarborough Primary Schools are Common Sense Certified in part by using Common Sense Digital Citizenship Curriculum.
For a quick peek at the material produced by Common Sense Education, this one minute video: Pause & Think Online featuring the characters, the Digital Citizens will be worth your time. For a description of this curriculum, please read this Digital Citizenship Curriculum Letter to Parents
Common Sense Media is the family component of this organization and is a great resource when it comes to media reviews and tough questions related to screens in the life of children.
From Mr. Rowley
As many of you know, last year our school raised over $6,800 for the Kids Heart Challenge sponsored by the American Heart Association. I was blown away by the students' motivation and hard work and this was a big reason I applied for the grant from the American Heart Association that began our traverse climbing wall project. Not only did we receive the AHA grant for our traverse wall but we also earned money to invest back into our own PE program. With last year's rewards, we purchased a kid-size volleyball net and stepping stones which the kids love to use!
We will be starting our efforts in raising money once again for the Kids Heart Challenge this week. An email has been sent regarding information on how to fundraise online, which is where all of the fundraising will take place this year. There will be no cash accepted this year. If you did not receive an email and your child is interested in raising money, they will be receiving a fundraising form in PE class explaining how to sign up. I have already been receiving donations which is amazing! This school and community continues to impress me! If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at crowley@scarbroughschools.org
Primary PTA Message
Bus Driver Appreciation:
Thank you to those that have already donated to help with this event.
Our goal is to provide each driver with an individualized treat & $5 gift card. This will take place sometime in February. If you would like to help support this effort you can donate via Paypal or Venmo. Please comment "bus driver appreciation" with your donation.
Venmo: @Scarborough-PrimaryPTA
Paypal: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=HCCBSEU5WGH6S
Once a date is determined we will have a thank you post on our Facebook page. If you'd like to comment with handmade pictures or cards to share virtually I'm sure the staff would love to see them.
BOX TOPS:
Please take a few minutes after your shopping trip to scan your receipt in the BTFE app. You can even forward your online order confirmation to receipts@boxtops4education.com. Every little bit helps us raise money for our student programming.
Physical Box Tops that have not expired can still be sent to school for collection.
Next Meeting: Monday, February 8, 2021 (virtually)
The link will be sent to our email list and posted on Facebook
Lost and Found
In an effort to reunite lost hats and mittens, etc with their owners, we will take a picture of our lost and found items on Friday and include them in this newsletter. If you spot something that belongs to your child, please email Laurie at lolore@scarboroughschools.org. All items not claimed that week will be thrown away. Thank you!
Lifetouch Picture Update
Due to an error, class composite pictures were not printed this year. Lifetouch has corrected the issue and will be shipping the class pictures to school. They have ordered one for everyone; regardless of whether you ordered pictures or not. We will send them home with students as soon as we receive them. Thank you for your continued patience!
CLYNK Challenge
We are excited to announce the 10th Annual CLYNK for Schools Challenge$.
The CLYNK for Schools Challenge$ 2021 will run from February 1 through March 31.
Bags were sent home with students last week and this week. If you need additional bags during the challenge, simply email lolore@scarboroughschools.org and we will send home more with your child.
Upcoming Dates
February 4: Virtual School Board Meeting
February 8: Virtual PTA Meeting
February 15-19: February Vacation