Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be sharing a book with students, Only One You by Linda Kranz. In this book, a family of rockfish are inspired by their parents' words of wisdom. In these words, the young fish find a sense of identity. They are steadied and grounded.

Words can convey faith in another's potential. They can encourage and embolden. Over time, those words seep in and grow into self-talk. How powerful! The following website offers an assortment of ways you can reflect growth mindset as you talk with your child. I hope you'll consider adopting some of these expressions as you affirm, inspire and encourage them. I think you'll enjoy the musical links, as well. https://www.6seconds.org/2019/02/18/my-brain-is-growing-9-ways-to-teach-a-growth-mindset-to-kids/

Governance Council is sponsoring a rock hunt, a socially distanced way for families to encourage one another. Each family will design an image or positive message they'd like to share with the community. Then, they'll transfer that message on two rocks, one to hide around town and another to leave under the large pine near the south window of the multipurpose room. That way, as families take a socially-distanced walk around town, they can look for messages from their Sycamore friends. See the flyer below for more information on this activity.

CUSD's Mental Health Team is encouraging the creation of a "Family Vision Board," a collection of words and pictures that represent you, what's important to you, what makes you happy and what you'd like to achieve. Boards like this can boost motivation and keep you connected to your goals.

Individuals and families can design boards using paper, poster board, magazine pictures, stickers and inspiring quotes. They can submit a picture of their board to have it included in a district-wide video collage. The video will be posted on the CUSD Wellness page and social media platforms as encouragement to be #CUSD STRONG! Submissions need to be sent to Megan Sorel, LCSW at: msorel@cusd.claremont.edu by Friday, October 23rd.

Since the start of school, teachers have been observing students to determine their strengths and current needs. Our school offers a variety of resources for supporting students' academic, behavioral and social-emotional needs. Educators refer to these options as MTSS or Multi-Tiered System of Supports. Though many needs are met through the collaboration of parents and the classroom teacher, additional help will come from the school's intervention staff or even community-based supports. Teacher input and multiple assessments are used to identify the level of support students need. We monitor student growth to ensure students are benefitting from the support they're given.

This week, our intervention teachers will begin working with students recommended for academic support. Some will receive small group lessons to reteach concepts not yet mastered, and others will have short-term support for completing lessons. A letter was sent to families of students who met criteria for these "Response to Intervention" (RTI) supports. That letter outlines the times when the student should be online to receive help. Please make sure your child consistently participates, since this time is designed specifically for their needs. If you have questions or feel your child is in need of support, please talk with your child's teacher or contact me directly.

This week, we will continue to add interest-based activities within the school day. On Tuesday from 12:30-1:00 PM, 4-6 graders can choose to meet for our first Zoom Math Club (third graders will meet the following week). On Thursday from 12:30-1:00, students in grades 2-6 are invited to join a Zoom meeting to introduce options for upcoming weekly Book Clubs. Zoom links will be shared by teachers. Additional options will be offered in the coming weeks, allowing students to connect with their interests and the friends who share those interests. Please continue to watch the Leaf for more information on these opportunities as they unfold.

California's Great Shake Out is always held on the third Thursday of October. This year, that will be October 15th. We encourage you to practice the Great Shake Out at home. Here's a fun link to try!
Below is a link to the Earthquake Safety Dance

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFVmFNQ2ves