Pershing News
December
Dear Parents,
I cannot believe that we are already approaching Winter Break. Over these past few months, I have seen our students really begin to get into a rhythm. The level of learning happening day to day has been remarkable. This year has been a year of change! However, we have seen our student, staff, and families, all rise above the challenge.
Our diagnostic 2 testing has begun for both Math and ELA. While not all testing is complete, I have started looking at results and seen some tremendous growth and progress in our students. Diving into this data is exciting to me, but the true reward is when I get to see the level of enthusiasm from our students and teachers when they too see this progress! It is their hard work and dedication that has made this happen. We cannot wait to share this progress with you when we complete our second quarter progress reports.
With the addition of Remote Learning Wednesdays, the new hybrid format of learning has required your involvement and support more than I'm sure you ever imagined. Every week, you have all taken on the task to ensure that your child logs onto Zoom and completes all required Canvas activities. I want to take this time to thank you so much for your continued support. You have all been amazing!
Communication has always been so very important to me. However, this year, it is needed more than ever. It has been difficult to build a personal connection with our families without seeing you in the building. Please know, if you should ever have any questions or concerns, you may reach me by phone at (816) 671-4320 or by email at hollybrady@sjsd.k12.mo.us.
Educationally Yours,
Holly Brady
Principal
Happy Holidays!!!!
NO SCHOOL Dec. 21st - Jan. 4th (classes resume January 5th)
Focus on Gratitude
The holiday season is getting into full swing and many families are looking forward to the Christmas Break, and hopefully a little time to relax and spend time together. COVID 19 precautions/considerations may have changed many families’ plans and it is natural for children (and adults for that matter) to feel disappointed (or maybe confused, frustrated, or a combination of these). The COVID 19 “fatigue” is real but we can do a few small things to make a big difference as we navigate this year’s challenges.
The article linked below has some tips on the importance of gratitude in helping support social and emotional wellness…which can actually improve overall health. Highlights include writing down something that brings you joy each day, noticing and being thankful for one thing that is going right, or setting aside even a few minutes of relaxation time a day—these can be done individually or as a family:
The American Heart Association has also created an easy-to-remember acronym for gratitude ideas:
Health
Eat
Activity
Relationship
Time
Social and Emotional Wellbeing
Social and emotional wellbeing is a vital part of self care, and especially important as we head into the holiday season. This article has some tips for celebrating the holidays, despite our current challenges. Tips include how to talk to children about how this holiday season may look different, staying connected through technology, and focusing on what you can control at this time.
https://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/holidays-during-covid-19/
Meet Our Staff
Amy Bates
What do you love most about your job?
I love the conversations that I have with the kids.
Who is your biggest role model?
My mother and her heart of gold.
If you could have any Super Power, what would it be and why?
Time travel so that I can go back in time and fix the things that I have done wrong.
What advice do you have for our Pershing students and families?
Always look for the positive in any situation.
Lindy Rockers
I have always loved working with kids and watching them learn & grow.
If you could have any other job what would it be?
A nurse.
What is your favorite quote?
Start each day with a thankful heart <3.
What advice do you have for our Pershing students and families?
Keep powering along - you are doing great!
Erin Dillon
What is your favorite book?
Favorite children's book: The Day The Crayon's Quit. Favorite chapter book: anything by Nicholas Sparks.
What is your favorite food?
My favorite food is Mexican food - enchiladas and guacamole.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy reading and I'm great at online-shopping. Next summer I'd really like to start my own garden.
Tell the people closest to you that you love and care for them! People don't hear it enough.
Remote Learning Snow Days
On inclement weather days, the schedule will be the same as the Wednesday Hybrid schedule that students have been following during first semester. Please be sure your student or students log into their Canvas site to complete the day’s assignments.
Baby It's Cold Outside!
Tis the Season
Technology Fee
Window Displays
Arrival & Dismissal Reminders
- Please be sure to pull up towards the bus lane (by staff members directing traffic). This will allow us to drop off several students at once.
- We also kindly ask that you drop off your student and trust us to get them in safely. It is essential to keep the traffic flow moving and not waiting for students to walk into the building.
Dismissal:
- Reminder that only Kindergarten and 1st grade parents should be picking up in the lot at 4:05. We ask that for all other students, parents arrive after 4:10. If you have students 2nd grade or above, but also a Kindergarten or 1st grader, please plan to pick ALL students up at 4:10. This helps keep the traffic flow moving!
- We would love your assistance in helping us get our busses out of the parking lot during dismissal. If you are entering from the West when buses are trying to exit the parking lot and turning West also, we ask that you let the traffic in the middle (between the entrance and exit) of the parking lot go first. This will allow the buses to exit easily. We ask that traffic coming from the East side of the exit during this time, please pause and let the buses exit, it would be greatly appreciated.
- When buses are exiting the lot and turning left, it is very helpful if you remain back a short distance (possibly a few cars lengths) to allow them to make that tight turn. It sometimes is difficult for them to exit and this too can stall the flow of traffic while they wait for more space to be able to make this turn.
Devices Charged
It is important to ensure your child's device is charged each evening. Mondays (after the weekend) and Thursdays (after our remote day), this is especially important!
Water Bottles
Mask
Holly Brady
Principal
Email: HollyBrady@sjsd.k12.mo.us
Website: https://pershing.sjsd.k12.mo.us/
Location: 2610 Blackwell Road, Saint Joseph, MO, USA
Phone: 816-671-4320