The Wonderful World of Woodbury
December 2021
A Note From Mrs. Kern
Each year the stress of gift giving can be a difficult one and I hope that we all remember that notorious Grinch's message: “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” For our school, our greatest gift comes in the form of being able to educate and enjoy all of our students in person. We couldn't be more grateful.
This year my challenge to our Woodbury families is to truly enjoy the break with your loved ones. Let go. Take a breath. Keep it simple. Love on the people who mean the most to you and be sure to let them know it. Perform a random act of kindness, make a donation to a cause, or reach out to someone in need or who you know is struggling. The holidays are not always joyful for all and can be a time where friends and families are struggling the most. While we take pride in our little school and the people who fill it, we not only want our students to leave with a strong foundation for academics, but also a strong foundation of character, integrity, and showing kindness. These are both things that we can do together between home and school.
Wishing you the brightest of days ahead filled with laughter, healing, good health, fun, and precious time with those you hold dear.
Mrs. Kern
COGNIA-SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT SURVEY RESULTS
- Each school year, our schools give students (3-12) and parents/guardians an opportunity to provide feedback through the completion of school improvement focused surveys. The information gained from these surveys help to guide our building and district in selecting specific focus areas each year. Thank you for taking the time to complete the Fall survey. Please note that there will be an additional round of surveys shared in the spring!
- Below are links the results provided to us by Cognia. The results are in PDF form. I encourage you to look them over. Please note that the student survey results are just based on 3rd grade responses as our surveys are for grades 3-12.
- CLICK HERE to access results from our Parent/Guardian Surveys
- CLICK HERE to access results from our Student survey
SEL Corner with Miss Rogowski
Hello Woodbury Families,
We have recently completed the first unit of our social-emotional curriculum, Second Step. Unit two focuses on Emotion Management. I think our students will really enjoy this unit as well as learn new skills and strategies. Emotion Management is one of my favorite topics to talk about! My top two favorite coping strategies include deep breathing and snuggling with my dog.
For Kindergarteners moving into unit two, the goal of this unit is to have students be able to label the emotion someone is feeling (happy, sad, mad) by naming at least one clue (looking at their body language, facial expression, listening to their voice, etc.). We will continue to learn and practice new slow deep breathing techniques.
For our first graders moving into unit two, the goal of this unit is to have students be able to label the emotion someone else is feeling (worried, calm, frustrated) by naming one or more clues (body language, facial expression, thinking about what is going on, tone of voice, etc.). Students will be able to suggest different coping strategies to help shift them to the “green” zone. Some coping strategies we will discuss include deep breathing, slow counting, or asking for help.
The goal for our second graders in unit 2 is to identify what emotion they are feeling in various scenarios and be able to explain the reasoning for their feeling. Students will be able to identify a different feeling that someone else may have in the same situation and give an explanation as to why someone may feel differently than they do. We will begin to discuss ways to help calm ourselves when feeling unpleasant emotions.
In unit 2, third graders will be able to explain the purpose of emotions. They will be able to identify differences between 3 gradations of the same emotion (annoyed/angry/furious or happy/excited/content). We will be naming emotion-management strategies and practicing them together as a class. Students will be learning to identify when and how they can take a break to help calm their strong or unpleasant emotions.
You may be asking: Why is this important?
Research shows that children who learn the skills in this unit are more likely to:
-be better learners
-build stronger relationships
-have higher self-esteem
-be better problem-solvers
Parents and guardians, what can you do to help?
Notice and praise your child when they recognize and label feelings within themselves and others. Positive verbal praise can include: “Good job paying attention to their face and body” or “you’re right, it does look like that person feels mad.” You can ask your student to show you the deep breathing techniques they have learned and practice together.
Attendance
Attendance is monitored and reviewed on a regular basis as part of our practice in collaboration with the DeKalb Country Regional Office of Education's Truancy Outreach Worker and our District Family Success Liaison. In these continued unprecedented times please note that we look at each student's attendance individually and with an additional lens due to variables brought on by Covid-19 protocol. Our goal is to support our families and ensure that our students are safe, healthy, and connected to learning. If your family or your child need support, please reach out to your child's teacher, our school social worker, Miss Rogowski, or Mrs. Kern should you need assistance.
Nurses Notes
Dental Reminder:
Completed Proof of School Dental Exam forms are required for current Kindergarten and second grade students by May 15th. If you are unable to obtain the required dental exam, please complete the Dental Exam Waiver Form.
Healthy Sleep for the HOLIDAYZZZZ
Make the most of the season by staying well-rested with these science-based sleep tips:
Kids 12 and under need at least 9 hours of sleep each night.
Try to keep a consistent sleep schedule by having your family go to bed and get up at the same times every day, even on holiday breaks or when learning remotely.
Avoid caffeine and avoid large meals right before bed.
If you want to nap over the holiday break, aim for a 20-minute nap, which experts say is the best time length to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to go.
We sleep better when the room is between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit (65-70 degrees for babies and toddlers).
Make sure to stay active over the holidays, as physical activity during the day can facilitate better sleep at night.
Turn all screens off at least an hour before bedtime.
For more health sleep ideas, visit http://www.Healthiergeneration.org/smartersleep
Free Covid-19 Testing in Sandwich
Sitio de prueba de COVID-19 temporal auto-servicio y gratuito en el condado de DeKalb
Mask & Water Bottle Reminders
PE with Mr. Adeoti (K-1) & Mrs. Martin (2-3)
K-1 with Mr. Adeoti:
In physical education, students have been learning various skills for Chinese jump rope to get their heart rate up, hula hoop activities and scoop ball activities to master hand-eye coordination. Students are also learning about fairness when playing team games as well as having good sportsmanship during activities.
As we get into December, we will focus our attention on balloon volleyball to continue to focus on striking objects with our body parts and other implements. We will also get a chance to participate in some of the holiday themed activities.
Reminder: please have students continue to bring their P.E. shoes to school so that they can continue to benefit from physical education activities while practicing safety precautions. After the fall season we will transition to having P.E. inside with masks on.
Any questions or concerns please feel free to contact me
2-3 PE with Mrs. Martin:
What’s to come:
Students will be participating in the all time favorite activity of the parachute! This is a great activity for students to work on listening skills, cooperation, and teamwork. We will also be working on hula hoop and scarf skills and tricks. Using this type of equipment will help to improve hand eye coordination and fine motor skills. At the end of the month, students will have opportunities to participate in holiday themed activities and games.
A friendly reminder:
We are concerned about the safety and well-being of every child that enters the gym and for that reason we ask that your child wear appropriate and safe shoes to class throughout the winter months. Please no crocs or boots. If they need to wear boots to school due to snowy weather conditions, please have them pack their sneakers in their backpacks.
News from the Music Room
Dates to Remember
- 12/2: Woodbury PPA Meeting, 4:30 p.m.
- 12/9: Last day of Franklin Mall Food Drive
- 12/10: 11:10 Dismissal, School Improvement Day
- 12/17: 1:10 Dismissal- Last day of school before winter break
- 12/20 - 1/3 Winter Break
- 1/4 School resumes
Winter Scholastic Book Fair
Franklin Mall Project: Donations Being Collected Until December 9th
Please Join Us for Some Festive Fun!
District News
e-LEARNING DAYS – IN PLACE OF OF “SNOW DAYS”
Winter weather in the Midwest can be somewhat of a hindrance when traveling to and from school. As in the past, using an “e-learning day” will be considered should there be inclement weather. Since Sandwich CUSD #430 is 1:1 and students and staff have their own device, please be prepared, on a daily basis, to shift to “e-learning” on so-called “snow days”. Please note, this will require everyone taking the responsibility of having their school issued personal device available for use at all times. Unlike previous years, e-learning days do not need to be made up at the end of the school year. e-learning days will be communicated via the district webpage and school messenger.
Substitutes Needed
Substitute Teacher, Paraprofessional (teaching assistant), Custodian, Bus Driver, Bus Aide
Want to be a sub teacher or paraprofessional in the district? If you have a Bachelor or Associates degree and would like to consider becoming a substitute in Sandwich CUSD 430, the DeKalb County Regional Office of Education (ROE) can answer all your questions and guide you through the necessary steps of becoming certified. Call the ROE at (815) 217-0460; or visit the ROE office at 2500 North Annie Glidden Road, Suite C, DeKalb, Illinois 60115
Substitute Custodian
If you are interested in becoming a substitute custodian, please contact a building principal:
SHS (815-786-2157) SMS (815-786-2138) HED (815-786-8498)
LGH (815-786-8812) PV (815-786-8811) WWW (815-786-6316)
Full Time or Substitute Bus Driver & Bus Aide
If you are interested in becoming a full time or substitute bus driver or bus aide, please call the transportation department at (815-786-8325).
Woodbury Elementary School
Email: jkern@sandwich430.org
Website: https://ww.sandwich430.org/
Location: 322 E 3rd St, Sandwich, Illinois, USA
Phone: 815-786-6316
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wwwoodburyschool/
Twitter: @Woodbury430