The Paw Print
Official Newsletter of Houston Elementary February 2021
Parenting in a Pandemic: Tips to Keep the Calm at Home
Fear, uncertainty, and being holed up at home more to slow the spread of COVID-19 can make it tough for families to keep a sense of calm. But it's important to help children feel safe, keep healthy routines, manage their emotions and behavior and build resilience.
Here are some tips from the American Academy (AAP) to help your family get through the stress of the pandemic.
Address children's fears
Children rely on their parents for safety, both physical and emotional. Reassure your children that you are there for them and that your family will get through this together.
Answer questions about the pandemic simply & honestly. Talk with children about any frightening news they hear. It is OK to say people are getting sick, but remind them that following safety steps like hand washing , wearing cloth face coverings, and staying home more will help your family stay healthy.
Recognize your child's feelings. Calmly say, for example, “I can see that you are upset because you can't have a sleepover with your friends right now." Guiding questions can help older children and teens work through issues. (“I know it is disappointing not to be able to do some of the things you did before the pandemic. What are some other ways you can have fun with your friends?")
Keep in touch with loved ones. Children may also worry about a grandparent who is living alone or a relative or friend with an increased risk of getting COVID-19. When safe, physically distanced visits aren't possible, video chats can help ease their anxiety.
Model how to manage feelings. Talk through how you are managing your own feelings. (“I am worried about Grandma since I can't go visit her. I will put a reminder on my phone to call her in the morning and the afternoon until it is safe to see her.")
Tell your child before you leave the house for work or essential errands. In a calm and reassuring voice, tell them where you are going, how long you will be gone, when you will return, and that you are taking steps to stay safe.
Look forward. Tell them that scientists are working hard to figure out how to help people who get sick, how to prevent it, and that things will get better.
Offer extra hugs and say “I love you" more often.
Keep healthy routines
During the pandemic, it is more important than ever to maintain bedtime and other routines. They create a sense of order to the day that offers reassurance in a very uncertain time. All children, including teens, benefit from routines that are predictable yet flexible enough to meet individual needs.
Structure the day. With the usual routines thrown off, establish new daily schedules. Break up schoolwork when possible. Older children and teens can help with schedules, but they should follow a general order, such as:
wake-up routines, getting dressed, breakfast and some active play in the morning, followed by quiet play and snack to transition into schoolwork.
lunch, chores, exercise, some online social time with friends, and then homework in the afternoon.
family time & reading before bed.
Report Cards for 3rd Six Weeks will be emailed on Feb. 4.
Thanks Counselor Smith for all you do!
Special Shoutout to Counselor Intern: Mrs. Vazquez
Virtual Academy
In an effort to provide additional instructional support to students before the upcoming STAAR Test Houston Elementary will be offering Virtual Saturday School. In these sessions, students will have the opportunity to receive further instruction on student learning objectives that have been identified as areas of weakness. These sessions will also allow students the opportunity to build their test-taking stamina in preparation for the timed and rigorous STAAR Assessment. These sessions will be offered on the following dates:
Saturday School Dates: February 6, February 20, February 27, March 6, March 27
3rd – 5th Math 8:30 -9:30 a.m.
3rd – 5th Reading 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
4th Writing & 5th Science 11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Letters have been emailed/sent home with students who are invited to Virtual Academy.
MAVS Day
Staff Development/Student Holiday- February 15th
Love is in the Air!
Congratulations Ms. Rangel!
Congratulations Ms. Raymond!
Congratulations Ms. Espinosa!
February 26th is the 100th Day of School. Students may dress up wearing 100 items on a t-shirt or dress as a 100 year-old. Check with your child's teacher about specific details for the day's activities.
Attendance Matters for BOTH Virtual and Face-to-Face Students. Good Attendance = Better Grades = Student Achievement
Congratulations to our Students, Staff Member and Teacher of the Month for January.
January Students of Month
K- Yaretzi Sanchez
1st- Atzin Flores
2nd- Natalie Bartolo
3rd- Ruby Pompa
4th- Denisse Cruz
5th- Evolett Gomez
Staff Member of the Month- Ms. Griffin
Teacher of the Month- Ms. Drum
Curbside meals are ONLY available on Wednesdays at HES 10:00 am - 12:30 pm.
Chucks & Pearls
Howard University
Team Spirit
Madame Vice President
Inauguration Day
Bedazzled Chucks
A day for the VP
Love Stories
Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch by Eileen Spinelli,
The Very Fairy Princess Follows Her Heart by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton, with illustrations by Christine Davenier.
Here Comes Valentine Cat by Deborah Underwood
In Here Comes Valentine Cat, we have a cat who doesn't like Valentine's Day and is increasingly irritated by his new neighbor next door, a dog who throws bones and a ball over the fence hitting the cat. The cat is about ready to send a mean Valentine's Day card to the dog.
However, the narrator and a nice Valentine's Day card from the dog help the cat to realize the dog is lonely and wants to be friends.
Pride for the Flags
Hoisting the Flag
Don't Touch!
Texas Flag
Proper Technique
Take Hold
Ready to Go!
Houston Health Science Technology Academy
Email: tatanishastevenson@lancasterisd.org
Website: www.lancasterisd.org
Location: 2929 Marquis Lane, Lancaster, TX, USA
Phone: 972-218-1512
Facebook: facebook.com/HoustonESLancaster
Twitter: @HESLancaster