Amana Elementary
Newsletter
Times they are a changin (Bob Dylan)
Come gather 'round, people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You'll be drenched to the bone
Times are certainly changing, faster perhaps than we would like, but changing nonetheless. Whether Bob Dylan was talking about school (and I doubt he was) the lyrics and sentiment certainly apply to our educational climate now. Take for instance our PLPs coming up next week. I preface with new families our PLPs (Personalized Learning Plans) are a hybrid of the old fashion Parent Teacher Conferences. Of course these are nothing new to our district (9 years?) but every year I do like to reflect on how these are just one more pioneering approach to education CCA prides itself on.
Additionally, our students are changing, our parents are changing (as I get older, parents get younger!). Our approaches are changing, society expectations aren’t necessarily changing but the job of the school seems to be getting more and more intricate. Math, Reading, Science, Music, Physical education, art and social studies are still staples in our learning. We at CCA have taken it upon ourselves to focus on the mental health of our students, families and staff. We have integrated curriculum such as Second Step. We are working on our approach to how we interact with students more positively through PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention of Supports). I really HOPE students are talking about SAIL (Safe, Appropriate, Involved, Learning). Recently all elementary staff got to be serviced by our elementary School Family Liaisons in how we can be more of a Trauma sensitive district. Trauma informed care (and there are a great many more students than what we would come to believe) have experienced some sort of trauma fits very nicely with our Second Step and PBIS. I grabbed this quote from psychologist Ashleigh Warner, “Beneath every behavior is a feeling. And beneath every feeling is a need. And when we meet that need rather than focus on the behavior, we begin to DEAL WITH THE CAUSE NOT THE SYMPTOM.” Additionally, whether a student has experienced trauma or not, all students benefit from the safety and positive connections to school.
Kind of all over the place this week for Friday Note. Getting ready of PLPs, sitting in training with our amazing PBIS team, getting coached in Balanced Leadership and working to really dial in our instruction on what students really need, got me reflecting on how much has changed in education and how rapidly it’s happening. It’s a great time to be in education! I’m 20 years in (and I can safely say I DON’T have 20 years left). It will continue to be a wild ride! Dedication to students will always be timeless!
Stay updated on your child’s/Children’s education! Ask questions and get involved! Dylan might not be talking about school, but his message is still true today
If your time to you is worth savin'
And you better start swimmin'
Or you'll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin'
Have a great weekend! Stay warm. Stop in and see me next week during PLP week.
Ben Macumber, Principal
Upcoming Events
- Thursday. Oct. 17 and Friday, Oct. 18 - No School
- Thursday, Oct. 31 - Halloween Costume Parade, 2:20 pm, classroom parties to follow
- Wednesday, Nov. 27 - Friday, Nov. 29 - No School
- Monday, Dec. 16 - K-2 Concert, 6:30 PM; 3-5 Concert, 7:30 pm
Amana Community Blood Drive
Thursday, October 17th
2:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Amana Elementary Cafeteria
You are invited to the fall Amana Community Blood Drive on October 17. Show your local pride by supporting the community blood supply and earning your “Hometown Hero” t-shirt (pictured above)!
Click Here to sign up online! Questions? Contact Amanalibary@ccaschools.org
Did you know that Amana Elementary can receive LifeSavings Grant funds from the blood center to help with educational expenses if we bring in more than 20 donations? Donate to save lives and support the school!
The BackPack Program
We participate in a program called The BackPack Program. This is a partnership between HACAP and the CCA Community Schools. The BackPack Program provides a food pack of kid-friendly, non-perishable food for children on the weekends and during school breaks. This is a FREE program, without cost to families. It is also kept completely confidential – only the counselor will be aware of participating families. If this would be helpful for you and your children, please contact Kelsey Koffend by phone at (319) 622-3255 or by email at kelseykoffend@ccaschools.org. There is a limited number of spots available, so it is important that you call or email to get your child’s name on the list.
Shoes That Fit
Shoes That Fit is a program that provides shoes to children in need. If your child needs new shoes this year and this program would be helpful to you, please contact Kelsey Koffend by phone at (319) 622-3255 or by email at kelseykoffend@ccaschools.org.
Help Support Our School
Ronal McDonald House Tabs
Box Tops for Education
Register Tapes for Education
Register Tapes for Education
Amana Elementaty
benmacumber@ccaschools.org
319-622-3255
Email: colleenconrad@ccaschools.org
Website: https://www.ccaschools.org/AE
Location: 3023 220th Trail, Middle Amana, IA, USA
Phone: (319) 622-3255