The Falcon Report
Foothills Elementary School
January 6, 2023
Dates to Remember
- 1/9 @ 5:30: PTA Meeting in the Library. Child care is onsite!
- 1/16 No School Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 1/17 Choir and Percussion Performance 6:00-7:30
- 1/18 American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge kick-off (see info below)
- 1/24 Trades Night at WRHS 6:00-7:30
- 1/26 No School, Teacher Professional Development
- 1/26 Kidz Happy Hour Takeover Fundraiser at 1pm
- 1/27 No School, Semester Break
- 3/15 WRSD's STEAM Event @ WRHS
Weekly Update
What a great first week back from winter break. We spent this week reviewing expectations and getting back to our routines and procedures. Students worked hard to review units that we worked on in December.
It is hard to believe that we are almost halfway through the school year. First semester ends at the end of the month and report cards will be coming home in early February. More information with be coming soon about report cards and standards based grading.
As the weather continues to fluctuate, students tend to remove their coats outside and leave them. Please make sure to put your child's name inside jackets, hoodies, hats, and gloves. This can help us get these items back to their owners.
Attendance Works
Here are some important terms we use:
An unexcused absence is when a student is absent from school, and the parent or guardian has not called to inform the school of the reason for the absence. An excused absence is when a student is absent from school, and you communicate with the office.
Zones of Regulation
More ways you help your child use The Zones of Regulation at home:
- Identify your own feelings using Zones language in front of your child (e.g.: I’m frustrated. I think I am in the Yellow Zone.”)
- Talk about what tool you will use to be in the appropriate Zone (e.g.: “I need to take four deep breaths to help get me back to the Green Zone.”)
- At times, wonder which Zone your child is in. Or, discuss which Zone a character in a film / book might be in. (e.g.: “You look sleepy. Are you in the Blue Zone?”)
- Engage your child in discussion around Zones when they are in the Red Zone is unlikely to be effective. You need to be discussing the different Zones and tools they can use when they are more regulated / calm.
- Teach your child which tools they can you. (eg: “It’s time for bed. Let’s read a book together in the comfy chair to get you in the Blue Zone.”)
- Regular Check-ins. “How are you feeling now?” and “How can you get back to Green?”
- Modeling. It is important to remember to show the children how you use tools to get back to the green zones. You might say “I am going to make myself a cup of tea and do some breathing exercises because I am in the blue zone” and afterwards tell your child how using those tools helped you get back to the green zone.
- Share how their behavior is affecting your Zone. For example, if they are in the Green Zone, you could comment that their behavior is also helping you feel happy / go into the Green Zone.
- Put up and reference the Zones visuals and tools in your home.
- Praise and encourage your child when they share which Zone they are in.
Get A Jump Start Foothills – Kids Heart Challenge is Coming!
Dear Families –
The American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge program is kicking off on Wednesday, January 18th! Get started today by downloading the FREE Kids Heart Challenge App for Apple or Android or visiting http://www2.heart.org/goto/Foothills. Your child will choose a heart healthy challenge to Move More or Be Kind and earn a FREE Be The Torch Wristband! Our goal is to have 100% of our students register online and learn Hands-Only CPR as a family.
Meet this year’s Heart Heroes and BE THE TORCH TODAY that will light the torch of hope in the fight against heart disease and stroke! (2 min video)
Special School Incentives:
Anyone who raises $150 before the assembly will earn an exclusive XL Frankie! The top fundraiser gets to pie Mr. Cordes in the FACE! The top participating class will get a free choice PE class! When you raise $50 you will instantly earn a Be The Torch wristband, 4 Heart Heroes, and a Mystery Gift!!
Follow FINN’S MISSION in your HQ to learn Hands-Only CPR, learn the warning signs of a stroke and how to help spread awareness by connecting to social media. Complete Finn’s Mission and you’ll earn a Finn Keychain!
Active Learner
Our character trait of the month for January is Active Learner.
An Active Learner looks like focusing on the speaker: eyes on, body still, listening ears.
It means you are ignoring distractions around you.
You take ownership of your learning.
You don't give up, even when it is hard, also called perseverance.