Dolphin Tales
The Week of February 24th, 2020
Doherty Family Album
Doherty is a National Showcase School Nominee!
Our phenomenal staff has done such an amazing job living out the process that we have nominated as a National Showcase School.
We earned this honor in the following ways:
- The magic created at Doherty was noticed and recognized by Joe Pellerito, our CKH regional support person. He nominated and recommended us for this honor.
- CKH National Showcase School Nominees are evaluated and selected based on survey and performance data from administrators, teachers, staff, and students.
Here's what this all means:
- Through the National Showcase Schools awards, the Flipped Group recognizes and celebrates schools that go the extra mile each day, creating the socio-emotional safety on school campuses that is conducive to learning.
- 261 of US school campuses have been selected as 2019-2020 CKH National Showcase School Nominees. 434 of the over 10,000 CKH school campuses across the world are in our boat.
- Flippen Group founder, Flip Flippen began teaching Capturing Kids' Hearts processes to schools in 1990.
- CKH is an immersive, participatory experience where teachers, staff, and administrators learn and practice skills they will use and model in their classrooms, schools, districts, and lives.
- The Flippen Group is a national professional development provider operating on principles that research clearly demonstrates--that students are most likely to succeed when they are emotionally safe and able to reconnect with their natural curiosity.
- Flippen Group processes, such as CKH, provide educators the skills they need to change the trajectory of students' lives.
- Campuses implementing CKH consistently report increases in academic improvement and reductions in discipline concerns.
- Now, we will begin a Showcase School evaluation process wherein the Flippen Group will visit our school, talk to staff and students, collect more data, and determine if we are far enough in the implementation process to become a Showcase School.
Quick Tips & Events for This Week
Quick Highlights for This Week
- Monday, February 24th: Early Release Day (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
- After the Bell Classes Pick Up: Please see the article later in the newsletter about how you can pick up your child from After the Bell classes.
- First Grade Parents--check out the flyer below from Mrs. Kutsick
- NOTE: No School on Tuesday, March 10th
What You'll Find In This Newsletter
Lunch Menu & Links for Food Services
Quick Tips & Events for This Week
Early Release Day Reminders
Positive Office Referrals
- Check out leadership worthy recognition of our students!
PBIS Winners
- Check Out Our Winners!
Big Things
- Another Superhero Tool to Help Grow Our Worry Warriors
- School Safety: Dismissal Plan for After the Bell Classes
In the Know with the PTO
- PTO News
- PTO Annual Shamrock Shake Family Dance
- Box Tops
Big Moments on the Horizon
- West Bloomfield School District Spring Camp 2020
- Under the Lights Flag Football Registration Information
- WBSD Innovation Extravaganza on April 28th
- Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition Looking for Sponsors
- March 25th Spring Photos
All in the Family: Schoolwide Connections
- iCenter Information for Kindergarten Plus Students
- Visit the Pine Cone Website
- Pine Cone Incentive with our WB Township Libraries
- An Important Note from Ms. Miller, our PE Teacher
- Music @ Doherty
- Save the Date for Spring Music Concerts
- Mrs. Hanifi's Art Blog
- General Information
- Help Us With Arrival and Dismissal
- Outdoor Recess
Reruns
- PBIS Rewards Reminders
- Take a Break Program Reminders
- Doherty Literary Garden
- How is Your Social Contract?
- Use the Four Questions to Help Your Child Self Correct Behavior
- Practical Steps for Helping Kids Through Challenging Situations
- Roller Coaster Breathing
- Shake It Off With Tumble Dryer Breathing
- Blow Off Some Steam with Birthday Candle Breathing
- Soup for the Emotional Soul Breathing
- More Superhero Tools to Help Grow Worry Warriors
- Independent Reading and Buddy Reading
- Practical Steps for Reading at Home
- Next Level Efforts of Growing Our Readers--No Limits and No Labels
BrainPop Jr
Doherty Traffic Plan
Upcoming Events/Dates
Information About Lunches & Breakfast
By clicking any of the links below, you can learn more about our lunch services. Please note that if you need your child's student number for setting up an account on E-Funds, you can access it by going to his/her PowerSchool account. If you are unable to access PowerSchool, you can email Mrs. Turner at wandas.turner@wbsd.org. If you need immediate access to a student number before the first day of school, you can email me at scott.long@wbsd.org.
Link to Doherty Breakfast Menu
Setting Up an Account on the New E-Funds Lunch Program
Important Update About e-Funds Lunch Account
EARLY RELEASE DAY REMINDERS
Monday, February 24th is an Early Release Day
Early Release Day Reminders--Mark Your Calendars
Please mark your calendar for our upcoming early release days. Dismissal is at 2:17 PM on these days.
Our bus services will still run. The only difference is that they will drop off at stops one hour earlier.
Please note that most (NOT ALL) Mondays are early releases. Below is a list of the early release Mondays for February through June
- Monday, February 24th
- Monday, March 2nd
- Monday, March 9th
- Monday, March 16th
- Monday, April 6th
- Monday, April 20th
- Monday, April 27th
- Monday, May 4th
- Monday, May11th
- Monday, May 18th
- Monday, June 1st
Positive Office Referrals
Part of our Portrait of a Graduate in West Bloomfield is helping students become impactful Contributors. Students are contributing when they positively impact the surrounding community and world by proactively applying personal awareness and relational skills.
At Doherty, with the support of our amazing families, we are developing Contributors. Moreover, we take the time to celebrate and recognize our Contributors!
See this week's winners below:
Jayce Gocha-Williams, Nominated by Mrs. Collins
Jayden Carbonell, Nominated by Mrs. Griffin
LIncoln Feliciano, Nominated by Mrs. Griffin
Sienna Stacey, Nominated by Mrs. Zuhlke and Mrs. Romano
Yousif Alotaibi, Nominated by Mrs. Zuhlke and Mrs. Romano
PBIS (Personal Best In School) Winners
PBIS (Personal Best In School) Winners
We take time each week to recognize students for earning PBIS Rewards points. Weekly winners are recognized for making safe, responsible, and respectful choices. These winners are recognized on our morning announcements and receive a recess with Mr. Long.
Here’s how it all works:
Every week, students have a chance to earn 60 points or more.
Students' chances of winning are higher with the more points they earn each week.
And, here’s the best part. Every time a student earns a PBIS Rewards point, they still have a chance to win a weekly prize.
There will be 20 winners every week! Winners are chosen through a lottery system.
More winners to be announced next week
BIG THINGS
Another Superhero Tool to Help Grow Our Worry Warriors
PLEASE NOTE DISMISSAL PLAN FOR AFTER THE BELL CLASSES
Dismissal Plan for After the Bell Classes
In order to protect our students and staff, the building is locked after school. When it comes to After the Bell classes, Community Education wants to be clear on how they will dismiss.
- Parents picking up students from After the Bell classes, should wait by the front entrance.
- Feel free to remain in your car in the loop (as long as it is after our buses have left the loop)
- After the Bell class instructors will escort students to the main entrance and wait until all children have been picked up.
- Parents will sign out their student at the main entrance doors.
Some parents like to watch their child participate in the class. If you are interested in viewing a class, please arrive at the start time and check-in at the office.
PTO News
In The Know With Doherty PTO
PTO Doherty Shamrock Shake
There will be pizza, drinks, snacks and extra light up swag available for purchase. Please see the flyer above for additional information including a QR code you can scan. You can purchase tickets online by clicking here.
Stay Connected with the PTO
Future PTO Meeting Dates:
- March 19th at 6:30 PM
- April 16th at 6:30 PM
- May 21st at 6:30 PM
Box Tops for Education
Please see the flyers below for information regarding Box Tops for Education. Our PTO is able to purchase amazing things for our school. The flyer will show you it is now easier than ever to help participate in the Box Tops for Education program.
The exciting change is No More Clipping!!! The box top app allows you to scan your receipt and instantly apply Box Tops to Doherty's earnings online.
No worries if you still have the traditional box tops at home , just send those into the office.
We thank you for your support.
Also, we have included a list of some products that work with Box Tops for Education.
Big Moments on the Horizon
West Bloomfield School District Spring Camp 2020
Location: West Bloomfield School District- Administrative & Community Services (ACS) 5810 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324
Instructors: West Bloomfield School District & Community Education Staff
REGISTER ONLINE www.wbsd.org Departments, Community Education
REGISTER BY PHONE (248) 865-6462
Campers will explore their creative side, exercise and have fun with friends! The week will be filled with special activities, including sports, arts & crafts, cooking, movie day and more! All materials included. Sign up for one day or all five! Campers will need a lunch, snack and drink.
Please see the attached flyer at the end of the newsletter with Camp pricing and additional information.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Andrea Fogliette, Coordinator of Enrichment and Recreation for West Bloomfield School District
Community Education Department
Office: (248) 865-6467
Under the Lights Flag Football Season Starting April 24th
WBSD Innovation Extravaganza RSVP
We invite you to attend the West Bloomfield School District Innovation Extravaganza at West Bloomfield High School on Tuesday, April 28th from 6pm-8pm at West Bloomfield High School! This is a district-wide showcase that will showcase student learning and our portrait of a graduate initiative. This event provides an opportunity for students to share their technology expertise and how they are integrating the 4C’s into their classrooms and learning. The Innovation Extravaganza student-led sessions and expo focus on fostering the 4C’s through learning, technology, and partnerships.
Please use the link below to RSVP. Please feel free to share out the link to other members in the community that would be interested in attending this event!
We are excited to have you!
Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition Looking for Sponsors
Spring Picture Day is just around the corner!!
All In The Family: Schoolwide Connections
Visit the Pine Cone Website for More Information About Our Awesome Reading Program
Pine Cone Incentive
PINE CONE incentive from Mrs. Carson!
We are encouraging all families to visit our West Bloomfield Township Libraries- Main Branch or the West Acres Branch.
Bring in or email PROOF of visiting the library to check out a PINE CONE book, and you will get an automatic PRIZE from Mrs. Carson's treasure chest!!!
Proof could be in the form of:
- a photo of you at the library checking out the book,
- a photo of or actual library receipt from the WBTPL, or...
- bring in the book & show Mrs. Carson
This incentive is running NOW through March 1st!!!
A Note From Ms. Colleen Miller, our PE Teacher
PARENTS--MS. MILLER NEEDS YOUR HELP!!
Now that the weather has turned to snow and cold, MANY students are wearing boots. It is very important for your child to have athletic footwear on the day they have Physical Education(P.E.). Imagine trying to run, skip, or jump rope in your winter boots----not safe, or easy, especially if you are a child. Here are the days that each class hs P.E.:
Tuesday--Cuda, Baeten, Earley, Collins/Hoskow, Burke, Metzenthin
Wednesday--Bain, Griffin, Kilano, Bieber, Miller, Samuilow
Thursday--Gasko, Karagosian, Stephens, Joynt, Tracey
Friday--DeGasperis, Kowalski, Loeffler, Romano, Valentine, Crowe
Monday schedules are on a rotation. On those days, if your child has P.E., it will most likely be a low key activity such as Yoga, or Kids In Charge lessons.
Other ways you can help maximize EVERY student’s P.E. experience:
-Teach your child to tie, AND double knot, their shoes. Having an adult have to stop teaching to tie multiple shoes in each class period compromises maximum activity time, as well as safety.
-Make sure your child knows how to put on their own shoes without adult assistance.
Thank you for helping your child, and ALL of the students at Doherty, have a safe, successful experience in Physical Education class.
Sincerely,
Ms. Colleen Miller
Doherty Elementary Physical Education Teacher
Save The Date: Music Concerts
Save the Date for 1st Grade Concerts
Thursday, April 30th: Gasko, Stephens, Joynt, Miller
Doherty Gym Stage
All students arrive at 5:45 PM. Students should dress fancy.
Mrs. Hanifi's Art Blog
Please click below to view Mrs. Hanifi's Art Blog. This is your chance to learn more about the exciting art opportunities taking place in your child's art class.
General Information
Important Contacts & Numbers
· Attendance Safe Line: 248-865-6002
· Main Office: 248-865-6020
· Website: wbsd.org (go to “Schools” to find Doherty)
Reporting Absences
If your child is sick and not coming to school, it is totally fine to let the teacher know. We also need you report this absence to our attendance safe line. When doing so, please report the child's name, the dates, and the reason for the absence.
School Times
· Building Opens: 8:05 AM
· School Starts: 8:25 AM
· School Ends: 3:17 PM
· Car Line Closes: 3:40 PM
· Don’t forget about our Early Releases on most Mondays
Nutrition & Allergy Prevention
· Pack a lunch as you wish (there are nut-free tables in the lunch room)
· Specific classrooms are nut-restricted (you will receive a letter)
· Class snacks: healthy snacks (preferably fruits & vegetables)
· Fruits, vegetables, and healthy snacks only only for classroom parties
· No birthday food treats
Help Us Ensure Maximum Engagement at the Start of Our Day
Please Do Your Best to Get to School On-Time
We understand that late days happen now and again. Please do your very best to ensure that our kids are in school and on-time before 8:30 AM. This is important for so many reasons:- Being late and behind everybody creates unnecessary anxiety for a child.
- When children come in late, it becomes a distraction to the entire class. Getting off to a strong, focused start early in the morning is critical to creating maximum engagement and momentum for the teacher AND for each child.
- When children are late, they inevitably miss out on critical start of the day routines, as well as valuable learning opportunities.
If You Are Late, Please Give Your Child the Gift of Independence
We are now in the second quarter of the school year. That is really hard to believe. With that said, our children know the building well, and they are expected to be able to make it to their class on their own. So, if you are signing your child in late, please refrain from walking your child down to class and/or entering the class. This is important for several reasons:
- Momentum for our teachers is key. When unexpected guests come in to ask the teacher questions at the start of class, it disrupts their flow.
- Focus for our children is important. Every new guest and person that enters changes the channel of focus for our children.
- Allowing your child to independently follow our school routines of getting to class, getting unpacked, and getting ready is imperative for their development.
If you need help with something, or if you are looking for a lost item, or if you need something delivered to a teacher, our amazing office staff and support staff can help you with that.
Help Us With Dismissal
CHANGE IN DISMISSAL PLANS?
If you have a change in dismissal plans for your child, PLEASE take the following steps to ensure that we get your child to the correct location:
- Email your child's teacher and the main office staff: michelle.rudelic@wbsd.org AND wandas.turner@wbsd.org
- If your child's change in dismissal plans impact Kids Klub (either because your child is not attending Kids Klub on a particular day OR because your child needs to attend Kids Klub on a particular day), then please also include our Kids Klub lead and Kids Klub director: carey.saperstein@wbsd.org (this ensures that we get kids to the right spot at dismissal) and collette.goestenkors@wbsd.org (this ensures that billing is accurate for families).
Please help us in our carline by doing the following:
- Drive slow and be safe.
- When picking up or dropping off, stay in your car. We have staff members that can assist the kids. This helps keep the line moving quicker.
- When picking up, please be sure to keep your carline number tag visible and clear the whole time. This helps us move quickly through the line.
OUTDOOR RECESS
Please be sure your child has the following with their name on it:
- Winter hat
- Gloves
- Snow boots
- Snow pants
- Winter jacket
Things get misplaced from time to time. But, if their items are labeled, it is so much easier for us to get them back to the rightful owner.
RERUNS
PBIS Rewards Information
What is PBIS Rewards?
The overall objective of the PBIS Rewards program is for our staff to successfully implement a schoolwide system that will help us provide high levels of acknowledgement to students through positive teacher attention to great behavior.
Monitoring Your Child’s Success with PBIS
Students earn PBIS Rewards points by living out our three schoolwide expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, and Be Responsible. At a minimum, students can earn points in the following ways on a daily basis:
9 points per day from their classroom teacher
3 points for each category--Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Responsible
3 points per day from their specials teacher
1 point for each category--Be Respectful, Be Safe, and Be Responsible
Using the Parent PBIS Rewards App On Your Smartphone
The PBIS Rewards Parent App (available for free download on smartphones) is a great way to check your child’s behavior on a daily basis. If you need access to your child’s code, please email Scott Long at scott.long@wbsd.org.
PBIS (Personal Best In School) Launches This Week
Beginning this week and for the rest of the year, we are going to take time each week to recognize students for earning PBIS Rewards points. Every week, we will have winners that are recognized for being a contributor and a difference maker.
Here’s how it all works:
Every week, students have a chance to earn 60 points or more.
Students' chances of winning are higher with the more points they earn each week.
And, here’s the best part. Every time a student earns a PBIS Rewards point, they still have a chance to win a weekly prize.
There will be 20 winners every week! Winners are chosen through a lottery system.
What to Look for on your PBIS Rewards App as a Parent?
The daily point system remains the same. Students can earn 9 or more points per day for being safe, respectful, and responsible in their homeroom. They can also earn 3 or more points per day for those same expectations in their specials classes each day. On top of that, students can earn points from staff in the halls, at lunch, at morning walking club, and at other points of the day for demonstrating their very best when it comes to living out our school's values.
Students that earn 9 points or more in a day have had a great day! When you look at your child's point balance, that's where you will be able to see how many points he/she has earned for the week. By week's end, our goal is for your child to earn 45 points or more.
At the end of the week, your child's point balance is cleared, and everyone starts back at 0 to start the next week.
Please keep in mind that students are not penalized for being absent or if a guest teacher is leading the classroom. Instead, students receive a prorated point total (based on what they typically earn per day) for such circumstances at the end of the marking period.
If you have not already done so, please get the app on your smart phone and begin checking for activity. If your student earns 9 or more points per day, he/she had a strong day! If you have not already added the PBIS Rewards Parent App to your smart phone, your child’s teacher should have given you directions on how you can track your child’s PBIS Rewards points. If you need help getting the app, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at scott.long@wbsd.org.
Take A Break
What is Take A Break?
“Take A Break” is a special space in the classroom where children can step away from the group and take a moment to decompress, reflect on their behavior, refocus, or think about making different choices. Children can choose to take a break themselves or may be asked to take a break by their teacher. It offers children the opportunity to reset and return to learning without negative consequences. The goal is for the students to recognize when they are upset or perhaps avoiding work and regulate their own emotions and outcomes.
Where does Take A Break happen?
Each classroom will have a designated space with a timer, a small basket of calming materials (stress balls, coloring sheets, play dough, etc.), and a comfortable place to sit, think, and write. It is typically separate from the whole group instruction area and is available to students at any time (including during specials). When a child is asked to, or chooses to, “Take a Break In” they use the classroom take a break card to go to the reflection area in their classroom.
Occasionally, taking a break in the classroom is not enough and children will be given a chance to take a break in a buddy teacher’s classroom (“Take a Break Out”). When that happens, the child will receive a friendly greeting from the buddy teacher and be asked to go to their reflection area until the teacher has a chance to talk with the student. After the student has had a chance to calm down and think, they will meet with their the buddy teacher (Take a Break Out), fill out a reflection sheet (a copy will be emailed home), and rejoin the class.
Click Here for Link to Morning Announcement Video That Highlights One Strategy From Take A Break
Doherty Literary Garden
Doherty Junior Literary Garden
The WBHS Literary Garden Club is so excited to partner with Doherty's students and our Jr Literary Garden. Like its high school counterpart, the Junior Literary Garden will have plants tied to the books the elementary students are reading so that the teachers can maximize sensory learning in literacy development. Your Doherty teachers are bursting with ideas beyond books - they are thinking of ways to use the Garden for math, science, and socio-emotional development.
The high school students have been designing the Garden to delight and surprise the elementary students at every turn. WB teachers Coletta Bain and Jennifer McQuillan have been collaborating on this project as well. Plans are in the works to connect high school students with elementary “book pals,” which would allow teens to come into Doherty and work with their younger counterparts in a variety of ways. This endeavor would not be possible without the generous support of the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation. We are so grateful for the “seed” money that is getting us started!
We would love your help as we “plant” this new initiative! Here’s our wish list:
Gardening gloves (kid and adult sized)
Gardening tools (kid and adult sized) (hand tools and shovels, rakes, etc.)
Brown paper lawn and refuse bags
Benches / seating / picnic table
Watering cans
Compost bin
Donations of perennial seeds, plants, and ideas are welcome!
Gently Used Picnic Tables
If you have items to help, please contact Ms. Bain at coletta.bain@wbsd.org
How is Your Social Contract?
Across the Doherty Family, our teachers and students are doing a great job living out their Social Contracts.
Below is a picture of Mrs. Griffin's classroom Social Contract and a picture of the new and improved Long Family Social Contract. I hope these inspire you :)
As a reminder...
Here's how you build it:
- Discuss the following four questions with your entire family: How do you want to be treated by me (the parent)? How do you think I (the parent) want to be treated by you (the child)? How do we want to treat each other? How will we treat each other when we have a problem/conflict?
- The goal is to create a set of words/phrases that you can highlight for your social contract. For example, you might have words/phrases like "be kind," "thoughtful," "patient," and "positive" on your social contract.
- Once you have generated your words/phrases, you record them on a larger piece of paper and post it somewhere in your house.
- Everyone signs it or initials it to signal that they agree to these values.
Here's how you keep it alive:
- Take time throughout the day to review the Social Contract. Pick one or two words to be the focus for the family.
- Pick someone to rate how the family has done with those 1 or 2 words for the day.
- Take time to affirm/compliment your children for doing a great job with one of the words/phrases on the Social Contract. Make the compliment very specific.
- If someone in the family is having a hard time living up to the agreements, you can remind them of the behaviors they agreed upon.
- At dinner, in the car, or during a walk, ask your child how he/she did in school with one of the values on your Social Contract. Ask them how a staff member lived out one of the values from your Social Contract.
- Refer to the Social Contract as often as possible.
Use The Four Questions to Help Your Child Self Correct His/Her Behavior
But, before I share these magical questions with you, here are some things to consider:
- Your tone matters. How you ask the questions is just as important as what the actual questions are. Use a kind, calm, compassionate voice tone.
- Your body language matters. Body language is one of the most powerful forms of communication. So, if your body language says that you are angry, then it will be difficult to be effective with these questions.
- Don't fall for smoke screens or a child's attempt to avoid answering the question.
Question #1: What are you doing?
Question #2: What are you supposed to be doing?
Question #3: Are you doing what you are supposed to be doing?
Question #4: What are we going to do about it?
On any given question, you can ask the question two times. If the child has not answered the questions after the first two times, then here's what comes next:
- Step back and create physical space.
- Pause for a moment and provide the child time to think.
- Give an authentic compliment. It may be something like: "Grady, one of the things I love about you is that you are always so helpful around the house. Just the other day, you went out of your way to pick up all of the laundry without even being asked..."
- Clearly state that there will be a consequence if he/she doesn't answer the question. It may sound like this: "But, I am going to ask the question one more time. If you can't answer it, then you will have a consequence of (whatever consequence you might choose)."
- Ask the question a third and final time. If the question is answered, you move on to the next question. If it is not answered, it's consequence time.
Practical Steps for Helping Kids Through Challenging Situations
Here's the thing: every single parent can use the strategies Nikki imparted last week, regardless of the degree to which your child struggles with anxiety. And, to be honest, even us adults could use the strategies she imparted to help us with our own anxiety. On top of all of this, Doherty employs many of the same strategies when our children are struggling to cope.
With that said, I video taped key portions of our evening with Nikki, and the link is available below to watch.
This week, we have a few home challenges:
- Watch the video that includes some of the highlights from Nikki--click here for the link.
- Think about your language that you choose to use when working to empower your child towards growing his/her emotional resiliency. Use language that is at their level. For example, talk to them about putting on their armor so they can be a warrior. Talk to them about growing their emotional muscles as they encounter new situations and challenges. Use this language when they are calm and you are talking through potential scenarios, and use this language when they are struggling with their emotions. Watch the video for more details about the language you can use.
- Build a coping kit for home that your kid can use to help regulate their emotions. See the video for more details about how a coping kit works. You can also see the image below that explains how to build a coping kit.
- Create a Calm Down Jar for home. See the video for more details about how a calm down jar works. You can als refer to the calm down jar image below to create one.
- Check out the next Worry Warriors session on October 24th. See the flyer later in our newsletter for more details.
Stay Cool With Clever Breathing Exercises
Shake It Off With Tumble Dryer Breathing
Tumble Dryer Breathing is a perfect example of how to help kids shift their focus AND breathe to help regulate emotions. See the picture above AND watch an excerpt from our morning announcements. Click here to watch the clip.
Blow Off Some Steam with Birthday Candle Breathing
This week, we want to share Birthday Candle Breathing, which is always one of the kids' favorites. See the picture above AND watch an excerpt from our morning announcements. Click Here to watch the clip.
Soup for the Emotional Soul
Here's one more awesome breathing strategy that is comforting to the soul!
This week, we want to share Hot Soup Breathing. See the picture above AND watch an excerpt from our morning announcements. Click Here to Watch the Clip
More SuperHero Tools to Help Grow Worry Warriors
In recent weeks, we have exposed our children to several other tools to help strengthen emotional literacy. It is my hope that we continue to strengthen our home-school partnership with these concepts. Please feel free to help us in doing so by viewing the video links below with your children at home.
Independent Reading and Buddy Reading
Independent Reading
We challenge are students to grow their reading stamina each day by reading independently a little longer each day. Just like a runner will stretch his/her running distance over the course of time, we challenge our readers to stretch their reading time over the course of time. Many teachers actually chart the number of minutes the entire class remained focused with independent reading each day. This helps provide a visual representation of how the class is growing in their reading stamina.
At home, you can do the same. Carve out time each evening where you and your child read independently. You can start small--maybe just five minutes each night. Then, you can grow that time by 2-3 minutes. Research shows that children grow as readers when they have visible models of reading in their household, so please be sure to read independently at the same time. For your readers that can't actually read the text yet, keep in mind that your child can "read the pictures" to decipher what is going on. This is something your child has learned to do.
Extra points for you if you and your child read back to back during independent reading time. See the picture below. This is how most of our classes conduct their independent reading time--reading back to back with their reading buddy.
Partner Reading
Reading is a social experience. Readers grow when they have a chance to share and talk about their reading with others. At Doherty, after readers have the chance to engage in texts, we ask them to read with their reading partner and talk about their text. Most of the time, there is a specific focus point for the conversation.
At home, you can do the same. Once you are done with independent reading time, sit alongside of your child and engage in partner reading. You can take turns reading to each other and talk about what you read.
Extra points for you if you and child engage in partner reading by sitting shoulder to shoulder, knee to knee. See the picture below. This is how we conduct partner reading time.
Action Steps
- Set aside sacred, super important independent reading time.
- Start with a short chunk of independent reading time and then grow this over time.
- Read independently as your child reads independently. Feel free to read back to back.
- Follow independent reading time with partner reading time.
- Take turns reading and/or talk about your reading.
Practical Steps for Reading at Home
Let’s help our children grow and flex their reading muscles at home. When it comes to thinking about how we can help our children as readers, this can sometimes be an overwhelming task. But, it doesn't have to be! Here are some simple steps you can use at home that align with many of the things we are doing in the classroom.
It Starts With Giving Kids Access to Books That Interest Them
Sometimes it is a struggle to get our kids to read. The first step in getting them excited about reading is giving them an opportunity to choose books that are interesting to them. You can help give your child access to engaging and relevant books in many different ways, including:
- Get on Amazon and search for cool looking books with your child. The great thing about Amazon is buying a book is just a simple click.
- Go to the book store or the public library to shop for books with your child.
- Scan the Scholastic book order forms that are sent home with your child.
The most important thing is to make reading a magical and fun experience, where books open up new worlds to our kids.
Readability Matters: Give Kids Access to Books That Are Readable for Them
Research shows that the best way to help kids improve their reading is to give them access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level. Think of it this way. If you asked me to practice dunking a basketball on a ten foot rim for twenty minutes, I would easily give up. Why? Because I know that I can't jump that high. But, if you lower the rim a little (okay, okay..if you lower the rim a lot for me), then I will be more likely to engage in that task.
Here's a really easy way to figure out which books are at or slightly above your child's reading level:
- Email your child's teacher and ask them what your child's F & P reading level is. Your child's teacher will give you a letter.
- Once you know your child's F & P level, you can use Scholastic Book Wizard to search the reading level of a book. Click here to access Scholastic Book Wizard.
- If your child's level is a "D," then you might focus on books that are a D or E.
Something to really think about here: giving kids access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level does not mean that you cut them off from checking out or buying more complex texts. Allowing and encouraging readers to explore all types of texts makes reading fun.
Another thing to consider: we do not want to put labels on our readers. The last thing we want is for a reader to say, "I am a level D reader." An F & P reading level is simply a tool to help us support and scaffold our readers. It's not meant to compare my son's reading ability to another boy's reading, nor is it meant to place unnecessary stress on our little readers. Rather, it is merely one tool you can use when looking for books to put in front of your child. Just like I wouldn't use a hammer to drill a hole, I wouldn't use a reading level to exclude kids from books, nor would I use a reading level to make a reader feel like he/she isn't good enough.
Practice Building Reading Stamina
Make a simple chart that tracks the duration of time your child is reading. Start small with a goal to read for five minutes. Over time, increase this reading target time. Continue tracking it. Your child will love to see the progress he/she is making.
When we see how far we've come, we can realize how big our reading muscles are really getting!
Read Aloud
Read aloud to your child as often as you can. Right before bed is the perfect time. When reading aloud to your child, it's best to pick a "stretch text"---a book that is more challenging and a lot of fun. By reading aloud a fun book that is a little more challenging, your child will have access to more language and more complex reading.
Next Level Efforts of Growing Our Readers--No Limits & No Labels
Last week, we explored some ways in which we can help our children grow their reading muscles. This week, we are going to go a step further in terms of things you should consider when helping your child at home.
Make Reading Fun & Open New Windows to The World
Finding books and reading material that is relevant and engaging to your child is key. The most important thing is to make reading a magical and fun experience, where books open up new worlds to our kids. Head out to the library or the book store and go on a hunt for great books. Make looking for books a cool experience. When I reflect back to my earliest literacy experiences, the most magical experiences for me were the simple ones--where my dad took me to the library and told me to find anything I wanted to find.
Readability Matters, But Never Limit Your Reader
Giving kids access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level is a great way to help kids grow their reading muscles. However, be sure to avoid pigeon holing your little reader. Never stand in the way of a child and a book by saying that it is too difficult for them.
While it's nice to know your child's reading level for the purpose of giving them access of books that they can read, it shouldn't be the only thing you do. While it's great to ask your child's teacher about your child's reading level, always keep in mind that this level isn't meant to use in a way that holds a kid back, compares a kid to another kid, or even limits a child's opportunities.
Something to really think about here: giving kids access to books that are at or slightly above their reading level does not mean that you cut them off from checking out or buying more complex texts. Allowing and encouraging readers to explore all types of texts makes reading fun.
Another thing to consider: we do not want to put labels on our readers. The last thing we want is for a reader to say, "I am a level D reader." An F & P reading level is simply a tool to help us support and scaffold our readers. It's not meant to compare my son's reading ability to another boy's reading, nor is it meant to place unnecessary stress on our little readers. Rather, it is merely one tool you can use when looking for books to put in front of your child. Just like I wouldn't use a hammer to drill a hole, I wouldn't use a reading level to exclude kids from books, nor would I use a reading level to make a reader feel like he/she isn't good enough.
Doherty is excited to extend Brainpopjr subscription
Yay!! Our school has a one year subscription to Brainpopjr.com.
All Doherty students will have the opportunity to enhance their learning with this awesome website. This site offers common core-aligned movies, quizzes, games and activities covering Science, Reading, Writing, Math, Health, Social Studies, Art, and Technology. It encourages young learners to ask questions and form their own ideas. All text is read aloud to facilitate comprehension. You can use this site at home on your computer and iPads. In school we will use this site on school Chromebooks and classroom SMARTboards.
How to get started?
Go to www.brainpopjr.com
Username: westbloomfield (NO SPACE)
Password: doherty
Doherty Elementary Traffic Plan
At both pick-up and drop-off:
- Cars enter using the right lane and loop through the parking lot.
- Once cars enter the parking lot, you'll notice that there are two lines of green arrows. We ask that you form two lines at this part of the parking lot. This is important, as it allows for more cars to fit in our car loop and ensures that our car line does not stop/block traffic on Walnut Lake Road.
- Pull to the farthest available spot in the "Pick-Up/Drop-Off" area.
- Drivers should remain in the car.
- Children should exit and enter the car through the driver side.
- Staff and volunteers will be available to assist children in opening and closing doors.
At drop-off:
- Children should remain in the car until 8:05 AM.
At pick-up:
- Place the Carline Identification Tag (you received one at our opening events if you applied for it) on your rearview mirror so it is visible.
- If you have multiple people picking up your child, please be sure each one knows your carline number. Also, it would be a good idea to photocopy the tag for other rearview mirrors.
In an effort to keep children safe, I agree to the following procedures:
- I will place the Carline Identification Card that I receive at the start of the year in my front window so staff can easily identify me at afternoon pick-up.
- I will follow the traffic lanes as indicated on the map.
- I will follow directions provided by the Doherty Crossing Guard and other personnel.
- I will arrange seats and other interior items so my child can safely enter and exit my care through the back door on the driver's side of the vehicle.
- I will remain in the vehicle, and I will allow a Doherty Staff Member to escort my child to and from the car.
In an effort to help ensure smooth and safe operations at Doherty Elementary, I agree to the following procedures:
- I will not park in the Doherty Parking Lot during drop-off or dismissal unless I have urgent business in the office/school.
- I understand that my child may NOT enter the building before 8:05 AM each morning, unless he/she attends Kids Klub (before school care).
- I understand that my child will be sent to Kids Klub (paid after school care) if he/she is not picked up when the car line closes at 3:40 PM.
Upcoming Dates/Events
February 24th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 2nd: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 2nd: Quarter 3 Progress Reports Due by Midnight
March 9th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 12th: PTO Shamrock Shake
March 16th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
March 19th: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 PM
March 26th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
March 30-April 3rd: Spring Break
April 6th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
April 9th: PTO Multicultural Night
April 10th: No School
April 14th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
April 15th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
April 15th: Quarter 3 Report Cards Due by Midnight
April 16th: Kindergarten Musical Concert (During School Day)
April 16th: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 Pm
April 20th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
April 27th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
April 29th: First Grade Musical Concert (Evening)
May 4th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
May 5th: District Fine Arts Showcase
May 7th: 2nd Grade Musical Concert (Evening)
May 11th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
May 11th: Quarter 4 Progress Reports Due by Midnight
May 18th: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
May 21st: PTO General Meeting, 6:30 PM
May 25th: No School
May 29th: Doherty Field Day
June 1st: Early Release (Dismissal at 2:17 PM)
June 15th: Half Day
June 16th: Half Day, Last Day of School