Family Newsletter
January 2020
Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center
(715) 582-3762
IMPORTANT DATES
December 23-January 1 - Winter Break
January 17 - PELC Winter DANCE - 5:30 - 7:30 pm
January 23 - EARLY RELEASE at 1:30 for staff inservice
January 24 - NO SCHOOL for staff inservice
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL COLLINS
Dear PELC Families -
In December 2013, my family of 7 (at the time) traveled to Spokane, WA to surprise my mom for the holidays. We left Wisconsin on December 22nd, but because of weather delays and mechanical issues, we were split up onto different flights. In the end, three of the children and I didn't get to Washington until mid-morning on December 24th. We were the last to arrive. It reminds me of a quote attributed to Michelangelo: "Genius is Eternal Patience." Although this journey definitely took a great deal of patience, there is something amazing about the thought that it might illustrate genius somehow!
The thing is, the end result of the journey was worth it. I'm not going to pretend the "getting there" part was easy. In fact, it was rather traumatic to spend two nights in an airport with children ages 3, 10, and 11. They were crying, I was crying, and I was ready to scream at people after they told me at one point that my 10 year old daughter was re-booked onto a flight, ALONE, through Los Angeles AND Seattle for over 13 hours. But when we finally all got to my parent's living room and my dad brought my mom out for "the big reveal," nothing else mattered. We tried to sing "We Wish you a Merry Christmas," but everyone started crying and hugging so we gave up. THAT was the genius of the thing, really, and I felt so grateful for the patience I'd had over the 56 hours it took to get there. I felt so grateful that I'd had the chance to BE tested.
This school year has already passed so quickly, and I'm sure you can all relate to having your patience tested in one way or another, whether in the car rider line, or during sporting events, or in helping your children with chores or homework. So I'm thanking you for YOUR patience. I'm asking you to consider yourselves lucky that you are getting to be tested. Maybe our demonstrations of "Eternal Patience" are really signs of "genius!" Wouldn't that be something?
Happy New Year!
Mrs. Collins
PELC WINTER CONCERTS
December 18th in the Big Gym
9:00 am - Grades 3rd through 6th
1:30 pm - Grades Kindergarten through 2nd
FROM OUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Dear Parents,
The holiday break is upon us again, and as I thought about what to write for this newsletter, I thought about all of the time that our students will have to spend playing, on their own or with family and friends. I know that many children will be getting new toys and games during the break, and I’m sure they will want to play with these things. However, I also know that many children get bored easily, unless they are engaged in highly stimulating things like video games and YouTube videos. If you would like some ideas to give your children when they get bored, read on!
Do you have a deck of regular playing cards at home? If not, I suggest picking up a deck, as there are many games that can provide hours of fun. See the list below for some age appropriate games. What about word and number games? You can pick up activity books with a variety of games, or you can teach your children games that don’t require anything other than paper and pencil. If you want your kids to get up and moving, what about having a dance party? Turn on some music and get moving. Or how about getting outside and playing in the snow? Your kids can build a snow family, build a fort, or have a snowball fight. While you’re outside, try blowing bubbles and see what happens. On those coldest winter days, you and your family could bake cookies or other fun treats. Your kids can also build blanket and pillow forts in the house, or they can use pillows to play hot lava (they must stay off the floor and jump from pillow to pillow). And though I am not much for arts and crafts myself, there are tons of craft projects that just take simple objects like pipe cleaners and popsicle sticks (just check out Pinterest).
Card games for younger students
Memory
Garbage
Go Fish
Old Maid
War
Snap
Spoons
Egyptian Rat Slap
Cards games for older students
Solitaire
Pyramid
Kings in the Corner solitaire
Addiction solitaire
Golf
Rummy
Hearts
Paper and Pencil Games
Find smaller words in a larger word
Guess the drawing
Dots and Boxes
Battleship
Connect Four
I hope you and your family have a fantastic break, and I look forward to seeing students in January!
Sincerely,
Katie Seidler, School Counselor
(715) 582-3762 ext. 3100
PTSO NEWS AND NOTES
Next PTSO Meeting
Wednesday, January 8th
6:30 in the PELC Cafeteria
Volunteers Needed!
We need parents to help volunteer at the Winter Dance on January 17th. We are looking for volunteers to work at the concession stand, raffle, admission, taking photographs, and set up. If you are available for any part of the night, please contact us at ptso@peshtigo.k12.wi.us.
Thanks for your consideration!
PBIS Update from Mrs. Osowski
At the end of our first trimester we had an all-school turkey trot dance party to celebrate our positive choices both in our academics and behaviorally. It was a great time for all as you can see from the pictures below.
During the month of December, we focused on appropriate hallway behaviors. Snowmen were added to the breezeway hallway if students were using their quiet voices. Check out how many snowmen we added!
For January, we will have a school-wide focus on winter playground safety. We will be focussing on ways to be safe with both snow and ice on the ground and when it is on the playground equipment.
NEWS FROM GYM CLASS
Winter is upon us and the cold temperatures encourage us to hibernate rather than stay active. Currently, in PE, we are battling that lethargic feeling by participating in a variety of indoor activities that include Archery (5th & 6th Grade), basketball, dance and soon we will have a brief introduction to wrestling. Exercising in the cold can be invigorating and there are still plenty of activities to keep you active in the snow. Building a snowman inspires creativity. Shoveling the sidewalks and driveways are not only good cardio but can be a great way to teach your child about acts of kindness around the neighborhood. Even taking a walk or hike after a fresh snowfall is a great way to get the heart pumping, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery.
Too cold? No problem! Students will be learning some basic yoga positions to engage their muscles when it’s too cold to be outdoors. Other options to keep you moving could include playing Wii Sports, have a dance party, have a balloon volleyball match or even act out a storybook in your living room. The Peshtigo High School fitness room is also available to the community from 5:00 - 7:00 AM and 3:45- 5:00 PM, 5 days a week (6th grade age to adults). As always, stay healthy through getting the recommended 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies, stay hydrated and try to get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on a daily basis. Bundled up, stay active and have a wonderful winter season!
-Mrs. Herbst & Mr. Hurley