PAW PRINTS
Winfield Elementary Newsletter - September 6, 2019
Winfield Elementary School Improvement Goals
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in reading.
All students will demonstrate measurable growth and achievement in mathematics.
All students will demonstrate growth in their social-emotional learning.
From the Principal, Mrs. Alonzo
This article share is an oldie but goodie of mine! I enjoy sharing this information with our newest families each year. We do really address so much more than reading, writing, and arithmetic. Having tools in our toolbox, to help our students in ALL areas of their development, is very important. Enjoy this message for the first time, or as an informative reread.
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One of my favorite things to do in my spare time is reading. Lacking the time to read cover-to-cover, I often choose magazines or journals with brief chunks of information. A few years ago around this time, I came across an article that immediately jumped out at me about a life skill that children need—executive function, or EF. I think about this skill daily as I watch and interact with children who are struggling in social/emotional situations...often at recess.
From Parents August 2014:
EF is a neuroscience term that refers to a person’s ability to organize thoughts, plan behaviors, say no to impulses, and manage between what she’s feeling and what she does. When you write an email about the steps your team needs to take to meet a deadline, that’s EF. So is deciding not to hit SEND when you realize that your snarky text could insult your sister. “If the brain is a symphony, then executive function is the conductor, “ explains Thomas E. Brown, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry at the Yale University School of Medicine.
“Put another way, executive functioning is the brain wrestling with its emotions,” says Walter Gilliam, Ph.D., the director of the Edward Zigler Center in Child Development & Social Policy at Yale’s Child Study Center. “Do I want to follow my first instinct or do I want to create a strategy that might work better? For young children, sometimes that means using their words, or getting the help of an adult, or realizing there’s another toy they’d be happy playing with.”
Here are some strategies to build EF:
1. TELL STORIES– Be creative and make up your own characters during your joint storytelling sessions. Listening to stories causes children to exercise concentration skills and keep details current in their mind.
2. CONTROL YOURSELF– Model EF by choosing words to explain how you feel when your frustrated, and share your coping strategies—instead of yelling or turning red-faced. This helps children learn about impulse control.
3. WAIT IT OUT– Teach patience, which is a key EF skill because children have to inhibit a behavior they want to do. Take turns when speaking at the dinner table, only one at a time. Praise your child when they’ve been a good listener, too!
4. KNOW WHEN TO LET IT GO– We all lack control when we are stressed or tired. Don’t go teaching about EF when a meltdown is already in progress.
5. DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN– The old saying ‘practice makes perfect’ is true with anything, including EF. Practicing skills of following directions, controlling impulses, focusing, patience, paying attention, taking turns, and perseverance will to improvement over time.
So– before I jump in the solve the latest recess drama, I try to think of how the students can begin to work it out (where appropriate). I know these skills of executive functioning are just beginning to grow– and with the right support and guidance...the sky is the limit.
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19001
IDOE Literacy Guides
Counselor's Corner
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Next Tuesday, September 10th, is World Suicide Prevention Day. The purpose of World Suicide Prevention Day is to encourage us to engage with each other and to join together to spread awareness of suicide prevention. According to statistics, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death for children age 10-14. Unfortunately, suicidal thoughts can start even younger and early intervention can make a world of difference. There are many common misconceptions regarding suicide. Below are a few facts:
● Asking someone directly about suicidal intent lowers anxiety, opens up communication and lowers the risk of an impulsive act. It does not “put the idea” in their head
● Most suicidal people communicate their intent sometimes during the week preceding their attempt.
If you suspect that a loved one or someone you know if thinking about suicide, here are some ways to help:
● Take your loved one seriously: Some people feel that kids who say they are going to hurt or kill themselves are “just doing it for attention.” But if your child, friend, or family member confides thoughts of suicide, believe them and get help
● Learn the warning signs: Friends sometimes let friends know if they are thinking about suicide or dying. Other times, changes in behavior may show that someone is struggling.
● Listen with empathy and provide support: A fight or breakup might not seem like a big deal, but for a young person it can feel immense. Sympathize and listen. Minimizing what your child or friend is going through can increase his or her sense of hopelessness.
● Question-Persuade-Refer: Ask them if they are having suicidal thoughts. Persuade them to talk to a professional, and refer them to that person.
Suicide can be a sensitive topic. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273- TALK. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
For more information, please visit: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
-Mrs. Jamie Williams
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19108
Positive Behavior Coach & PBIS
Hello, Winfield families!
PBIS activities are alive and well for our Kindergartners with our next installment of the Worry Woo Monsters series. This week we met Nola, the monster of loneliness, and Twitch, the monster of frustration. Your students have cheered for both of these lovable characters, demonstrating to me their understanding of empathy and perseverance. They have participated in classroom discussion for these books, and students have been eager to share their ideas and feelings. Our students are embracing their emotions quite well. These Woo monsters are adding such social and emotional value to our classrooms!
I have spent time this week checking in with numerous 1st and 2nd graders regarding how they have felt about their first couple weeks at school, and also, what they are looking forward to in PBIS land. I can report that these students have adapted, with ease, in their classroom setting, and they are enthusiastic to learn new ideas and concepts. Their positive perspective is refreshing and a great model for our younger students. Also, our 1st and 2nd graders are very excited for our Wildcat Wednesday program (student advocacy program) to begin so they can start sharing ideas and learning from one another. Stay tuned for more information regarding that program.
As a new employee, the last three weeks here at Winfield Elementary have been an absolute joy. This community has shown me that working hard, compassion, and the willingness to help are what we need to succeed. Here's to a (continued) positive and fun school year! As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns.
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19602
From the School Nurse, Mrs. Taylor
Attention all Kindergarten parents: All immunizations, physical and dental forms are now due. Please send any updated forms and shot records to school as soon as possible.
All parents: Students not meeting the Indiana requirements for immunizations for school will be excluded from attending school starting September 18 until immunizations are completed. Letters will be sent home next week for any student that is missing required immunizations. Please contact me with any questions.
Donations needed: If you have any girls leggings or shorts in sizes S, M, L the nurse's office could use some for students needing a change of clothes during the day.
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19081
Textbook Rental Payments
School Hours 9:05 am - 3:44 pm
*ALL TRANSPORTATION CHANGES MUST BE CALLED INTO THE OFFICE BEFORE 3 PM.
All children are dismissed through the car rider line. Parents do not come inside the building during dismissal. Please review the Arrival/Dismissal Map here: Traffic Map
Note: If you are a car rider, we will provide your with a nameplate for your window. Please ensure this nameplate is present every day at pickup to expedite the line.
The school office is open daily from 7:30 am-4:30 pm. If you have Transportation questions after hours, please call 219-663-1465.
School Attendance
Regular school attendance is critical to a child's success. We recognize that being at school on time, all day, every day is the responsibility of the entire family. We are excited to implement some new incentives this year.
ATTENDANCE GOAL: 97%
ATTENDANCE ACTUAL: 97%
From the Cafeteria
Understanding the Lunch Line: A Parent's Guide
Meal Prices
Student Breakfast: $1.50 Student Lunch: $2.35 Milk Only: $0.40
Funding Cafeteria Accounts
Send cash or check payable to Winfield Elementary Cafeteria in a sealed envelope with your child' name, teacher, $ amount, and "Cafeteria" clearly written on the front. Payments may also be made online by visiting www.mymealtime.com. The required passcode is the same as the child's Student ID in RDS.
Contact Information:
Winfield Elementary- 663-2287 ext. 19603
Guest Lunch
Student Last Names A-K: October 4, December 6, February 7, April 3
Student Last Names L-Z: November 1, January 10, March 6, May 1
The following guidelines apply:
- ONE guest per student
- No younger siblings permitted
- No Fast Food (i.e. McDonald's)
- Pre-register by calling the office in advance
Cafeteria Menu: Week of September 9
MONDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Pizza OR Breakfast Bar/Cereal
Lunch: Cheesy Pizza, Lean Green Beans, Yummy Pears, Carrots
TUESDAY
Breakfast: Whole Grain Muffins OR Cereal, Poptart
Lunch: Cheeseburger Deluxe OR Breaded Chicken Sandwich, Baked Beans, Cherry Tomatoes, Pineapple Tidbits
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Sandwich OR Confetti Pancakes
Lunch: Pasta & Meat Sauce, Popping Peas, Crispy Garden Salad, Crazy Applesauce, Twisted Bread Stick
THURSDAY
Breakfast: Breakfast Burrito OR Whole Grain Donuts
Lunch: Clucking Chicken Nuggets, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Roasted Carrots, Sliced Cucumbe,r Mandarin Oranges, Corn Bread
FRIDAY
Breakfast: Pancake Wrap OR Cereal, Poptart
Lunch: Breakfast for Lunch, Hash Brown Stars, Fresh Broccoli Florets, Fruit Juice
Birthday Celebrations
As a school we believe it is important to recognize students on their birthdays. To protect instructional time in the classroom and manage student health needs, we do not allow edible birthday treats in the classroom (this includes CANDY in treat bags). Your child's birthday will be announced on the morning announcements and he/she is invited to the office for a small birthday treat.
If you choose, non-food items may be substituted your child may commemorate their special day by bringing a small treat for their classmates (pencil, bookmark, sticker, etc.) or dedicating a book to the classroom (and placing a special birthday bookplate inside).
OPTIONAL: Families wishing to celebrate their child's birthdays at lunch may purchase Ice Cream Tickets for each child in the class. Tickets are $0.75 each. Please complete an order form in the office 1 week prior to birthday.
WINFIELD ELEMENTARY VOLUNTEERS
- Volunteers must have a completed background check on file.
- Volunteers are always scheduled in advance. Teachers are required to provide this schedule to the office to manage the flow of visitors.
- Volunteers are kindly requested to leave younger children at home.
Important Dates
SEPTEMBER 2019
9- Picture Day
20- Midterm Progress Check
24- Half-Day Dismissal @ 12:14 pm
OCTOBER 2019
5- Midwest Gymnastics Open Gym 7-9 pm ($10 per student)
11/14 Fall Break; No School
25- Picture Retake Day
25- End of Grading Period 1
29- Half Day Dismissal @ 12:14 pm (Parent Teacher Conferences)
30- Half Day Dismissal @ 12:14 pm (Parent Teacher Conferences)
November 2018
2- Midwest Gymnastics Open Gym 7-9 pm ($10 per student)
22- Midterm Progress Check
28/29- Thanksgiving Break; No School
Safety and Security
Extracurricular and Community News
Winfield Elementary
Email: jalonzo@cps.k12.in.us
Website: www.cps.k12.in.us/Domain/843
Location: 13128 Montgomery Street, Crown Point, IN, United States
Phone: 219-663-2287
Twitter: @WinfieldElem