The Meadows Elementary
Parent Newsletter - Jan 2020
Testing in Progress
Testing will start promptly at 8:30 am each day starting January 15th - 21st.
Please note: Children need a good night’s rest and need to be on time to school 7:30 am for breakfast. We are taking attendance from 8:00 am-8:10 am.
Lunch: We will serve sack lunches on testing days vs. tray lunches. Additionally, students are allowed to bring bottled water for testing days; however, we are not having snacks or a snack time due to the sack lunches being served at 11:00 a.m. on the testing days for 3rd-5th grades.
Restroom: Restroom breaks will be allowed during testing and students will go individually for restroom breaks.
Things to bring: Have students to bring a book to read and sweaters/jackets with them in case they get cold.
- Encourage your child to do her best. Encouraging words and a positive attitude about your child’s test performance will go a long way toward calming test jitters.
- Keep to your regular routine. Experts say that dramatic shifts from a child’s routine can have a negative impact on performance. That’s especially true for younger students who take comfort in regular bedtime rituals and meal routines.
- Make sure your child is in attendance and on time on test days. Attendance is important every school day, but especially on test days when students get the opportunity to “show what they know.”
- After the test, let your child know that you appreciate that he did his best. Your encouragement will help your child gain confidence and encourage his or her best work.
Happy 100th Day of School
School Rules vs. Home Rules
Here are some ideas for keeping conflicts from getting out of control at school that can be taught at home.
- Don’t let your emotions take control. Simply ignore them.
- Listen to the other person - there are two sides to every story. Try to understand how the other person is feeling.
- No name-calling or insults. You cannot control what others say, but nothing should come from you.
- Always look for a compromise. Focus on finding a solution to the problem.
- Take a break! Remove yourself from the conflict and take a break.
Before the Test…
- Make sure your child gets an ample amount of sleep the night before the test.
- Mark testing days on your calendar to help remind you and your child when the testing will take place and plan your preparations.
- The student should eat a nutritious and filling breakfast.
- Make sure the student is on time (if not early) on the day of testing
- Set a backup alarm to avoid the possibility of oversleeping.
- If your child is sick please contact the school/teacher immediately to inform them.
Ready…set…action!
Teaching good behavior doesn’t just mean telling children how to act. It also means showing them by being a good role model.
Here are 5 tips for being a good role model:
- Be Honest: Always be honest and don’t be afraid to admit when you are wrong.
- Use good manners. Say “please” and “thank you” often.
- Be respectful. Don’t gossip or say mean things about other people.
- Be a good listener. Don’t interrupt others when talking.
- Handle conflicts calmly. Work with the other person to find a solution. Don’t react in anger.
Praise me, please!
All children love positive, specific feedback. But just saying “Good Job” can get old - for you and your child.
Here are a few unique ways to give praise:
· That was very thoughtful of you.
- You’re really getting the hang of it now!
- How responsible of you. You’re really growing up!
- I couldn’t have done that better myself!
- I can see you really put a lot of effort into that.
- I like how you [cleaned your room, took turns, etc.]
Your [patience, hard work, etc.] amazes me.
Calling all Volunteers!!!
Volunteers are very important partners in supporting the educational programs and activities in DeSoto ISD.
Visit the web address below to sign up today
Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support
PBIS is a process that teaches children how to behave appropriately by focusing on teaching, practicing, recognizing and rewarding the expected behavior. Research shows that when behavioral expectations are clearly established and taught in the home, children’s problem behavior is prevented or reduced. In order for PBIS to be successful at The Meadows, we need your help. Below is a list of suggestions of how you can help support PBIS:
- Remind your child of the Meadows Expectations on a daily basis (before leaving for school is a great time to review these) Ask what does it mean to be ready? What does it mean to be respectful? What does it mean to be responsible?
- Use the same language that is being used at school with your child. Develop a behavior matrix at home using the Meadows Expectations. List all the routines in your home and then write the behaviors you want to see in that setting. Remember to keep it positive.
- Ask your student if they received any Darden Bucks each week and how they earned them!
- Once expectations have been established, establish a reward system. That way your child can be recognized for using the preferred behavior.