Dolphin Parent Connection
February 2018 Volume 3, Issue 5
The Half-way Point
This Monday, February 5th, we will begin the second half of the school year. I love the hope and promise that a new marking period brings. It also provides a great opportunity to remind students about some of our 7 Leadership Habits (Be Proactive, Begin with the End in Mind, and Put First Things First) as well as the importance of having a growth mindset. We will, once again, take time to talk about these concepts with students next week during our school-wide morning news show and classroom morning meetings. Students in grades 3-5 will set new quarterly math and reading goals, and even our younger students will continue exploring the concept of goal-setting and goal-attainment. If you would like to learn more about the 7 Habits of Effective Leaders and/or a Growth Mindset, see the links below. We look forward to a fun and successful 3rd marking period.
Upcoming Events and Important Dates
· Thursday, February 1st: Spanish Club @ 2:50-3:50 PM
· Thursday, February 1st: Grade 4 Outreach Program with Virginia Living Museum
· Monday, February 5th--Friday, February 9th: National School Counseling Week
· Monday, February 5th: Start of 3rd Marking Period
· Tuesday, February 6th: Grade 4 field trip to the VA Symphony (Sandler Center)
· Tuesday, February 6th: STEM/Robotics Club @ 2:45-4:10 PM
· Tuesday, February 6th: Battle of the Books City Regionals @ 5:00 PM (Kellam HS)
· Tuesday, February 6th: Kindergarten Parent Reading Workshop @ 5:00 PM
· Wednesday, February 7th: Running Club @ 7:15 AM
· Wednesday, February 7th: SCA Meeting @ 2:50-4:15 PM
· Thursday, February 8th: Spanish Club @ 2:50-3:50 PM
· Monday, February 12th: Begin adding 15 minutes to day: Dismissal at 2:55 PM
· Monday, February 12th--Friday, February 16th: SCA Candy Grams for Sale
· Tuesday, February 13th: Report Cards Issued
· Tuesday, February 13th: STEM/Robotics Club @ 3:00-4:25 PM
· Tuesday, February 13th: Art Club @ 3:00-4:00 PM
· Tuesday, February 13th: PTA Board Meeting @ 5:30 PM
· Tuesday, February 13th: Spirit Night at Panera @ 4:00-8:00 PM
· Wednesday, February 14th: Running Club @ 7:15 AM
· Wednesday, February 14th: Anchored4Life Activity Groups
· Wednesday, February 14th: Helping Hands Club @ 3:00-4:00 PM
· Thursday, February 15th: Spanish Club @ 3:00-4:00 PM
· Friday, February 16th: Dentist visits Grade 1 classrooms
· Monday, February 19th: Dentist visits Grade 1 classrooms
· Tuesday, February 20th: STEM/Robotics Club @ 3:00-4:25 PM
· Wednesday, February 21st: Running Club @ 7:15 AM
· Wednesday, February 21st: Anchored4Life Activity Groups
· Thursday, February 22nd: Spanish Club @ 3:00-4:00 PM
· Thursday, February 22nd: Classroom & Club Pictures by Lifetouch
· Friday, February 23rd: SCA Spirit Day: Theme TBD
· Friday, February 23rd: SCA Delivers Candy Grams
· Tuesday, February 27th: Art Club @ 3:00-4:00 PM (last one for fall club)
· Tuesday, February 27th: STEM/Robotics Club @ 3:00-4:25 PM
· Wednesday, February 28th: Running Club @ 7:15 AM
· Wednesday, February 28th: Anchored4Life Activity Groups
· Wednesday, February 28th: Helping Hands Club @ 3:00-4:00 PM
· Thursday, March 1st: PTA Spring Dolphin Academy
· Friday, March 2nd: Progress Reports Issued for Select Students
Gifted News
GIFTED PROGRAM Application deadlines
- Thursday, March 1, 2018--Gifted Identification applications due by 4 p.m. for students currently in grade 1 (Late applications not accepted).
- Thursday, March 1, 2018--Old Donation School Full-time Intellectual Program applications due by 4 p.m. for students currently in grade 1 (Late applications not accepted).
Gifted Application Link (use student's log in and password)
https://giftedapplication.vbcps.com/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2f
News from the Nurse
It is that time of the year again to start preparing for your upcoming Kindergartner and rising 6th grader. Please schedule your physical for your upcoming Kindergartner as the appointments book up fast! Rising 6th graders need to have their Tdap done BEFORE they can enter 6th grade. You can get this done at your doctor office, clinics, and even your local pharmacy.
Also, please remember that with cold and flu season upon us, there are guidelines in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students. Students, who are experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or fever (equal to or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit) should NOT return to school until they are symptom free for 24 hours and without medication needed to treat the symptoms.
If you have any questions, please contact our school nurse, Ms. Janice Hart.
School Counseling Program Notes
Guidance classroom lesson topics for February will include listening, work habits, friendship and communication skills. Fifth graders will work on their Academic and Career Plans using Google Classroom. Also Small Group Counseling opportunities will continue with deployment support and managing feelings groups. If you have questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. Draughon, our School Counselor at 648-3572 or by email at Marilyn.Draughon@vbschools.com. Mrs. Draughon is available to discuss your child's academic and social/personal needs.
SCA CandyGrams for Sale February 12th--16th
Anchored4Life Update
“I am not afraid of storms, for I am learning how to sail my ship.” – Louisa May Alcott
“Focus on where you want to go, not on what you fear.” – Anthony Robbins
"It’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters." – Japanese Proverb
Helping Hands Club
The Helping Hands wants to help Red Mill be Kind to others!
Please help by donating new or your gently used coats, hats, scarves, gloves and SHOES!
We will also take toiletries like tooth brushes, tooth paste, shampoo, soap, sanitizer, etc. Yes, these can be travel sizes! Any sizes and styles are welcome. There is a box in our front lobby where you can leave them and they will be given to a great cause.
Spirit Night at Panera on February 13th
Student Newspaper Club
Destination Graduation
Marking Period Awards
Distinguished Dolphin will be awarded to students in Grades 1 through 5 who display good behavior, work habits, and teamwork. To earn Distinguished Dolphin, students must earn “Proficient” marks for each objective under Productivity, Collaboration & Participation, and Citizenship. Students must also earn an “Advanced Proficient” mark on at least one objective under each of those three categories.
“Goal-Getter” Award is available to students in Grades 3-5. Each marking period, students will set an academic goal for both language arts and math and work to reach their goal during the marking period. Students who accomplish their goal will receive the “Goal-Getter Award.”
Attendance Award will be awarded to students in grades 1 through 5 displaying excellent attendance. Recognizing that sicknesses are unavoidable, students are able to miss one day of school each marking period and still receive the attendance award. Also, recognizing the importance of students being in school on time and for the entire school day, tardies and early releases will be taken into consideration for this award. A combination of 3 tardies and/or early releases in one marking period is equivalent to one day absent. Once a student has reached 2 days absent in a marking period, they will not be eligible for the award during that marking period.
Students receiving these awards will receive a brag tag or bead to add to their brag tag chain. Additionally, the award will be indicated on their printed report card.
2017–2018 Parent Connection Workshop Series
All Parent Connection Workshop Series sessions are offered at no charge and online registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Parents will receive an invitation to register from parent.connection@vbschools.com approximately two weeks before each Parent Connection Session. Space is limited and registration is required to attend Parent Connection Workshops. You may also contact the Community Engagement Office at 757-263-1936 or email parent.connection@vbschools.com should you have any questions.