South Elementary School News
November 10, 2016
Thank you and Welcome!
WELCOME! - On Monday, November 14th, Ms. Casey Dobbins will be joining us as our new Assistant Principal. Ms. Dobbins joins us most recently from Duxbury Public Schools where she served as a Special Education Department Chair and prior to that as an Assistant Principal in Pembroke.
Upcoming Dates
November 10th - Museum of Science Chaperone meeting at 6:30 PM
November 11th - No schoolNovember 16th - Early Release at 1:05 PM
November 17th - Museum of Science Overnight for Grade 4 students
November 23rd - Early Release at 1:05 PM
November 24th and 25th - No school due to Thanksgiving
December 7th and 14th - Early Release at 1:05 for Parent Conferences
December 16th - Holiday Event
December 23rd - Early Release at 1:05 PM
December 26th - January 2nd - Holiday Recess / No School
The Leader in Me
South Elementary School students have been learning about the 7 Habits and how they can help create a positive school environment and society.
Check out this video created by Mrs. Bunnell's class: https://vimeo.com/189183860
Below is a review of the habits and what students are learning:
Habit 1: Be Proactive
You are in charge of you. The first habit is all about the power you have to choose your own actions and attitudes. You are responsible, and you take initiative. You don't blame others when things go wrong.
Habit 2: Begin With the End in Mind
Know what you want before you do it. The second habit is all about setting goals. You play an important role. You plan ahead and set goals. You work purposefully, and what you do makes a difference!
Habit 3: Put First Things First
Do the important things first. The third habit is all about prioritizing. You make a schedule and follow a plan. You stay organized, ignore distractions, and know when to say "no" to refocus. You spend the majority of your time on the "big rocks," or what's most important to you.
Habit 4: Think Win‐Win
Find ways that everyone can win. The fourth habit is all about problem solving. You find a balance between having the courage to get what you want while considering what others want. When conflicts arise, you come to agreements and find solutions. You care about others and want them to feel good, so you make "deposits" into their "emotional bank accounts."
Habit 5: Seek First to Understand, Then to Be Understood
Listen first, then talk. The fifth habit is all about active listening. First, you listen to others' ideas and feelings. You listen without interrupting. Try to see things from their perspective. When it's your turn, voice your own opinion with confidence and eye contact.
Habit 6: Synergize
Work together to do better. The sixth habit is all about collaboration and working well in groups. You get along with everyone, even people who are very different from yourself. You value other people's strengths and look for other people's ideas to solve problems. You understand that teaming up creates better solutions than any one person could come up with alone!
Habit 7: Sharpen the Saw
Take care of yourself. The seventh habit is all about balance‐ taking care of your body, mind, and heart. You take care of your body by eating right, exercising, and getting enough sleep. You take care of your mind by learning in lots of ways and places, not just at school. You take care of your heart by spending time with your family and friends.
Playground Updates
The costs associated with repairing the playground are not budgeted expenses. We need to raise the money in order to repair the playground. The PTA has been speaking to several individuals whose companies may donate matching funds and they are looking at applying for a grant. At this point, we need to raise approximately $11,000 to replace the slide and several other parts.
If you are willing to donate to our playground fund, we greatly appreciate your donations! Checks can be made out to the "Town of Plymouth - South Elementary Gift". In the memo section, please specify PLAYGROUND. If your company contributes matching funds or can make a donation, please talk to Christie Stefos or Adam Blaisdell. We will let you know regularly the status of our donation total.
Lost and Found
Conferences
Field Updates from November 10th
Help Spread Smiles this Holiday Season!
FOR THE LOVE OF ERIKA is back for our 3rd year on the South Shore and we will be collecting new, unwrapped toys to be given to children spending the holiday season in shelters and hospitals.
This year we will be helping out families in our own community and will be donating the majority of our toys to DCF Plymouth, in addition to South Shore Hospital's Pediatric Unit and shelters on Cape Cod.
Please consider donating new unwrapped gifts, gift cards, and/or monetary donations (tax deductible) to help us collect over 200 toys to be personally delivered to these children. By donating you will help bring a smile to a child this holiday season.
For more information regarding “For the Love of Erika” like us on Facebook. For any donation inquiries please contact jessica.j.depaul@gmail.com
South Elementary School
Email: ablaisdell@plymouth.k12.ma.us
Website: www.plymouth.k12.ma.us
Phone: (508) 830-4390
Facebook: facebook.com/SouthElementarySchoolPlymouth