Black Cat Bulletin
Keeping it R.E.A.L! Respect + Effort + Attitude= Leadership
January 2017
From Our Principal...
Dear families,
It's so refreshing to begin a new year, new mindset, and new dedication to meeting goals set for ourselves--professionally as well as personally. At West Terrace, our goal is to raise our scores in student growth. This means working with individual students to develop habits of work, perseverance when faced with a struggle, and creative problem solving.
Some of the goals we have set here at West Terrace, as an answer to our academic student growth needs include looking at the mindsets we foster for ourselves and our students, encouraging a GROWTH mindset vs. a FIXED mindset, and working on Thinking Routines and making learning "visible."
To explain mindsets, a growth mindset values mistakes, failures, and struggle as a way to learn and grow. Therefore, these things are reframed in the mind. See this link for a great resource to help you at home. Here are some examples of growth mindset thoughts or sayings when faced with a challenge:
- You are becoming more confident at ….
- Good job taking on such a hard task …
- You are taking on harder tasks and that must make you feel confident.
- I like the way that you ….
- You must have tried really hard at this.
- I see that you are trying again, great thinking.
- You remembered to use the procedure for ….
- It must feel good to follow those steps you have taken.
- What a brilliant way to approach the task.
- I noticed you are thinking through the steps we discussed.
- You were confident with the task and I know you will be with the next step.
- I am watching the way you’re approaching this and I think your effort is outstanding.
- The steps you took must have really helped you…
Thinking routines, or making learning visible, involves having students think about their thinking. Click here or here to learn more about these concepts.
What this means to you is that your children may come home talking differently about their learning. We ask you to support their new learning rather than looking at a grade on a report card. While grades are important, as they reflect work ethic, learning, and a host of other things, the student's growth in every area is what is truly important. We are moving toward a focus on the questions asked, information that is sought, and how students apply their own thinking.
Hoping you have had a wonderful start to a fabulous new year!
Katie White
Principal
Visible Learning--Helpful Mindsets for Teachers and Parents
From Our Principal Intern...
Scholastic
This site offers families free help and guidance in determining appropriate materials for your child. Information on the milestones your child should meeting and helpful tips to use while working with your student at home are also included. This is an excellent resource for finding information on what your child should currently be working towards while reading with you.
http://www.scholastic.com/parents/books-and-reading/reading-resources-and-help/ages-6-7
Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets offers an abundance of reading tips you can use with your child on a daily basis. This is also a valuable site to visit for informative articles and lists of engaging books for your emerging reader. There are also wonderful links to strategies for helping struggling readers and activities to reinforce language arts skills.
http://www.readingrockets.org/audience/parents
ReadWriteThink
Visit the parent resource portion of this site to find great information on furthering your child's skills. This site offers tips for working with your child, as well as games and printable activities. You can also take advantage of the podcasts and suggestions for books. Organized by grade level, there is something here for everyone!
From Our Counselor...
All ISTEP+ and IREAD-3 assessments will be completed online this year. Exact dates and times have not yet been set. Please keep the following dates in mind as you plan appointments this semester.
ISTEP+ Part 1 February 27 – March 10
IREAD-3 March 13 – March 17
ISTEP+ Part 2 April 17 – May 5
NOTES FROM THE NURSE
Cold and Flu Season
The cold and flu season is here. Please remember to take your non-drowsy cold symptom medicine before school with something to eat. This will help you feel better at school and avoid frequent absences and trips for your parents. Remember, colds and flu are viruses and may take 7-10 days from which to recover. To help your body fight a virus or prevent a viral infection a great amount of rest and good nutrition is needed! Please wash your hands often, cover your mouth and use tissue to blow your nose. Avoid close personal contact with people who have a cold already. Don't share drinking glasses or personal items!
Important policy reminders
Morning Drop Off
No Passing Zone
Lunch Box Bringers
Change of Plans--DISMISSAL CHANGES
Emailing teachers, texting, or other means of communication are not reliable, and we request that no transportation changes be given to the teachers during the day. Too many times teachers are called out of the building, go home ill, have a substitute, are in meetings, etcetera and the changes aren't received. We also want teachers to be teaching, not worrying that they missed an important email or text during the day. Finally, we keep record of last minute changes in the office so that we can be sure the communications are given and children are delivered safely, so please, please call the office.
Changes cannot be guaranteed after 2:00 p.m. PLEASE call before 2:00.
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Attend today; achieve tomorrow. #Schooleveryday
Remember:
- As a general rule, if a child is fever free and not vomiting
- Early bedtimes and a healthy diet will help your child's overall well-being. If a child feels better, he will get up easier and be happier to go to school.
- 24-Hour rule: If a child has been fever-free or has not vomited for 24 hours, he may return to school.
- Out of town trips are coded solely as an unexcused absence and an automated call will be made even if the office has been notified.
- Be sure to turn in all doctor excuses. We can not accept doctor's excuses that state "parent called in. Child not seen."
- Please note vacation days count as unexcused absences and can quickly get your child to the 10 day limit.
INFORMATION
Gems from the Gym
New Year’s resolutions aren’t just for adults. This year’s end, sit down with your children and ask them what they’d like to see happen over the next 12 months.
Setting these goals can be an excellent opportunity to get children thinking about how their decisions affect their long term health and well being. Resolutions that involve goals set around healthy eating, physical activity, school, and self care are all appropriate for kids.
Rather than sitting in solitude and making a list, we suggest making resolution setting a family activity. This can be done by going around in a circle and having each member of your family say something they’re proud of and something they’d like to improve. This creates a positive environment in which to goal set, and builds on a child’s ability to be self aware and reflect on the year that has passed. PBS also recommends setting family resolutions, such as pledging to eat a healthy dinner together every Friday night or going on a long hike once a month.
Inappropriate resolutions for children are ones that set out an unhealthy body image. While “lose weight” was the number one resolution for adults in 2016, children should be discouraged from setting a similar goal. Establishing an idea like “I need to lose weight” in a child can be damaging, especially as that child becomes a young adult. So even if losing weight is your resolution as a parent, avoid bringing that up with your child. Instead, resolutions should be linked to proactive and positive goals.
Without further ado, here are some healthy New Year’s Resolutions to set with your children this year, divided into the four categories listed above.
Healthy Eating
Food is possibly the area of their lives where children make the most choices. Parents have the opportunity to guide healthy eating resolutions, classifying food not as “good” or “bad,” but rather as something that should be consumed in moderation. These resolutions should look at alternatives to unhealthy food, and encourage kids to be experimental in their eating.
I will try one new food a month, and will finish eating it even if I don’t like the taste;
I will go to the grocery store with Dad and pick and eat one fruit that is unknown to me;
I will drink water or milk on a daily basis, and save soda and juice for special days;
I will eat fruit and vegetables as my afternoon snack rather than chips;
I will bring my own healthy snack to the movie theater instead of having Mom buy me popcorn.
If your child needs some healthy eating inspiration, try introducing them to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s MyPlate, MyWins resource, which features colorful graphics for food groups and valuable tips for how their plate should be filled.
Another excellent way to get your child more invested in the food they’re eating is to have them help prepare it! Check out Kids Can Cook Gourmet, a food blog that includes video guides on how to make different recipes.
Physical Activity
These are important resolutions, especially at a time when more than one third of American children are considered either overweight or obese. Childhood is the best time to instill the value of physical activity in your child’s life. Why not do that through a few of the New Year’s Resolutions listed below?
I will ride my bike to school two days a week;
I will find a sport I like doing and join a team in order to play it regularly;
I will spend just as much time outside playing as I do on my computer or gaming device;
I will participate more in my school’s physical education class.
An excellent way to ensure your child is getting more physical activity is to lead by example. Find activities that you can do together — both your bodies will benefit!
School
These are resolutions aimed at improving a child’s academic performance. It is especially important to stay positive in this category of resolutions — parents should be regularly offering words of support about a child’s school performance and should offer help, when needed. School-based resolutions can include:
I will improve my grades in my favorite subject by the end of the school year;
I will attend every sport practice this semester;
I will ask my teacher for help if I don’t understand something being talked about in class;
I will finish all my homework before watching television at night.
If you really want to help your child accomplish their school-based resolution, sit down with their teacher and tell them what your kid has in mind for the year. That way they can nudge your child in the right direction if they’re lacking motivation.
Self and Family
These are resolutions meant to build a child’s sense of responsibility for oneself and one’s community.
This category can include resolutions such as:
I will tell an adult when I am feeling sad or upset, rather than keeping those emotions bottled up inside;
I will resist peer pressure at school and ask a parent if someone is trying to get me to do something I’m not sure about;
I will make Sunday a day for family fun;
I will volunteer in my community at least once a month.
Resolution Success
To make each of the above resolutions more attainable, try breaking down the large resolution into a series of smaller steps. For example, if your child’s resolution is to get an A+ in English class by the end of the year, the tiny steps could involve him/her studying every night after school for 15 minutes, reading two books a month, and reviewing every test with a teacher to find areas for improvement.
Creating these smaller steps within a resolution will demonstrate to your child that goal setting is a long term process that requires a lot of work, and isn’t something just accomplished overnight.
Boys Wrestling
4th and 5th Grade Boys and Girls Game Schedule
Outdoor recess unless it's below 32 degrees
PAWS ON PARADE
Congratulations to the top walkers:
1. Cooper Johnson – 30 miles, 4 laps – Bass
2. Nolan Bigham - 27 miles 4 laps – Kavanaugh
3. Nolan Hanmore – 27 miles 0 laps – Bass
4. Jayden Folz – 26 miles 3 laps – Allen
5. Caroline Engler – 21 miles 3 laps – Kavanaugh
6. Amelia Elfreich – 16 miles 6 laps – Kavanaugh
7. Tori Sitzman – 15 miles 1 lap – Hamon
8. Kyle Davis – 14 miles 7 laps – Scheu
9. Gracie Deems – 13 miles 6 laps – Roberts
10. Logan Wargel – 13 miles 4 laps - Bass
Menus available at the link below
In order to save copy cost; we ask that you click on the link below to see the September menus. If you are unable to access the link, please let the office know and we'll continue to provide a paper copy to you.
Any checks written to the cafe must be in blue or black ink. It is also very helpful if you include your telephone numbers on the checks.
JOIN THE WEST TERRACE PTA!
President: Jenny Fuquay
Vice-President: Sandi Davis
Secretary: Tera Babb
Treasurer: April Coughlin
2016-17 Meetings
August 29 5:30 p.m. (All meetings in the Media Center)
September 20 4:30 p.m.
October 18 4:30 p.m.
November 7 5:30 p.m. (Area Council PTA)
February 13 5:30 p.m.
April 10 5:30 p.m.
4K4Kids
Watch for 4K4Kids 2017 news coming home with your student next week! You don't want to miss this day of family fun and Color Run!
If you know of a business that would like to help sponsor this event please e-mail Becky Massie at rmassie222@yahoo.com
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/4K4Kids for all the latest updates!
Extended Day Center
WELCOME BACK! We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Break and are ready
for more learning. Since we are in the middle of winter our outdoor days will be
limited. Please put your child’s name in his/her coat as we might be going outside when the temperature is above 32 degrees. We will also be attending as many basketball games as possible to cheer on our team and wish them much success.
If you haven’t turned in your request for a 2016 Payment Report, please do so immediately
to assist in filing your taxes. Our Tax ID: 35-1071682. These forms will be directly handed
to you when you pick up your child unless other arrangements are made.
Community Outreach
Recycling News
Aluminum cans and tabs-We have a collection cage for aluminum cans on the east side parking area, sitting next to the blue dumpster. You can pull up in your car and deposit them in the cage at any time. Send aluminum tabs in with your child to drop in the blue tub located inside school.
Paper, plastic, cardboard, and glass-We collect these items inside the school and you can collect them at home! West Terrace is part of the city recycling program and we have a clearly marked recycle dumpster sitting in the east parking area. You are able to bring your recycle items to school and put them in the dumpster at your convenience!!
Thank you to everyone for teaching our students to be good stewards of Mother Earth,
Mrs. Risley
THIS YEAR'S STAFF
Please help us welcome the following staff members to our teams.
Here are the specific grade level assignments:
Kindergarten:
Tara Kolb, rm 32
Wendy Brunson, rm 30
Lisa Gooch, rm 33
Angela Hayes, rm 34
First Grade
Amanda Woods, rm 1
Brooke Corressell, rm 3
Mallorie Roberts, rm 6
Cindy Hamon, rm 5
Second Grade
Vera Emmons, rm 9
Carie Kingery, rm 10
Trisha Kavanaugh, rm 15
Amy Nau, rm 12
Third Grade
Janette Allen, rm 16/ Stephanie Scheu, rm 16
Robin Bass, rm 19/ Denise Strawn, rm 18
Amanda Southworth, rm 23
Fourth Grade
Shelly DeWeese, rm 22/ Lindsey Stine, rm 29
Audrey Gower, rm 24/Nikki Paul, rm 23
Fifth Grade
Trish Toelle, rm 26/Renee Schefer, rm 27
Cassie Curl, rm 28/Simone Nance, rm 25
Special Ed
LIfeskills:
Jennifer Bennett, rm 4
Sarah Walls, rm 2
Resource:
Renae Jackson, rm 14
Shelley Patton, rm 21
Amanda Ritzert, media center
Rotation
Susan Kemper, Art, rm 8
Anne Woodruff, Music, rm 7
Peggy Belanger, Gym
Nadine Risley, Technology
Office
Katie White, Principal
Bethany Lynch, Principal Intern
April Coughlin, Counselor
Sheri Moore, Principal's Secretary
Nicole Smith, Secretary/Receptionist
Christine Hamilton, Nurse
Peggy Jewell, Media Aide
West Terrace Elementary School
8000 West Terrace Drive
Evansville, IN 47712
FAX (812) 435-8869
Email: katie.white@evsc.k12.in.us
Website: evscschools.com/westterrace
Location: West Terrace Elementary School, West Terrace Drive, Evansville, IN, United States
Phone: (812) 435-8733
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/West-Terrace-Elementary-School/333852756647518