Eagle Elementary
Friday, May 8, 2020
In this week's Newsletter
- Eagle Exhibition & Talent Show
- Field Day Summer Kick Off!
- Counselor's Corner
- Eagle Family Input Survey
- School Supply Lists for 2020-21
2020 Eagle Elementary Exhibition and Talent Show
The time has come to prepare for the end of year which typically includes the annual Eagle Elementary talent show! With our new remote learning environment we are excited because it will allow more of you to get involved and in ways we could have never imagined!!!
- It’s NOT just a talent show! As you can see in the title it is not only a chance to show your talents but also to exhibit something that you are proud of. Some examples might be: it could be a book or poem you wrote/illustrated, a school project, a home project, a new basketball move you have perfected, a fort that you designed and built, etc.
- ALL students are welcome to participate! In the past given our time constraints and space we only invited 4th graders to participate but with our new format any student is welcome! Due to the social distancing requirements, only one student or students in the same family; unless, students can practice and perform together digitally.
- ALL submission will be done digitally! Submissions of performances or exhibits must be shared in the form of a video that is approximately 2 minutes or less. If you are sharing a project like a book or something you built create video displaying the book or showing us firsthand or through pictures what you built. If Videos submissions are strongly encouraged, must be approximately 2 minutes long or less.
- Submissions will be accepted anytime from NOW until Monday, May 17th! The final Eagle Exhibition & Talent Show will be released to the last week of school.
May 18 – May 22nd
Field day is an important tradition in our district. It is a significant day for our students and staff to celebrate another successful school year. We feel in these incredibly challenging times, this is a unique way that we can stay connected as a community and support each other in a fun and meaningful way.
The Elementary Wellness Team has put together an opportunity for your family to participate in our Virtual Family Field Day during the week of May 18th - May 22nd. Games can be completed outdoors or indoors with minimal to no equipment. You can choose what day works best for your family and you can choose any number of activities to complete.
FAMILY FIELD DAY Module will be posted on your WELLNESS CANVAS COURSE on MAY 15th! Let the planning, playing, and celebrating begin!
Here are some ideas:
- Choose what works for your family: Choose your level of competition. Your family can all be on the same team working together toward a common goal, or you can split up and make teams.
- Make your own team logo or family crests! Whether dividing up by teams or working as one group, design a team logo. Pick a color, animal, flower, or tree. Coordinate team outfits and choose a healthy team snack, or even a picnic lunch.
- Designate roles: Decide on the “jobs” each family member will have. For example, the team chef makes the healthy team snacks, the team stylist picks “uniforms,” and the team manager keeps track of time and checks off activities as you complete them.
Be sure to take a lot of pictures and share your FUN!
- Scan the QR code above or Click on the link below to add your family pictures and view other schools to find friends across the district.
Counselor's Corner
Dear Families,
As the 2019-2020 school year draws to an end in a manner that no one would have expected, it’s only natural that your child will experience a variety of emotions. For example, disappointment-as many of the anticipated year-end activities will not take place or worry- as to what next school year will hold. Therefore, next Wednesday, May 13th, our Social Emotional Lesson will focus on emotions and positive self-talk. Learning to identify and express feelings in a positive way helps kids develop the skills they need to manage them effectively.
Attached you will find the Ocean of Emotion Feelings chart that students will have access to in Wednesday’s lesson. Also attached are prompts to help facilitate meaningful family conversations about the recent changes in our everyday lives.
Please feel free to reach out if I can provide any additional resources and/or support.
Fondly,
Diane Radivan, Counselor
Sidewalk Poetry Contest
The Zionsville Cultural District Board, in support of April’s poetry month, has decided to continue with conducting our annual Sidewalk Poetry Contest targeted towards our youth. This is a free contest to all youth age 17 and under. Two winners will be chosen over the summer and poems will be imprinted in a local sidewalk in our gorgeous town (location determined at a later date by the town of Zionsville). There is still plenty of time to submit as the deadline isn't until May 29.
https://www.zvillecd.org/sidewalk-poetry-form.html
Contest Rules:
https://www.zvillecd.org/sidewalk-poetry-rules.html
Eagle Family Input Survey
Dear Eagle Families,
Thank you for taking time to provide feedback regarding your child's learning experience. Your input provides us the opportunity to reflect on our strengths and areas to improve. We readily admit that we, as a staff, must always strive to grow in our work and practices. Please complete the form using the button below and submit your responses by Monday, May 18 so we may have the opportunity to adequately review your input before the end of the school year.
With Gratitude,
Andrew Foreman, Eagle Principal
Planning for the 2020-2021 School Year
School Supply Lists for 2020-2021 School Year!
The link will be open until June 15!
Upcoming Events
Monday, May 11th
- 9:00am - eLearning classroom module focused on literacy and math, with differentiation and enrichment activities available.
Tuesday, May 12th
- 9:00am - eLearning classroom module focused on literacy and math, with differentiation and enrichment activities available.
Wednesday, May 13th
- 9:00am - eLearning Social Emotional Learning (SEL) module, with enrichment activities available
Thursday, May 14th
- 9:00am - eLearning classroom module focused on differentiated literacy and math instruction, with enrichment activities available.
Friday, May 15th
- Student day off; no new module for students - Teacher work day to design instruction for the next week.
Thursday, May 21st
- Last Student Day before Summer Break!
Spring Identification
The Indiana Department of Education requires school districts to identify gifted students and provide them with appropriately differentiated curriculum and instruction. In ZCS, we reconsider ability and achievement data of all students each spring to identify any who may need further consideration for advanced differentiation in curriculum and instruction the following school year. This spring we will do the same with the data we have collected over the course of the school year. Our team of teachers, licensed in gifted education (representing each elementary building and central office), will look at all data remotely to make sure that we understand the needs of each student.
Our school district is committed to continuous progress for all students, regardless of designation. Accelerated content is common in our classrooms as are heightened expectations, instructional levels and high-achieving peers. Instructional methods regularly group and regroup students with differentiated materials and goals. Whether or not a child is identified as needing advanced curriculum, our teachers are committed to regular assessment of skills and knowledge and matching experiences to challenge each child and help him or her make maximum academic growth. We are proud to be a high-performing school district with high expectations for all students.
For students currently in grades K-3: Programming at the elementary level is based on student need for acceleration and enrichment within a cluster group in a general education classroom and not on labels. All student data is reviewed each year to look for several indicators that a child needs advanced instruction in order to grow academically. Our identification team looks at achievement, ability and teacher observational data. Since these vary from year to year with young students, we re-look at every student each spring. Parents will be notified by June 10 if their child has been recommended for differentiation. If your child was not identified through our extensive process, parents/guardians may appeal the decision. Parents/guardians can complete the appeal process by June 15. Forms are located on the Academics tab of our website under “Advanced Curriculum”: https://4.files.edl.io/039c/01/28/20/182123-3d4a9f45-de63-4549-95a9-0341f67290eb.pdf
For students currently in grade 4: All students are considered and more formally identified for high ability each year throughout middle school where they are placed in a class with high ability curriculum. Our identification team considers either achievement (NWEA) or ability (OLSAT) when making decisions. Parents will be notified by June 10 if their child has been recommended for differentiation based on the need for accelerated instruction or curriculum. If your child was not identified through our extensive process, parents may appeal the decision. Parents can complete the appeal process by June 15. Forms are located on the Academics tab of our website under “Advanced Curriculum”: https://4.files.edl.io/9ed3/07/24/19/163425-9b8daab0-04e6-4efb-acd8-f68c3aec4318.pdf
Kindergarten Pre-Registration for the 20-21 school year -
We are re-launching our Kindergarten pre-registration for families. Feel free to share with others if you know of any families that still need to register their Kindy student for the upcoming school year. A few items to note:
- If you already pre-registered for Kindergarten Round Up, you need to do nothing at this time.
- We are currently accepting kindergarten registrations for families/students that have not yet registered. Please click on the link below to begin the registration process.
- When we are able to return to school, our team will schedule a special time for you and your child to come to our school and learn about kindergarten. This Kindy experience will most likely occur this summer.
- If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at aforeman@zcs.k12.in.us
ZCS Kindergarten pre-registration link: http://secure.infosnap.com/family/gosnap.aspx?action=22262&culture=en
Tech Support Available
Tips to Support Learning At Home
- Set up a work space. This would be an area away from distractions that contains all the needed materials to complete school work.
- If you have more than one child, consider scheduling times for them to work. Attempting to oversee multiple children simultaneously may be challenging. Consider creating a rotating schedule to provide children with individual support throughout the day. The child/children not receiving support could read, do a chore, or take a break.
- Consider the appropriate amount of time for a child to work based on their age. For example, a 7-8 year old can be expected to stay focused on one activity for about 10 minutes. If your child is still working after the 10 minute time frame, great! Keep going. If not, let them stand up and stretch.
- Don't expect your child to complete an entire day's work in one sitting. A typical school day naturally has many built-in breaks. Allow for children to stand up, walk around, exercise. You will find that many teachers will incorporate movement breaks or brain boosts into their lessons.
- Children crave routine. Creating a routine for school days is crucial for a successful day. Work with your child to create a schedule that includes the time and the activity. Post it somewhere at home and work together to stick to it.
- Stay positive! Children will take our lead. Patience, flexibility and a positive attitude will go a long way. If you feel yourself becoming frustrated or stressed, take a break. This is good for kids and grown ups alike.
- If you have trouble with accessing the content that your child's teacher has uploaded, please email him or her.
- If you have trouble with Canvas working properly for you, please scroll down to the bottom left corner and click the HELP button. Once there, please complete a Ticket and describe your problem. Please be as detailed as possible, so that our tech department can assist you efficiently.
- Canvas will be used more heavily nationwide than it ever has before. It is very possible that it may get bogged down at times. If this happens, take a break and try again later. If that doesn't work, complete a work order ticket as well.
Resources For Families
Attached are some resources that you may find helpful as you navigate these times with your children.
Common Sense Media
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/resources-for-families-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic
What’s Up with this Coronavirus? Comic for Kids
http://elisegravel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/CoronavirusE-FINAL2.jpg
Mind Yeti Videos
Mind Yeti provides a great way for everyone to practice mindfulness. At the following link are over 15 videos of mindfulness sessions that help kids and families calm their minds, check in with their bodies, and notice their surroundings.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiaUKiwbiHMQDQLCXoPaMMYotldKlUQCw
Sesame Street Little Children, Big Challenges
Young children face new challenges at every age and stage. That’s why it’s so important to help them build the skills they need to become resilient. With self-confidence and the ability to express themselves, little ones will be able to handle whatever may come their way and will just keep getting stronger.
How to Talk to your Kids About Coronavirus
This is an article written by PBS Kids about how to talk to children about coronavirus. You will find tips for handwashing, covering coughs, and practicing healthy habits.
https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/how-to-talk-to-your-kids-about-coronavirus
Support for Helpers during Coronavirus
Resources from the Fred Rogers Center in addition to partner organizations for those of you looking for ways to create learning opportunities and structure for children.
https://www.fredrogerscenter.org/what-we-do/child-wellness/coronavirus-response
Resources for Families Practicing Self-Care:
CNET Everything you need to know…
Resources for working, cooking, and coping while practicing social distancing.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network Parent Guide
Support in understanding and coping during this time. The guide provide information on children’s developmental/age reactions and how to help.
https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources/fact-sheet/outbreak_factsheet_1.pdf
Thanks,
Diane Radivan
Food Assistance
Confidential Food Assistance from ZCS
Please use this link to set up a pick-up time for a food package from ZCS Food Service.
Assistance from the Boys and Girls Club
The Boys and Girls Club will also be offering a take out evening meal at the Lebanon Unit, 403 West Main Street. The offering is available to Club members and any community member in need during these difficult times.
Meals will be available Monday through Friday beginning March 16 - March 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with a limit of eight carry-out meals per family. We are initially preparing meals for at least 100 people each day and will make adjustments as needed.
Zionsville Food Pantry
4775 W. 116th St, Zionsville
Phone 317-873-8137, ext. 1087
Hours of Operation on Thursdays from 5-6 pm and Fridays from 12-2 pm
The Caring Center
1230 Ransdell Ct.
Lebanon
Phone: 765-482-2020
Hours of Operation on Mondays & Wednesdays from 8 am - 2 pm
Hours of Operation on Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays from 11 am - 5 pm
(Closed on 3rd Tuesday and 4th Thursday of each month.)