Nixon School - Family Check In
Week of May 23, 2022
Upcoming Dates:
- May 27 - Snow Day Give Back / School Closed
- May 30 - Memorial Day / School Closed
- June 7 - 4th Grade Spring Concert @ 2 PM (Doors open at 1:45 PM)
- June 15 - Early Dismissal @ 1:40 PM
- June 16 - Early Dismissal @ 1:40 PM / LAST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
- June 16 - 4th Grade Clap Out @ 1:20 PM
May's Monthly Themes:
Portrait of a Graduate Theme: Adaptability and Resiliency
SEL Theme: Conflict Resolution
Inclusive Celebration Theme: Asian/Pacific Islander American History Month
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
"High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.
- Reassure children that they are safe. Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
- Make time to talk. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. Some children prefer writing, playing music, or doing an art project as an outlet. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.
- Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.
- Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that their school and homes are safe and that adults are there to protect them. Give simple examples of school safety like reminding children about exterior doors being locked, child monitoring efforts on the playground, and emergency drills practiced during the school day.
- Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what is being done at their school. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to provide safe schools.
- Upper middle school and high school students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. They will share concrete suggestions about how to make school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. Emphasize the role that students have in maintaining safe schools by following school safety guidelines (e.g. not providing building access to strangers, reporting strangers on campus, reporting threats to the school safety made by students or community members, etc.), communicating any personal safety concerns to school administrators, and accessing support for emotional needs.
- Review safety procedures. This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.
- Observe children’s emotional state. Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. In most children, these symptoms will ease with reassurance and time. However, some children may be at risk for more intense reactions. Children who have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
- Limit television viewing of these events. Limit television viewing and be aware if the television is on in common areas. Developmentally inappropriate information can cause anxiety or confusion, particularly in young children. Adults also need to be mindful of the content of conversations that they have with each other in front of children, even teenagers, and limit their exposure to vengeful, hateful, and angry comments that might be misunderstood.
- Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health. Ensure that children get plenty of sleep, regular meals, and exercise. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed."
Please know that we will continue to enforce all of our safety protocols and procedures. In addition, security increase their presence at all schools in Roxbury. The Roxbury PD will also be patrolling at an increased rate as well. Thank you for your continued support.
Monthly School Security Drill
Title 1 School Parent & Family Engagement Policy - Feedback Sought
Roxbury Public Library Visit to Nixon School
Staff Updates as We Close Out the Year....
Mrs. Evans is congratulated on the birth of her son! A communication from Special Services will be coming out to all families who have students receiving speech regarding how we will approach speech services in Mrs. Evan's absence.
Ms. MacIntosh, Ms. McLaughlin, and Ms. Marrese are thanked for their service to the NIxon School community and wished the best as they prepare to explore new professional journeys in the 2022-2023 school year.
Thank You, PTA for Sponsoring Mr. Adam Gustavson's Visit to Nixon School!
Roxbury Community School Summer Camps
- Summer Art Camp (incoming Grades 1-8)
- Summer Band I (incoming Grades 6-7)
- Summer Band II (incoming Grades 8-9)
- Percussion Band I (incoming Grades 6-7)
- Percussion Band II (incoming Grades 8-9)
- Basketball Clinic (current Grades 5-8)
- BB-BTC (incoming Grades 5-9)
- Future Gaels Soccer Camp (current Grades 1-8)
- Gaels Speed Camp (incoming Grades 4-12)
- Intro to Golf Clinic (Grades 3-8)
- Tennis Camp (Ages 5-18)
For more information on any of the camps, please visit this link.
Floating Classroom Fourth Grade Field Trip... Thank you Lake Hopatcong Foundation!
What Does It Mean to Live and Go To School In Roxbury?
Know Someone at NES Who Has Filled a Bucket?
Fill Out our Bucket Filler Nomination Form and we will recognize that individual (student or staff member) during Morning Announcements. Click the button below for the nomination form.
Nixon Elementary School
Email: dlynch@roxbury.org
Website: www.roxbury.org
Location: 275 Mt Arlington Blvd, Landing, NJ, USA
Phone: (973) 398-2564