EAST ELEMENTARY

Note from Mrs. Hietala

Dear East Orca Families,

It was really exciting for me to walk out the door and see the sun. We are slowly working our way to spring. Spring is always an enjoyable time in schools.

The East Gym has been under construction. They are almost done. We hope to be back in the gym by the end of this week or after spring break. Thank you for understanding as we went through this hurdle to make the gym safe for our students and staff.

Please continue to get your students to school every day. Attendance matters.

We look forward to seeing you at conferences on Wednesday and Thursday.

Note from our Counselors

Play On! How to Connect with Your Child or Teen Through Play

YOU are your child’s favorite playmate. In as little as eight minutes a day, you can make a positive impact by tuning yourself into your student’s world in a playful, connected way.

You don’t have to be perfect – trying shows you care!

Elementary school students want you to give them space and attention. Without a phone, sit back and notice with a careful eye. Examples include tea parties, dinosaur battles, Legos, sand, and slime play.

Middle school students may want you to join in on their favorite games. We learn so much about the social lives of our youth by diving into their world. Examples include Minecraft, Roblox, inside jokes, and board or brain teaser games.
High school students like doing what they want to do and “playing” with them can be a gamechanger in earning their respect. For example, ask them to share their favorite videos or listen to their playlist, then ask what they love about it.

If your child wants to do something outside your comfort zone, say no! Research on parent-child attunement has shown you only need to be fully present 30% of the time! The rest can look like playing outside, independent play in their room, reading, scheduled screentime rewards, doing homework while you cook, and when time is an issue say, “not now, but later, yes!”

Saying “no” models healthy boundaries and shows your child what to do when a peer pressures them to do something that feels uncomfortable. When we must say no, allow them to choose between one or two things they like, so the power to choose is still theirs. Play on!

For additional resources on connecting with your child: