The Shark News
March Updates for Downes Elementary Community
The Principal's Corner
I am sure many children have had questions about what they are seeing on TV and Social Media about the Russian attack on the Ukraine. We at Downes have several families with military ties or ties to the Ukraine. Here are a list of resources you may find helpful should your child have questions:
- Helping Your Students Cope With a Violent World: Edutopia article features strategies for helping children make sense with historical perspective, feel empowered, and inspire them to feel hopeful.
- How to Talk to Kids About Violence, Crime, and War: Common Sense Media gathers tips and conversation starters to help you talk to kids of different ages about the toughest topics.
- Talking to Your Kids About War: VeryWell Family explores ways families can speak with young people about war, including tips on sharing information and restricting media coverage.
- It makes sense that the attack on Ukraine is causing you anxiety, experts say. Here’s what to do: CNN article that features tips for people of all ages.
- Resilience in a time of war: Tips for parents and teachers of elementary school children: This article from the American Psychological Association can help adults guide their young children beyond fear and to resilience.
If you feel your child needs additional support, please feel free to reach out to our counselor Ms. Difilippo marissa.difilippo@christina.k12.de.us
Anne Park | Principal | Downes Elementary School
Chinese Immersion Groups to Perform for Multicultural Night
The Chinese Immersion students will perform in the gym on Multicultural Night. We have a special treat for our audience. Shue Middle School's Chinees Immersion Students will return to Downes for a special performance. They will open the show for us. Then we will follow the order of K,1st,2nd, 3rd, 4th and fifth graders to complete the program.
Due to the tight space, there will be no chairs in the gym. Audience will stand to watch the show. Thank you for your patience and support.
Fancia Tang 湯老師
(Tanglaoshi)
From the office of Nurse Trudy...
Health Screenings
We request that students and/or their families complete this health assessment screening tool every morning before leaving for school. Students must stay home if they are exhibiting any symptoms. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tGyr_0GLewO0WdmQGP986pdZgg7cclSEFhNpQ6wnwRA/edit?usp=sharing
In-school COVID Testing continues
Change of Clothing
There are still a few months of school left in the year- some of the most muddy days are still to come. If your student brings home the bag with soiled clothing, please send in replacement clothes in a new bag.
Band and Strings Concert in May
From the P.E. Court
Kids Heart Challenge Final Event April 8th- Volunteers Needed
Good Afternoon Downes Families! We are rocking the KHC with over 50 students who have registered and are fundraising. Please remember to register your student so that the school can earn $500 extra dollars for the PE program. We only have a week left so let's keep working hard and saving lives! I am looking for some volunteers who might be interested in helping to run different stations on Friday from 9 to 10:30. Send me an email if you want to come join in the fun!
From the Library Shelf
The Bookfair Was a Big Success!
I just wanted to say thank you to everybody who purchased at the Book Fair last week. Whether it was your student during the school day, an online purchase, or if you came to Math and Literacy Night and purchased then, the Fair was a huge success. The kids were very excited and it was awesome to see all the smiles on their faces!
Happy Reading!
Mrs. Coutts