Jefferson Press
January 2019 Newsletter
Principal News
Welcome to 2019! It is so great to be back at Jefferson with all the people I love! I have heard numerous stories about families and fun activities. I hope that now that the students are back in school, you are taking a well earned break and are recovering from full time parenting!
We will continue to monitor winter weather conditions and when we can, we send our students outdoors to get some fresh air. Please make sure that your child comes to school prepared for outdoor temperatures. January can seem like a bit of a downer for some. That is what at Jefferson, the character trait is Positive Attitude. Sometimes kids get a little anxious concerning raising expectations. I have seen kiddos crumble at the first hint of difficulty. More teachers are noticing this and are pointing out the tremendous need for their students to develop resiliency and determination.
I recently saw a mom hovering near her toddler who was attempting to climb a short flight of steps to a slide. As soon as the little guy paused and struggled to get his foot up to the bottom step (which was designed for toddlers), Mom swooped over and lifted him to the top of the steps. Then she waited at the bottom, reassuring him all the while. Fortunately, Mom was soon distracted by one of her other kids “needing help” and before she realized it, the boy was ascending the steps and sliding down like a pro. Good news for that little boy’s resilience development.
We know kids are going to go through some struggle in life and that is a good thing. We also know there won’t always be someone there to solve all their problems or verbally coddle them.
The abilities to 1) manage unfavorable events and to 2) continue with challenging tasks are top predictors of success in many areas (including academics and relationships). We must not rob kids of the gift of struggle – a crucial ingredient in the resiliency formula.
One of the easiest ways to begin developing resiliency with children is simply asking them how they are going to handle problems. Resisting our urge to quickly solve the problem for them or tell them what to do, we can make a soft, empathetic sound and ask, “Hmm, what do you think you’re going to do?”
Just the act of thinking about solutions begins the powerful process of owning and solving problems. We want kids to believe solutions don’t have to come from an outside source, but can come from inside. Whether they come up with great solutions or not, just the act of wrestling with the problem will begin to strengthen their “resiliency muscles.”
I encourage you to run this simple experiment any time you see your child encounter a minor problem or struggle. See if you notice a difference in their willingness to solve problems and attack challenges. Parenting is not for the faint of heart.
New Security Door at Jefferson
The Boise School District has been working on an installation project of a new security entrance at all elementary schools. In addition to our new Raptor Visitor System which requires all visitors to provide either a driver's license or State issued identification card, Jefferson has recently installed a controlled access entry at the main entrance.
The new security system will utilize security cameras and a buzz-in system. You will see the system at the left front door and you will press the CALL button. It will then ring into the office and your picture will be displayed on the office phones. You will be asked your name and purpose and then the office staff will unlock the door remotely and you will be notified when the door is unlocked. Proceed to the office to sign in and get a temporary visitor's badge containing your picture.
The safety of our students is our highest priority and this new security access door system builds on the District’s ongoing commitment to school safety and security. Thank you in advance for your understanding and your support in enhancing the school safety protocols in your Boise School District.
In January - Jefferson will have only the left front door unlocked for entry in order to get everyone used to using the correct entry door.
Starting Monday, February 4th, the buzz-in security door will be operational.
Nurse Notes
The nurses office will be looking at the following guidelines in which you must be fever free, vomit free, and diarrhea free for 24 hours without having to take medication in order to return to school. If you feel your student will be unable to come to school without seeing the nurse, please keep them home.
This will help in the effort to keep a wide spread of illnesses out of the building and keep other students and faculty healthier.
Dental News: Terry Reilly's dental office is offering dental care for eligible children at NO COST to families. Services are offered to children who DO NOT have Medicaid or dental insurance.
Contact them at their office: 848 La Cassisa St, Boise ID 83705
Call for information and appointment: 208-336-8801 ext 3404
Thank You: Parents
As you know our parking lot is rather small and narrow and it really helps to just allow buses into the lot to drop off and pick up students. The use of the cross walks in the front of the school are also cutting back on students running across the street in front of cars.
Safety is our number one concern in the mornings and afternoons.
THANK YOU FOR CARING!!!