Eagle Heights February Newsletter
January 31, 2022
Share the Love!
I hope this newsletter finds you healthy and happy! It is hard to believe that we are already into the third quarter! This year is flying by! There are a lot of updates in this newsletter, so please be sure to read it all the way through. Please remember that we will continue to go outside for recess if the weather permits, so please make sure your child has dressed appropriately.
I wanted to let everyone know that I will be retiring at the end of this year. I am very excited and sad at the same time. The district is currently setting up interviews to fill my position. I have no doubt that whoever is hired will do a fantastic job!
I also wanted to let you know that I am having surgery this week and will be out for possibly six weeks. Mrs. Doll, our assistant principal, will be serving as the lead principal at Eagle while I am out. Please direct any questions to her. dolla@smithville.k12.mo.us
We have been focusing on Habit 4, Think Win-Win during January. What is this habit about? Dr. Stephen Covey explains it this way.
"Think Win-Win isn’t about being nice, nor is it a quick-fix technique. It is a character-based code for human interaction and collaboration. Most of us learn to base our self-worth on comparisons and competition. We think about succeeding in terms of someone else failing—if I win, you lose; or if you win, I lose. Life becomes a zero-sum game. There is only so much pie to go around, and if you get a big piece, there is less for me; it’s not fair, and I’m going to make sure you don’t get anymore. We all play the game, but how much fun is it really?
Win-win sees life as a cooperative arena, not a competitive one. Win-win is a frame of mind and heart that constantly seeks mutual benefit in all human interactions. Win-win means agreements or solutions are mutually beneficial and satisfying. We both get to eat the pie, and it tastes pretty darn good!
To go for win-win, you not only have to be empathic, but you also have to be confident. You not only have to be considerate and sensitive, but you also have to be brave. That balance between courage and consideration is the essence of real maturity and is fundamental to win-win." -Dr. Stephen Covey
We want our students to have the mindset of thinking win-win. This is an attitude of betterment for all. Once we have the attitude of win-win, we have to practice the skill of TRULY listening, which leads us into Habit 5, Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood. I have included a family activity below that you can use to practice Habit 4 at home! I look forward to returning as quickly as I can to finish the year strong with everyone!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Slack
Board of Education Awards
Families,
The Smithville Board of Education Student Recognition Night scheduled for January 31, 2022 has been postponed. Details to reschedule this event will soon be shared.
-Smithville School District
Valentine's Day Parties
The PTO has sponsored 3 bounce houses for Valentine's Day. Classes will rotate through the gym on February 14 as part of their class party time. A HUGE thank you to our PTO!
Recess/Lunchroom Aide Position
Counselor: Mrs. Downey
In the month of January, classroom counseling lessons have focused on Kindness and Diversity. I like to start each lesson practicing mindfulness and learning to take deep breaths. Taking deep belly breaths helps students to take care of uncomfortable feelings and to feel calmer. Ask your student what breath they like to use when they are feeling angry, worried, or sad?
In Kindergarten we read the book "It's Good to be Kind" and students drew ways they could be kind at school and at home. In First grade, we read the book "Chrysanthemum" where students learned why it is important to not wrinkle someone's heart. In Second grade students learned about differences and how we have a lot more in common than we have differences. Students learned that not all differences are bad and how to be curious, yet respectful. Third graders listened to the book "Just Ask" where they learned about disabilities and inclusion. Students went through an exercise where they put themselves in someone else's shoes. The goal for each student was to empower inclusiveness and to promote allyship to those who do not have the same advantages/privileges as they do. In Fourth grade students also learned about diversity and differences. Students learned the importance of treating individuals with respect. In the fifth grade, class stereotypes were introduced and how we should not judge or stereotype someone based on one way that a person is identified. As an example, we talked about how not all Pitbulls are aggressive, and not all golden retrievers are gentle and calm. Students learned that we should get to know each other as individuals and not assume attributes based on what we see in movies, or what we learn from other people. Finally, the sixth-grade students finished Lesson 3 of All-Stars. They identified what they want in their future and what they want to stay away from so they can have the future they dream of. Please contact me if you have any questions.
Behavior Interventionist: Mrs. Opperman
During a month focused on relationships, I want to take a quick minute to tell you how much I love your kiddos. I’ve had the pleasure of implementing several relationship-building activities that have given me such JOY! I have a daily lunch bunch that gives me the opportunity to get to know students in a small group setting, building positive relationships.
Every Friday, I end my days rewarding students who earned an extra recess. I’ve learned lots of new games and even brushed up on my football skills;).
Thank you for the opportunity to get to know your kiddos. They are pretty special and I’m so lucky to work with them!
Erika Opperman
Behavior Interventionist
Third Grade Update
Third graders have been working hard learning so many new things in the third quarter. In Math, we are wrapping up our unit all about multiplication and division. Next, we will be embarking on a journey into the world of fractions. In Writer’s Workshop, we are learning to study other authors' writing and apply the interesting things they do to our own writing. In Reader’s Workshop, we are learning about nonfiction texts focusing on text features and how they help the reader better understand the information. In Social Studies, we have been learning about The Bill of Rights and how the three branches of government work together.
Innovations: Mrs. Thompson
Greetings from the innovation lab!
This quarter we have been busy diving into word processing skills, writing emails, creating 3D printing designs, and more!
First graders have become very independent on their Chromebooks and will be working on word processing and creating documents. Second graders are moving into building snap circuits and will be creating musical instruments with bananas, play-doh, or other odd objects using our Makey Makeys. Third graders have been practicing email etiquette and will be partnered up with a 6th-grade pen pal in the next few weeks. Fourth grade just got started on learning about artificial intelligence and how that affects our daily lives. Fifth graders will be creating their own “one for one” company, brand, and product. When they have their business plan finished, they will be 3D printing a prototype of their product. The 6th-grade robotics class is diving into their first programming project - programming our rover robots to safely deliver a 10-inch tower from start to finish.
Lastly, for those of you who may not know, I will be having twins in March. As of now my last day before maternity leave is February 25. Kristina Hughes will be my full-time substitute. She has subbed several times in the lab this year and knows the ins and outs of our class. I will try to be available by email while I’m out, but it will not be consistent. I will be returning for the last week of school in May to send all the students into an awesome summer break!
Art: Ms. Aeschliman
Hello Eagle Heights Families!
Here is a quick update on what students have been up to lately in the art studio: PreK students have been coming to the art room and there are several media each week for them to choose from. Students looked at and learned about artist Dale Chihuly. He is a glass artist and students used a coffee filter & drew on it with some sharpie and then they watercolored the remaining space in. I took them and sprayed them with starch over a cup to give them a bowl-like shape. K-1 has had architecture (blocks & legos) and printmaking added to the available studios to work in. 2nd grade began with watercolors and architecture this past month. 3rd started working with keva planks and brain builders junior in the architecture center as well as legos. 4th grade created a pinch pot and they were to make it into something more by using attachments. Some made animals, others bugs, and we had a few imaginary creatures as well. 5th graders began using Keva Planks as well with the brain builders and liquid tempera was added to the painting studio for them to use as well. Sixth grade 2D Art started the quarter by learning about different drawing techniques such as hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and layering colored pencil. They chose a subject for their first drawing and incorporated at least one of those drawing techniques into their work.
We are using Artsonia again this year for PK - 6th-grade students’ portfolios. Here is a direct link if you need to connect to your student's portfolio: https://www.artsonia.com/connect/CF8WKBZ4
You can click or type in the link (or just go to the website and put in the code).
Eagle Heights code is: CF8WKBZ4
You will then enter your child's name and grade, along with an email address. It really is that easy! It will send your request to me and I will then finish connecting you on my end.
I am wanting to build up some materials for fibers and weaving projects so if you have any of the following items you’d like to donate, please send it to school with your student in a bag marked Art. Here’s what I am needing:
Felt (any color - good scraps are fine as well)
Stuffing/fiberfill
Yarn Skeins (leftovers are fine in any colors)
Burlap (4” x 6” pieces or larger that students can stitch into)
THANK YOU so much for all of your support! You are an amazing school to work for!
Sincerely,
Ms. Aeschliman
Eagle Heights Elementary
PreK - 6th grade Art Educator
Library: Ms. Johnson
Hello Eagle families! It has been a busy but fun month in the library! Here’s a breakdown of what we have been working on:
K-2 students have been working on reading through the Building Block and Show Me Award nominee books. We only have a few more to read before voting on the Show Me Awards. Kindergarten has already voted on the Building Block books. Students have also had the chance to enjoy some Shine a Light books (pictured below).
2nd and 3rd graders have begun working on Caldecott awards. Students learned about the Caldecott award, explored previous winners/honors, and are now participating in a Mock Caldecott. Each week in the library, we read 2 books published in 2021 that have the opportunity of winning the Caldecott this year. Students participate in a discussion about the illustrations and if the book deserves a medal. We will be voting in a few weeks.
4th graders are currently working through a unit on Wordless Picture Books. Students are learning about the characteristics of wordless picture books and the importance of paying attention to detail. We are looking at several of these books together. At the end of the unit, students will be creating their own wordless picture book.
5th graders have been working on a nonfiction unit focusing on infographics. We have done a small author/illustrator study of Steve Jenkins. Students looked at a variety of his infographics and deciphered the facts behind the visuals. After getting familiar with infographics, students did some research on an animal of their choice and are now working to create their own infographics.
A couple of notes:
In December, our 4th and 5th graders worked on a Flying Snowman project using the green screen room and stop motion animation. After completing their projects, I put them together for one big video. Here is the link if you would like to watch! Please note that if a student missed a library day, they may not have completed their project in time for the video.
Our milk jug igloo is getting closer and closer to being complete! We are still in need of milk jugs, so please continue to send them to school. Thanks to all who have brought jugs already!
Book award reading incentives (grades 3-6) are ending soon. Students must finish reading by Spring Break in order to participate in the incentives. More information can be found below.
3rd Grade Incentive 4th Grade Incentive 5th Grade Incentive 6th Grade Incentive
Physical Education: Coach Parker
PreK- 6th Grade:
Students have started their bowling unit in PE. Last week every grade played a game called Bowling Battle, a bowling variation of the board game BattleShip. PreK-3rd grade students started working on rolling the ball underhanded and trying to knock down as many pins as possible this week. Students get into a small group and actually get to bowl and try to knock down all 10 pins. 4th-6th students started 10 pin bowling this week and are working on bowling underhanded and keeping track of their scores using www.bowlinggenius.com. The older students have had fun using this scoring website and are super competitive.
Make sure your student is continuing to bring the correct shoes to PE. We have had several students forget their PE shoes over the past few weeks.
Music: Mr. Venner
Eagle Heights Music Notes
Pre-K, Kindergarten, and First will be playing percussion instruments, ukulele, and READING music this month, we will also mix in a few music games. The second and third grades will be putting the finishing touches on our STOMP style production which we will share with parents on February 10 at the Eagle Heights Gym. The second grade will perform at 6:00 pm and the third grade will perform at 7:00 pm. The fourth and fifth grades will be working on creating and recording sound sculptures which we will present in the spring. The sixth grade will be playing bass drums and guitar. They will also be producing, recording, and editing short podcasts
Important Dates
- Feb. 2: Late Start Wednesday, K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am, No EC Classes
- Feb. 7: PTO Meeting: 5:30 pm at Eagle (Virtual link available too)
- Feb. 7-11:National School Counseling Week
- Feb. 9-15: MO School Board Recognition Week
- Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Parties: These will be held in classrooms. Due to the uptick in Covid, we are not allowing visitors to the parties.
- Feb. 16: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am, No EC Classes
- Feb. 16: Board of Education Meeting: 7 pm
- Feb. 17: FLY Day
- Feb. 18: No School: Staff Professional Development
- Feb. 21: No School: Presidents’ Day (1st possible snow make-up day)
- Feb. 23: Late Start Wednesday: K-6 students may arrive at 8:50 am, School begins at 9:00 am, No EC Classes