COUGAR COURIER
November 2nd, 2018
From the desk of Principal Ruiz
In observance of election day and our school participating as a voting site, school will NOT be in session of Tuesday, November 6th.
This week our scholars thoroughly enjoyed participating in Storybook Character Day! Throughout the day, many scholars and teachers shared storybooks with our PYP scholars. The day concluded with a character parade so each MYP scholars was able to applaud our youngest scholars. We are thankful to each family for supporting this engaging opportunity that brought reading to life.
Our scholars participated in the first week of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports! Our scholars have been earning Cougar Cash for EXEMPLARY behavior. The "golden drum" will be a part of each Friday lunch period for the remainder of the school year. If your scholar's "cash" was randomly selected from the golden drum, he/she will be bringing home a reward for a free meal from one of the following sponsors: Burger King, Culvers, or Fazoli's! The reward will change from week to week...more exciting opportunities will be forthcoming!
Thank you to the parents and families that visited the CIA booth at the Showcase for schools on Thursday evening. Our team enjoyed meeting with many new and current families. It is always a pleasure to share our CIA story with others in the community.
Daylight savings time ends this weekend! Be sure to change your clocks this Sunday at 2:00 A.M.
Our CIA production company, Cougar Cast, is pleased to announce the release of the first video of school announcements. This is the inaugural show that features our very own scholars as the cast. An updated video will be shared in the Cougar Courier each week. You will not want to miss this hilarious and entertaining way we share upcoming announcements with you. Click here or view the link below...
All magnet schools in South Bend are now accepting applications. We encourage all scholars to remain at CIA for the 2019-2020 school year. If keeping your scholar(s) at CIA is your desire, you will NOT need to complete an application; your scholar will automatically be enrolled at CIA for the next school year. However, if you choose to send your scholar to another school in South Bend or elsewhere, please communicate this change with Mrs. Pol in the main office.
Ms. Simpson would like to thank all the families that participated in the popcorn fundraiser for the library. CIA was able to raise more than $100 from the popcorn sale. Several bags of white cheddar and caramel corn are available for sale in the ROAR store next week. You will not want to miss out on this tasty opportunity to help CIA.
October was National Principals Month! To honor our Assistant Principal and Cognitive Intervention Specialist, please read their information in this week's newsletter.
Don't miss out - order your CIA spirit wear this week!
Have a wonderful weekend!
With scholars in mind,
Ms. Angela Ruiz, Ph.D. Candidate, Ed.S.
Daylight Saving Time:
On Sunday, November 4, 2018, at 2 A.M., clocks will be turned back one hour, heralding the end of daylight saving time for much of the country.
The biggest consequence: The change shifts daylight back into the morning hours. For 9-to-5 office workers, it means saying goodbye to leaving work while it’s still light out. And for weekend workers, it means an additional glorious hour of sleep on Sunday. Hurrah!
Yet there is still a lot of confusion about daylight saving time. The first thing to know: Yes, it ends in the fall, just as the decrease in daylight hours is becoming noticeable.
One may ask, why do we need to “save” daylight hours in the summer?
Daylight saving time in the US started as an energy conservation trick during World War I and became a national standard in the 1960s.
The idea is that in the summer months, we shift the number of daylight hours we get into the evening. So if the sun sets at 8 pm instead of 7 pm, we would presumably spend less time with the lights on in our homes at night, saving electricity.
It also means that you are less likely to sleep through daylight hours in the morning (since those are shifted an hour later too). Hence “saving” daylight hours for the most productive time of the day.
Overall: We agree, the name is kind of confusing. Many believe the name to be, “daylight savings time,” not “daylight saving time”. The tile is definitely called “daylight saving time.” Not plural.
Now you know...
Getting to know...the most amazing Assistant Principal, Mr. Dillon!
Mr. Sean Dillon is the Assistant Principal at Clay International Academy. He was born in Altoona, Pennsylvania and currently resides in Mishawaka, Indiana. Mr. Dillon graduated with high honors from Holy Cross College in 2010, where he played varsity basketball for four years. Mr. Dillon's basketball and leadership skills earned him the elected position as captain of the varsity basketball team. Not to brag too much, but Mr. Dillon was honored as the first Academic All-American at Holy Cross College. Mr. Dillon continued his professional growth by earning his master's degree in administration from Indiana University.
Mr. Dillon began his teaching career at Battell Elementary School where he was named teacher of the year in 2006. Mr. Dillon then served as the Dean of Students at Virgil Grissom Middle school.
Mr. Dillon has always valued the importance of education for every learner, choosing to be a teacher then an administrator so that he could be an active participant that motivates students to become lifelong learners.CIA is blessed to have Mr. Dillon leading our scholars.
Getting to know...the most incredible Cognitive Intervention Specialist, Mrs. Smith!
Mrs. Samantha Smith currently serves as the Cognitive Intervention Specialist at Clay International Academy. She was born and raised in South Bend, Indiana and is a South Bend Community School Corporation alumni! Mrs. Smith attended Warren Primary Center, Navarre Intermediate, and Washington High School. Because her 4th grade teacher was such an inspiration, Mrs. Smith went on to receive her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University, South Bend. After receiving her teaching license, Mrs. Smith taught 5th grade for three and a half years before being promoted to Dean of Students. Within a year, Mrs. Smith was then promoted to Assistant Principal and then quickly promoted to Principal two years later.
Mrs. Smith is loving her position and enjoys working with such great staff. Outside of work, Mrs. Smith loves to travel with her husband and four boys. She also loves to bake every weekend for her family. Mrs. Smith takes pride in being a part of Team South Bend and is thankful for the opportunity to make a difference in the community she calls home.
A Salute to Veterans
Did you know that November 11th marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended WWI? November 11th was selected as Veteran's Day because of the significance of the treaty that was signed on this day, 100 years ago. This year will be our 99th Veteran's Day! If you would like to spend some time learning about the end of WWI with your scholar, click here.
The CIA Cougars aim to honor those who fought during WWI and who are currently members of any branch of the US Military. Please email the names of your family members that have served or are currently serving in any of the Armed forces to Mrs. Pol so that we may include them in the recognition ceremony that will take place on Monday, November 12, 2018.
Red Kettle Kick-Off
South Bend challenges Mishawaka in a Day Of Giving on Tuesday, Nov. 27th!
We are thrilled to announce that CIA will participate with this yearly contest. Our STCO scholars will be at the Walmart on Ireland Road "ringing the bell" and helping raise funds for our community. While we aim to win the challenge against Mishawaka, we are most grateful for the opportunity to give back to the community that we live in and love. Further details, including times, will be forthcoming. GO TEAM SB!
Making Good Choices:
Children can often be delightful. They also can sometimes be deceitful or unkind, bullies or victims. Sometimes the difference can be in the lessons they learn, both at home and at school. Here are some ways to help your children grow up to be respectful and kind, and to have the self-respect they need to make the right choices, both now and in the future.
Trade places:
TV shows and movies can be helpful in teaching children how to be more sensitive to others’ feelings. When you’re watching a program together and one character behaves unkindly to another, pause the movie or ask at the commercial: “Did you notice how mean that character was? How do you think that made the other person feel? What would you do in that situation?” Talk it through together and stress the importance of treating people with respect.
Look for more ways to help your children grow up to make the right choices in upcoming issues of the Cougar Courier.
Fall Food Drive
Christmas is a time for caring!
Wrapping Event at Barnes & Noble on Sunday, December 16!
CIA will have a chance to earn money for our school just by wrapping presents for shoppers at Barnes & Noble at UP Mall all day on Sunday, Dec. 16. We are looking for volunteers who are willing to wrap gifts in two hour shifts. If you are willing to assist, please sign up by clicking here. All you need to do is be there at your selected time ready to wrap. In addition, if you purchase anything from the store while you are there, it will also help us to raise money for the CIA library. Come support us and get to know others from our CIA family while we work together!
Family and Community Engagement Fall/Winter Classes 2018
TECHNOLOGY TED-Ed: Empowering Parents as Leaders in Education I (Tuesdays, October 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30) and II (Tuesdays, November 6, 13 & 20) Learn the art of public speaking and film at Muessel Elementary School Time: 10:00-11:15am (Parent Resource Center Rm 117)
WELLNESS (Registration Required) ART 101: Art Journaling For All! Learn relaxing self care by creating your own hand sewn art journal. You will learn mark making, collage, and painting. No experience needed and all supplies will be provided. October 10th, and 24th, November 7th, and 14th at Monroe 4:00-5:00pm Rm 116
FAMILY NIGHTS: Celebrity Family Reading Night This will be a fun night of reading for all with celebrity guest readers. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Monroe Elementary School 5:30-6:30pm
PARENT EDUCATION INSOURCE: Special Education 101 Wednesday, October 10, 2018 at Muessel Elementary School Time:8:30am-9:30am (Parent Resource Center Rm 117)
INSOURCE: Individual Educational Plans and 504’s Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at Muessel Elementary School Time: 8:30am-9:30am (Parent Resource Center Rm 117)
INSOURCE: Preparing for your Child’s Case Conference Friday, November 9, 2018 at McKinley Elementary School Time: 8:30am-9:30am (Parent Resource Center Rm 117)
INSOURCE: Effective Communication between Parent and School Wednesday, November 14, 2018 at Monroe Elementary School Time: 8:30am-9:30am (Parent Resource Center Rm 114)
MRS: Moms Raising Sons Support Group This group is designed for moms who are raising sons. You will receive tips and important information on how to raise boys into men. The group will meet on Friday, October 5, 12 and 26 at 11:00am-12:00pm at Muessel Elementary School in Room 117. For information, please call Ms. Erika Jones at 574-393-3457.
EDUCATIONAL TRAININGS/CAREERS 2ND CUP OF COFFEE: Meetings for parents to gather to discuss available educational resources to help their children succeed. Community partners occasionally will share information on the 2nd Wednesday. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday at Monroe Elementary School 8:30-9:30am (Parent Resource Center Rm 114) **PTO meetings will occur every 4th Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY ROUND-UP: Parent Tours & Talks Community organizations and parents meet for a walking tour around Muessel Elementary School as a means of supporting education and gather to share information about topics that are relevant to families. Every Wednesday at Muessel Elementary School 8:15 -9:30am (Parent Resource Center Rm 117)
FAMILY AND SCHOOL FRIDAYS: All are welcome! A gathering of parents to sit and discuss the different educational resources that are available within the school and community. Community Partners will present at some meetings. 2nd and 4th Friday of each month 8:30-9:30am (Family/Staff Meeting Room by Main Office)
To register for a class call any of the schools listed click here.
This is a FaCE, (Family and Community Engagement) initiative:
On November 14th, 2018, Dr. Shields will be speaking at Marquette Montessori from 6:00 - 7:00 P.M.
His extensive experience as a scholar-practitioner in the field of racial, ethnic, and academic identity among Black and Latino male youth, coupled with his depth of experience with fostering inter-connectivity and deep engagement among educators, policy makers, parents, and other change agents, uniquely positions him as a leader in the field. He brings with him an unparalleled level of enthusiasm and complexity to all the work he does.
Dr. Shields works on behalf of children and young adults who are at greatest risk for school-based discrimination and/or academic failure due to poverty, disability, race, ethnicity, immigrant or English Language Learner status, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, or involvement in the foster care or juvenile justice systems. Help us pack the gym on the 14th!
One more reason to SMILE!
Smile dental care is typically no cost to families. All insurance is accepted including Medicaid and CHIP. For those without insurance, a low cost self-pay option is available. Convenient and comfortable - our in-school dental program saves you time and provides a safe and comfortable place for your scholar to receive gentle dental care from licensed local professionals. Dental care includes a complete dental exam, x-rays, cleaning, fluoride and sealants when necessary, and in some cases, restorative care such as fillings. Dental care for a healthy life Children who see a dentist regularly may have fewer health issues like:
● Early tooth loss caused by dental decay
● Gum disease
● Heart disease
● Impaired speech development
Help keep your scholar healthy, in school and learning...we encourage you to consider dental care for your scholar with the partnership offered at CIA.
If you have any questions please contact the school nurse, Ms. Moore at (574) 393-4319.
Gather your Box Tops to raise money for CIA
Yes, it is true...if our CIA families collect box tops, we earn money.
Here is how this works: CIA families, every time you use a General Mills product, cut off the BoxTop label and send it to school with your scholar. 400 scholars X 10 BoxTops per scholar = $400 for CIA! This is a fantastic opportunity because there is no need to purchase anything special. Many families end up with General Mills products in their homes after a trip to the store. We encourage each family to ask your friends, relatives and neighbors to do the same. Begin your search for the Box Top label! A collection box will be placed in the main office; please send all labels to school with your scholar.
Principal Ruiz
Email: aruiz@sbcsc.k12.in.us
Website: http://clayintermediate.sb.school/home
Location: 52900 Lily Road, South Bend, IN, USA
Phone: 574-393-4300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClayInternationalAcademy/?hc_ref=ARSPi9IBwtzl5EJdceUcqxSSyItIHbU4cIAKX3ZtMeCZAoKpGJMFSGRmc0FRNLyfIJ0&fref=tag
Twitter: @cia_cougars