Eagle's Eye View
Parent Edition, December 2016
From the Principal
Dear Zarrow Family!
The winter holiday decorations are beginning to show up and that means it’s time to think about how to staunch the spike of absences that often come right before and after the holidays.
We know that families want what is best for their children, but they don’t always realize how absences can add up to academic problems. Sometimes they allow children to miss school so they can squeeze a few more days out of the vacation season or find cheaper airfare.
At the same time, results of a parent survey suggest that families would be willing to shorten vacations if they believe the absences are affecting academic success. Principals, teachers and community partners have an opportunity to reduce holiday absences by ensuring that parents and students understand the toll that absenteeism takes on achievement.
Attached is some information that gives an idea of how being absent can hinder learning, as well as second language acquisition.
Furthermore, during this season, I want to say thank you and make sure that you all know how much I appreciate you for being such great supporters and advocators for Zarrow International School. The parents and stakeholders of this school mean so much to us! Gracias for who you are and for all you do!
Siempre and all my best!
Sr. Kellito
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwQ7CMmbawyJdVhKeEJpR3NhZkU/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwQ7CMmbawyJUGd6TTVmd2IxSlk/view?usp=sharing
PTA News
Next PTA general meeting 1/10/2017 in the cafeteria
Read-A-Thon Update!
Thank you teachers, parents and kids for all your support on the Read-A-Thon! We will keep you posted on the amount we receive from the fundraiser.
The top 6 classes with the highest reading will be receiving an ice cream party.
Castell (Pre-K)
Benitez (2nd)
Primo (2nd)
Sanchez (2nd)
Lopez (5th)
Tschida (5th)
Because of your support PTA purchased…
Directories $1,454.68
Scholastics Science Spin $164
Exchange Students field trips $300
Instructional Funds for Teachers $1,500
Shark Dissection 4th grade $250
Upcoming Dates to Calendar
Dinner Club - December 13, Elote
Box Tops due December 16
Skate Night - January 23
Hospitality
Thank you to all who provided food for the Teacher Luncheon on Oct. 28th. We greatly appreciate all the yummy foods and I know the teachers did as well!
Everyone is invited to join in the Annual Chili Cook-off being held prior to the PTA Meeting January 10th.
Be looking for the Sign Up Genius that will come out to sign up for what category you want to compete in. There will be 1’st, 2nd and 3rd Place awards.
If you don’t want to enter the Cook-off still come and partake in eating Chili…..
Membership Report
Thank you Zarrow families! We reached our 100% PTA membership goal! The students enjoyed popcorn as a reward last Tuesday Nov 22. PTA cards went home in Thursday folders a couple of weeks ago. If you gave a donation with your membership, thank you for your support. The incentives were given out either in Thursday folders or in student lockers. Please let me know if you did not receive your incentive. If you have not yet joined PTA, you can still join any time during the year - fill out the form and submit with your payment to the PTA box by the front door.
Jessica Cross - Membership Chair
Please click on ¡Viva Zarrow! above for the latest information! or follow this link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0BwQ7CMmbawyJSGZtNW5YUGhDNHc/view?usp=sharing
HELP NEEDED!
Viva Zarrow Silent Auction
2-4 people to ask businesses for donations
Please think about donating if you own a business or ask work for a business that may donate. Also think about your friends, family, and connections that may be willing to donate as well.
ALL PARENTS to donate items to the silent auction
Sign up here >>> http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0d4fa9a928a7fc1-viva
Please contact me with questions
(405)612-5552
Focus on Foundation
Dear Zarrow Family,
In the midst of this holiday season, I would like us all to reflect on how truly blessed we are to be part of this wonderful Zarrow community. I encourage you to take time to thank our amazing teachers, staff, & leadership that take such great care of our children, & are giving them a first class education. Give them a gift, drop them a note, write them a card, or just simply tell them thank you for all that they do. Let them know how much they are respected & appreciated!
On behalf of The Foundation, I want every teacher, support staff, cafeteria worker, counselor, school nurse, janitor, assistant, & our principal to know that we love you and appreciate ALL that you do! Thank you for educating, protecting , leading, & loving our children!
With that, I wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season, and look forward to all that 2017 will have for us all!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Arnold
Counselor's Corner
Bless the Children
When I contemplate the miracles of life and the hope that children bring, I realize that they find joy in so many things that adults have forgotten. Children remind grown-ups how to be pure joy in expression.
To be in the presence of children is to look through the eyes of those who live each day to the fullest, who perceive a miracle in every situation. Children are life’s greatest teachers, for to them, all people are beautiful, all ability levels are special and all cultures and backgrounds are marvelous and interesting.
As parents, grandparents and educators, we take the time to mentor and care for the children, even as they mentor and care for us and others. Here are some tools I read to get through the holiday season happily as well as to prevent problems and misery for yourself and your children.
1. During this holiday time have an attitude of gratitude. Misery and gratitude cannot occupy the same space in our psychological house, and we have the power to choose between these emotional states.
2. If you or family members are feeling depressed and lonely, volunteer with any number of groups that help underprivileged or hospitalized children, the homeless, or the aged and disabled. There are many opportunities for doing community service. No one can be depressed when they are doing community service.
3. Decide upon your priorities and stick to them. Organize your time. Be reasonable with yours and your children’s schedule. Do not overbook yourself into a state of exhaustion—this makes people cranky, irritable and depressed.
4. Remember, no matter what your plans, the holidays do not automatically take away feelings of aloneness, sadness, frustration, anger, and fear.
5. Plan unstructured, low-cost fun holiday activities: window shop and look at the holiday decorations. Bake goodies with your children. Something my family always did was to pile into the car and look at the holiday lights. The opportunities are endless.
6. Give yourself a break; create time for yourself to do the things YOU love to do.
I am grateful to be a part of all the good things at Zarrow!
Happy Winter Break!