It’s been my honor (and challenge) to support our students during a few of the more difficult school years in recent memory. And that’s saying a lot...in the ten years I’ve been at Penngrove we’ve gone through fires, smoke days, floods, major power outages, and a global pandemic. Whether we’re talking about our school, the district as a whole, our county, state, country, or the global community, it’s clear that we’ve all been tested to the limits. Several studies have concluded that mental health issues in the US have dramatically increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Whereas one in ten adults reported experiencing depression or anxiety pre-pandemic, the current trends indicate that four in ten adults are now struggling with mental health challenges (CDC & KFF). Unsurprisingly, statistics of mental health issues in children and adolescents are similar to those of adults (KFF), and marginalized communities likely experience these challenges at even higher rates. The Penngrove community is a small microcosm of the trends we’re seeing across the country, and I think it’s safe to say that we’re all feeling the weight of the past few years.

Heading into the holiday season is prompting me to slow down and reflect upon the things I have to be grateful for. I can imagine that many of the items at the top of my list are similar to many of yours...my children and family, friends, and community. I’ve also been reflecting upon the things I may not think about every day...the fact that I have a comfortable home in a safe community, easy access to food, safe drinking water, medical care, and a job I love. And in the era of COVID-19, I am grateful for my health and for the health of my friends and family. Practicing gratitude is a helpful way to combat feelings of stress and overwhelm. In fact, studies have shown that the intentional practice of gratitude increases feelings of optimism and happiness (Harvard Health). I encourage everyone to spend some time with their children during this holiday season focusing on all the things there are to be thankful for. This small effort may have a positive impact and is a great way to spend quality time together. I’ve included a list of gratitude prompts I’ve used with students, and have found to be very helpful and enlightening.

I’d like to wrap this message up with one other note and request. The past few years have certainly highlighted many of the divisions and differences that exist within American culture. Political and social divides seem to have intensified and have left many of us feeling disconnected, angry, frustrated, sad, and scared. I’ve experienced this within my own extended family, and have been challenged to put relationships over personal beliefs. As we head into this next phase of vaccine rollouts, it’s clear that our community has a range of different beliefs, feelings, and reactions to the accessibility of COVID-19 immunizations. The request I’d like to make is for our community to put relationships over personal beliefs. What I mean by that is: we all have a right to our feelings and beliefs, as well as a right to have them respected. And we have a responsibility to respect the feelings and beliefs of others. Furthermore, it’s our responsibility as adults to teach and model respect and empathy to our children. Not only because it’s good for our community at large, but also because the practice of empathy has mental health benefits for the individual (Psychology Today). In the coming weeks, teachers and staff will make an extra effort to talk with students about empathy, respecting differences, and putting relationships first. I’ll be suggesting a couple of books that teachers can use to structure these discussions (preview here and here). I hope these conversations can happen at home as well!

I am so thankful for all the support, trust, and kindness I’ve received from the Penngrove community over the years. This is truly a special place to work, and I’m honored to be of service to our students. Happy holidays, everyone!

In Gratitude,

Ms. Jillian

(District Guidance Coordinator/”Penngrove Counselor”)

On Wednesday, November 10th, the 6th grade class was awarded $5,000.00 for their work with the Cotati Accordion Festival. Many thanks to the students and families who volunteered their time helping at the festival! This money will be used for 6th Grade Camp.

Many people have asked about when the playground structure will arrive. Last week we were contacted to let us know it is supposed to be shipped at the end of December. Of course, we are all aware that shipping is getting delayed in many areas of the United States. If it is shipped on time, it should arrive sometime in January. At that point, a decision will be made as to when to begin the project, based on the condition of the field. Keep your fingers crossed!

Also, next summer will be a busy time at Penngrove. First, four portable classrooms will be brought on the campus for 5th and 6th grade. Then the construction of six new classrooms and a new library will begin!

All PCS students and families are invited to participate in a community watershed clean-up on Saturday 11/13 at Penry Park at 9:30 am. We invite everyone to join us in learning how to help our watershed and participating in a day of action. Hear from a guest speaker to learn about how trash affects our water life, along with instructions for our digital clean-up app and plans for the day. We will then all explore our community and work together to pick up the garbage and recycle to reduce trash on the ground before the rainy season.

Download Litterati and then use this code: 102654 to join me in this challenge: PCS Community Clean-up. Download the app here: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/litterati-cleaning-the-earth/id982782776

Please contact Gina Roberts at groberts@petk12.org with any questions.

We are asking to hear from our families with young children ages 0-5 by Friday, November 12th. We want to make sure that the programs we offer at the elementary level are in line with what you hope your children will experience in our schools. Please take a moment to respond to this brief PCS Program Interest Survey, as your input will help drive future planning for our schools. To complete the survey in Spanish, select Spanish from the drop-down menu on the top right-hand corner of the survey.

We are gearing up for our first ever PCS 1 mile/5K/10K Family Holiday Fun Run. If your child is interested in participating in the 5K or 10K and would like to prepare ahead of time, we are putting together a Run Club at each school site. Practices will be held after school once a week on the day and time of the teacher or parent volunteer's choosing. The final event will be on Saturday, December 11th, where students and families will have the opportunity to participate in either a 1 mile, 5K, or 10K at Shollenberger Park and Ellis Creek.