Klem South Penguin Press
November 2023
Dear Klem South Families,
How is it already November? The first two months of school have flown by and we are heading into a chilly and busy time of the year. The month of November is filled with many opportunities to connect with the Klem South team. Please be sure to schedule your parent-teacher conference, if you have not done so already! Our teachers are eager to meet with families to discuss the many wonderful learning gains our children have made this far in the school year.
Attendance in school, and arriving on time, is very important. While we certainly do not want students or adults to come to school when they are not feeling well, we also want to strive to be at school each day we are able to. Our goal is to strive for five! This means, only missing 5 days in a school year. Research shows that missing 10 percent of the school year, or 18 days, can negatively impact a student's academic achievement. Thank you for your partnership in helping us improve our overall attendance at Klem South!
This month, our school community would like to express our gratitude for all of our Veterans. During our morning announcements, we will continue our tradition of honoring Veterans who are connected to Klem South students and staff. Please complete this form to let us know about the Veterans in your family:
Klem Road South Veteran's Day Form
Before we know it, we will be off for the Thanksgiving recess. On behalf of the Klem South team, I would like to wish all who celebrate a Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the extended break with your family and friends.
Sincerely,
Martha End
Important Dates
November 7th and 8th- Rochester Fencing Club comes to PE classes at Klem South (thank you PTSA!)
Friday, November 10th- No School (Veteran's Day)
Thursday, November 16th- Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Release Day)
Friday, November 17th- Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Release Day)
Friday, November 17th- Native American Master Storyteller Assembly
Monday, November 20th- Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Release Day)
Tuesday, November 21st- Parent/Teacher Conferences (Early Release Day)
November 22nd, 23rd and 24th- School Closed (Thanksgiving Break)
December 2nd- Klem South PTSA Winter Festival (10 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
December 21st- Klem South Winter Concert at Spry Middle School (6:30 p.m.)
November Words of the Week
11/6- distinguished
11/13- immense
11/20- disparity
11/27- replenish
The Importance of Reading
Arrival and Dismissal Reminders
Changes in weather mean more delays at drop off and pick up. Please be patient and follow staff directions. Please also be sure to announce your child on the PikMyKid app once you arrive.
We do have spots in the front of the bus loop that can be used for buckling your child into their seat. Please use this buckle zone at dismissal.
News from PE
Box Tops for Education– Download the app, pick Klem Road South Elementary school, scan your receipts after grocery shopping and 10 cents for every Box Top Brand will go to our school!
Fitness Assessments- Students in grades 4 and 5 have finished up with their fitness assessments (grade 3 practiced). Towards the end of the month, their results will be located in their “backpack” on infinite campus. These scores are to show where they are at, students are not graded on their fitness abilities. We will do this again in April to look for growth.
Klem South PTSA News
On November 7th and 8th the PTSA is bringing the Rochester Fencing Club to all PE classes! Students will be taught fencing techniques by three professional fencers.
On November 17th, Native American Master Storyteller Perry Ground will perform for our 4th and 5th graders.
Klem South apparel will be ready for purchase soon. Keep an eye out for a link with clothing options within the next week.
Save the Date: Our Winter Festival and Book Fair kick-off is Saturday December 2nd from 10am-12pm.
Bored??
Let’s re-think what we understand about boredom!
How many of us have heard kids utter the words, “I’m bored.” To many parents, this feels like a challenge for us to rescue kids from this uncomfortable feeling. Recent news, however, would suggest that experiencing boredom helps kids to develop valuable skills such as: tolerance for less-than-ideal experiences, creativity, problem-solving, flexibility! Here are some tips to help kids learn how to manage boredom:
Tackle boredom proactively - set aside some time with your child to create a list of activities they enjoy and include some challenges or longer-term projects. To get the ideas flowing, you might share some things you’ve enjoyed in the past, some new things they might enjoy learning. Encourage kids to use this list when they’re bored.
Beware of attention seeking - if your child refuses every idea, it may be because what they are really seeking is your attention. The longer they can engage you in a discussion about what to do, the longer they have your attention. Perhaps giving them two options to choose from and redirecting them to that choice will be helpful. Another idea could be to ask them to take a walk around the house and come back with 3 ideas.
Encourage creativity - with young children, this might mean encouraging them to play with materials in a new way - perhaps using dress up clothes to make up a play about a story they enjoy or using blocks to build a zoo for their animal figures. For older children, challenge them to repurpose recyclables to make an art project. Boredom offers children an opportunity to experiment with pursuits that feel interesting and fulfilling to them!
Be realistic - set a goal for independent play time that is realistic for your child. This may mean 20-25 minutes for some and could be longer for others. Factors that determine this will be your child’s age and attention span.
Respond to boredom with excitement - reframe boredom as an opportunity to do something! Boredom is normal, natural and healthy.” Let them experience the opportunity to take initiative, build perseverance and ultimately build their confidence!
Adapted from:
“Let Kids Be Bored; It’s Good for Them” NY Times, 6/19/2023
“The Benefits of Boredom” Child Mind Institute
Halloween Parade Fun!
News from the Board of Education
FROM THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, NOVEMBER 2023
SPRY MIDDLE SCHOOL WELCOMES VETERANS FOR ANNUAL DINNER
Spry Middle School students and staff are once again inviting our community’s veterans and active duty service personnel and their families to a free spaghetti dinner in their honor.
As a way to express their appreciation to these dedicated men and women, Spry students and staff will prepare and serve the annual dinner Thursday, November 9, 4:00 – 6:30 p.m. at Spry Middle School, 119 South Avenue, Webster. The menu includes spaghetti, salad, bread, and dessert. Reservations are required, so attendees are asked to please call the school at 216-0093 to reserve seats OR to reserve a takeout order. Attendees and pickup orders are asked to come in off of Route 250 near the back of the cafetorium.
Thanks to the sponsors of this year’s dinner: Spry Middle School Builders Club, Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks #2396, Spry Middle School Student Council, Wegmans, and Walmart.
Thank you to all veterans and active duty service personnel for your service to our country!
WEBSTER CSD COMMUNITY APPROVES CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT
Thank you to our One Webster community members who headed to the polls on Wednesday, October 11, to vote on Building Our Future, the district’s proposed capital improvement project. The community-wide vote resulted in approval of the $85 million project with 1,626 yes votes and 829 no votes, a 66% approval rate.
Building Our Future will affect all 11 schools with zero tax impact for district residents. The project is focused on the district's ongoing commitment to providing a safe educational environment for students. Renovations and improvements at every school will ensure that all students have safe, accessible spaces to learn well into the future. If you would like to learn more about the slated improvements at each school, please visit websterschools.org/capitalproject. Thanks to everyone who voted!
STAY CONNECTED WITH YOUR BOARD OF EDUCATION AND WEBSTER CSD!
Please stay up-to-date on your board’s activities by visiting our web page. Be sure to join us for these upcoming board meetings:
Tuesday, November 14 - Regular Business Meeting: Special Education Transition Program, 6:00 p.m., Spry MS, 2nd floor PDC
Tuesday, November 28 - Executive Session and Workshop: Mid Year, Elementary Data Days, 6:00 p.m., Spry MS - 2nd floor PDC
Tuesday, December 12 - Regular Business Meeting: UPK, 6:00 p.m., Spry MS, 2nd floor PDC
November is Native American Heritage Month
November is National Native American Heritage Month. This month, we have the chance to honor the history and continuing culture of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
Here are some ways to get involved!
1. Learn about the Native tribes in our area.
2. Check out Native American museums and cultural centers.
3. Read Children's books by or about Native Americans, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
4. Connect with the land.
Contact Information
Klem South Elementary School
Address: 1025 Klem Road
Phone: (585) 872-1320
Principal: Martha End (martha_end@webstercsd.org)
Assistant Principal: Stephen MacAdam (stephen_macadam@webstercsd.org)