News From The Dragons' Den
Parent Newsletter January 2021
QUOTE OF THE MONTH:
"Never let your storm get your kids wet."
-unknown
Dear Bean Families,
And what a storm it has been...we survived 2020, now we will thrive in 2021!
This past year was one that provided me a variety of opportunities to learn, grow and become a better person and school leader. I had to learn how to effectively lead my staff from a distance, maintain student and staff relationships virtually, and collaborate with colleagues to determine appropriate and feasible curriculum to provide to our students. From this period of trial and error, my ability to empathize with others by recognizing and validating fears and anxieties flourished. As an educator, I became more aware of the role our school plays in our small community. Schools aren’t meant to be babysitting centers by any stretch of the imagination, but the school week doesn’t echo the workweek by mere coincidence. Schools give parents a safe and low-cost option for childcare and thus are a pillar of our economy. The emotional support and routine our schoolhouse provides our students and their families became abundantly clear during these trying times. Despite the wind, rain, and hail that was thrown our way...sunny days are ahead! I want to thank you for your partnership in your child's education. Your cooperation, patience and understanding has not gone unnoticed. I feel fortunate to work with such a compassionate community. As we turn the page on 2020, I choose to look beyond the negative impact of the year and reflect upon the positive memories of the past year. I encourage you to do the same.
Your proud principal,
Erica St. Peter
Parent Drop Off and Pick Up Reminders
- Pull up to curb with child ready to exit the car
- Adult should remain in the car
- Encourage child to exit car as quickly as possible
- If you need to talk to your child, give extra hugs and kisses, or dress your child, please pull into a parking space to do these things before entering the drop off line
- Exit parking lot as soon as child is up on sidewalk
Afternoon Pick Up
- Please form two lines in both driveways
- Adult should remain in the car
- If asked, please pull ahead to wait for your child so that other cars may drive around you
- Encourage child to enter car as quickly as possible
- Exit parking lot as soon as child is in the car
- If your child needs extended time to buckle seatbelt, please pull ahead so other cars may exit the parking lot
- Please know that ALL students must walk down the sidewalk and then down the middle of the cars with Mrs. St. Peter. For safety reasons, please do not call to your child or motion for them to leave the line and move between cars by themselves. Again, this is a safety issue. Thank you for your help with this.
- Be AWARE of the first bus lights. If the lights are flashing RED, you MAY NOT drive around the bus. Please wait patiently for the bus to exit the parking lot or turn the RED flashing lights off.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
The 3rd graders at JHB decided to spread some holiday cheer to our community members.The students in Mrs. Erskine’s and Mrs. Dutil’s classes practiced their letter writing skills and wrote to Neighbors at Bella Point. These residents have not been able to visit with family members as they normally do due to Covid-19, so these students created some festive cards to help them celebrate the holiday season. We hope the cards bring many smiles to their faces.
Holiday Giving & Gratitude
JHB's PTO always finds a way...
Additionally, the PTO wanted to find a way to give back to our community that has always shown support for our schools. In early November, a Toy Drive was organized. JHB's parents were encouraged to donate a new, unwrapped toy for a child grades PK-5. Their goal was to collect 100 gifts to be donated to the Sidney Food Bank before Christmas. The count totaled over 125 items! Thanks and gratitude goes out to all whom were able to contribute to this event!
2020 Holiday Toy Drive Success!
Attend a meeting...join in on the fun!
Thank you PTO and Longfellow's Greenhouses!
Spreading the Love, Without Spreading COVID
JHB Community...STRONGER TOGETHER
Together, we can work to keep each other healthy and keep our children learning in person. Please continue to monitor your child for any symptoms each morning, and keep them home from school when necessary.
We are grateful for your continued patience and understanding as we navigate through this unprecedented time. Please take care of yourself and your family, and thank you for joining together to support each other and our students.
Important Dates
Tuesday, January 19-No School, Teacher Inservice Day
Friday, February 5-Valentines Sent In
Friday, February 12-No School, Teacher Inservice
Monday, February 15-Friday, February 19 Winter Break