Weekly Update
11/6/20
What I've Learned...
Families,
I have not been at WDS since Monday, October 26th. My children and I began our 14 day quarantine that day--after a direct exposure that happened away from school several days earlier. That is the reality that we live in right now. We were informed of the direct contact and immediately left school. That was hard...for me and for my own kids.
But, I have learned A LOT in the last 2ish weeks of quarantine.
1. The West Dodge staff is truly, 100% the best. I know I say that a lot, but I saw true teamwork, leadership, collaboration, and grit from everyone. People stepped up in a big way for students and the school while I was gone. Everyone took on added responsibilities with grace.
2.Everyone is working SO hard. My own children were remote learners, and I feel confident that they got quality instruction through a computer--while the teachers were doing all of the things required to make sure in-person learners gain knowledge and transition throughout the day. I am in awe of the teachers that are juggling everything each day...again with grace and positivity.
3. The students at West Dodge make every day better. It was hard being at home because I missed the interactions with students and families. I missed the morning news, lunch conversations, and the energy of dismissal at the end of the day. I missed handing out birthday books, hearing students read aloud, and observing in classrooms. I won't take those little things for granted any time soon.
There were definitely other things learned during that time-like what restaurants deliver food right to a doorstep and how many snacks kids really can eat during the day. But, the ones above really show the value of togetherness.
Together we can.
Together we will.
Mrs. Brittany Sidders
West Dodge Station Principal
Screening Children
School Breakfast Hours
Water bottles
Please remember to send your students with water bottles that can be refilled at school. The water fountains remain closed at WDS for student and staff safety. But, we do have bottle fillers a way students can get water throughout the day.
Pick-Up, Drop-Off, and Traffic Tips
Please wear a mask if you are going to be within 6 feet of students, staff, or other families at pick-up or drop-off.
Important Dates
November 9th - PTO Meeting (6:30)
November 13th - Remote Learner Supply Pick-Up (9:00-11:00)
November 24th - Mid-Quarter Reports
Remote Learner Supply Pick-Up (9:00-11:00)
November 25th - NO SCHOOL Teacher Inservice (calendar change)
November 26th-27th - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
November 30th -December 4th - Remote Learning Week
Counselor Corner
Mad. Yep. The year 2020 hit hard and has continued to push my buttons like no year before. We’re all there; we’ve experienced A LOT. Problems that in the past would have brought me some discomfort or stress now set my teeth on edge. I know I’m not alone in my feelings.
The current classroom guidance lessons are focused on identifying and managing emotions. Students are learning three steps in helping to manage big, uncomfortable feelings:
Stop. Catch yourself at the beginning of a big feeling. Some signals are a fast heartbeat, shallow and quick breathing, hot and sweaty skin and tight muscles. Say a word to yourself like ‘stop’, ‘whoa’ or ‘hold on’.
Name Your Feeling. I’m feeling mad or I’m feeling nervous or I’m feeling sad for instance.
Calm Down. Use some strategies to help your body start to calm down. Slow, deep breaths. Positive self-talk (I can calm down. I can handle this.) Counting (count to yourself or distract yourself by counting items like how many letter t’s you see.)
Doing these things may not give you the instant feeling of calm, but it gives your brain time to think through steps rather than reacting. We’ve also been talking about brain science and anger. The frontal cortex of the brain is involved in learning, thinking, decision making, etc. When the amygdala section of the brain is experiencing big feelings, it takes over the frontal cortex which means that good decision making isn’t happening. It’s when we start reacting quickly to a situation and do or say things that we will probably regret later. The key is to catch the uncomfortable feeling before these behaviors happen. Here is a really good video by Dr Daniel Siegel explaining brain theory in emotions and creating a simplified model of the brain with your hand. It’s a great way to talk with kids about their emotions! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gm9CIJ74Oxw
In closing, none of us are immune to big uncomfortable feelings. Some big feelings can actually bring about positive change in our world but we’ve also been witness to times that raw emotions made a situation worse. I can’t control our world, but I can choose the activities I do, who my companions will be and limit most or all of social media. I’d rather avoid triggers than spend time trying to calm down. I hope you all have a relaxing weekend - I plan to!
Mrs. Jean Herold
402.289.2773
District Information
PTO News
Our next PTO meeting will be November 9th, 2020 at 6:30pm. This meeting will be held via Zoom videoconferencing and all WDS parents and staff members are invited to attend. If you would like to attend, please RSVP to wds.pto@gmail.com and we will send you the Zoom participation information.
WDS PTO Website:
We still have quite a few families who need to visit our new website to create their account and review their online directory and publish preferences. If you haven't yet done so, you can create your account at:
https://westdodgestationpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home.
WDS Sprit Store:
We've re-opened the WDS Spirit Store just in time for the holidays. We've also added some new cold-weather items so your family can show your school spirit while bundling up this winter. The order deadline is Monday, November 9th! All orders will ship free to the school in early December and be distributed and sent home with your students. If you are ordering items for your child as a gift, make sure to include the word "GIFT" after your students name in the "Order Naming" box when placing your order. Items that are gifts will be available for parent pick up in the vestibule in the front of the school. Check out the school store and place your order here:
http://coachsassistant.gtmsportswear.com/WDS
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact me any time if you have questions, concerns, feedback, or want to share your great news. ~Mrs. Sidders
Email: bsidders@epsne.org
Website: https://www.elkhornweb.org/westdodgestation/
Location: 18480 California Street, Elkhorn, NE, USA
Phone: 402-289-2773
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElkhornPSWD
Twitter: @ElkhornPS_WD