Flynn Flyer
January 28th, 2022
Thank you Flynn Families for helping us keep everyone safe! We could not do this without you!
Annual Flynn Title 1 Meeting
Thursday February 3, 2020
6:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting https://us05web.zoom.us/j/83547804019?pwd=MS9jSERMbEZWd0dMaEdLYjFIbXM3dz09
Meeting ID: 835 4780 4019 Passcode: 82PqZ3
We will discuss:
Flynn’s participation in Title 1 as a Schoolwide program.
The requirements under Title 1.
The rights of parents to be involved.
Development of the LEA and school-level parent and family engagement policies.
Development of the School-Parent Compact.
Opportunities for parents to attend regular meetings to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children.
Thursday, Feb 3, 2022, 06:00 PM
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RSVPs are enabled for this event.
PTO Corner
FEBRUARY PTO MEETING:
Join us for the next PTO meeting at 6:30 pm on Thursday, February 3. Join with this video link: https://meet.google.com/fuj-omkp-bnv
Interim Principal Dr. Shelley Matthias will be joining us this month so that we can get to know her and see how things are going at Flynn from her perspective.
Join us as we discuss teacher appreciation initiatives, Flynn Skate Night and other Flynn Family events for the remainder of the year!
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FLYNN LOGO WEAR SALE, PART TWO
Back by popular demand! Because of an overwhelming positive response to our Flynn Logo Wear Sale back in December, we are partnering again with Flynn-family business New Duds to reopen the store. Be on the lookout for a link in the coming weeks!
From Principal Dr. Mathias
I think we may all be glad to be at the end of January. Between freezing temperatures and COVID infections, Cabin Fever seems to be at an all time high here at school this week. Children have excellent radar and it is very evident that they are picking up stresses whether from adults, the news, conversations, or just good antennae.
The cure for Cabin Fever is doing something different. I'm hoping that everyone can do some fun and silly things this weekend with your children so you can all relax. Put some chores to the side - they'll always be there. Give yourself permission to go play this weekend. Go outside despite the temperatures, just to have a chance to get fresh air and some exhilaration. Have family time away from screens; play games, rough house, build forts, play hide and seek or board games. Have special fun meals like breakfast for dinner, or make your own pizzas with english muffins or pizza dough. Most importantly, laugh with your children - they are actually very funny a lot of the time. And enjoy each other's company.
Dr. Michelle B. Mathias
Acting Principal
She/Her
From Laura Ellis School Psychologist
Hello Flynn Community! I wanted to share an update on social-emotional learning that students have been engaging with at Flynn School as well as some intervention ideas that are helpful at all times of year for everyone, but especially during this time (with COVID-19 and winter).
Flynn School teachers and staff have been working this school year on spending more time on direct instruction with social-emotional learning (SEL) with our Flynn Fireflies. SEL focuses on five overall developmental areas of social and emotional learning: responsible decision-making, self awareness, social awareness, self management and relationship skills. The school psychologist and guidance counselor have led trainings for the teachers prior to the beginning of the school year and created lessons for teachers to teach every day in their classrooms. Support staff have also created visual tools for teachers to use in classrooms such as feelings visual charts and steps to follow when repair work is needed with another individual. Recently, the PE teacher Ms. DiMasi pioneered the idea of creating a sensory pathway in the gym. A sensory pathway is a visual marker pathway (typically made with stickers on floors or walls) that engage students in an obstacle course type format of quick exercises that ultimately promotes self-regulation by allowing students to get their energy out in a quick burst of time (as well as in a FUN way!) Our sensory pathway at Flynn also ends with mindful breathing and positive affirmations (which are skills currently being taught through SEL lessons). We hope that all students at Flynn further develop their social and emotional development during their time at school as a result!
I also wanted to share with the Flynn community some techniques that are helpful for anyone: student, parent or teacher. Currently due to the state of uncertainty on a daily basis in our world, the most powerful intervention tool can be through doing activities that enhance a positive mindset as well as offer gratitude to others (and strengthen our community as a result). These activities are great to do indoors (during this very cold weather) and are scientific, evidence-based intervention activities that promote happiness.
Gratitude Journal - write daily in a gratitude journal - five things you are grateful for - this is a great way to either begin or end your day.
Gratitude Visit - identify one person you are grateful for. Write them a letter to include why you are grateful for them, what qualities they may possess that inspire you and write a statement of thanks. Plan a visit with the person to read them your letter.
Acts of Kindness - write down three acts of kindness you will complete this week for others/the community. Write down the dates you completed the acts of kindness and any positive outcomes that were received by others as well as yourself (how did the other person respond to your act of kindness? How did you feel before/how do you feel after?)
Developing Meaning - think about something you have been wanting to do (for example learning to play the guitar, learning a different language, learning how to rock climb, etc.) and create a step-by-step plan to achieve the goal (as well as putting down time frames that are achievable for yourself). Think if there is anyone else that may want to achieve that same goal, invite them along! Once you achieve your goal, teach someone else.
Design a Beautiful Day - this can be done through journaling or through an art activity. Think about a previous happy and joyful day. Think of all of the specific details of the day (i.e., who was there, location, smells, sights, sounds, feelings, tastes) and any other details. Recreate the beautiful day through writing or art. Put this somewhere where you may read or see it often in your home.
Would love to hear if you tried any of these activities and how it went!
Email: lellis@bsdvt.org
Sending warmth and health,
Laura Ellis
School Psychologist