Last year, we began an Indian of the Week program in the elementary in which we focused on a particular positive character trait for the week. Students were given daily reminders of what this trait looked like in words and in actions, and they were challenged to make an extra effort to demonstrate this in their daily lives. This was done to teach a variety of positive character and behavioral traits, but also to encourage us all to be looking for the positive in our students each day! We will begin this again this year, with our first challenge to be KIND.

Greek storyteller Aesop famously said, "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Even Eeyore, friend to that lovable bear Winnie-the-Pooh once commented, "A little consideration, a little thought for others, makes all the difference." In this world of constant comparisons and criticisms, our students don't have to look very far to see regular examples of negativity and frustration. We need to intentionally remind our children that kindness is important, and it is the little everyday interactions that make the biggest impact. This includes the words we choose when we speak to and about others, smiling at someone, even just a simple good morning! Challenge your students to show kindness at home and acknowledge it when you recognize it in their words and actions! Ask them how they showed kindness at school, and validate the importance of their actions. If they share how someone else was unkind, encourage them to find a way to show kindness the next day.

One little consideration, one little thought for others...it really can make all the difference, and it has to start somewhere! Author Maya Angelou once said, "It takes courage to be kind." Challenge your children to be courageously kind this week!

This year, Tekonsha Community Schools is working to create a free store to help students in need. Sometimes, this is a basic hygiene need, such as shampoo or deodorant, and sometimes it is a clothing need (such as underwear or a sweatshirt). We have students of all ages and sizes in need. If you have any of the items listed below that you would like to donate, please drop the items off at either the HS/MS or elementary office. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to a member of our Student Support Team: Mrs. Tew (tewb@tekonsha.k12.mi.us) or Mrs. Westra (westraj@tekonsha.k12.mi.us).

Congratulations to the Varsity Volleyball team and Coach Russell on winning the Silver bracket at the Climax Invitational on Saturday, September 9! Alyssa Aldrich was also selected as an All Star Team member, which is voted on by the other coaches at the tournament! It was a great day for Indian Volleyball!

All THS Band Alumni are invited to come join the THS band for the playing of the National Anthem and school fight song during the Homecoming pre-game show on Friday, September 22, 2023. To let us know if you are interested and would like to participate, please click on the link below to share your contact info, and we will reach out with more details!

Third graders in Mrs. Marcy Rader's class enjoyed some partner reading time this week, as well as a science project in which they worked in groups to make models of frog calls.

Yearbooks for the 2022-23 school year are now ready for order. Ordering will be open through September 30. All yearbooks must be ordered in advance. The cost is $35 per yearbook! Don't miss out on the opportunity to cherish these memories for years to come!