Warner Informer
Making a difference, one person at a time
Month of May at Warner Elementary
The calendar now reads May...but for some of you life might feel less about May and more about MESSY. Several weeks ago our world was thrown upside down. Over the past month we've done our best to adjust and make the best of a challenging situation. Let me truly begin by saying, THANK YOU!
As educators we do not intend for you to be the experts in teaching and learning. Our goal has always been to partner with you for the betterment of your child. Yet here we are. Now, each week we are connecting on Zoom, delivering packets, and trying our best to support what you are doing in the home. In all likelihood it must be MESSY. But please know this, we are here, we will do what we can to support you and your child through a challenging situation.
How To Make The Most Of Distance Learning
1. Routines Can Help - Many people (not just kids) thrive in structure and clear expectations. Developing a plan for each day can lessen the pushback you are likely to receive.
2. Stay Connected to Your Child's Teacher - Checking in multiple times a week will increase accountability for your child. The work doesn't not have to be painful, it simply can reinforce healthy habits and be a bit of practice.
3. Find the Tipping Point - Every child is different, figuring out when to nudge and when to back off is important in the learning process. As a parent, frustration is okay...to a degree. You want to build resilience and not just give up at the first sign of struggle. Find the Tipping Point and you'll likely find success.
4. Think and learn Different(ly) - During distance learning some of the greatest lessons have nothing to do with actual school work. Playing board games, completing puzzles, going on nature walks and learning new tricks can be great ways to make the most of learning. Just this week a family shared that their child has learned a new skill of learning to cross stitch.
5. Focus on Family - From the Principal's Chair I witnessed so many of our families "over-booking" our kids. Schedules were completely full from sunrise to sunset. In some ways this pandemic has forced us to slow down. It would be a valuable time to focus on family. Have a bonfire, enjoy family game nights, eat dinner as a family, there are lots of ways to strengthen the core family unit.
Remember the TOP priority is to CONNECT with your child's teacher each week.
- Top Priority is to Connect!
- Secondary Priority is to show learning and look for feedback.
Yes we are now into May, but these suggestions can still be implemented right now.
Timely Information For Families:
- Several families have asked about requesting teachers for the 2020-2021 school year. At this time I'm not taking requests for teachers. The window for requesting will be June 1st through June 30th.
- May 4th - 8th is Teacher Appreciation Week! Send a card, video or message to your child's teacher sharing your appreciation for all they do.
- Kindergarten Round-Up has obviously been postponed. It is the hope of Western Schools to try and have Round-Up in early August, but this is just a best case scenario. When a plan is more firmly decided we will contact families.
- 5th Grade Graduation WILL happen! We deeply miss our students and we will celebrate our 5th graders that are headed off to the middle school. More details will be coming in the next few weeks. In the meantime, expect a graduation, but also expect it to look a little different.
- Items left at Warner? If you believe your child left something here please contact your child's teacher and we will arrange a pickup time.
- May 8th is National Field Day: Check out Mrs. Kelly's Website for information.
- Field Trip Questions? Our teachers are working to refund and/or problem solve the field trip situations. If you have questions or concerns about field trips you can contact your child's teacher or Mr. Gilpin (Ben.Gilpin@wsdpanthers.org).
- Are you following Warner Elementary on FaceBook? For video releases, updated information, and feel good stories please take the time to follow Warner Elementary.
Next Year?
- Make Sure Your Child Is Safe
- Help Your Child Receive A Quality Education
- Partner With All Families To Create A Positive School Experience
Plans are in the works. We must develop multiple plans to be ready for the unexpected. I will say, if we had years to create these plans they would be less than perfect. Ultimately, we have months. So I ask you all for patience, understanding, and flexibility as we look ahead to 2020-2021.