The Stallion Express
February
Random Acts of Kindness Week 2021 is observed nationally on February 14th - 20th. The goal of this week is to positively impact schools, workplaces, families, and overall society through displays of kind gestures. Scientific research has shown that practicing kindness has a vast number of physical and emotional benefits. In fact, kindness "changes the brain" and aids in a child's ability to flourish as healthy, happy and more focused children.
At McGregor Elementary, we focus on teaching students the meaning of kindness and how to display random acts of kindness on a regular basis. Each morning, we recite the McGregor Promise. This month we will teach our students about diversity, by celebrating Black History Month. For National School Counseling Week, we recognize our talented school counselor, Nicole Ryan for her service to our student body. The McGregor Pledge and celebrations such as these are all healthy reminders of our expectations of respect and kindness for self and in relation to others.
Kindness Benefits include:
- Happy Children
- Increased Peer Acceptance
- Greater Sense of Belonging and Improved Self-Esteem
- Greater Concentration
- Less Bullying
To celebrate this special week with us and teach your child more about kindness, please visit: www.randomactsofkindness.org.
Respectfully,
McGregor Principal, Rachael Novak, ED.S.
School Counselor's Random Acts of Kindness Calendar
Important Dates
February 11th - Virtual Winter Musical "Singing Through the School Year"
February 11th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
February 12th - Parent/Teacher Conferences
Cold Weather Reminder
As we experience cold weather, we would like to stress the importance of students wearing the appropriate winter outerwear. Our goal is to have students go outside for recess/Physical Education, whenever possible. Outdoor recess and Physical Education is a time for our students to enjoy the fresh air, activate large motor skills/big body play, and offer opportunities for children to challenge themselves physically. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong clothes.” Students should come to school wearing a winter jacket, gloves, scarves, hat, etc.
Please let us know if you have any questions, or are in need of any assistance.
Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences
(The staff will use SignUpGenius.com to compile the schedules.)
- Thursday, Feb. 11 from 3:15 PM - 7:15 PM
- Friday, Feb. 12 from 8:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Valentine's Day Party - February 11th
- Donated Food/Drink - Must be store bought, individually wrapped and prepackaged.
- Collection of Valentine's Day Cards - We will need to "quarantine" the Valentine's Day cards for 48 hours, prior to the distribution. Therefore, the cards will be collected by the teacher on February 9th. Any cards issued after February 9th will not be distributed to the students, and will need to be sent home.
- Distribution of Valentine's Day Cards - In an effort to maintain social distance, and prevent students from circulating the classroom, the teacher will distribute the cards to each student.
Annual Student Information Update
All families are required to go online and complete this process. If your student is new to the district, please visit the New Enrollment Page on the WLS website. If your student is already enrolled in the district, click on the Returning Student Registration link. You will need your WLS Powerschool Parent ID and Password.
This process replaces the paper forms that have typically been sent home the beginning of the year. If you need assistance, call the office at 419-473-8279.
PANORAMA
Social-emotional learning (SEL) skills are an important goal for our Washington Local Schools. Over the next several weeks we will be asking for your child to reflect on their own mindsets and approaches to learning through an online survey they will be completing via their school email. The survey shouldn’t take more than 20-30 minutes to complete.
We are asking that all of our students participate in surveys, as their responses will provide invaluable insights into their experiences and how we can improve and adapt our district to their needs.
Virtual Winter Musical "Singing Through the School Year"
McGregor 2nd and 3rd Graders will present their Virtual Winter Musical "Singing Through the School Year" on Thursday, February 11, 2021.
The students will share their talents with the McGregor student body during a virtual assembly on February 11th. A link will be available through your student's Music Google Classroom for parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends to watch as well.
We hope you enjoy the show!
February is Children’s Dental Health Month; this is an excellent time to help kids build healthy habits that keep their teeth—and their whole bodies—strong.
The truth is, damage from dental disease can go beyond dental pain and infection. Poor oral health can affect speech development, the ability to learn, and self-esteem. Students experiencing dental pain are distracted and unable to concentrate on schoolwork, often resulting in poor school performance.
It is important for young children to see a dentist for a well-child check as soon as the first tooth pops through so they can start good habits early. A visit to the dentist every 6 months for school age children is recommended.
Unfortunately, since we are not able to bring visitors into the buildings this year, we will not be offering the Dental Sealant Program or the usual dental presentations for the students by hygienists from the community.
We will be visiting some classrooms and reviewing the basics, such as proper brushing and healthy eating. We thought we would also attach a few fun videos that you can watch with your child that teach dental hygiene. Reminders to brush thoroughly and for 2 full minutes are beneficial at any age!!
How to brush for younger students
Why Brush your teeth for older students?
Enjoy,
Nurse Graver and Nurse Amy