Dear Bulldog Families,

We have really enjoyed taking advantage of several days of wonderful fall weather this week! Our students and adults continue to enjoy taking full advantage of our beautiful green space. The idea of outdoor learning is really "coming to life at New Britton." Today, I observed and participated in outdoor music, physical education, and recess. In each case students had opportunities to collaborate, problem solve, and apply either academic or social-emotional learning skills. AND the best part is that we enjoyed the fresh, crisp air. The pure joy was evident in the faces and conversation of our children. Students have also used this space for a variety of learning experiences: writing observations based on our senses, independent reading, partner shares...

In the near future you will receive information from our PTO regarding our playground fundraiser. ALL of the money generated from this fundraiser will go directly to our playground matching fund opportunity that we have been working toward. I encourage you to participate and have family members and friends join in. Last year, we gathered both student and staff input regarding new resources they would like to have available in our playground spaces. Please look for this information in the next week. We appreciate your consideration in making our green spaces even better for learning through play!

We appreciate your continued patience and flexibility as we update procedures to prepare for our next phase of operating and learning. Our car rider arrival and dismissal is going better each day. Please help us with this new process by having your student's number clearly visible in your front window. If you do not have a number for your student, please contact the New Britton office at 317-594-4130.

As always, thank you for partnering with us in education! Have.a great weekend.

Sincerely,

Lori Mankin, Principal

Students will need to place holds at least two days before their designated pick-up day. For example, if the pick-up day is Tuesday, the hold needs to be placed by Thursday (the week before). If the pick-up day is Thursday, the hold needs to be placed by the Monday before. Mrs. Crane will send you an email to let you know when you can come to pick up your hold. Pick-up days and times are Tuesday and Thursday from 10:15am - 12:20pm.

For the past few years, Hamilton Southeastern Schools has used a strategy for lockdown procedures known as the A.L.I.C.E. plan. A.L.I.C.E. is an acronym for Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate and would be activated if a violent intruder entered our building. It is important that staff and students are prepared if such an event arises. The philosophy of A.L.I.C.E. is to use information in a way so that staff and students can make informed decisions in a crisis, remove as many people as possible from the danger zone, and provide realistic training so that those involved in a crisis have a better chance of surviving.

Next week, teachers will provide direction to students on what action needs to be taken, so it is very important that students listen and follow the directions given by their teachers as the course of action during these drills will not always be the same. Before the first drill is practiced next Friday, the A.L.I.C.E. plan will be taught in classrooms in an age-appropriate manner utilizing the student friendly, age-appropriate book "I'm Not Scared, I'm Prepared" by Julia Cook. The primary focus of this book is for students to follow the directions their teachers give them. Additionally, School Resource Officer Brianna Guy will be visiting classrooms next week to follow up and answer any questions students may have.

Younger students need constant reminders of safe practices in order for them to make good decisions related to their personal safety. Parents can prepare their children for the A.L.I.C.E. plan by helping them understand the following objectives at home.

· There are people, of all ages, color, and types that can be mean and may wish them harm (bad guys).

· Self-confidence comes from trying things that are hard and getting better each time.

· There are many solutions and options when faced with a problem.

· When your child is prepared for difficult situations, he/she can make informed decisions

· Your child is smart and capable of problem solving if he/she has the knowledge and opportunities to practice.

· Help your child identify and assess possible crisis situations.

· Have your child demonstrate the ability to get away from someone who has their hands on them.

· Have your child explain the different safety drills and what they mean.

· Discuss the importance of following the teacher's directions without hesitation.

Should you have any questions about next week's A.L.I.C.E. Student Training, please email Assistant Principal Katy Lee.

2020 has been an interesting year for all of us. There are times in our lives where we might need some extra help or we might be able to lend some extra help. If you are in need of support for the coming months or you are fortunate enough to be able to provide some support for those in need, please see the resources below. Together we are better.

https://www.gsnlive.org

Good Samaritan Network of Hamilton County,Inc.

Good Samaritan Network (GSN) is a collaborative/network of nonprofits in Hamilton County utilizing two serving approaches, Direct and InDirect services, and in part is designed to ensure efficiency and communication among the different agencies, social services, nonprofits, local government, pantries, and businesses.

www.gsnlive.org

http://youthassistance.org/fishers

Fishers — Hamilton County Youth Assistance Program

Welcome. Fishers Youth Assistance Program (FYAP) was formed in 2014 to help strengthen youth and families through community involvement. Like other peer Youth Assistance Programs throughout Hamilton County, local volunteers develop and provide access to programs and services that promote positive growth experiences and enhance home and community relationships.

youthassistance.org