Dear Parents,

Autumn is in the air. Cooler temperatures are surely on the way, and we have settled into what promises to be our best school year ever! Coming Back to School was a huge success. Our students are so excited to be back in the classroom and we are so thrilled to see their sweet faces.

Mission:

Contribute

Persevere

Empathize

Solve

Vision:

Aiming for Excellence

Building Character

Creating Leaders

At the beginning of each school year we, as staff, discuss our dream of what we would like Central Park Elementary to be for our families. We then review our mission and vision statement to see if they accurately reflect our goals. Take time to review our Mission and Vision which are listed above. We would love input from our families. I am attaching a padlet for you to put your thoughts. The question is, If you could create the ideal school for your child what would it look like? If you click on the link you should be able to share your thoughts with us.

https://padlet.com/itsmylife7311/ylukth57gtociwsz

Students have been learning and practicing Central Park Library procedures during the month of August. Every student may check out one book at a time. Our library is open every morning from 7:00 to 7:30 in the morning and also throughout the day for open checkout. They also will come for library time each week. If a student needs to get a new book they may get one during these times.

We have also been talking about proper book care for our library books. The students should keep their books away from water bottles, pets and food.

During the month of September we will be reading books about being an effective communicator and how to be a problem solver.

Save the Date: Scholastic Book Fair is coming in October!!!

Music:

I have had a wonderful time getting to know your children and make music with them over the past few weeks in the music room. I just know we are going to have a wonderful year. It always amazes me how fast summer seems to go by, but it is always such a magical time seeing the excitement of the students as they walk through the doors on the first day of school.

This year is going to be extra exciting because we are finally able to do everything we have usually done in the past without any restrictions…at least that’s the plan at this time. YAY!!!!

So, take out your pens or pencils and mark your calendars because I have some important dates you are NOT going to want to miss!

Friday, September 9: 4th Grade Recorder Money is Due

Wednesday, November 9 at 5:30 p.m. 1st Grade on the Square

Tuesday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m. 3rd Grade in the CPE Cafeteria

Thursday, February 16 at 6:00 p.m. 2nd Grade in the CPE Cafeteria

Thursday, May 11 at 6:00 p.m. 4th Grade in the CPE Cafeteria

Ok, so I’ve got to get back to teaching these kids about their 4 different kinds of voices, ostinatos, steady beats, treble clef notes, and how to have fun singing. I’ll see you soon.

PE:

We are so excited to have everyone back in the Gym and look forward to getting the students moving.

Please send your kids to school in appropriate clothes and shoes, so they are able to get the most out of PE. IE. Tennis shoes or shoes that they can run in, shorts under dresses.

For the month of September we are going to be focusing on Soccer skills: dribbling, trapping, passing.

Art:

We will discuss the seven Elements of Art that form the foundation of all the future art projects we will build upon this school year. Our goal will be to understand and analyze the Elements of Art. Students will create their own Elements of Art book that shows they can express each Element artistically after they have been shown examples of each. Essential Question(s) include: What are the Elements of Art? • What is line, shape, color, form, value, space and texture? • What are examples of each art element? • How can you create an Element of art book? Demonstrate how to make a book using 4 sheets of paper and a stapler • Demonstrate drawing examples of each Element of art. • Students will work independently to fill the pages of their art element book with examples and we will also work as a class so that their books will be filled with various examples. My hope is that this art assignment will provide a framework so that we can discuss various art concepts as the year progresses!

Global Connections:

Hola world travelers!

What a great few weeks it has been! We have been learning about diversity and what that means! September will be fun! We will be traveling to our first continent and learning about some of the countries in them. We will be learning about the different languages, foods, cultures, and all kinds of fun things! Can't wait to travel with you! Buckle up! Let's have some fun!

Computers:

This month we will review computer terms and basic knowledge of a computer and its programs. As well as going to learning.com to learn about online safety and digital citizenship. Kindergarten and first grades will work on being able to recognize symbols.

SAY IT:
Trust means putting your confidence in someone you can depend on.

KNOW IT:
ASK A GROWN-UP:
• Describe a time in your life when you had to really trust someone. How did the situation
turn out?

ASK A KID:
• Have you ever had to work on a group project where you had to depend on a friend to do
their part? Was it hard to trust them? How did the situation work out?

SEE IT:
The movie Luca portrays a wonderful friendship that required a lot of trust. The main
characters Luca and Alberto had to trust each other and their new friend Guilia. Watch
a clip online of the movie's ending and see how trusting each other not only put them at
risk but also helped the friends be more successful when they worked together.

BE IT:
As a family, take turns participating in a "trust fall." Have each person close their eyes and
fall back while the rest of the family catches them before they fall. For safety, try it sitting
down and falling back on a couch or bed. With the little ones, have them stand on the bed
and fall back. Use the command, “Ready?” “Ready,” “Falling,” “Fall Away.” Talk about other

ways you can build trust and be trustworthy in your family and in your community.

PHASE

At every age, kids need significant relationships.

The significant relationships in a child’s life include parents, teachers,
relatives, coaches, and spiritual leaders.

As a parent, you can encourage these relationships as a way to ensure
that other trusted adults are surrounding your kids with the same mes-
sages and advice that you would.

So don’t miss it. This year, this month, today is just a Phase!

In Guidance Lessons this month we are meeting the counselors and learning about coping strategies.

If you need assistance with school supplies, snack packs, or information regarding school-based counseling, please contact Counselors: Amanda Williams at amwilliams@bentonvillek12.org, or Paula Kaufmann at kaufmann@bentonvillek12.org.