Superstar Snapshots
November 2019
Operation Appreciation
My friend told me that, to celebrate Thanksgiving, she wanted to focus on the positive. In order to do so, she was going to make a conscious effort to refrain from negative thoughts, ideas, or statements. While I thought this was noble, I wondered how realistic it truly was. There is so much to be negative about: economy, housing, unemployment; the list can go on and on. I did, however, want to give her the benefit of a doubt. So, I checked in on Facebook everyday to see what she would post. What I found was, despite the situation, she was fasting from negativity. I was amazed!
It made me start thinking. So, I decided to join the negativity fast with her. It was my goal to fast from negativity. The initial results from this grand experiment were truly eye opening. I found that I was more appreciative of my possessions. I valued my family time more than ever before. I laughed more and my sleep was sounder. It is now something I strive for every November. I am not one to say this fast is for everyone. I do, however, wonder what would happen more if there was more focus on what is right in the world. Would there be fewer reports on warring countries? Would statistics show there is progress being made in the fight against world hunger or AIDS?
Are these naïve thoughts? Maybe. But I believe that it only takes one person to make a difference. Maybe that difference starts from being appreciative. As we enter a season of Thanksgiving, I first want to let the St. Helens know how appreciative I am for each of you. I also want to challenge you to look for moments to appreciate.
Stephanie Teel, Principal
BELIEVE YOU CAN ACHIEVE!
PTO News
This past month, the PTO was able to bring the Oregon Coast Aquarium to St. Helens for a couple of amazing assemblies. Thank you PTO!
Are you looking for ways to support our St. Helens Superstars? You can:
- Attend PTO meetings. October's meeting is November 21 at 3:15 in Room 107.
- Buy after school goodies every Friday for $1.00.
- Fill out a CHAMPS form to be a school volunteer!
Discipline or Punishment?
Dear Parents,
Many times the words discipline and punishment get intertwined and we use them as if they have the same meaning. The truth is, these words are really very different. Discipline is specifically teaching someone the rules or how to behave. Discipline is explaining what behavior you are looking for and how they can achieve the desired behavior. An example of discipline is saying, I need you to walk, so you are safe, or telling someone what they can do instead of what they cannot do, providing them positive alternatives is teaching them what you are looking for.
Punishment is to inflict a consequence on someone for their wrong doing. An example of punishment would be grounding or taking away a privilege. Our goal is not have our students behave solely out of fear, but because they have an internal desire to make the right choices. Our desire at St. Helens Elementary is to discipline or teach our students the behavior we desire, by providing them positive alternatives and the opportunities to practice their new skills.
Kim Childers, Climate and Culture Coach
Reminders and Updates
- There will be a 2 hour early release on Wednesday, November 27.
- There will be no school on Thursday, November 28 or Friday, November 29.
- Please make sure your child is at school on time every day. Excessive absences or tardies (getting to school late or picked up early) will initiate the truancy process.
- When dropping your child off in the mornings, please do not go down the hall to the classrooms. If you need to talk with your child's teacher, please sign in at the office first.
About Us
Email: steel@longview.k12.wa.us
Website: sthelens.longviewschools.com/
Location: 431 27th Avenue, Longview, WA
Phone: (360) 575-7362