Shark Bites
February Edition
Spreading the Love
Since February is the month of love, I thought I'd share with you a story Susan found on how a small act of love spread so much more! It might be a great video to share with our Sharks. I've also been updating our tree map for our love languages. Check it out below!
Counselor's Corner
As part of Kindness Week, third grade invited our new counselor Jill Lewis to read a story and engage in conversation about how kindness is abundant. Jill took a few minutes to share a little introduction about herself with me:
"I am currently in my 5th year as an elementary counselor for the district. Prior to my elementary counseling experience, I worked as a counselor at Nipomo High School and also for 9 years in the Los Angeles area as a school guidance and college counselor. I grew up on the central coast and actually attended Shell Beach Elementary School, so it's exciting to be back living in the area giving back to the community.I am excited to be at Shell Beach Elementary and working with all of your students! I will be on-site at Shell Beach on Mondays." Be sure to make her feel right at home.
This month's focus is on how to help students overcome bullying. Check out this video Cynthia shared (particularly good for intermediate grades). In the approach shared in the video, those being bullied are empowered to take control by "flipping the scenario" on the bully.
PE Time
Spring Parent-Teacher Conferences
The expectation is that you meet with at least six families over the course of the two days (or sometime that week that works for the families) . Unlike fall conferences, you will be scheduling these yourself. These conferences should focus on students who are struggling.
Some of you have asked for a suggested structure for the conferences. Here's an idea of how the conversation might go:
*Start with progress the student has made over the course of the year. This could be academic, behavioral, developmental, or social.
*Share existing data (grades, F&P, AR, behavior contracts, other data you've collected) that supports your current concerns
*Have a specific action plan for supporting the student (study strategies, on-line resources, tutor list)
Be sure to enter day/times of your conferences by clicking the link below. This will help us help parents who may have questions.
February Events
General calendar events:
2/5: School Site Council
2/6: Social hour at Ventana Grill
2/7: PTO Meeting
2/12: Staff Meeting
2/14: Minimum Day and Extended PD
2/15:SISC Health Screening (let the office know if you need coverage)
2/23: DI Competition
2/25: 4-6 field trip
Dr. Seuss Week (See calendar for daily dress ups)
2/28: Battle of the Books
3/1: 6th grade Walk Through History Assembly
SSTs:
2/7: Easland
2/14: Dang
2/21: Dang
504s:
2/5: Pearson
IEPs:
2/4: Muetzel
2/14: Easland
2/19: Loomis
2/25: Nygaard
2/27: Boatenhamer
2/28: Pearson
Easland
3/1: Muetzel
Birthdays:
2/3: Ruby
2/8: Carolyn
2/19: Sammie
2/22: Claire
Office Notes
Student Absences:
If parents send emails regarding their child's absence, please be sure to forward them to stacie.cunningham@lmusd.org and mali.rodriguez@lmusd.org. This will help us to clear attendance issues.
Radios:
If you are on yard duty, please be sure to carry your radio so communication is easier. It's also important to carry it if you are giving your kiddos extra recess time. We first call your class, then try to reach you by radio if we need to reach you for some reason. If you need a new one ordered, please let us know. We will be placing an order by the end of the month.
Did You Know:
Did you know that emails can be subject to the Public Records Act (PRA)? The PRA allows for outside agencies to request a variety of records from schools and other organizations. Most notably among these: emails. A recent request for records in an educational setting requested all emails that contained OMG, three consecutive exclamation marks, and profanity be submitted as part of an investigation. This serves as a reminder that emails should also be kept professional.