Several elementary students learned how a bill becomes a law thanks to children's books written by our own high school students! The HS assignment helped students simplify the information and spell it out step by step. How did they do? They put their writing to the test by reading their books to upper elementary classrooms at WSE. Each student had developed a law they wanted to pass, then wrote a story to show its journey from idea to law. The kids loved it and asked great questions, too!

Congratulations to the following students for being selected as their classroom PRIDE winner for the week!

P - Positive Attitude

R - Responsible Actions

I - Integrity Within

D - Determination to Succeed

E - Expect Excellence

Kindergarten: Gunnar Gibson, Taylor Lusso, Wesson Johnson, Marly Nast

1st grade: Elizabeth Dembowski, Elijah Mitchell, Sibyl Stassek

2nd grade: Gabby Froelich, Jase O'Connell, Selah Andrina

3rd grade: Nasir Meriwether, Emersyn Wright, Jaxson Lange

4th grade: Quinn Dykstra, Brooklynn Haffner

5th grade: Landyn Crosby, Brady Jones, Liam Livingston

Encouraging Confidence in Your Child

Confidence most often comes from a sense of being able to do something well. When we are first learning how to do something, we are not as confident as when we finally accomplish the task. Children are exposed to many new ideas and tasks every day. If adults want to see children being confident in their abilities, it is important to remember that criticism can erase confidence. It’s been said that it takes 14 positive statements to counteract one negative statement. Whether it’s learning how to hit a baseball or learning new math facts, if children are criticized more than encouraged, they may decide to give up rather than working hard to learn a difficult task. At school, students show confidence by participating in class discussions, by working in cooperative groups, and by not allowing friends to talk them into doing something they know is wrong. At home, parents can encourage confidence in their children by giving plenty of time and opportunities to do a job well. Praise them for the small parts they are doing well and re-teach the parts they are doing incorrectly. Remember to encourage your child much more often than you criticize and to refrain from put-downs, even in fun.

Children's Books About Respect

"That Rule Doesn't Apply to Me!"

"All Are Welcome Here"

"The Way I Act"

"Baditude"

"But Why Can't I?"

"Do Unto Otters"

"A Little Respectful Spot"

"What if Everybody Did That?"