Knightly News
A publication of the Newtown Elementary School PTO
Season's Greetings!
What's Happening at NES
12/16: You Be the Chemist Registration Deadline (5-6 grade)
12/23: Last School Day Before Winter Break
1/3: Return from Winter Break
1/16: No School
1/17-20: Council Rock Education Week
1/20: Sixth Grade Social at Sky Zone
1/25: NES Science Fair
2/3: Sixth Grade Party at Beat Street
King of the Castle: Learning is a Life-Long Process
By Mr. King, Principal
Learning is a life-long process...so I have been contemplating how the elementary school years play a part in this most important characteristic. What is most essential, and something I have been lucky to witness on a daily basis, is NES students’ love for learning. For those who love to learn, they are likely to be curious and enjoy the process, no matter how difficult the challenge may be. If they find an interest and experience success, their willingness to take on new challenges increases. Consider our first graders and how much fun they have learning to read. Success breeds success!
Once love and curiosity are in place, we can consider how to help students build stamina and problem solving skills. I often hear primary teachers say, “Build your reading muscles.” This simply means you have to practice and learn to stick to the task. As students build these muscles, we add problem-solving strategies that they can apply in various situations. We are well aware there is too much knowledge and content to cover and memorize, so we have to teach students how to learn, how to locate information and how to analyze information with a critical eye.
In past newsletter pieces I wrote about the 7 Cs of resilient kids. Competence is a major characteristic that forms the basis for resilience. In short, learning involves failing and finding a way to move on. This results in resilience and grit.
Finally, if students are going to become life-long learners, they need models. They need adults who are curious, who inspire them, who model problem solving, and who instill a love of learning. They need adults who understand and recognize the importance of making learning fun and celebrating success. Instill a love of learning. Grow stamina. Teach problem solving. Celebrate!
On a related note, I strongly encourage you to read the book Grit by Angela Duckworth. Once I finish, my daughter will be reading it to better understand how grit plays such an amazing part in long-term success.
Best wishes,
Mr. King
An Interview with Mr. Kevin King, Principal of Newtown Elementary School
By Arya Chaudhary (5th Grade, Ms. Kaehler's class)
This interview is an attempt to get to know the staff members of Newtown Elementary School using a series of personal questions. Being the principal of the school, Mr. King was a clear first choice as an interview subject. When I walked into the office, I was really nervous and so was Mr. King. I was going to ask him ten questions! And Mr. King had to answer every single one.
Arya Chaudhary: What motivated you to become a teacher?
Kevin King: I wanted to help and work with kids.
AC: What would you have done if you had not become a teacher?
KK: I would have become a basketball coach.
AC: What are your day to day activities as a Principal?
KK: I visit classrooms, observe teachers and help teachers help kids.
AC: What do you think about adding a subject or time each week for creative/logical thinking for all grades?
KK: Creative and logical thinking happens throughout the day, as much as possible so there is no need for a separate subject.
AC: What are your hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?
KK: I like to hang out with my family and exercise.
AC: What qualities do you think are needed for students to be successful in school?
KK: Students needs to be honest, hard-working, a team-player and flexible.
AC: Did you enjoy school as a kid? What was your favorite subject?
KK: I loved school! My favorite subject was Math and I was very good at it!
AC: How can you help kids stay active in school? What do you think of adding a zip-line to the playground?
KK: Have movement breaks in class. All learning should be hands-on. I would also continue with P.E., recess and after school sports. [When asked again about adding a zip-line, he looked surprised and said, ‘What?’]
AC: If you could have one super power, what would it be and what would you call yourself?
KK: I would love to have the power to read students' minds. And I would love to have a sidekick. I would call myself The Mind Melder, reading your deepest and most secret thoughts.
AC: Do you have any plans to further improve the school?
KK: I would like to add a nicer sound system in the cafeteria, add more Chromebooks over time and update our logo (which we recently did) and keep learning about teaching and learning.
Overall, I had a great time speaking with Mr. King and hope he did, too. Based on my interview, I think that our school is in really good hands of Mr. King *cough* Mind Melder *cough.* I hope this effort becomes an ongoing series with other staff members of the school so that the other students get to know them better as well. It will help all of us in understanding what motivates our teachers and might inspire us to follow in their footsteps.
***
Awesome job, Arya! Parents, would your child like to join our team of NES kid investigators? If so, please contact Robin Duchnowski at ptones.newsletter@gmail.com!
Festive Family Fun at Winter Village!
Sweet treats at the Village Bake Shoppe.
Gift shopping at the marketplace.
Gettin' Crafty!
No NES event is complete without raffle baskets!
Wearing her heart on her shield!
La Befana at the Holidays Around the World Display
Karaoke jam attracts a crowd!
Hanging out with friends!
Thanks to our talented face (and arm) painters!
NES Students Pick "The Right Knight!"
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: SPIFFY NES CAR MAGNETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE! There are two easy ways to get one! Either print the order form (here) and send $5 to school in an envelope marked NES PTO/Magnets. OR, order and pay online at NESPTO.COM. Get yours today!
Diversity Committee: Welcome!
By Bernell Holmes
Continuing in the spirit of Newtown Elementary to celebrate the differences in each student that make our community great, parents and staff have come together to create the NES Diversity Committee. After learning only one school in CRSD had such a program, we began to research demographics and discovered Newtown is currently the most diverse school in the district. We knew NES would benefit greatly from a program aimed at recognizing and celebrating diversity.
We believe in the importance of teaching our children about the richness of different cultures and groups, especially beginning at a young age. The Diversity Committee is committed to cultivating a culturally inclusive environment where differences are valued, respected, appreciated and celebrated!
And what better way to start this initiative than to partner with our wonderful PTO. The PTO is already responsible for numerous programs and events that benefit our students. The school's Diversity Committee will include parents, Mr. King, Mrs. Cook, and several teachers.
In order to achieve continued academic excellence and sustain a vibrant educational environment, the Committee will seek to recognize and draw on the talents of our students, parents, and community. The committee will facilitate assemblies, programs, and activities throughout the year to introduce and educate students on the many differences represented within our community. We seek to create a safe, nurturing community that embraces the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of others, promotes social responsibility both within the school and community, and teaches children who come from diverse backgrounds to honor his or her unique self.
So stay tuned! We are looking for parents to be involved in any way. We will have our first meeting after the new year and hope to bring you our first event shortly after. If you have questions or would like more information, contact Bernell Holmes.
Making Beautiful Music! NES Winter Concert
By Ms. Stephanie Benedict, Classroom Music/Chorus
Council Rock School District has a long-standing reputation as a “Best Community for Music Education,” and the students at Newtown Elementary are no exception! As a new member of the NES community, I am always amazed by the commitment and effort demonstrated by our talented students. Whether I’m conducting the 5th and 6th Grade Choruses or listening to our band and orchestra students, I am always encouraged and inspired by the beautiful music they create.
Our music students prepared diligently for the Annual Winter Concert and certainly impressed all who joined our audience. The Winter Concert took place at Newtown Middle School on Wednesday, December 14 at 7pm and included our band, orchestra, and chorus students, who performed an array of musical selections. Mrs. Grant (band), Mrs. Bovasso (orchestra), and I extend a warm thank you to all of the music parents who supported their children in preparation for this concert. We also thank the PTO for their continued support of the Arts and our students.
Word on the Tweet: Budding Birders
By Mrs. Barbara Bennett
Newtown Elementary staff and students in third and fourth grade began observing the school’s courtyards last year. The staff and PTO provided bird feeders, bird houses, and seed to encourage birds to stop. During recess time the students began to learn how to use binoculars and how to find birds not only at school but at home with help from Bucks County Audubon. The interest was so overwhelming we applied for a grant from the Council Rock Educational Foundation. In May, we were awarded a grant for this year to develop our birding club, Budding Birders. This school year with the support of the Council Rock Educational Foundation we now have installed new feeders, iPads, field guides, seed, storage bins and more binoculars! Check out our adventures and follow us on our website!
Birding Log:
September 22: Chickadee (Gr 3 uses field guild to confirm Identification)
October 11: Cardinal (Gr 3 finds a male Cardinal)
October 11: Goldfinch (Gr 5 sees Goldfinch fly over courtyard)
October 13: Dark-Eye Junco (Gr 4 spots under feeder and along bushes)
October 13: White-Breasted Nuthatch (Gr 4 on the tree trunk in small courtyard)
November 10: House Sparrow (Gr 4 enjoyed the numerous sparrows in the bushes)
Mrs. Cook's Corner: Friendship Series
Dear Parents,
Sharing friends can be very tricky for students. Below are some tips for helping your child work through these friendship concerns.
1. Remember that people can have a lot of different friends and that doesn’t mean they like you any less.
2. Friends do not have to do everything together, but friends should always treat each other with respect.
3. Sometimes when people make a new friend, it’s really exciting for a while and they may want to spend a lot of time getting to know that person. Enjoy getting to know the other person too.
4. Also, spend time getting to know what you have in common as a group.
5. If you are feeling a little jealous, remember that you’re not alone. Lots of people feel jealous of the time their friends spend with other friends.
6. Be flexible and willing to compromise with your friends.
7. If your friends enjoy doing something together that you do not enjoy, be willing to let them spend that time together without getting angry at them.
8. Maintain positive conversations about each friend when the other one is not around.
9. Be careful not to share negative feelings about your friend and his/her new friend with other students. It will find its way back to your friends and might make you appear unfriendly.
10. Remind yourself of your good friendship qualities and find another friend when they spend time together. You might get excited about a new friendship too.
Have a wonderful holiday break!
Mrs. Cook
The Knightly News
Email: ptones.newsletter@gmail.com
Website: nespto.com
Location: 1 Wrights Road, Newtown, PA, United States
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