Benjamin Franklin BOLT News
January 2021 Edition
Principal's Corner
It is hard to believe that four months of school have been completed and we are about to begin winter break.
Needless to say, this has been like no other school year and one can only hope we return to what we know to be normal sometime soon. Although we have provided learning in a variety of ways,In person,Hybrid and fully remote,I hope that you have found our school to be warm, caring and friendly.That we continue to strive to build community spirit while learning new and exciting things no matter in-person or through a screen. While there have been more challenges put on all of us, it is evident that your children are coming to school with smiles each morning willing to share their stories and experiences.They continue to learn and make excellent BE A BOLT decisions on a daily basis.
Although this has been a challenging time, we will continue to build on the Ben Franklin traditions but in a different way.These strategies we have developed will continue to be used to provide the best learning for your children and our students but we must all work together-teacher, students and you,THE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS. By working together we can create the ¨Unity¨ in Community which makes Ben Franklin school the special place it is.
Here are suggestions to help your child to be successful especially staying remote/virtual until 1/19/21
Make sure they attend all classes,including small group sessions, virtually and show up on time with the camera on so they can be seen and heard.
Talk to your child so they know you are interested in their learning. Find time to talk about their day.
Keep in touch with the school and know important dates that are available for you to be involved.
Encourage your child to be active mentally and physically beyond the computer. Practice doing for others.
Explore new opportunities that promote communication, collaboration, creativity. Cards.board games, drawing, walks, exercise together, read,etc:
So as we enter into the Winter recess let me wish all a Happy Holiday Season! The holidays are a time for fun and family. This year, our holidays, like everything else we have experienced in 2020, will be much different,But the holidays are also about giving and gratitude. It is evident we are a strong community as we have all given so much of ourselves to make things brighter for our students and community. I wanted to say how much gratitude I feel when I think of all of Ben Franklin Bolt Students and staff as it is truly an honor to represent each and every one of them.
In the face of the pandemic, your flexibility and adaptability, and your steadfast commitment to keeping all of us safe in allowing us to continue your children's learning has brought with it a tremendous amount of stress and pressure. I worry about the toll this year is taking on all of us, and I hope you will remember the importance of taking care of each other which allows all of us to keep Ben Franklin School the special place it is.
On behalf of myself and our entire Be the Bolt staff, we wish everyone:
Peace of mind and Prosperity throughout the year
Happiness that multiplies and Health to you and yours,
Fun around every corner,Energy to chase your dreams,
Joy to fill your Holiday and a Happy HEALTHY New Year! 2021 here we come!
Mr. Preville
Assistant Principal and School Counselor's Corner
A message to Ben Franklin Families, Parents and Caregivers,
You may notice that your children are experiencing some pretty big ups and downs during this time. At one moment they are happy and playing and at the very next they are crying or screaming for what seems like no apparent reason. This can be very trying for us as parents- especially when our stresses/worries are also piled up and we are on edge. These BIG emotions and reactions are to be expected. Kids are processing what is going on at their own developmental level. This may lead to fear and worry which can come out as other emotions such as anger or sadness. As a parent, the best thing you can do during these times is to be a calming presence. Take deep breaths with them, take some quiet time together, give them a hug, say things like "It's okay to be upset- I'm here." Be that calm in your child's storm and teach them healthy coping mechanisms that will benefit them throughout their lives. And remember...you need to take care of yourselves as well, because, “You can’t pour from an empty cup” (Norm Kelly).
Mrs. Nieves, Assistant Principal & Ms. Kole, School Counselor
A few helpful resources:
Action for Happiness January Calendar
Nurse's Corner
I hope this finds you well! There is good news that is starting to happen to our community. Administration of the Covid 19 vaccine is starting to be administered to the frontline health care people in hospitals. This is fantastic news! Relief is coming! At a recent nurses meeting we discussed how there is a need to understand how the new vaccine works and the safety of it. A fellow nurse shared this article from the CDC that explains the vaccine for many audiences. It’s worth reading. With the media out there talking about the safety of the vaccine it is important to get your facts from a vetted source not from the spin masters out there. Understanding and Explaining mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines | CDC https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/covid-19/hcp/mrna-vaccine-basics.html Answers to Your Questions About the New Covid Vaccines in the U.S. Here is another article about the development of the vaccine that shows how decades of research has made this vaccine possible. The Fast Track to a Vaccine https://www.nytimes.com/2020/12/15/briefing/attorney-general-barr-sandra-lindsay-russia-hackers.html Meet the couple from Germany who created the vaccine! Very interesting! The Husband-and-Wife Team Behind the Leading Vaccine to Solve Covid-19 https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/10/business/biontech-covid-vaccine.html?referringSource=articleShare Karen Julian, School Nurse
BEN Bolts Share Holiday Cheer by partnering with Color a Smile
BEN BOLTS
participate in Color a Smile 2020
in order to spread Holiday Cheer!
Jorja in Kindergarten completed her Math homework at school.
Holiday themed Spirit Week December 21-23
More Holiday themed Spirit Week
Book of the Month: January Edition
"The Night Before the Snow Day" by Natasha Wing
It's nighttime and snow is falling hard. Will the town be snowed in? Will there be a snow day? Odds are looking good in this newest Night Before book for the kids who dream of snowball fights, sledding, and the possibility that it may snow again tomorrow!
Fun Family Activity
International Day: Culture Dolls
Please send Ms. Nieves pictures of your child preparing their cultural doll and/or a picture of your child with their cultural doll once it is completed. We ask that you return your doll(s) to the school by Friday, January 29.
Thank you,
Mr. Preville and Mrs. Nieves
Important Upcoming Dates
January 13, 2021- Single Session Day- Professional Development
January 18, 2021- No School, Martin Luther King's Birthday
January 29, 2021- End of Marking Period 2