Week at a Glance
December 11-15, 2023 (A week)
Cooke's Corner
Lake Forest Family,
This week is the last full week before Winter Break, so get ready for a fun week at LFE as the administrative team aims to bring joy and excitement.
Embark with joy on this journey so grand,
To celebrate moments, hand in hand.
Across lands and seas, our spirits will soar,
Join us for adventures, there's much to explore.
Pack your bags and leave your cares,
As we gather for memories, laughter, and cheers.
A passport to fun, let's make memories anew,
This week, join us, the invitation is for you!
Revel in tales from places unknown,
Our travel-themed adventure, a joy to be shown.
From start to end, a voyage so sweet,
Let the adventure begin and our paths all meet!
Wishing you well,
Julie
SEL Staff Check-In
Staff SEL Check-In Form: https://forms.gle/wwjqeWVN4yvA8Aov6
CD Mini PD for the Week
Conscious Commitment for the Week: I am willing to take advantage of opportunities that arise this week to teach my children how to use their ‘Big Voice’ so they can practice their assertiveness and teach others how they want to be treated.
Just as children infringe on the personal space and dignity of adults, they also intrude aggressively on each other. The first step in approaching a conflict is to harness our Power of Attention to focus on that which we value. If we value hurtful behavior and want to see more of it, we will go to the aggressor first and admonish them. If we value helpful behavior and want to see more problem solving, we will go to the victim first and teach a helpful way to communicate. If you value helpfulness, the rule is “victim first.” This applies to most situations, but in an extreme situation where a child is hurting multiple children in quick succession we must go to the aggressor first to provide safety in the classroom. Asking “Did you like it?” is a powerful phrase when you approach the victim first. When children are infringing on each other or need help problem solving follow these steps:
Step 1: Ask, “Did you like it?” (This applies whether you saw the infringement happening or if a child comes to you to report)
Step 2: Coach the victim to assertively say, “I don’t like it when you _______ (negative action).” Quickly pivot the negative infraction to a positive action by helping the child come up with what he would like the aggressor to do instead. They must clearly state what they want. Stop it does not paint a clear picture.
Step 3: Encourage the aggressor to complete the requested action or use the new skill. When the aggressor complies with the new action or language, notice this and celebrate!
Example of Assertive Problem Solving
Adult: Your head is down and you are holding your ankle. Something happened?
Victim: Mikael tripped me!
Adult: Mikael stuck his foot out when you walked by. Did you like it?
Victim: No
Adult: Go tell Mikael, “I don’t like it when you trip me. Tap me on the arm when you want my attention.”
Victim: I don’t like it when you trip me. Tap me on the arm when you want my attention.
Adult: Let’s practice together. (They practice shoulder tapping skill)
Adult: You did it! Jayce you taught your friend how to get your attention! And Mikael, you tapped his shoulder! That helps keep our classroom safe.
Click the link for information about teaching children to use their assertive voice
https://consciousdiscipline.com/getting-over-the-finish-line-with-big-voice/
Important Information Terminal
Letter of Intent
Please complete the Notice of Intent Google form to indicate your plans for returning to work for Greenville County Schools for the 2024-25 school year. Responses should be received on or before December 18, 2023. The information you provide at this time is not binding but allows the school and district to begin planning for staffing needs for the ensuing school year. Once you have accessed the form in Google, please follow the instructions for completing the necessary information as requested.
**This form is only to be completed by employees in positions requiring teacher certification.
Google form: https://forms.gle/ufTCvtXJqSDmCGrV6
REPOSTED: A December to Remember at LFE
LFE Coin Challenge
NEWS from PTA: Just wanted to make sure everyone is aware that we are doing the Penny Wars, but all money (pennies, silver coins and dollars) are positive votes. The challenge runs December 11-15. May the best tree win! Ha!
Good News, Birthdays, and other fun stuff!
Soaring With Good News
1 more Friday until Winter Break!
This week begins a travel adventure for staff filled with surprises and gifts!
Happy Birthday to YOU!
December Birthdays
Mary Arthurs (3)
Auburn McJunkin (5)
Kimberly Osborne (5)
Vanessa Escobar (13)
Patty Stewart (14)
Kelley Stokes (31)
Our Weekly Itinerary
Monday, December 11
- Chorus, 7:00-7:45
- PLTs will meet in Poole's office
- Bus Evacuation Drill *See email from McGriff
- First grade field trip Upstate History Museum Day one - 5 classes
- Instructional Rounds
- 2nd Grade Elevate
- NO Good News Club - remind parents
- First grade field trip Upstate History Museum Day one - 4 classes
- 4th Grade Elevate
- Faculty Meeting
- Brown Off Campus for training , 8-12 (MTA)
- Terrific Kid Ceremony, 9:00 (cafeteria)
- K5 Elevate
- Skate Night, 6-8 pm
- Chorus, 7:00-7:45
- December Birthday Cart
- Support School Meeting, 8:00-9:30 (Ms. Lewis and district academic specialist on campus - meeting in Poole's office)
- Nutcracker Field Trip (chorus and ballet club), 9:45-12:30
Please visit our staff Google calendar to see this week's activities. Check out the staff Google calendar for dates throughout the school year and to see who has a birthday coming up. =)
https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/0ACI-F-0xgfiqUk9PVA
Our Why
Vision
The vision of Lake Forest Elementary School is to empower students to learn, grow, lead, and succeed.
Mission
The mission of Lake Forest Elementary School is to provide a nurturing, student-centered learning environment where students are empowered to learn about the world, persevere through challenges, and develop positive character traits.