December Newsletter
December 2018
A Note From the Principal
Happy Holidays to all of our Orion families!
We are happy to know that our Orion families are safe after the earthquake. Although aftershocks continue to occur, which can be unsettling for students. Teachers and staff will continue to review and practice our earthquake drills to help students feel more confident as aftershocks occurs. Orion's MFLAC is available for students who may need more time to process.
With the winter months here and snow sticking, we offer a few reminders. Please have your child dressed for the weather on a daily basis. Our students will be outside for recess unless the temperature is below a wind chill temperature of -10 degrees. Please make sure to send your child with hats, mittens, boots, snow pants, and winter coats. Also, please take time and label your child’s items with initials or last name.
As we are entering this holiday season, on behalf of Orion Elementary students and staff, I want to wish all of our families a safe, joyous, and wonderful holiday season! We all have a great deal to be thankful for every day, and I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to work with our wonderful staff, your children, and you on a daily basis!
We look forward to seeing you as many of you will visit our school for the various holiday activities. Thank you for your support of Orion and for sharing your children with us every day!
Brenda W. Cheathon- Principal
A Note From Nurse Wurm
Hello Orion families!
Winter is here! My wish is for lots of fluffy snow to enjoy over the holiday break.
I am providing a link to an article: Safety Tips for Sledding Playing outside is much more fun when you are prepared with the right gear and know how to avoid frostbite.
Wishing you a Wonderful Holiday and lots of snow to enjoy!
http://kidshealth.org/en/parents/safety-sledding.html?WT.ac=ctg#catsafe-play
Mrs. Wurm, RN, Orion School Nurse
907 742-0266
Health News
Beginning in December, the holiday season can sometimes bring on additional stress to families. This is a friendly reminder for children to practice the importance of eating healthy, making healthy choices, and getting sixty minutes of daily exercise. Practicing a healthy lifestyle can also build your immune system to fight off viruses, bacteria, and germs. Remember to wash your hands often with warm water and antibacterial soap.
Our winter weather, has brought to mind the importance of your children being properly dressed for outdoor recess. ASD policy states that children will go outside for recess until -10.
Head to Toe Winter Gear includes:
Warm winter hat that cover their ears
Heavy winter coat that zips, buttons, or snaps (No thin jackets or sweatshirts for outside wear this time of year) Children need long sleeve shirts for the classrooms. Please no sleeveless shirts or shorts.
Snow pants (especially for primary grades)
Thick winter mittens or gloves (write their names with a permanent marker) Thin stretchy gloves do not keep their hands warm.
Winter boots (no rain boots, or dress boots; they do not keep their feet and toes warm)
Thick socks (extra socks to keep at school for extremely cold days)!
When students come to school without winter gear, they are in danger of frostbite. Frostbite is an extremely dangerous hazard. Thank you, parents for making sure your children stay safe and warm while at school.
During Health classes, students will be learning about a variety of topics according to their grade levels. The curriculum of “The Great Body Shop” is designed to assist students in answering questions relating to health issues, as well as (SEL) Social & Emotional Learning activities. We are finishing our units on nutrition. Below is a list of topics that will be taught in December and continue into January 2019:
Monthly Theme: Healthy Habits
K- Going to the Doctor and Dentist
1st Grade - How I Breathe
2nd Grade- Your Heart, Small But Strong
3rd Grade- When Bodies Have Problems
4th Grade- No Smoking
5th Grade - Love Your Lungs
6th Grade -Allergies and Asthma (Orion only)
Here’s wishing you and your family a safe and healthy holiday season.
Anny Hunsucker
Health & SEL Specialist
Orion, Ptarmigan, and Lake Otis Elementary
Extended Running Club
Running club has been extended for an additional week due to the earthquake and the Jingle Bell Run being cancelled.
- Tuesday, December 11th - Glow Run
- Thursday, December 13th - Candy Cane & Jingle Bell Run