The Flores Flyer
June 8, 2020 Volume 2, Issue 7
Dear Davis Ducks,
The 2019-20 school year was our 11th year as a math, science, and technology magnet school. As we wrap up a historical school year, I have been reflecting on our growth, in addition to our opportunities to improve as a community. I’m incredibly proud of the collaboration, resiliency, innovation, and most importantly, empathy, demonstrated by our students, staff, and families this year, especially since leaving campus on March 13.
While we have made great strides as a community, we still have work to do. I’ve been watching the current events around our nation unfold with a heavy heart, racing mind, and determination as a mom, educator, and leader to do better. The headlines outlining the treatment of Black people are not new, but the recent images have been particularly painful. In each instance, there were lost loved ones and community members. It also proves why our focus on EMPATHY through teaching, modeling, and practicing are more important than ever.
Lately, I have been doing a lot of listening, reading, and learning. My learning journey is grounded with compassion and inquiry. I continue to find myself thinking about three main questions.
How do we better teach our students to practice empathy, compassion, and love?
How do we better teach our students about individuals of different races, religions, cultures, genders, abilities, and understand their lived experiences
How do we better teach our students to listen and practice conflict resolution with peace and mindfulness?
Discovering the answers to these questions is going to take a team effort. It cannot be one person, one committee, one school staff, or one parent group. It must be everyone. It will be hard, but it is necessary. I invite all of us to go on our learning journey together, if we have hope for a better future.
In 1932 President Franklin D. Roosevelt wrote, “In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and shall choose the path of social justice…, the path of faith, the path of hope, and the path of love toward our fellow man.” His words remain true today.
My hope is that, together, we continue to follow these paths as we support our students and the entire Davis community.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Flores,
Principal
EMPATHY – the ability to understand others’ feelings and needs. Dr. Michele Borba writes in UnSelfie, “Students with high levels of empathy display more classroom engagement, higher academic achievement, and better communication skills. Empathy reduces aggression, boosts prosocial behaviors and may be our best antidote to bullying and racism.”
Parent Resources: Supporting Children in Talking about Social Justice
- Supporting Children in Talking about Social Justice - Created by NMUSD Behavior Specialist, Amy Becker.
- Common Sense Media Parent Resources about Race and Racism
- Resources for teaching diversity and empathy through picture books
Supporting Mental Health and Wellness
Things to do to keep you and your family in a healthy state of mind:
Get plenty of sleep.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
Exercise.
Spend time outside and get fresh air.
Practice proper hygiene. Wash those hands!!!
Limit time on social media.
Practice mindfulness and deep breathing to stay calm when stressed. Use the 3x3x3 strategy: Take a deep breath in for 3 seconds. Let it out for 3 seconds. Do it 3 times.
Find the positives and focus on them.
Our children are watching us and paying attention to how we handle stressful situations. Here are some apps and articles to help both adults and kids.
25 Fun Mindfulness Activities for Children and Teens
How Your Mindfulness Practice Can Support the World Right Now
Supporting Students’ Social-Emotional Learning
- Social-Emotional Learning Read Alouds by Topic - Created by NMUSD Behavior Specialists, Amy Becker and Heather Krikorian
- 10 Tips to Help Kids Manage Anger, Be Calmer, and Learn Self-Regulation - Article by UnSelfie author, Dr. Michele Borba.
- Social-Emotional Learning At Home - Created by NMUSD Behavior Specialist, Amy Becker
Congratulations Davis Magnet School Class of 2020!
Summer Academic Support For Families
This summer is going to look a little different for all of us. Each family is in a unique situation and many families might be wondering how to support their child(ren) academically during the next couple of months. Below are some recommendations for families during the summer months.
- Create a balance with screen time.
- Continue to provide some structure to the day.
- READ, READ and READ some more!
- Encourage your child’s love of learning by making it fun, building upon their interests, developing their curiosity, and problem solving on their own.
- Provide opportunities for your child to follow multiple step directions.
- Support your child in their development of self-regulation.
- Practice empathy and a growth mindset at home through reading, discussing, and modeling.
- Have fun! Find joy and focus on the positives.
If you are looking for educational tools to continue your child’s academic growth and support over the summer, I encourage you to review the many resources listed in the March Flores Flyer.
Additional resources specific to this summer.
Check out the Orange County Public Library On-line Summer Reading Program
Students can earn a FREE book through Barnes and Noble’s Kids’ Summer Reading Program.
Keep practicing those math facts using flash cards, tens frames, cheerios, or any one of the available countless apps. Gardening and cooking also provide real-life opportunities to apply the math skills learned. Check out the additional ideas shown below created by a fellow math teacher.
2020-21 School Year
We all have a lot of questions about the fall. As of June 8, I don’t have a lot of answers regarding logistics, yet. But, I do know the following to be true:
Our team is committed to providing a safe environment for everyone.
Our team cares SO much about our students and families.
Our team is creative, dedicated, and passionate about helping kids and we work collaboratively with one another and our parent community.
Our team will do everything we can to teach and support your child based on the guidelines presented to us.
Until we are able to provide you with more details, below is a list of things you can do:
Stay connected by reading your emails, frequently visiting the NMUSD website, Davis website, review our handbook, and follow us on Social Media. Davis Facebook, Davis Instagram, Davis Twitter.
Talk about starting school in the fall in a positive and encouraging way.
Take a deep breath and trust us. Remember that your family is a part of an amazing team.
Davis Magnet School
Instagram @davis_magnet_school
Facebook @facebook.com/DavisMagnetSchoolDucks
Twitter @DavisMagnet
Email: cflores@nmusd.us
Website: http://davismagnet.nmusd.us/
Location: 1050 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa, CA, USA
Phone: (714)424-7930
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavisMagnetSchoolDucks/
Twitter: @DavisMagnet