Estrada's E-Notes
November 2021 Edition
Principal's Post
November is a time to think about all wonderful things for which we can be grateful! I am thankful for a job that brings me so much joy. I am grateful for an amazing staff that comes to work each day excited to be with students and do what’s best for them. And, I have so much appreciation for all of the parents who are partnering with us in your child’s education.
I want to give a big shout out of gratitude for our PTA and Foundation! Foundation hosted their annual car show in October, and they are sponsoring the Jog-a-thon on November 19th. You can learn more by going to their website. Students will come home with their pledge envelopes this Friday. And, our PTA put on an incredible Boo Bash last week. Special thanks to the Pyle Family for hosting the event at the Fun Zone.
There's lots to look forward to in the month of November including the annual Mac and Cheese Drive. Our Student Leadership Team is collecting boxes of Mac and Cheese to donate to local food banks leading up to the holiday season. This is just one way that we encourage students to show empathy for the larger community.
Keep being awesome!
Principal Estrada
#thrivingtogether
Spotlight on Academics
Here are some resources from Bridges Math (our K-5th curriculum) with activities you can do with your student.
Volunteers on Campus
As always, every teacher utilizes volunteers in different ways. Teachers will be communicating with the approved volunteers from their class about their need for volunteers and scheduling.
All interested volunteers are asked to complete these 3 steps:
- Read through the Newport El Volunteer Orientation slide deck.
- Complete the Newport El Volunteer Agreement.
- Complete the district's volunteer approval process.
Thriving Together
This month's focus is self-control. Dr Borba says,
Thrives can think straight and self-regulate. Kids who are strong in self-control can manage stress and regulate unhealthy emotions, can delay gratification and can stretch their focusing capabilities so as to increase mental and physical strength. Controlling attention, emotions, thoughts and actions are highly correlated to resilience.
Why Self-Control?
- Self-Control is a superpower. Research shows that self-control is a better predictor of adult wealth, health, and happiness than grades or IQ.
- Untamed stress is dangerous to health. It reduces resilience, increases mental health risks, and creates helplessness and burnout.
Two Strategies to Try:
1. Teach ACT to manage emotions. A- Assess stress. C-Calm with slow breaths. T-Talk positively to self.
2. Teach healthy decision-making. Allow choices with "either-or" decisions. Ask, "what might happen if?" Teach "stop, think, act right."
November Read Aloud
This month I am reading Fergal is Fuming by Robert Starling. A dragon with a short temper is not a good combination, as Fergal's family and friends soon find out. He burns the dinner (literally), reduces the football goal to ashes and absolutely cannot play a nice, quiet board game. It is only when he starts to notice other animals have clever tricks to calm down that Fergal begins to win back his friends, especially when he discovers dragons can cool off in a very handy way. The story has a lesson about self-control which is our Thrivers character strength of the month.
November Dates
November 1 - Staff Development Day - No students
November 2 – NESF Meeting – 7pm ZOOM
November 3 - School Site Council Meeting - 2:30 pm ZOOM
November 3– PTA Skate Night
November 5 – Flag Deck - 80's Spirit Dress
November 5 – PTA Exec Board Meeting 8:30 am
November 10 – Restaurant Night @ Malarky's
November 11 – No School – Veteran’s Day
November 19– Flag Deck
November 19 – NESF Jog-a-thon
November 24-26 – No School – Thanksgiving Break
Our Office Staff is Here to Help
Main Line: 949-515-6965
Absence Line: 949-515-6832
Attendance questions:
Vicky Mahtesian - vmahtesian@nmusd.us
Health, medications, and immunizations questions:
Dana Hansen - dhansen@nmusd.us and
Nurse Sarah Hacker - shacker@nmusd.us
All Other inquiries and scheduling for Principal Estrada:
Susi Mendoza - ajimenezmendoza@nmusd.us