Paw Prints of Link Elementary
January 11-15, 2021
How to read this newsletter in your preferred language
Dear Readers: If you need this newsletter translated into Spanish or another preferred language, please click on the web link provided at the top of this newsletter itself and a new tab will automatically open in your browser and you will be able to access the Translation Feature at the top, right-hand side of the newsletter.
Cómo leer este boletín en su idioma preferido Estimados lectores: Si necesita este boletín traducido al español o otro idioma preferido, haga clic en el enlace web que se encuentra en la parte superior de este boletín o en cualquier parte del boletín y se abrirá automáticamente una nueva pestaña en su navegador y usted podrá acceder a la función de traducción en la parte superior derecha del boletín
Principal's Minute
Thank you very much for making this week back from the holiday break flow seamlessly. If you are planning to make a learning plan change today, January 8, 2021, is the final day to make that change. The next opportunity to change your learning plan will be at the end of this grading period. We are following all of the recommended COVID-19 protocols by frequently cleaning classrooms and frequently touched surfaces, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. Please encourage students to continue following the COVID-19 protocols by wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and continuing frequent handwashing.
Thank you for taking Paw Prints everywhere that you go! #LinkExcellence
Leopard Birthdays
Alayla V. 01/11
Kendra G.S. 01/12
Gabriela G.B. 01/13
Tyjuan E. 01/13
Aiden K. 01/13
Francisco E. 01/13
Xzavier C. 01/14
Shelby S. 01/14
Jayden T. 01/14
Eric P. 01/15
Ronni H. 01/16
Andrea A. 01/17
Luna S. 01/17
How Spring ISD is Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccines
Parents, as we head into the spring semester, we are all looking forward to the availability of vaccines against COVID-19. Our school district is following the guidance of Harris County Department of Health, which has recently opened up the distribution of vaccines to educators over 65 or those with a pre-existing health condition.
Of course, we’re encouraging any eligible staff members to receive the vaccine when it’s available to them. We’ve been heartened that some of our employees have already been able to get the first dose. In the weeks to come, we expect more staff members will be receiving appointments for the vaccine and may need to take time off during the school day to do this. We want to minimize any impacts on our students but we wanted to let you know that in some cases, we may need to move classes (whether remote or in-person) to asynchronous learning if there are staffing/coverage issues.
We promise to keep you updated and give you the most notice possible should we need to move your student to asynchronous learning for a day, half a day, or a few hours. Thank you for your ongoing support as we all continue to work together to stop the spread!
Digital Learning Corner
Ms. Ledezma will be available to answer any questions related to your child’s digital learning during Tuesday’s PTA meeting.
Parent Tech Tip
Instead of having your child switch back and forth from their Google Meet tab to their work tab, you can have your child’s Chromebook show a split-screen. This will allow your child to have two tabs open at one time and decrease the need to click back and forth. To do this you may either:
Follow this link to learn more about the 4 steps to having a Chromebook split screen.
Have your child click the bracket button and Alt at the same time, and the screen will split into two tabs.
Counselor's Corner
Get Involved During National Mentoring Month this January
This month is designated as National Mentoring Month and is a good reminder that adult mentors can make a key difference in the lives of young people by providing them with an important source of social and emotional support. During the current pandemic, it’s especially essential that the young people in our communities have dependable people to look up to and follow in their footsteps.
Ways to help mentor during the ongoing pandemic
Be mindful. As COVID-19 spreads it can trigger trauma for kids any age. Let students know that you are there for them.
Be intentional. Preserve continuity in the relationship.
Acknowledge what is going on and talk about it.
Understand their emotions.
Be in it together. Let your mentee know that you are in this together and here to help.
Be communicative. Healthy and supportive relationships are crucial during this time.
Want more tips? Check out the National Mentoring Resource Center.
Turning New Year’s Resolutions Into Real Solutions
The time of year has come where we all make promises to improve ourselves. Why not begin the year with actions that will help impact your family relationships? Positive Parenting Solutions gives us ways to make a difference in your kids’ behavior and family dynamic with some simple strategies:
Spend 10 minutes per day of one-on-one uninterrupted time with each child.
Improve your routines. Use the “When/Then” Method to get your children involved in daily tasks. For example: “When you brush your teeth, then pick your favorite book for storytime.”
Get everyone helping around the house. Have a family meeting and divide the household workload. Assign meaningful responsibilities that are age-appropriate. Remind your family that you are a “team” and everyone must participate in order for this to work effectively.
Take these ideas and make them your family resolutions. Build emotional connections, reduce negative behaviors, and have a positive impact on your family. That’s a great way to start the new year!
Family Talks Improve Social-Emotional Health
It can be difficult to connect with children and teens, but you should know that by conversing with them, it has a great impact on their social-emotional health. Having family talks whether at home, over the phone, or virtually creates positive emotions such as happiness and empathy. Healthier Generation gives us great communication points to get you connecting:
Start with shared experiences or interests.
Make sure the environment is quiet and free of distractions, such as phones and electronics.
Approach family conversations with an open mind.
Be willing to pause what you are doing to listen when your child initiates a conversation.
If kids are not talkative, do not give up. Share a story about yourself that relates to their interests.
As you take a walk, drive home or even share a meal with your kids, open lines of communication to begin sharing stories and building conversations.
Questions or Concerns about Your Student's Report Card? Here's What to Do
Your secondary student’s report card for the fall semester is available for review in the Home Access Center on Friday, Jan. 8.
We encourage all parents/guardians to review the report card with your child and have positive conversations with them on areas of strength as well as any areas needing improvement. The best way to start the discussion is by highlighting where they did well, showed progress, or got a compliment from a teacher. Talk to them about why they think they were successful, what they learned, and their goals for the coming months.
If you have concerns about a grade or comment, remember that your student is probably upset too and may be worried about how you’re going to react. It’s important to stay calm and stay focused on solutions, like time-management and study strategies, or getting extra help in school. Check out these Tips for Talking About Report Cards, courtesy of the nonprofit organization Understood. The goal should be to help your student see what they might be able to do differently in the coming weeks and months to improve.
Remember, if you have specific questions or concerns, reach out to your child’s teacher or counselor. Our goal is for every student to be successful and we’re always available to partner with parents.
Free Internet Hotspots Now Available for Eligible Students
Spring ISD is excited to share that the district is providing free internet hotspots for eligible students. Families who take advantage of this free service will get unlimited data, so you won’t need to use your own. You can also connect up to eight devices on one hotspot. Most importantly, students will be able to complete their schoolwork and homework and connect with their teachers with more reliable internet.
Spring ISD is also partnering with Comcast Internet Essentials to provide free internet services for eligible families. For more information and to sign up, please call 281-891-6850.
January is National Blood Donor Month
The winter months have historically been a tough time for blood banks, with increases in seasonal illness raising demand while inclement weather and families’ busy schedules around the holidays often result in decreased blood donations. This past year, due to COVID-19, thousands of blood drives have had to be canceled, but the need – as always – remains.
The good news is that no matter the time of year, giving blood is always in season! Donated blood can only be kept for a limited amount of time, making it important to continually replenish the supply. Someone in the U.S. requires a blood transfusion every two seconds, and National Blood Donor Month is an important reminder of this vital service that we can take part in to help others in their time of need.
Students and staff 17 or older may be eligible to donate, and students who are 16 years old may also be eligible with parental consent. For more information, check out Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center, one of the largest community blood centers in the country. Their location finder can even help you find a donation opportunity near you!
Joan Link Elementary School
Email: tstith@springisd.org
Website: https://www.springisd.org/link2
Location: 2815 Ridge Hollow Drive, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 891-8390
Twitter: @LES_Spring