Gardens Greetings
January 2023
Happy New Year!
Happy New Year to you and your families! I hope you enjoyed the time off and were able to spend some quality time together! I enjoyed my time visiting with family and indulging on cookies and chocolate! I love how for just a short moment, all the stress and sadness of the world can dissipate when we are met with the magic of the season, through a child’s eyes.
As we head into January, we will have just a few more weeks in the marking period. Report cards will be published to Power School on February 7th. You will be able to use your parent portal log-in to view your child’s grades for the second quarter of the year. The report card presents your child’s progress as measured against the specific learning objectives and standards established for the grade level. Certainly if you need help understanding it, please reach out to your child's teacher or the school. If you have any difficulty accessing it, be sure to call the Main Office.
At this time of year, each year, I like to remind you that during these colder months it is important to dress your child for outside recess. Our intention is to go outside as much as possible. Days under 32 degrees (with wind chill) or inclement weather days will keep us inside during recess. But, all other days, the children need to play and we want to assure that they will be warm enough and have a coat/ jacket. If your child is missing some winter accessories, our lost and found is certainly growing. Labeling their clothing helps us to be able to return what is found. Feel free to stop in and check out the lost and found cabinet regularly. It is located right in the hallway of the gymnasium.
As always, our school is committed to having a variety of events for student and families to attend. Be sure to read the Friday Features from the PTO. They always do such a wonderful job outlining the events and opportunities in our building. We want to thank all of our volunteers who have helped over the last month with the holiday shoppe, the Crafts with Frosty, and so much more.
“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says “Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.” - Lewis Carroll
❄️ Students of the Month 🧣
☃️ Authors of the Month 🀩
🧣 Nurse's Notes 🀩
A visit to your child’s doctor can be stressful for both parent and child,
no matter what the reason. The American Academy of Pediatrics is still
recommending that parents schedule well visits to the doctor during this
pandemic. It is also important to keep on schedule with required
vaccinations for your child. Physician practices may have different
methods for office visits that will keep you and your child safe, so
contact them directly for the most up to date information. Here are some
helpful suggestions to make the appointment less tense and more valuable.
- Come prepared with notes. If it is a sick visit the notes should
include symptoms (for example, temperature- taken with thermometer, vomiting, diarrhea, and cough). Include with the symptoms the duration and severity. If it is a well visit, the notes should include all your concerns about your child, including any behavioral and/or educational concerns. Your child’s doctor can guide you with respect to any issue- not just physical issues. - Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If there is something you don’t understand, don’t leave until you do. Ask about treatment, medications (what they are and what they do), any tests such as laboratory tests, x-rays etc. (what are they, why are they being done, and what will they show). ASK QUESTIONS!
- Make sure you have the documentation you need before you leave. If your child has been injured or is sick, they will need notes for the school. These notes will cover absences and any exclusion from school activities. They need to include the date the child can return or when the child will be visiting the doctor for a follow up. If your child is having a physical, bring the necessary form from the school for the doctor to fill out, and ask for an updated immunization record if the child receives vaccines.
- You are your child’s most important advocate. You are the expert on your child. Provide your child’s doctor with as much information as possible during any visit to the office. The more information you provide, the better the doctor will be able to assess the child’s health.
I hope this information has been helpful. My goal is to educate and inform you. Remember, you are the expert on your child, so help your child’s doctor provide the best health care by providing information and asking questions.
Additional information can be found at: www.healthychildren.org
Bradley Gardens Health Office- A NURSE IN THE KNOW!
🀩 Counselor's Corner 🥶
This month grades 1 through 4 participated in a group activity that highlighted the importance of including everyone. The lesson reinforced the importance of empathy. Students put themselves in someone else's shoes (in our lesson it was putting themselves in the shoes of a classmate who was left out).
The holidays are a perfect time to practice teaching empathy to your child. Here are some strategies to foster empathy:
Model empathy for others and for your child. Witnessing empathy in action can help children truly understand what it means to value others and their feelings. When they see that you are treating others kindly, it empowers them to do the same.
Provide your child with opportunities to practice and learn empathy. Children need guidance and support when learning how to be empathetic to others.
Encourage them to be empathetic toward peers and provide praise when they show empathy toward others.
Be intentional when addressing behavior that lacks empathy and discuss with your child ways to change their response in the future.
Support your child in understanding the feelings that may be stopping them from empathizing with others. At times, feelings like anger, frustration, and other emotions challenge a child's ability to empathize with others at that moment. Work with your child to establish strategies to cope with negative emotions. Help your child recognize moments where empathy can be used with family and friends.
Wishing you and your family a very Happy Holiday.
Bradley Gardens Primary School
Email: bradleygardens@brrsd.k12.nj.us
Website: www.brrsd.org
Location: 148 Pine Street, Bridgewater Township, NJ, USA
Phone: 908-725-8444
Twitter: @BRRSDBradley