SASD 4K Family Newsletter
Grow. Play. Learn.
March 1st, 2021
Ways Parents Can Help Teach Life Skills within Daily Routines
By Wendy Overturf
COVID-19 has changed how students access educational opportunities. While some children may still be attending school as they were prior to the pandemic, many are accessing learning through technology at home. It is recognized that some students have significant challenges accessing distance learning. There are students who are unable to sit in front of a computer screen to access learning. Many students require a more hands-on, life skill embedded method of instruction. This type of instruction is often more difficult to do via technology. However, there are ways parents can work with their child on these life skills at home.
Life skills are functional skills or tasks that develop independence, self-esteem, and increase the likelihood that a person will be successful across multiple environments. Supporting and creating opportunities for children to practice skills during the COVID-19 pandemic can be challenging for any parent. Parents can incorporate different sets of skills throughout different activities. For example, have “chores” scheduled into your child’s daily schedule. Helping out around the house can offer a sense of pride and accomplishment and, depending on their level of independence, may also relieve the parent/caregiver of certain tasks.
Life Skill Tasks and Resources Related to Food Preparation
• Learning to follow a written or picture recipe. This website has fairly simple recipes that you can make with your child.
Recipes include a written version as well as the corresponding picture recipe.
• Preparing a simple snack—check this website for a video modeling of how to make a peanut butter and jelly
sandwich. (Note: there is no audio included with this video.)
• Washing dishes (by hand or by loading dishwasher) Teaching your child to wash dishes has numerous benefits and helps with the development of life skills. For younger children, it promotes the use of fine motor skills, and it encourages learning through play with water and bubbles. For older children it encourages cleanliness, discipline and helps them feel as though they are contributing to the household.
These resources and links given are only examples of some life skill activities that parents can do with their children. There are many more available by doing a search on the internet. Use Google and search for “life skill videos for children”. To make it easier for both parents and their children, start with one task. When children are struggling with a certain task encourage them to ask you for help. Asking for help promotes self-advocacy skills. Strengthening a child’s organizational and planning skills will ensure independence in future tasks.
For more information check out the WI Facets Family Engagement Newsletter
With gratitude,
Erin Conrad, SASD 4K Principal
Sara Jane Lee, SASD Inclusion Support Teacher
Mindy Holverson, SASD 4K Educational Assistant
4K 2021-22 Enrollment
The 2021-2022 4K enrollment process is almost here!! Please help spread the word about the SASD 4K program. The SASD partners with local organizations to provide our 4 year-old kindergarten program at 6 convenient locations in Stoughton.
LaPetite Academy, 635 Lincoln Avenue
www.lapetite.com (608) 873-5039Martin Luther, 900 West Wilson Street
www.martinlutherkids.org (608) 873-7884Pumpkin Patch Preschool, 1940 Jackson Street
www.mypumpkinpatch.org (608) 873-3380Reach Dane-Head Start, 315 Mandt Parkway
www.reachdane.org (608) 444-6199St. Ann School, 324 North Harrison Street
www.stanns-school.org (608) 873-3343Weebleworld, 1815 Cedarbrook Lane
www.weebleworld.com (608) 877-2690
This year we ask new families to take a virtual tour of the sites when selecting an option for the 2021-2022 school year. Check out each website for more information. Some sites will set up in person and Zoom tours by appointment only. Please contact the directors for more information. Just a reminder that children do not have to attend the enrollment night with their parents.
In person "drive-thru" 4K site selection is Tuesday, March 2nd, at Kegonsa Elementary School, 1400 Vernon Avenue Stoughton. Check out the 4K website for more information. Click on the link for more information on how to sign up for our drive-thru enrollment event and please help us spread the word to get more kids enrolled in one of our wonderful programs!
4K Calendar Reminders
No School Any Friday in March!
Spring Break March 29th-April 2nd
See the calendar below.
Equity Corner
Racism and Discrimination
Racism is different from racial prejudice, hatred, or discrimination. Racism involves one group having the power to carry out systematic discrimination through the institutional policies and practices of the society and by shaping the cultural beliefs and values that support those racist policies and practices. (Source)
Being Not Racist and Being Anti-Racist
An anti-racist is someone who is supporting an antiracist policy through their actions or expressing antiracist ideas. This includes the expression or ideas that racial groups are equals and do not need developing, and supporting policies that reduce racial inequity. (Source)
Racism scholar Ibram X. Kendi says one is either racist or anti-racist. There is no room for neutrality, and there is no such thing as a "non-racist."
ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Just a reminder if your child attends in-person instruction you can still access the virtual schedule for great activities and resources, just don't submit attendance on the site. Your child's teacher will submit attendance when your child attends school each day!
OWL Curriculum
March 1-4: Unit 6: Earth & Sky Week 2: Weather Watch
March 8-11: Unit 6: Earth & Sky Week 3: From Season to Season
March 15-18: Unit 6: Earth & Sky Week 4: Planet Patrol
March 22-25: Unit 7: Shadows & Reflections Week 1: My Shadow & Me
Opening the World of Learning: Pearson Research Overview
SONDAY Let's Play Learn
Let's Play Learn focuses on the developmental continuum and prepares our 4K students to learn to read, write and work with numbers. It is a structured, systematic program that provides multi-sensory practice and interactive opportunities for learning.
This system translates the five components of successful reading programs recommended by the National Reading Panel. These components are: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension.
Mat Man
For additional activities and online games, visit Mat Man World!
Enjoy the Mat Man Song!
The Pyramid Model
Children love to listen to stories. Not only are stories used to entertain children, they can also be used as tools to teach new skills and expectations. Many parents read books to teach their children the alphabet or numbers, but stories can also be used to:
- Teach social skills, such as how to take turns.
- Teach clear behavior expectations for a time of day (e.g., quiet time) or event (e.g., road trip).
- Reinforce routines, such as getting ready for bed.
- Prepare for new experiences, such as the first day of school.
- Address a challenging behavior, such as hitting.
Click on the link for more ideas and some scripted stories!
Tucker the Turtle
Tucker Turtle is a terrific turtle.
Tucker the Turtle shows his creativity!
Tucker the Turtle learns about determination!
Tucker the Turtle celebrates his greatness!
Tucker the Turtle shows his kindness!
Tucker will be embedded in all activities this month!
THE NURTURED HEART APPROACH
The Nurtured Heart Approach Vocabulary for the Kids:
Creative
"I show my greatness by drawing, painting and creating new things."
Determined
"I show my greatness by never giving up, even when it is difficult."
Greatness
"I show my greatness by using my eyes to see and my words to say what is right about who I am and what I do."
Kind
"I show my greatness by caring for all."
From the SASD virtual desk of NHA:
Check out Nutshell and Challenges for a challenge that will strengthen your relationships and build your child’s inner wealth!
To your (and your child’s) GREATNESS, Humanity, & Significance!!!
For more information on the Nurtured Heart Approach click on the link.
Making Sense of Wearing Compliant Masks
In Public Health Madison & Dane County's Emergency Order #13, face coverings are defined as a piece of cloth or other material that is worn to cover the nose and mouth completely.
Face coverings...
- must be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head and must fit snuggly but comfortably against the side of the face.
- must be made with two or more layers of breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
- do not include bandanas, ANY neck gaiters at SASD, face shields, goggles, scarves, ski masks, balaclavas, shirt or sweater collars pulled up over the mouth and nose, or masks with slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.
If you missed our Mask Up SASD message, you can read it here.
SASD Covid-19 Data Dashboard
SASD has published a COVID-19 Data Dashboard on our website. Our Data Dashboard provides a district-wide view of current active COVID-19 cases and quarantines/isolations. Our staff numbers include all staff whether working in person or virtually. Our student numbers include only 4K-12 students who are regularly in our buildings. The dashboard will be updated every Friday. At any time, you can access the SASD dashboard.
Each week our dashboard will display the following four numbers:
Positive Staff Cases*
Positive Student Cases*
Staff in Quarantine or Isolation**
Students in Quarantine or Isolation**
*Students and staff counted in these categories have tested positive for COVID-19 and are isolated.
**Students and staff counted in these categories have not tested positive for COVID-19 but are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and/or have had close contact with an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19.
When to Report Positive COVID-19 Tests, Symptoms or Close Contact
Staff: Please continue to update your supervisor and fill out the Staff COVID-19 Form if you meet any of our three criteria (have tested positive for COVID-19, have symptoms of COVID-19, or have had close contact with an individual who has COVID-19). This applies whether you work in person or virtually.
Families with children regularly in our buildings (whether in grades 4K-2, 3-12 students receiving individualized instruction, or for activities): If your child meets any of our three criteria (has tested positive for COVID-19, has symptoms of COVID-19, or has had close contact with an individual who has COVID-19), please keep your student home, call your school to report an absence, then fill out the Student COVID-19 Form. These two COVID-19 forms — staff and student — will be used in updating our Data Dashboard weekly.
Thank you for your cooperation and diligence as we navigate this semester together.
Dr. Tim Onsager, District Administrator
Stoughton Food Pantry
520 S. 4th Street, Stoughton
Hours: Monday-Wednesday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Thursdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and 4 to 6 p.m.
Closed Fridays
First Saturday of the month 9 to 11 a.m.
*Call for an appointment: 608-873-8103
Need Assistance?
The Department of Children and Families
Resources to help essential workers, providers, and families navigate the child care landscape during the COVID-19 crisis- link
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Provides the latest information, data, and resources- link
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Considerations and guidance for schools and child care- link
Free Community COVID-19 Testing in Stoughton
JangoDX has contracted with the State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services to provide FREE drive through Community COVID-19 testing. The testing location is in the back lot of Tru by Hilton hotel located at 2500 Jackson Street in Stoughton. This site is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“Stoughton Health is pleased to support free COVID-19 testing efforts being offered through JangoDX. This new site expands the availability of COVID-19 testing in Stoughton and allows Stoughton Health to shift our focus to vaccinating our staff and the community,” states Amy Hermes, Chief Nursing Officer/Vice-President of Patient Services at Stoughton Health. To learn more or register for this free test, go to https://jangodx.com/community-testing/.
Contact us!
Kate Ahlgren, Director of Curriculum and Instruction kate.ahlgren@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Sara Jane Lee, 4K Inclusion SupportTeacher sarajane.lee@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Mindy Holverson, 4K Educational Assistant mindy.holverson@stoughton.k12.wi.us
Website: https://www.stoughton.k12.wi.us/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stoughtonschools/