November Newsletter
November 2018
A Note From the Principal
Happy November Orion Families!
Parents, thank you for actively participating in your child’s education. It has been wonderful to see parents coming in for conferences these past couple of weeks. It is important that your child sees you proactive and involved in their education. We are beginning the second 9 weeks of school and our staff is working diligently with our students to support academic success. Our teachers have begun after school tutoring, activities and various clubs for students. These provide additional support to close academic gaps. Our teachers truly appreciate your support and look forward to working closely with you this year.
Parents, please remember students should not be dropped off in the parking lot in front of the school. This is dangerous and is a bus lane that can potentially lead to an accident. Please drop your child off on Bullard Ave behind the school or if you are walking in with your child, park in the parking lot behind the fire station to walk your child into the building. Drop off should be no earlier than 8:55am. Staff is not on duty until that time! Pick up is promptly at 3:45pm! Staff cannot stay to monitor your child in the afternoon. Please make arrangements for timely drop off and pick up!
I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank our JBER active service members and veterans for your dedicated service to the United States Armed Forces. We will forever be grateful for your bravery and sacrifices to protect our country’s freedom.
As always thank you for supporting Orion Elementary. Our staff is committed to all of our students’ success and we appreciate your continued assistance. Have a joyous Thanksgiving this month!
Principal Cheathon
A Note From the Nurse
Happy November!
As we begin the 2nd quarter of school, I wanted to give some guidelines for keeping your child home when they are ill. The decision to keep a child home from school can be difficult, it means interrupting the child’s learning, possibly missing work or losing pay.
However, with many illnesses it’s important to stay home, recover more quickly and avoid spreading illness to others.
Attached are some guidelines to follow for deciding if your child should stay home.
https://home.asdk12.org/forms/uploads/Stay_At_Home_Handout0024.pdf
Mrs.Wurm RN
907 742-0266
Winter Band & Orchestra Concert
Elementary Honor Choir auditions
The Anchorage School District Elementary Honor Choir auditions are taking place November 6th & 7th. Students in grades 5 & 6 may audition to perform with other 5th & 6th graders from around the city. Students who pass the audition will be expected to attend weekly rehearsals which start in January, culminating in a performance on March 7th. Any 5th or 6th grade student who is interested in this special event should contact Mr. Nelson at nelson_isaac@asdk12.org for more information.
November Health News
Aloha Parents,
We had a wonderful 1st quarter of learning in Health/SEL class. I really enjoyed teaching your children the Safety Unit lessons. We will begin the month of November with Body Systems and end with the Nutrition Unit lessons.
· Autumn is in the air. Alaskan winter right around the corner J
· Please be prepared with proper winter gear for outdoor recess;
· (Warm hat, thick warm gloves/mittens, winter coat, snow pants, warm winter boots, warm socks ‘extra pairs to keep at school’)
· Friendly reminder: Time of year to get your optional flu shots
· Wash your hands often to help prevent the spread of germs. J
· Use antibacterial gel to help prevent the spread of germs. J
· Cover your coughs and sneezes. (Remember to sneeze in your elbow sleeve/not hands) Sneezing/coughing into your hands spreads germs.
Below are the topics that will be taught in Health/SEL class for the first part of November.
K The Five Senses (Senses)
1 Head to Toe (Body Facts)
2 How to Think (Your Brain)
3 The Better to See You (Your Eyes)
4 Let’s Talk Teeth (Dental Facts)
5 Brainstorms: (Central Nervous System)
Below are the topics that will be taught in Health/SEL class for the second part of November.
K Adventure in Food
1 Why Do We Eat?
2 The Wide World of Food
3 Let’s Eat
4 The Digestive System
5 You Are What You Eat
6 Eat Smart, Look Great
Happy November,
Ms. Anny Hunsucker / hunsucker_anny@asdk12.org
Health/Social Emotional Learning
Dear Parent(s),
Orion Elementary School will be teaching the 2nd Quarter Personal Safety lessons between November 19 and 30, 2018 during the Health classes. The age-appropriate lessons will be presented in a non-threatening way, along with the skills needed for self-protection. The lesson content is part of the Anchorage School District’s plan to enact the Alaska Safe Children’s Act and will be handled in a sensitive, respectful manner.
2nd Quarter Lessons
Kindergarten 1st grade 2nd grade 3rd grade 4th grade 5th grade 6th grade
Literature It’s My Body (Large orange book) Or No Means No! AND No, Go, Tell coloring page Literature Your Body Belongs to You Literature Do You Have a Secret? Literature The Right Touch Literature Talk About Touch Literature Cell Phoney Or Netsmartz PowerPoint and activities Literature The Kid Trapper!
If you have any questions about the content of the program or if you wish to inquire about opting out, please contact our Elem. Health Specialist, Anny Hunsucker/ hunsucker_anny@asdk12.org.
Thank you for partnering with us as we continue to provide learning opportunities to improve the safety and well- being of our students.
PTA
We would like for you to join us for our next PTA meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 14th at 4:30.
Your voice matters!