Bear Tracks
November 9, 2016
A Note From the Principal:
Dear Bear Tavern Staff,
It has been a heck of a week...
First off, I want to thank everyone for their help and support in our Veteran's Day Ceremony. It was a great success and meant a lot to our Veterans. Your flexibility was much appreciated.
The other event of the week was a big one. Regardless of your political opinions or beliefs, this year's Presidential Election was unlike any other in history. I kept hearing over and over during the coverage on Tuesday night how unprecedented it was and how unique it was. One thing is for certain, the entire campaign process was one of the most emotionally charged events that I have ever seen. Throughout the country there are now people who are excited happy, but there are also many who are nervous, discouraged and shocked.
The good news, is that we are in positions to help students feel safe, loved and hopeful. Many may have picked up some stress, confusion or fear from the adults in their lives or on the TV. Many have seen the adds on TV and all of the negativity surrounding the entire process. Like we talked about last week, we are really important models in our students' lives and have the privilege and responsibility to help our students dream big, maintain a positive attitude and work through anything that comes their way. It is more important than ever that we highlight the good and show our students how to handle themselves with dignity and class after an election season like we just had.
November also happens to be National Picture Book Month. Please check below in the Light on Literacy to find the way to a HUGE list of picture books that help students to explore and deal with many different emotions. It is great timing to help students to identify and talk about emotions they may be having. The list is in the form of a huge list of tweets from one of my favorite Twitter follows, Pernille Ripp.
Please enjoy your long weekend and enjoy all of the great things that we have around us.
*****Don't forget to collect some rocks for Tuesday's Den Groups; I am certain that some students won't have them. Also, please check below for the health schedule starting 11/14! *****
Sincerely,
Chris
Key Information:
HEALTH - Please see the health schedule below. It is important that you do not switch times/days unless you let me know. Suzanne worked very hard to help me make sure that we pulled from an equitable amount of subject areas, etc. If you need to switch, or see any errors or needed corrections, just let me know. IMPORTANT - Health lessons are in black. Blue indicates periods that Carl will help in the gym; blue is NOT health.
American Education Week - The following letter went home last week CLICK HERE.
Pennies from Heaven - The return date for piggy banks is 11/28, but as that is the Monday after Thanksgiving Break, we will accept them on the 29th as well.
Den Groups - Tuesday is our Den Groups Rock Painting day. The activity will be the #BearTavernRocks painting and we will have a feather of gratitude (just a large paper feather). You will list some items that your Den Group is Thankful for and I will make a Large Turkey Bulletin Board. See the BearTavernRocks memo for more information.
** OUR TIME IS NOW ** Bulletin Board - Joanne did a great job creating the "Our Time is Now" bulletin board. Each month, we'll update it to highlight the "Our Time is Now" theme. This month is to Show Kindness and Empathy"
Upcoming Dates:
AFTERNOON ENRICHMENT/ACTIVITIES:
Monday- Bee Bots, Fyre Coding, Magic Glass, Martial Arts
Tuesday- Art Enrichment, Girls on the Run, Let me Run, Makey Makey Arcade, YMCA Hip Hop Dance, After School Title 1 Math Tutoring
Wednesday- Basketball Basics, Art Enrichment, Minecraft, After School Title 1 Writing Tutoring
Thursday-Girls on the Run, Let Me Run, Soccer Shots, TGA Tennis, Yoga
Friday- None
THE WEEK(s) AHEAD:
11/10 & 11/11 - No School NJEA Convention
11/14 - Grade Level Meetings
11/15 - SPECIAL EVENT PM SCHEDULE - Den Groups #BearTavernRocks
11/15 - GrandPals - Niefer
11/16 - Picture Retakes
11/17 - GrandPals - Miller
11/18 - Book Fair / Parent - Teacher Conferences (Early Dismissal Schedule)
11/18 - Dress like your favorite Literary Character Spirit Day
11/18 - Pre-School Collab Day
11/21 - Early Dismissal Schedule - Parent Teacher Conferences *PTO STAFF DINNER*
11/22 - Early Dismissal Schedule - GrandPals Niefer
11/22 - 1st Grade Thanksgiving Celebration 9-10:30
11/23 - Early Dismissal Schedule - K Thanksgiving Celebration 9-11