Family Newsletter
December 2019
Peshtigo Elementary Learning Center
(715) 582-3762
IMPORTANT DATES
November 25 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Inservice Day
November 26 - NO SCHOOL - Teacher Inservice Day
November 27 - 29 - NO SCHOOL - Holiday
December 17 - PELC Band Concert - 6:30 pm - Big Gym
December 18 - PELC Winter Choral Concert - see below
December 19 - PELC 4K Family Night - 5:30 pm- Big Gym
December 23-January 1 - Winter Break
GREETINGS FROM PRINCIPAL COLLINS
Winter came early this year! Although I've lived in Wisconsin for over 20 years, it still catches me off guard when I step outside and that first blast of bitter cold air catches in my throat and feels like it freezes my teeth.
As the busy holiday season gets under way, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all those who actively engage in our school community. This engagement is seen through lunch dates children have with family members, volunteers in our classrooms and on the playground, donations of hats and mittens for children who need our support, and in many other ways I may not even know about. This is a community that truly cares about its children and we appreciate your involvement very much.
I hope you all have a safe and happy holiday season.
Mrs. Collins
PELC WINTER CONCERTS
December 18th in the Big Gym
9:00 am - Grades 3rd through 6th
1:30 pm - Grades Kindergarten through 2nd
PLEASE DONATE
FROM OUR SCHOOL COUNSELOR
Dear Parents,
During the months of November and December, staff and students at Peshtigo Elementary are working on the character traits of kindness and respectfulness. In guidance lessons, students are learning about friendship skills, conflict resolution, and empathy. Showing empathy to others means being able to put yourself in their shoes and understand what they are going through and how they feel.
Because empathy requires perspective-taking, a skill that young children are still developing, students begin learning about empathy in third grade. As part of their introduction to empathy, students in third grade participate in an activity that helps them begin to see that many of them have had similar experiences, such as being teased, left out, or feeling alone. It is a first step to understanding that we can try to understand what others are going through because we are not that far apart in our experiences and feelings.
In fourth grade, students view pictures of children who are feeling upset, and the students must try to imagine what may have been happening before the picture was taken. The fourth-graders have to use empathy to imagine how the child is feeling and why.
Fifth-grade students learn about active listening and how it relates to empathy. They also watch a music video called “Don’t Laugh at Me” that reminds them that no matter our differences, we all deserve to be treated kindly and respectfully.
Here are a few suggestions for encouraging empathetic behavior in your child:
· Be empathetic to your child’s problems – When children see empathy modeled, they are more likely to demonstrate empathy. In addition, when children feel their emotional needs are being met, they are more able to turn their attention to the needs of others.
· Help your child find commonalities with others – Children are more likely to show others empathy when they can see similarities between themselves and those individuals. Stressing that all people have the same kinds of feelings can help.
· Emphasis how poor choices affect others – When talking with your child about a poor choice he or she made, put the focus on how the choice hurt, bothered, or upset others.
Sincerely,
Katie Seidler, School Counselor
(715) 582-3762 ext. 3100
Jingle Mingle & Ornament Exchange
Where: Forgotten Fire Winery
When: Thursday, December 5th at 6 pm
$5 Admission
Bring a wrapped Christmas ornament to exchange.
RSVP tp Jennifer Perket by 11/29, call, email or text
920-360-5156
PTSO NEWS AND NOTES
Next Meeting
December 11th 6:30-7:30
Cafeteria
Come share your ideas for the winter dance and spring fundraiser!
December PBIS Update
It has gotten colder outside and with that has come snow! During November, we had a focus on playground safety and dressing for the weather. We stress to students to bring a coat, hat, gloves, snow pants and boots each day. It is important for our younger students to bring snow pants, not just for the snow, but to help keep them warm.
During the month of December, we will be having a school-wide focus on positive hallway behavior.
NEWS FROM GYM CLASS
Winter is upon us and the cold temperatures encourage us to hibernate rather than stay active. Currently, in PE, we are battling that lethargic feeling by participating in a variety of indoor activities that include Archery (5th & 6th Grade), basketball, dance and soon we will have a brief introduction to wrestling. Exercising in the cold can be invigorating and there are still plenty of activities to keep you active in the snow. Building a snowman inspires creativity. Shoveling the sidewalks and driveways are not only good cardio but can be a great way to teach your child about acts of kindness around the neighborhood. Even taking a walk or hike after a fresh snowfall is a great way to get the heart pumping, breathe in some fresh air and enjoy a change of scenery.
Too cold? No problem! Students will be learning some basic yoga positions to engage their muscles when it’s too cold to be outdoors. Other options to keep you moving could include playing Wii Sports, have a dance party, have a balloon volleyball match or even act out a storybook in your living room. The Peshtigo High School fitness room is also available to the community from 5:00 - 7:00 AM and 3:45- 5:00 PM, 5 days a week (6th grade age to adults). As always, stay healthy through getting the recommended 4-5 servings of fruits and veggies, stay hydrated and try to get a minimum of 30 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity on a daily basis. Bundled up, stay active and have a wonderful winter season!
-Mrs. Herbst & Mr. Hurley