Color of Our Worlds 1/2018
Educating ALL MCSD Students for success.
Daily Attendance is Important
One of the basic foundations for success in school is regular school attendance. Additionally, teaching our children that regular attendance to school is important helps send the message that education is important. It also teaches the importance of keeping one’s responsibilities.
To that end, please be sure to stay home only when truly ill, or due to a real family need. See the attendance section in your school's handbook for additional guidance. Remember to schedule appointments outside of the school day when possible, or to return to school when finished. Minimize early dismissals. Family vacations are not excused absences. Thanks to everyone for supporting daily attendance!
New Year’s Resolution Ideas for Parents
1. Say "Yes" More. Try saying "yes" more to spending quality family time and doing things together.
2. Say "No" More. When it comes to I want, I need, everyone has it, and everyone does it, learn how to say "no."
3. Worry Less. Keeping kids safe should be a priority, but don't let your worries drive your life. Instead, find ways to make your kid's world safer and let them actively explore what's around them.
4. Listen More; Talk at Less. Ask "What do you think? What are you feeling? Tell me about it. What would you do?"
5. Read a Little More. It's not only a good way to spend time together, but reading to your child, with your child, and in front of your child will also help them grow as readers.
6. Write a Little More. Get in a habit of writing notes of encouragement, love, recognition, and daily appreciation of life.
7. Expect a Little More. Expect more from your children, like good behavior, responsibility, manners, kindness, and all of the goodness that lies within your kids.
Resource: Bright Horizons; Family Resources
Family Media Plan for a Happier, Healthier New Year!
Media should work for you & work within your family values & parenting style. When media is used thoughtfully & appropriately, media can enhance daily life. But when used inappropriately or without thought, media can displace many important activities such as face-to-face interaction, family-time, outdoor-play, exercise, unplugged downtime & sleep.
By creating a Personalized Family Media Use Plan, you can be aware of when you are using media to achieve your purpose. This requires parents & users to think about what they want those purposes to be. The tool below will help you to think about media & create goals & rules that are in line with your family’s values.
Create age-based media and tech resolutions for your family with this interactive guide from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Make a personalized family media plan.
(Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/media/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=CommonSenseMedia&utm_campaign=DeviceFreeDinners&utm_?utm_source=122817_DFD%20Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DFDnewsletter&utm_source=122817_DFD+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly, December 30, 2017.)
Find Yourself in a Book during Celebrate Literacy Week - January 22-26, 2018!
This year, our Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! 2018 theme is Find Yourself in a Book! With this theme in mind, we are encouraging all schools to participate in the Celebrate Literacy Week, Florida! contest and encourage students to connect to a book and book character.
January 23 is National Reading Day!
January 23 is National Handwriting Day!
WHAT PARENTS CAN DO: Helping Your Child Succeed in School AFTER the Conference
• Follow up. If the teacher brings something to your attention that needs to be addressed with your child, take steps to put the plan in motion, whether it's helping with organizational skills, getting extra help, or addressing a social issue.
• Update your child. Start with the positive things his/her teacher had to say, then fill him/her in on any concerns you and the teacher discussed. Explain how you can all work together to ensure your child has a successful year.
• Keep in touch. Once an action plan is in place, try to determine how you’ll follow up with the teacher in the weeks and months ahead. Will it be through written notes, a phone call, or another conference? And it’s not a bad idea to inform your child that you’re keeping in touch with their school. “When a child knows parents and teachers are regularly working together, the child will see that education is a high priority requiring commitment and effort,” according to the National PTA.
Keep in mind you and your child's teacher have the same goal in mind…To help your child succeed in school.
Resource: http://www.thelearningcommunity.us/resources-by-format/tips-forparents/parent-teacher-conferences
Kate Jiggins of Pinewood Elementary School Shares her Growth Mindset with the School Board of Martin County!
Hispanic Heritage Month Contest Winner
Congratulations to Gabriel H. Mikati, 2nd grader at PWE, for placing Honorable Mention in the state's Hispanic Heritage Contest!
Governor Scott and First Lady Ann Scott announced the 2017 Hispanic Heritage Month student and teacher contest winners. This year’s theme was “A Recognition of the Role of Hispanic-Americans in Shaping Florida Today,” and the winners were honored during the annual Hispanic Heritage Month reception at the Florida Governor’s Mansion.
- Honorable Mention: Gabriel H. Mikati, Pinewood Elementary, Martin County
Title of art: “Florida Melting Pot”
Indiantown Middle School Soccer Champions!
Pinewood Elementary School Science Fair Winners for 2017!
SeaWind Elementary Celebrates Reading!
Thank you to the Education Foundation of Martin County (EFMC) and the Hobe Sound Community Chest! HSE received a grant for $8,000.00 from the EFMC and their donor the Hobe Sound Community Chest to promote literacy at our school. The students love reading their new books!
HSE appreciates EFMC
and Hobe Sound Community Chest!
Superhero Citizens Project at Hobe Sound Elementary is Funded by Character Counts! of Martin County
Mrs. Casady accepted her Character Counts Grant at the Nov. School Board Meeting. Mrs. Casady was one of 13 winners out of 50 applicants for her Superhero Citizens Project. Congratulations to Mrs. Casady!
Fun Facts About January
• Sometimes January was called the Wolf Month because hungry wolves would come into villages searching for food this time of year.
• January’s birthstone is Garnet. It is said that garnet represents balance, which is definitely something we all need after the crazy busy month of December.
A Fresh Look at Your Home Library! Tip for Parents
Having interesting things to read at home is a great way to keep kids motivated and the New Year is a great time to take a fresh look at your home library.
Some simple changes on your part can help you create an amazing home library, and help your child develop an early love of reading! Below are a few questions to ask yourself about your home library. You can create an amazing home library and help your young reader start this New Year on the right reading foot!
Does your home library offer…?
1. A variety of books? Kids love to read all sorts of materials, including books, magazines, newspapers, and poems. Consider including travel brochures, street maps, and programs from school plays.
2. Books written at a variety of reading levels? It's important to have some books that are easy for your child to read, but it's also good to have some that can be read most successfully with an adult. This balance enables your child to feel confident with some books, and grow as a reader with others.
3. Some method of organization? Sometimes grouping books by topic or series helps your child find other books they might like to read. Grouping books using book baskets also help kids find a book more easily than a crowded shelf.
4. Lots of nonfiction material? Even the youngest readers love to read about real places and things. These materials often include photographs, maps and charts full of interesting information.
5. Lots of choice? Find creative ways to add books to your library. Playgroup book swaps, yard sales, and used book stores all offer affordable ways to add to your collection. Take the time this New Year to consider your home library. Your reader will be glad you did!
Resource: www. Reading Rockets; January 2017 article
What is iReady?
iReady Login Link
Title I/Migrant/ELL Services Department
The Color of Our Worlds is an Electronic Newsletter for the school communities of:
AMS: Anderson Middle School
HSE: Hobe Sound Elementary School
IMS: Indiantown Middle School
JDP: J. D. Parker Elementary School
PWE: Pinewood Elementary School
PSE: Port Salerno Elementary School
SWE: SeaWind Elementary School
WES: Warfield Elementary School
Email: khanals@martin.k12.fl.us
Website: http://www.martinschools.org/pages/Martin_County_School_District/Title_I
Phone: 772-219-1200