GATOR TALES
Grace Abbott Elementary
April 29, 2022
Principal: Dr. Erik Chaussee, epchaussee@mpsomaha.org
Secretary: Cindy Wrenn, clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
About Us
Email: clwrenn@mpsomaha.org
Website: abbott.mpsomaha.org
Location: 1313 N 156th St, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-715-2900
Facebook: facebook.com/GraceAbbottElementarySchool
Twitter: @MPS_Abbott
NEWS FROM DR. CHAUSSEE
Another Book Recommendation for Parents
Alan Lightman is an MIT physicist and author who advocates for wasting more time. He is the author of several books including In Praise of Wasting Time. As an educator it’s hard to take the stance of wasting time. He’s not advocating becoming a couch potato, nor am I. All my life I was driven to get good grades and use my time wisely. I was not very good with idle time and still feel guilty at times when I watch TV or read for pleasure. When I read for pleasure I feel that I should be reading about the latest trends in education or parenting.
I found out about Dr. Lightman from a recent article in The Omaha World-Herald. The reporter states, “We’re too busy. We’re too stressed. Our kids are anxious and depressed. Everyone’s too lonely and overwhelmed.” One habit I have to exercise at a gym. I usually try to find some time to sit in the sauna once a week to relax. I’ve noticed over the years that now everyone is on their phones. In the “old days” I usually struck up a conversation and found something in common with someone. Now, no one talks unless I find someone my age. Socializing, even with strangers, is healthy. So, is doing nothing occasionally.
Lightman quotes Henry David Thoreau in his 1854 reflection on living in the woods from his book Walden. Even then, Thoreau warned against the technology changes that were hurrying life’s pace. Lightman goes on to say that “what’s being eroded is something we can’t always see. That’s our inner self. Keeping our minds occupied 24/7 with work or life or screens means we’re losing imagination, dreams, and ultimately our freedom.”
I write all this not to necessarily change adult behavior as I’m not the leader of the parents. I hope our kids can learn to be bored and creative by doing nothing at times. On a somewhat unrelated note, I’ve been surprised that many of our students at Abbott don’t know Mother Goose stories and characters that have been around for centuries (with some good morals) yet can sing all the words from the latest popular movie.
Another author advocates for spending more time in the woods. He states we need to save our children from nature-deficit disorder
NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTEN
We will be having Kindergarten Roundup that day so our current kindergartners have the day off!
DIAPER GOAL EXCEEDED
NOT TOO LATE
You can still turn in your Edible Book form on Monday or Tuesday!!! Don't miss this fun event!!!
😀
TEACHER APPRECIATION
[https://fortimail.mpsomaha.org/fmlurlsvc/?fewReq=:B:JVs5MjYzOSV1PjEtMyVqZz4zMjkzMiVwamRtYnd2cWY+ZzJiMWVnMjo7NTRmN2YxNTphYjpnYmYxYDowYDtmNmAxN2VlZTs7OiV3PjI1NjIyOjU6MjUlcmpnPjEwVzJuYlR2MzM1OzU0LjEwVzJuYlR7MzM1OzU0JXFgc3c+YG90cWZtbUNuc3BsbmJrYi1scWQlYD47NyVrZ28+Mw==&url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.signupgenius.com%2fgo%2f30E0545A5AC2AABFA7-2022%5d(https%3a%2f%2fwww.signupgenius.com%2fgo%2f30E0545A5AC2AABFA7-2022)
UPCOMING EVENTS
- PTO Meeting, May 3, 6:30 p.m.
- Kindergarten Roundup, May 6. NO SCHOOL FOR KINDERGARTNERS THAT DAY!
- 5TH grade to Kiewit, May 6
- Gator Bash, May 6, 6:30 p.m.
- Amigos Night, May 12,
- 5th Grade Farewell, May 19, 6 - 8 p.m.
- Last day of school, May 26, 12:00 p.m.
https://mpsomaha-org.zoom.us/j/95486421064?pwd=TlA1b0hVZGdWamxDamVSdlVsdHFjZz09
PARENTS OF 5TH GRADERS
SPARK ( Formerly Kids Network)
Don’t Miss Out On This Epic Summer!
Are you looking for full day fun for your student this summer? Spark (formerly Kids Network) is a program provided by the Millard Public Schools Foundation and this summer we have great adventures planned for your child. Weekly registration is available, themed activities and weekly field trips!
New this year – Spark UP is our new summer program designed exclusively for incoming 5th and 6th graders.
Join us for a summer to remember! Don’t delay – we have limited spots available. Register Today! www.mpsfoundation.org
The Millard Public Schools Foundation supports the school district by providing funds to all 35 schools to support strategic initiatives.
MILLARD SCHOOL BOARD 2020
President - Linda Poole
Vice President - Dave Anderson
Secretary - Stacy Jolley
Treasurer - Amanda McGill Johnson
Board Member - Mike Kennedy
Board Member - Mike Pate