Morello Park Elementary School
October Newsletter
Welcome Fall
Thank you for entrusting us with your children. Our entire staff works diligently each day to make sure Morello is a safe, happy and fun place to learn. We wish you all a Happy Fall and look forward to seeing you at the many events we have planned for families this month.
Character Counts Trait of the Month: Respect
* Treat others with respect
* Use good manners and appropriate language always
* Be tolerant of differences and consider people's feelings
* Deal peacefully with anger and disagreements
* Don't threaten, hit or hurt anyone
* Follow the golden rule always
Harvest Festival
Email: sjoslin@martinez.k12.ca.us
Website: https://mpe-martinez-ca.schoolloop.com/
Location: 1200 Morello Park Drive, Martinez, CA, USA
Parent Teacher Conferences Are Around The Corner
Conference Week is approaching fast. During conference week, October 29th - November 2nd, we will be on a, "Minimum Day Schedule." Conferences will be scheduled before school and afterschool from approximately 12:40-2:50 pm daily. Please arrange to attend this important time for you to meet your child’s teacher 1:1 and have the opportunity to find out how your child is progressing. Goals will be discussed that are individualized to your child’s learning needs. Morello embraces the whole child so expect the teacher to discuss not only academics but social, emotional and cognitive observations as needed. Information you provide will be valued and important. Research shows that children do better in school when the parents are partners with the classroom teacher. We encourage you to attend, arrive on time and we welcome your feedback so that we can support your child.
Fall Parade Reminders
Our parade will take place on the playground this year at drop off. It will look a little differently than last year. At 8:15 a.m. children in grades 1-5 will line up on the playground with their teacher. Teachers will start walking with them on the track, located on our blacktop. Parents will be invited to stand in the middle of the track (a very large area) and take photos once the music starts. Children will walk just as they did during walk and talk to three songs. We ask that parents stay clear of the track. Children will start walking with their class but do not have to remain with their class. They can walk, mingle and wave. Kindergartners will stay with their class. (Kindergartners will go to their class as usual and will be escorted to the playground by their teacher. In order for our parade to be a pleasant experience for all, we ask that very scary costumes that might scare younger children not be worn. Leave these at home or wear at home parties or for trick-or-treating; choose something else to wear for our school parade. If school personnel feel that a costume may be too frightening, students will be asked to change. There are to be no weapons worn with costumes. This includes swords, knives, guns or science fiction wands but shields are okay. These will be taken from students by the classroom teacher and returned at the end of the day. Additionally, costumes should not be “suggestive” as this is a school environment. All costumes need to be appropriate for school. Thank you for your cooperation in making this a fun and comfortable experience for everyone! Happy Clowns are fine to wear to school. In the past, due to things happening in our world, we banned clown costumes.
No masks allowed by children or adults. No exception. This is for safety. Face painting is okay as long as the child can last the school day with it on. Slightly scary face paints are okay as long as the older children turn their heads when they walk by K and 1st graders. Something covering the eyes is acceptable as long as they can see but students cannot cover their entire face. We must be able to identify every child and adult on campus.
If your child needs a costume, we have some that have been donated. Notify your child’s teacher or the office so we may provide your child with a costume to borrow as soon as possible. You may also email the principal prior and she can discreetly find a costume for your child.
All families are invited to come and watch the parade. We suggest arriving early as we will start promptly at 8:15 a.m. and parking is sometimes a challenge. We encourage families to walk in as the parking lot will be rather full. Please do NOT park in the employee parking spots or the two PTA spots.
Safety Reminders
Homework Support At Home: Successful Tips
Talking With Your Child About His Day
* What was your favorite thing that happened today?
* If you were the teacher, how would you describe today?
* What made you smile or laugh today?
* How were you helpful today?
* Tell me two highs and a low today.
* Tell me something super cool that happened today.
October Dates to Remember
October 2018 4- SSC Meeting 2:45- Library 5- Wear YELLOW for Respectfulness AHS Homecoming Parade- 3pm Main St./ Jog-a-Thon envelopes due 8-No School - Teacher Work Day 9 - PTA Meeting 7pm- MU 11-Makeup Picture Day 20 - Harvest Festival 1pm-4pm 26 - Coffee w/Principal - 8:30 - MU 29-31 Conference Week-Minimum Days & Book Fair! 29-31 Red Ribbon Week 31-Halloween Parade 8:15 a.m. Blacktop
Counselor Corner- Miss AJ
Empathy - what is it and how why does it matter? This a constant topic for us in working with children and families at our school. Empathy is the cornerstone in building connections with others, allowing us to understand someone's perspective and experience. One way to teach empathy is build emotional vocabulary and connect our feelings to needs. When are needs are not met, difficult feelings like anger, frustration and sadness may begin to emerge.
Starting in October, 3rd and 5th grade students will begin a 6 week, counselor lead program called the Connection Practice. The Connection Practice program is designed specifically for schools to help students learn the language and practice specific techniques when engaging with others to show empathy to self and others. Learning empathy and building connections will build stronger communities, inside and outside of school.