Davis Elementary School
February 2019 Newsletter
From The Principal
Dear Davis Families,
We are in the throws of the winter season already! It seems like only yesterday we were basking in the sun and the promise of a brand new school year. The holidays have come and gone, and the march to spring and the end of the school year has officially begun!
As the second marking period has ended, it is time for you to talk with your child(ren) about setting goals for a great finish to their year. Your child(ren) should work with you in creating two or three attainable goals for the remainder of the year. Your support and encouragement in the development of these goals will go a long way in your child(ren) taking ownership and ensuring they achieve them by year's end!
Remember, a goal is an outcome, something that will make a difference by your child(ren) achieving it. It can't be so difficult that it cannot be achieved, yet not so simple that nothing is gained from reaching it. Focus and effort should be required on the part of your child(ren) in order to reach their goals.
Think about working with your child(ren) on setting a goal or two in the areas of learning (how acquiring a skill will continue to develop understanding), performance (demonstrating tasks, knowledge, skills or abilities) and/or social development (developing positive peer relationships, working through conflict, repairing a friendship).
As your child(ren) achieves their goals, be sure to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishment! Providing meaning to all their hard work will only serve to increase their perseverance and ability to understand the importance of embracing life's challenges. Every day is full of opportunity to grow and improve!
Please be sure to check the Davis webpage and calendar to stay on top of what's happening!
Kindest Regards,
Andrew J. Doster, Principal
From The Nurse
Take Valentine’s Day to heart and make heart healthy choices!
Physical Activity Recommendations for Kids
Be Active
Kids should be active throughout the day. Replace sedentary behavior with activity whenever possible.
Go Play
Encourage preschool-age children (ages 3-5) to engage in active play as well as structured movement. A good goal is about 3 hours per day of a variety of activities (light, moderate and vigorous).
Learn & Grow
Kids who are active have better bone health, physical fitness, brain function, attention and academic performance. They stay at a healthier weight and have fewer symptoms of depression.
Fit in 60+
School-age kids and teens (ages 6-17) should try to get at least 60 minutes per day of moderate- to vigorous-intensity activity. It can be broken up into shorter sessions throughout the day.
Live Healthy
Keep kids active at home and at school. Support physical education, walkable communities and safe places to play. Their future health depends on it.
Sit less and move more.
Learn more at heart.org/movemore and https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living.
All information retrieved from the American Heart Association, Inc.
February is also National Dental Health Month! Here are a few tips to remember:
Brush 2x’s per day with fluoride toothpaste
Floss at least once per day
Limit sugary beverages and snacks
Visit your dentist regularly, recommendation is every 6 months
***** Remember, a dental examination is required for school in Kindergarten and Grade 3, per the State of Pennsylvania. Dental reminder forms will be coming home this month, if you have not submitted a Dental Exam form for your child for kindergarten or third grade. Please keep an eye out for a possible “yellow” form from the school nurse in your child’s Wednesday Express.
Thank you and wishes for a happy, healthy and safe month!
Valerie Breiner, RN, Certified School Nurse
Sharon Beyer, RN, Staff Nurse
(215) 364-5970 Ext. 15025
The Counselor's Corner
Parenting classes are starting on February 22nd. All parents are invited to participate. We will meet from 9-10 am on Friday mornings and we are using the Systematic Training for Effective Parenting program (S.T.E.P.) If you are interested, please refer to the e-alerts to print and return the interest form! The classes are free and facilitated by both Mr. Immerman and Mrs. Ward.
Both counselors offer FISH groups (Families in Separate Homes). If you are interested in your child participating and they are not currently attending a group, please reach out to your counselor.
The Splash Club Community Service group is continuing our weekly Wednesday meetings. Currently we are promoting Pennies for Patients which benefits the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Your child will come home with a collection box to fill with spare change and bring back to school. There are numerous competitive incentive programs so be on the lookout for that information. This drive continues through February.
We are looking forward to our next Project-Operation Helping Hand! The entire school community will be collecting non perishable items for the food pantries in Bucks County. Members of the Splash Club will promote the campaign. The collection will be held the week of March 5th-12th Please check your child’s Wednesday Express for information.
Guidance lessons are currently being held in grades K, 2 and 5. The topics for these lessons are as follows:
Kindergarten: Listening skills and expression of feelings
Second Grade: Communication: Standing up for yourself in an assertive, respectful way.
Fifth Grade-Cliques and peer pressure
As always if you have any questions please feel free to reach out to either of our counselors.
Bob Immerman - Grades 3, 4, 5
(215) 364-5970 x 15031
immero@centennialsd.org
Christi Ward - Grades K, 1, 2
(215) 364-5970 x15030
The Reading Corner
Picture This! Using Mental Imagery While Reading
One way to help a child comprehend what he is reading is to encourage him to visualize parts of the story in his mind. These “mind movies” help clarify information and increase understanding, and can be done with fiction or nonfiction text. The images can include any of the five senses.
Many of the books you read with your child may already contain beautiful illustrations, so try this visualization practice with the longer books you use as your read aloud. Or, sit facing your child and read a few pages without having your child look at the pictures. Then follow these few simple steps to provide your child with practice developing their mental images:
• Begin reading. Pause after a few sentences or paragraphs that contain good descriptive information.
• Share the image you’ve created in your mind, and talk about which words from the book helped you “draw” your picture. Your picture can relate to the setting, the characters, or the actions. By doing this, you are modeling the kind of picture making you want your child to do.
• Talk about how these pictures help you understand what’s happening in the story.
• Continue reading. Pause again and share the new image you created. Then ask your child to share what he sees, hears, tastes, smells and feels. Ask what words helped him create the mental image and emotions. By doing this, you are providing your child with practice with this new skill.
• Are your images identical? Probably not! This is a great time to talk about why your images might be different. Perhaps your child went on a school field trip or had a school assembly that changed the way they created the picture in their mind. Perhaps experiences you’ve had as an adult influenced what you “drew.” These differences are important to understand and respect.
• Read a longer portion of text and continue the sharing process.
• Once this is a familiar skill, encourage your child to use mental imagery when she is reading by herself. You can feel confident that these mental pictures will help your child understand the story in an important way.
For more ideas on using mental imagery, read “Pictures in the Minds: Magicians and Elephants” www.ReadingRockets.org/articles/34040
Music
Congratulations to the Davis musicians who were selected to participate in the Elementary Honor Band, Honors Orchestra, and Honors Chorus! These students will perform during Centennial’s Fine Arts Week celebration in May.
Honors Band Members are Luke M, Addison N, Cooper W, Zoe V, Tyler S, Ava W, Ryan F, Jordan L, Thomas S, Alisa G, Halie S, Aidan W, Haley, Haley D, Mason P, Michael K.
Honors Orchestra Members are Dillan S, Cailyn G, Julia M, Chase S, Maya C, Madelyn D, Breanna D, Cailey F, Kiera M, Kasiana C, Keira P, Margot V, Bailey K, Makayla F, Julia Z, and Sophia R.
Honors Chorus members are Kaitlin A, Gianna B, Sophie B, John C, Ava C, Allie D, Brea D, Logan G, Cailyn G, Breanna H, Lucy K, Riley K, Mark K, Amelia L, Aubrey L, Emily M, Gabriella M, Megan M, Amelia M, Ruth N, Gina R, Sophia R, Mia R, Samantha R, Milana S, Margot V, David W, Haley W, and Rebekah Z.
From The Cafeteria
Reminder-Absences
While coming to school each and every day is important, it is equally important to monitor our children’s health. If a child is sick, please keep him/her home. Our teachers will work with students who have fallen ill to make sure they do not fall behind in the classroom.
If your child is absent from school, you will be notified via a voice message that will come to the primary phone number listed in Skyward. In addition, an email will be sent to the first email address listed in Skyward. Please be sure that your phone number and email address is updated in Skyward. If an automated call is made, and you believe it to be in error, please call the main office of the school. Automated calls and emails may still occur even if you’ve contacted the school regarding the absence. Absence notes will still be required. You can send a written note in with your child on the day that he or she returns to school. You can also email the excuse note to DAAttendance@centennialsd.org . This email address is dedicated to receiving these notes. If you have any questions regarding this change, please call the main office at (215) 441-6000 x 15010
Late Arrivals
Davis Dolphins
Each week names are drawn from our Davis Dolphins container as a way to recognize and celebrate our students for demonstrating trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, care, and citizenship. Congratulations to Raya T, Lance M, Elena B, Aidan Z, Rylee B, Jenna Y, Haven H, Savannah D, Megan M, Adrianna V, Kaiden M, Lucas K, Joshua H, Austin B, James R, Patrick K, Billy S, Sadie S, Daniella D, Mia M, Jose G, Amelia M, Liam M, Breanna H, Isabella N, Hunter M, Kenny J, Gianna Z, Bradley C, Leigh G, Emilia K, Hayden P, Karmella S, Maddy D, Jojo Y, Jenna I, Hunter M, Ayary P-A, Eva M, Stephen C, Rocco G, Olivia L, Anna Z, Zoe G, Arda O, Aubrey L, Halie S, Gavin A, Alex T, Aviyanna P, Grant L, Chase C, John H, Myles W, Silas R, Erik M, Emily M, Rylee M, Michael B, Valerie L. Way to go, boys and girls!
Wednesday Express
Each Wednesday, your child’s teacher will send home the Wednesday Express envelope. Please take a moment to remove, read, review the contents, and return the envelope to school the next day. Your signature on the outside of the envelope lets us know that you received it. We also recommend that everyone continue to check the eFolder on a regular basis.
Teacher's Corner - Mr. Rothman's Class
Teacher's Corner - Mrs. Beecher's Class
In science, second graders in Mrs. Beecher's class created solid towers. The students were given rubber bands, paper cups, straws, twist ties, cardboard squares, and popsicle sticks to create their tower. The second graders worked in pairs or groups of 3. Their towers needed to be taller than 30 cm.
Help Davis every time you shop at Amazonsmile or Shoprite Warminster
By selecting Centennial Education Foundation as your charity when shopping at Amazonsmile 0.5% of eligible purchases go to the Centennial Education Foundation. Centennial Education Foundation (CEF) provides enriching educational opportunities, programs, and projects to expand and enhance the basic, well-rounded education offered by the district.
By shopping at ShopRite of Warminster through the Shop From Home Fundraiser. 15% of your bill is donated to the Centennial Education Foundation. CEF donates 20% of our school's proceeds to our Home & School Association.
Birthday Club
Each month Mr. Doster recognizes students who have birthdays during that month by giving them a special pencil and posing for a photo with them. This month February birthdays were recognized.
Calendar
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10ESiHVhzzN5MCFtlyngch-hcL7hy7Ixiw6vhEg0juSY/edit?usp=sharing
Davis Elementary School
Website: centennialsd.org
Phone: 215-364-5970