Family Cougar Connect
Newsletter #7 November 4, 2022
We wrapped up October with some great memories and fun! Sprit week was energizing, Trunk of Treat was a hoot, and students have been motivated by the friendly envelope drive class competition. I wanted to extend my gratitude to our PTA executive board and event chairs for organizing such an a phenomenal experience for our students and families. Your hard work does not go unnoticed.
As we begin a new month, we have an opportunity to continue learning, growing and celebrating together. Please read the rest of our newsletter for more information on upcoming events in our community.
Warmly,
Brooke and Alison
Community Shoutouts
Thank you Lizzie and Karla for helping me set up this Ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos.
Please feel free to click this video and learn more about Dia de los Muertos.
Principal Updates
Family Cultural Engagement Survey
As a school we want to do a better job at elevating our students and the rich culture and traditions they carry down from their ancestors. We need your help! Our hope is to bring joy, knowledge and love about cultural celebrations into our community. We appreciate your contributions and participation with filling out this survey.
Please complete the survey to help us learn more about you and your families cultural celebrations that as a family you practice. https://forms.office.com/r/YWQ74ExnJT
Connections with the Principals
We had our first connections with the principal last month. It is my goal to alternate connections with the principal each month. This upcoming month I will be partnering with our PTA to host a family potluck on Wednesday, November 30th @ 6:00 PM. This will also be an opportunity for you to stop by our book fair and add some new books to you home library.
Recess clothing
Please help your child to dress appropriately for Washington recess weather….rain! Thank you for sending your child to school with warm rain jackets and weather-sturdy shoes. It is a huge help and keeps our students dry.
Veterans Day Assembly
This Wednesday is our Veterans Day Assembly from 8:10am to 8:40am.
As a school community we will be honoring our Veterans. During this event each grade will be singing!
During the assembly, we are going try something new and host a live stream. If you would like to tune in from home, work or anywhere else you may be, we would love to have you join virtually and provide us feedback on how we can continue this practice in the future.
To join simply click on this link:
Safety Reminders during Arrival and Dismissal
As the weather gets colder we will begin to see an increase in traffic. This happens because more families choose to drive their child to school due to colder weather weather and on rainy days unloading may take longer. I have heard about and witnessed an increase in unsafe parent driving. This unsafe driving is not okay and does not keep our students safe. I will be sending out a separate message to continue reminding families of the expectation for arrival and dismissal procedures.
Monthly Safety Drill Practice
This month, we will be conducting a lockout drill and practicing quickly securing the building.
A lockout is different from a lockdown. A lockout is used when there is no direct danger to the school, but there may be something potentially dangerous in the area around the school. For example, if a bear was spotted in the neighborhood or if there was police activity near the school.
During a lockout, students are brought inside and all exterior doors are locked. Inside, classes continue, but staff maintain a heightened level of awareness in case there is a change in the situation.
Please talk with your student about preparing for emergencies and disasters. Encourage them to talk about their concerns and express their feelings. Emphasize that even though sometimes things happen that we may not expect, there are lots of things we can do to help us stay safe.
For more information on talking to your child about school safety, you might want to visit the website https://www.mhanational.org/talking-kids-about-school-safety.
Focus Virtue of the Month
Our focus Virtue of the Month for November is gratitude. Gratitude is being thankful for what you have. It is appreciating the little things which happen around you and within you every day. It is being aware of the gifts in your life. Gratitude brings contentment and joy. It helps you to find the good in whatever happens. With Gratitude you keep a positive outlook and you can see the good in others and in our world.
Practice Gratitude this month as a family!
https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC_Happiness_Calendar_November_2022.pdf
Spotlight on Native American Heritage Month
November is Native American Heritage Month
In 1990, a joint resolution was approved by President George H.W. Bush, which called for November to be named National Native American Heritage Month. Native American Month started as a day of appreciation and acknowledgment for the unique contributions made by the first Americans for the growth and establishment of the United States. Eventually it grew to become a monthlong observance.
During the month we explore the heritage, culture and experience of Native American peoples both historically and in American life today.
Resources for educators can be found through the Native American Heritage Month government website. This web portal is a collaborative project of the Library of Congress and the National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institute, United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
Additional web resources include:
November Dates to Remember
District and Clyde Hill Observance: Native American Heritage Month
- 11/1/2022 – Día de los Muertos
- 11/7/2022 – End of First Quarter
- 11/8/2022 – Election Day
- 11/11/2022 – Veterans Day. No School. All district offices closed.
- 11/14-11/18 – American Education Week
- 11/16/2022 – Education Support Professionals Day
- 11/18/2022 – America Recycles Day
- 11/18 -- School picture retakes
- 11/24-11/25/2022 – Thanksgiving. No School. All district offices closed.
- 11/28-12/2 -- BOOK FAIR
11/30 -- Book Fair Family Night/Family Potluck