We are entering the final stretch of the 2016/2017 school year. The weather is beautiful, and the kids have worked hard this year. I know that they are ready for break but we aren't quite there yet...
Parents be sure to encourage your children to work hard and not rush or make careless mistakes. We have a lot left to learn, and our work is continuing to get more difficult. It is all too easy to slack off with the warm weather on its way.
I am also seeing an increased number of incidents of arguing, disrespect to teacher and classmates, bullying behavior and outright physical contact. The same is true of behavior in specials' classes as well, this week especially. In one special we had 9 students lose Dojo points and 3 students received an office referral with 2 more who, I am told, should have received one as well all within the one hour class period! Lessons in the classroom have been a struggle as well.
If I do not see a marked behavior from some students we may need to discuss field trip privileges being revoked. I am not comfortable sending students to spend the day in a place like the zoo with a parent in charge if they can not follow directions and show respect in a classroom setting. We want everyone to enjoy the zoo and the fun filled day, but safety and respect have to be a top priority.
Please understand that the majority of the class is doing well, and has been doing well. This behavior is greatly appreciated and to be commended. Please don't ask for specifics and further detail. Dojo will show problem areas, as will the color changes and referrals. Students should be able to tell you, as well, what kind of days they have had.
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Moving forward, I'd like to see everyone finish strong. We only have a few weeks left and I am confident we can end on a high note. Thank you so much for your cooperation and support.
Here are some tips to help your children during the final stretch:
`1. maintain and evening routine It can be tempting to let kids go to bed later as the daylight extends longer, and it begins feeling more like summer, but keeping to the same homework routine, dinner routine and bed time helps keep children in the school year mindset.
2. Enjoy the weather Once homework and chores are complete, be sure to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine with your child! Play tag, ride bikes, throw a baseball...have fun! We are cooped up inside school for a majority of the day and your children need to get their energy out and enjoy the beautiful weather. We spend enough time indoors at school. Be sure to play outside at home. Why not do homework out on the porch or even poolside?
3. Establish a countdown Our last day at TA is June 17 (half day). Consider doing a fun countdown of some sort so you and your child know just how many more days are left. Paper chains are fun! Tear off one paper link for each day until there are none left! Why not blow up a balloon for each day left and write on a number on it with a sharpie...pop one each day until the last day. Think advent calendar and switch it up for the last day of school. Be creative!
4. Stay interested and engaged As it’s only natural for children to lose focus, so it is with parents. Keep asking them questions about classroom life, their friends and about upcoming end-of-year activities. Whenever possible, use the names of their friends and ask specific questions. Don’t expect them to share unsolicited information.
5. Consider incentives While it is certainly an expectation that your child works hard and always tries their best, a little incentive for a strong finish can be fun for everyone! Celebrate their hard work and effort this year. Brainstorm a fun incentive for that final report card. It doesn't have to be extravagant or expensive by any means! A trip to a favorite park or the wave pool, a Blizzard from Dairy Queen or a Slurpee from 7-11, catch a movie together, let them pick out a new book from the store...the sky is the limit. Talk to your child and create a goal to work towards.
One of the most significant things we can teach our children is to finish what they start and to do so with strength and enthusiasm.