School-wide Theme: Community (soon to change to Problem Solving)
Morning All! I hope you enjoyed the amazing weekend. We had a super busy week last week and I’m hopeful you can better settle into routines this week with less interruptions.
A few notes to get you going: 1) FOA is treating us all to lunch this Thursday, October 3. El Sancho!
2) We kick off Cafe Amity this week, coordinated by Gina (thank you Gina!!!). Grade 5 hosts. Cafe will be from 7:25 to 7:45am. I’ll do my very best to get everyone into Community Time as quickly as possible.
3) DIBELS on Wednesday morning.
4) SIW this week is site based. We’ll meet for a few minutes to gather info about your daily schedules, discuss the new school wide theme for the month (Problem Solving), and then you’ll have the rest of the time to continue to dive into EL planning.
5) Picture Day is this Friday!
6) Book Fair is next week, look for a detailed email coming Tuesday. Please read it all the way through and let me know if there are concerns about the plan.
7) Our first visiting artist, Sarah Swoffer, who created the portrait project last year will be here October 15 and 18. Like last year she’ll be working with students during their enrichment time.
8) Amity Eats, our dine out for Amity program, kicks off this week. This doesn’t impact the school day as all the events are in the evening. Information will be going out to families today. Just so you know, October 3 is at El Sancho, October 24 is at Pastini’s, and November 21 is MOD Pizza.
9) Harvest Festival is Saturday, October 19th. As always you are invited to join in the fun, but it is not required. Please be sure to include the date in your weekly communications with parents. Of course I’ll be sending out info as well, especially to recruit volunteers. Thanks!
It’s Week 4…wowza! The first 3 weeks were amazing and it feels like we are off to one of the best starts in years!
Not much to share from my weekend, I spent most of the time resting and trying to get healthy. I hope you had a lot more fun than I did!
Running Club is back, and such a fun community builder!
A few notes to get you going, another busy week: 1) Camp Amity on Monday and Tuesday! Busses will be her between 9 and 9:30am.
2) NO Invitations Monday as we’ll just be getting back from Camp.
3) SIW this week is site based and will include some Teacher Collaboration Time. 1:15pm in Brian’s room.
4) Pancake Breakfast on Friday starting at 7am. Please come earlier if you are able to help prep everything. Community Time will be a little on the later side since we have to get cleaned up–we’ll do this as quickly as possible. We’ll need to get tables folded up and cook stations put away so let’s do a morning recess in between.
5) Friendly reminder about Community Jobs: *Kinder/Grade 1: Playground clean-up *Grade 2: Library caretakers *Grade 3: Hallway waste patrol *Grade 4: Green Team waste station *Grade 5: Office and cafeteria support
6) IMPORTANT: Lockdown Drill this Thursday at 9am. Remember it’s “Locks, Lights, Out of sight”. Door must be locked, lights must be off, and students must be out of sight. As we have done every year, this is something you must practice ahead of time. Have the kids practice being out of sight and then stand outside your classroom looking in and see if they are in fact out of sight. Communication is going out to parents first thing this week, see below:
Hello Creeker Families, We will be conducting a Lockdown Drill this Thursday morning. Lockdown drills prepare our students and staff for unexpected situations that may arise, such as unwanted guests or other safety threats. These drills help everyone understand the protocols to follow, and by practicing we minimize confusion and promote calmness. Additionally, drills foster a sense of security among students, knowing that we are prepared and can respond effectively when needed.
We use the phrase “Locks, Lights, Out of sight” during this drill—locking the door, turning off lights, and having a place in the classroom that is out of sight of the classroom door window. Each classroom has designated a space for this situation and teachers will review this with students. We emphasize that we practice lockdown drills just like we practice earthquake and fire drills at school so that we know exactly what to do to stay safe in an emergency.
In terms of explaining why we do lockdown drills teachers will frame the discussion around the possibility that we may have an unwanted visitor in the building who hasn’t signed in and we want to clear the hallways and find a secure place to wait while we locate the person and remove them from the building. I want to emphasize that this is not an “active shooter drill” nor do we discuss school shootings as part of this drill. For most children in Grades 1-5 this is not something new, they have done lockdown drills each year they have been at school. For our Kindergarten students this is likely something new and they may have more questions than older students. Below are some talking points that you may want to share with your child: *Prepare your children by setting expectations. You know your child best and your guidance will help them. Let them know that school is a safe place and that part of the job of teachers and school staff is to practice safety skills. “Just like you practice fire drills at school, you also practice lockdown drills so that you know exactly what to do to stay safe in an emergency.”
*Let your child know the school made you aware that there was a lockdown drill scheduled for this week. Children feel safer when they know that families and schools are working together.
*Let your child know that schools perform lockdown drills each year and that they are announced as a drill.
*Make connections to safety habits you already practice. Explain that the lockdown drill is another safety habit just like the many safety habits you do on a regular basis; for example, wearing seatbelts and bike helmets. Though it may not be new to your child, the lockdown drill will be best learned through practicing.
*Follow your child’s lead. If they seem worried or uncomfortable, help them to identify their feelings and talk with them about ways of handling them. For example, taking a few deep breaths, reminding themselves the drill will end soon, asking the teacher for help, or staying close to a friend.
*Consider your child’s unique needs. If you are concerned about how your child will handle the lockdown drill, reach out to us and partner with your child’s teacher to address your concerns.
*Ask if they would like to talk about it and let their comments guide you. Children process events in many ways. Some children would prefer not to talk about it, which is okay, too. Some children may simply want to spend some together in a shared activity with few words. Young children often process through their play. If they share that they felt okay about the drill, reinforce that the purpose of the drill is to keep them safe by knowing what to do. If they share that they felt scared, sad, or nervous, acknowledge the feeling while directing the student towards positive coping skills. “Yes, sometimes we all have scary feelings. What helps you to feel safer when you are scared?” Some things that may help them feel safer might include knowing their teacher is there with them, or knowing they have responded in a way that will keep them safe. You can also share a time when you felt scared and what helped you get through it.
*Maintain routines. Following your typical home routines helps everyone feel calm and safe. Most children, when confronted with challenging feelings, will feel better with the passage of time and returning to their familiar routines.
If at any point you have concerns and would like to follow up with the school, please reach out. All of us at school are here to support your child and you!
Hey Y’all, It’s week 3 already! The first two weeks were really fantastic and the community vibe is quite amazing. Thanks again for all the love and energy you put into welcoming kiddos and families back to school!
I had a great weekend with lots of good social time with family and friends. Saturday included a BBQ with these two…(that’s Lola, one of our new 3rd graders–she’s awesome!)
I hope you had a great weekend, too!
A few notes to get you rolling: 1) Bus Evacuation drill today at 9am–busses will be parked along Broadway! Usually takes 20(ish) minutes in all.
2) Back to School Night is this Wednesday, September 18. 5:30-6:10 in classrooms. 40 minutes, gotta be efficient with your time–focus on what’s most important/what parents most want to hear about. 6:15-6:30 in the gym to sign up for volunteer opportunities. Please make sure that parents are in the gym by 6:15pm.
Here are the Back to School Slides if you are interested. Childcare will be provided on the playground for school age children–thank you Karima and Diane!
3) Staff meeting on Tuesday starting at 2:30pm in the usual spot. Add to the agenda here: Staff Meeting Agenda. Who would like to volunteer to lead a quick warm up?
4) SIW is Teacher Directed this week–enjoy the time!
5) Vision Screening on Thursday-all grades. This usually goes fairly quickly. We’ll start at 8:30am.
6) New Buddies start this week until October 25. Pairings: K/5, 1/4, 2/3
7) We have our annual Lockdown Drill next week. I’ll be sending information out to you and to parents soon in preparation of the drill. Please be on the lookout.
8) Camp Amity next week, Monday and Tuesday! Make sure you have all permission slips in.
What an incredible first week! Thanks for all the energy and love that goes into making the first week so special! Y’all nailed it! Week 2 brings Monday Community Time back, Invitations, PE, and Enrichment–should be a very fun week!
At the retreat you all shared a goal that you have for this year. I want to share my goal that entails being able to answer the following 3 questions every day. Please help keep me honest in my daily assessment by letting me know when I don’t appear to be on the right track! 1) Who most needs my support today–children and adults? 2) How can I best support those in need today? 3) Am I leading with kindness, enthusiasm, and integrity; and, would I want to be under my leadership?
A few notes to get you rolling: 1) Monday Community Time is back (Mindful Monday) starting this week! As a reminder, we’re shooting for short and sweet when possible. Birthdays, celebrations (or touching on the monthly theme when there are no birthdays), and a song or mindful movement. Gina has generously volunteered to lead the mindful portion this week.
2) PE and Enrichment start this week. Please remember to escort your kiddos, it really helps with setting the tone and getting them off to a good start.
PE reminders: Please be sure students have their water bottles!
4) Invitations start today! I know you usually sign up at lunch but if you want to get a head start here’s the doc: Invitations 24-25
5) SIW this week is School-based. I’m setting this time aside for you to work on EL. I’d like to have a very short check-in meeting stating at 1pm and then the rest of the time is yours to dig deeper into EL, share resources that you are discovering, and get some of the planning and prep done.
6) Fire Drill on Thursday, 9am. Please make sure you have your class list, first aid, and Emergency booklet (red/green) ready to go.
7) Just getting this on your radar and making sure it works–Family Bingo Night on November 13 from 5:30-7pm. Brown bag dinner (or FOA pizza) from 5:30-6, then Bingo from 6-7pm.
8) Inside pick up begins this week: Monday-Kinder and Grade 1 Tuesday-Grades 3 and 5 Wednesday-ALL outside Thursday-Grades 2 and 4 Friday-ALL outside
9) Fall Outdoor Ed Trip Dates–Darek will reach out soon Patti is working on bus requests: Oct 7: Grade 4 Oct. 8: Grade 5 Oct. 10: Grade 3 Oct. 11: Grade 2
10) Creeker alumni Callie Thomas is considering a career in education and wants to see what it’s all about this year (her senior year!). She’s aiming to be here every week on her Silver Days (Summit High). Her first day will be this Monday (originally was going to be Thursday but she contacted us over the weekend). She has a good friend, Kenna, who is also planning to join her but will be in a different classroom. Callie is thinking Grades 3-5, Kenna is interested in the Youngers. Please put them to work! Thanks for welcoming them and showing them what an amazing profession education is.
11) Back to School Night is next Wednesday, September 18. 5:30-6:10 in classrooms, 6:15-6:30 in the gym to sign up for volunteer opportunities. The K-2 team has been keen to have a sample agenda and some slides to create a presentation. Sara got this one started, please feel free to use it if it will be helpful. Thank you Sara! Back to School Slides
It’s the first week! I always love the start of the school, so much promise lies ahead! A big thanks for the retreat last week, it felt so great to connect about some really important things at the heart of what we do!
A few notes to get you going these first 3 days:
*School-wide theme: Community…what else could it possibly be?!
2) We will have Community Time on the first day at 8:45am. Prior to bringing your students down please spend a few minutes (if you can!) setting expectations. Last week we talked about the importance of focussing on this– let’s start with the following traits of good audience members (this can also easily transfer to outside performers/experts who come to school). Asking your class what makes a good audience member would be a great way to start the conversation, and they will likely nail every one of these!
Good audience members: *Sit next to people they feel will also be good audience members *Quietly listen when the hosts/performers are speaking, singing, or performing *Let the hosts/performers know they appreciate their efforts by clapping and cheering when they are finished *Politely ask their neighbors to be quiet if needed *Leave their snacks and any toys in their classrooms
3) CT on Thursday this week will be hosted by K-2 teachers, on Friday by 3-5 teachers. Let’s set the tone by starting at 7:45am!
4) Please review Playground guidelines!
5) Reminder about our conversation regarding Choice Time: Students can stay in but must be in a classroom (more often than not, Frans’ room)
6) Here is the after school in-class pick up rotation for this year Mondays: Kinder and Grade 1 families Tuesdays: Grades 3 and 5 Wednesdays: ALL outside Thursdays: Grades 2 and 4 families Friday: ALL outside (Bread and Jam every other week–coming soon!)
Note: Kinder and Grade 1 families will do inside pick up every day the first week.
7) I sent you all an email about how we will approach gate duty–please read it!
8) Attendance: EAs will continue to take care of this each morning. Karima will do Kinder/Grade 5/Grade 4, Diane will do Grades 1/2/3. Please help them provide reasons for absences if you are in the know. Eventhough lunch is free we will still take a count every day. Thanks!
9) Afternoon duty help needed first day! Normally we don’t have afternoon Choice Time on Wednesdays, but we do on the first day. Since no one is assigned to duty on Wednesdays I kindly request that everyone try to be out on duty the first day–you’ll probably need the break and some fresh air! As a reminder, here’s the duty rotation–be sure to grab a vest and fanny pack, and have your keys and phone:K-2 Teachers (including Lauren) on Mondays and Thursdays, 3-5 Teachers and Haley on Tuesdays and Fridays.
10) Classroom agreements: Please make time this week to create classroom agreements with your classes, and find ways to tie it to Taking Care of Self/Others/Place.
11) As a reminder, Specials (Enrichment, PE) and Invitations start next week.
12) You will be provided with some paper work for each student to take home on the first day (including a Camp Amity permission slip). Please be sure it goes home and that you let parents know to expect it and to sign and return forms ASAP. Please collect and track the Camp Amity permission slips as they come in, and keep them in the folder. Please also collect all other forms and pass them along to Patti and she will track them.
13) Just FYI, a message about birthday treats went home to parents last week. It outlines the decision we made last year to discontinue treats in favor of other, more lasting ways of celebrating.
14) Speaking of treats…we’ll get Cafe Amity and Bread and Jam up and running in the next few weeks.
September Calendar As requested, here’s my first shot of including a calendar in my posts. I’m sure it will evolve, let’s see how it goes!
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
4-First Day, dismissal at 2:15pm
5
6
9
10
11-SIW
12-Fire Drill, 9am
13
16-Bus evacuation drill, 9am In house ICCL, 2:30
17-Staff Meeting, 2:30-3:15pm
18-SIW: TWD Back to School Night-5:30pm
19-Lion’s Vision Screen, 8:30
20
23-Camp Amity
24-Camp Amity
25-SIW/TCT
26 Lockdown, 9am
27-Pancake Breakfast, 7-8am
30
Here we go–let’s have an amazing, joy-filled year! Andy
