Dear Parents, Students, and Community Members,
As we welcome December at LACS Elementary School, there is excitement in the air as we embrace the fun indoor activities and the crisp outdoor fun that winter brings.
You can create a Winter Reading Wonderland at home. It is such a great time to dive into a good book. Mrs. Dykeman always has a great display of seasonal books in our library. Students can read in class, during library time, and especially at home.
Families can always set aside 15-20 minutes each evening for reading time. Not only does it build skills, but it also creates cherished, quiet moments during the winter months.
I also encourage families to spend time outside! There is no better way to enjoy the season than by getting out there and having fun! There are ways to make the most out of winter with many safe outdoor activities. Children can always create snow sculptures including forts and snowmen, nature walks seeing what plants and animals are out there in the winter, sledding, snowshoeing, and skiing.
Let’s make this winter memorable filled with warmth, kindness and joyful learning.
I wish you and your family the happiest of holiday seasons this year. January will be here before we know it and we will return from the busy holiday season to soon conclude the second quarter.
As always, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help build the partnership between home and school for you. I thoroughly enjoy working, along with the elementary staff, with the children in the community and look forward to watching them learn and grow!
Respectfully,
Philomena B. Goss
Elementary Principal
Dress for Cold Temperatures
Please be sure to dress your elementary student warmly during the winter months. For recess time, children will need warm jackets, boots, snow pants, hats, and mittens. We do go outside for recess in the winter unless the temperature is too cold. We appreciate your cooperation with this issue. Please be sure your child is dressed appropriately when he/she leaves in the morning. If your child is missing any outdoor clothing, please remind them to check the Lost & Found.
Student Drop-off and Pick-up
Students arriving to school before 8:15 will be outside until 8:15 when walkers are allowed in the building. Please do not drop students off early, especially during these cold winter months. For afternoon pick-up, students must be picked up by 3:10 to avoid long stays in the cold.
Elementary Summer Reading Challenge
Over fifty elementary students “took the challenge” to read over summer vacation. Students chose various reading activities to complete and read many interesting books, logging each one on their reading chart. Students earned points for each reading activity and book they read. This fall, students who completed a certain amount of activities were then rewarded with a “coin” to be used in our new book vending machine. With the help of Mrs. Dykeman, students were able to then select a book of their choice from the vending machine. What a nice reward for all their hard work and a fun way to celebrate reading!
Family Holiday Survival Tips!
With the holidays fast approaching, families can easily become overwhelmed by all the shopping, baking, traveling, and other additions to the normal family routine. Although it involves a lot of fun, too much extra can lead to stress! Here are some tips on how to reduce stress during the holidays:
- Make a list of all of the things that you and your family need to do.
- Prioritize your list; feel free to cross out any activities that you feel are not necessary.
- Remember to include special time for your immediate family.
- Try to limit the amount of time spent with family members who tend to cause ill feelings.
- When you must be around such a family member, try to steer the conversation away from unpleasant topics or past fights.
- Smile! Try to remain positive even if you are feeling negative feelings inside.
- Include specific games, activities, or toys for children in your gatherings. Children cannot be expected to sit quietly and listen to adult conversation.
- Try to keep a schedule for your children. Let them know what the plan is for the day and try to stick to it.
- If traveling, allow each child to bring a favorite toy or comfort item from home.
- Don’t forget to include time for rest in everyone’s schedule! This may include naps for younger children or quiet time (reading, puzzles, quiet games) for older children.
- If possible, keep your child’s normal bedtime consistent.
- Enjoy this special time of the year and know that January is just around the corner!
Happy Holidays from Mrs. Ortlieb, School Psychologist
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