The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1489842
Winslow Elementary Indians Moments From the desk of Principal Rick King, Petersburg Elementary School Optimism often surfaces when there is a new begin- ning or a change. It is a fresh opportunity, a hopeful future. We all hope for good things for our kids, our families, and our friends. school begins in august after a summer break. students and staff, as well as parents, anticipate that things will be at least a lit- tle different from the previ- ous year. January starts a new calendar year. What does 2023 have in store for us? We hope good things. you may have heard the illustra- tion of a little boy that had strong faith. He was very optimistic. He was outside playing, and pretending he was pulling something behind him. When his mother asked him what he was doing, he told her he was pull- ing his little red wagon. she said she did not see a little red wagon. He said, "Can't you see it? It is right here." He was very optimistic that he was going to get a little red wagon. In his mind, he already had it. We all realize just because we want something, it does not nec- essarily mean we will get it. However, a positive and optimistic mindset, along with working on and focusing on a goal, will certainly point that direction. a new grading period/semester can bring opportu- nities for students and school stakeholders. students have an opportunity to start out with a clean slate. From that first assignment, they can determine to do their best on the assignment, and get it turned in on time. When students get behind on their lessons and assignments, it makes it harder for them to learn new content. We need to keep our kids encouraged to focus and do their best academically and behaviorally. We can be optimistic and positive toward school, and model the positivity for our kids. Hopefully, that positive and optimistic mindset will rub off on them and point them in a good direction. We want them to know there is a bright future out there for them. about half of our students finished their iready for- mative assessments before Christmas break. The rest of the students will be completing them very soon. We use this information to see where students place ac- ademically with specific content. Iready data is re- viewed and used as a guide to target areas that need work, and is used in grades kindergarten through fifth grades. state testing will begin with third grade in March with Iread3. We will be getting some information to second grade parents soon about involving second grade students this year. ILearn will begin in april for grades 3-5 at the elementary level. Our fifth grade basketball and cheerleading is under- way and will have games in January. We wish everyone a happy and successful new year! Eskimo Moments From the desk of Principal Aaron Meyer, Winslow Elementary School We have a mantra we repeat every day during morn- ing announcements declaring that we are "eskimo Tough." We need to be eskimo tough because teaching and learning is an unpre- dictable and ever-changing interaction between human beings. There is a great Inuit (eskimo) saying, "There are two plans to be honored every day: My plan and the Mystery's plan. as we head into the spring semes- ter and reflect on what we have accomplished we con- tinue to focus on creating a 21st-century education for the students at Winslow that involves us seeing and thinking differently. Being "eskimo Tough" boils down to four basic prin- ciples: show up or choose to be present, pay attention to what has heart and meaning, tell the truth without blame or judgment, and be open rather than attached to the outcome. Within that, there are teaching principles that we work toward to create a learning environment that meets the needs of all learners and helps to prepare them for the world of the future. These principles help students on their path to building and growing that toughness. Purpose: What is the purpose of school? We believe the purpose is to live outside the walls of schools. stu- dents spend 80% of their school-age years outside of school. We need to ensure they are prepared for the challenges that the world holds. Engagement: Great teachers set up lessons that en- gage our students creating meaningful experiences, thoughts, and ideas for students to question. That abil- ity to question and ask great questions helps students to navigate their school years and beyond. Inquiry: "Inquiry" is defined as "a seeking for truth, information, or knowledge; seeking information by questioning." an old adage states: "Tell me and I for- get, show me and I remember, involve me and I under- stand." We want students who push themselves and our teachers through their involvement throughout the school day. Exploration: Our teachers strive to create engaging lessons that spark student interest. Our teachers work to create instructional tasks that motivate students to desire to know something more! Interdependence: although a hallmark of our country has been individualism, and there is a certain mystic to rugged individualism, it is fairly obvious that our world is becoming smaller and feels more intimately connect- ed. success in schools, vocations, and communities in the 21st century can be defined by the ability to work and live in an interdependent manner. We wrapped the semester with the traditional hol- iday-themed classroom parties to celebrate what we accomplished the first semester and to make sure we have the opportunity to pause and reflect. The rest from the break will rest and ensure we are ready to go in 2023 to continue engaging with our students as they become the next generation of 21st Century Citizens. Santa came to visit and Gracie Hornby got to tell him her Christmas wish list. Fifth graders Jacson Taylor and Axel Nalley wrap Beau Kellams during the Christmas wrap party game. Allison Gromer beats Carson Houchin to the last chair during their musical chairs Christmas party game. Third graders with their ugly sweaters were Reagan Drew, Trinity Gross, Khloee Bolin, Khloe Nixon and Li- am Hook. The Grinch visited all the classrooms. He stole presents and passed out candy! Wearing their ugly sweaters are: fifth graders Tate Pauw, Taytum Fenwick, Neva Schilling, Piper Thompson, Ebony Mason, Axel Nalley, Ayva Rich- ardson, Travis Barrett, the Grinch and Ava Seger. Youth First By Sarah Audu Handling the terrible twos It seems all new par- ents are warned about the much-dreaded "terrible twos." I have reflected upon my own journey as a new mom and have given this phrase much thought and consideration. Throughout pregnancy, new parents dream of what their child will be like, and their love for this child is al- ready indescribable. When the child is born, our love for them only grows a mil- lion times more. at the same time, parents are trying to figure out how to care for a tiny human, which is a pro- cess full of self-doubt and deep emotions. society understands that having a newborn is hard, and support is commonly shown to new parents. Is that same support always given to parents when their baby grows into a toddler? Imagine a time when you've seen a toddler throw a tantrum at the grocery store. situations like those can of- ten be viewed as annoying, obnoxious, or simply the re- sult of bad parenting. now that I am the mother of a two- year-old, I have more respect for parents raising toddlers, because this phase is not for the weak! (LOL) Behavioral tantrums can include kicking, hitting, cry- ing, screaming, throwing themselves on the ground, rolling around, and more. Tantrums may be triggered by something that upset the child, such as being to ld "no," or can occur for seem- ingly no reason at all. These negative behavioral outbursts are extremely de- feating for parents. Parents are typically putting their best effort towards teaching their children to behave pos- itively, make good choices, communicate effectively, and calm down when they are upset. In my own experience, I try my best to teach my child positive social-emotional skills and practice these things with him daily. How- ever, that did not stop him from screaming, kicking, and refusing to walk with me when we were trying to leave a restaurant. One arm was carrying a heavy infant seat with my 8 -month-old, and my other arm was carrying my toddler, who was still screaming and refusing to walk. I received many annoyed stares from bystanders, and the looks on their faces just communicat- ed, "Why can't you get him to stop?" I was trying every- thing. I felt so defeated. I am forever grateful for the woman who stopped me right before I reached the door and said, "Would you care if I helped you?" What needs to be remem- bered is that toddlers are still trying to figure out this big world. They are trying to learn to communicate and express themselves. They are trying to find their inde- pendence. as I reflect on my experi- ences, the word that comes to mind is "grace." as adults and parents, we should put more effort into showing grace to toddlers as they nav- igate the world. We should show more grace to other parents, as they are trying their best. Lastly, we should be intentional about show- ing grace to ourselves, as we have earned it as well. Sarah Audu, MSW, LSW, is a Youth First Social Worker at Stockwell Elementary School in Vanderburgh County. To learn more about Youth First, visit youthfirstinc.org or call 812-421-8336. Wednesday, Januar y 4, 2023 The Press-Dispatch C-4 SCHOOL Submit school news items: Call: 812-354-8500 Email: schoolnews@pressdispatch.net