Goals in 5th Grade Check In

Our 5th graders went through an Eagles Leadership Training in November.  They set goals that they are working on that align with our Eagle expectations.  Today we held another check in with them to see how they are progressing and to revise/revamp any goals that might need to be adjusted.  I am pleased to say that the majority of our 5th graders are not only reaching their goals, but exceeding them.  We are so proud of their increased positive behaviors since this training!

                  WAY TO GO 5th GRADE!!!  KEEP UP THE FABULOUS WORK!!!

Lunch time fun and assessments

My schedule does not always allow for this but when it does I truly enjoy getting to have lunch time with small groups of students.  This week I was able to eat with 2nd, 4th and 5th graders.  During these lunches I can get a feel for what the kids think about their learning and school.  I am happy to report that this week all the students could share new learning, books and authors they are enjoying, fun plans in class and at home and sharing of things they'd like to see/do at school.  They had some great ideas for recess, assemblies and reading activities with the principal.  I plan to include these in upcoming plans for our school.  Great work students!

Mid-Winter assessments have been completed and you should expect before our President's Day break to receive information from your child's teacher on their progress.  Initial review shows some great gains.  I will be reviewing this data in the next week and talking with our team to determine instructional needs.  We will again assess in the Spring.

Have a fabulous weekend.  Stay warm and do some snuggling up to a good book!
Enjoy,
Mrs. E.

Dates to remember

Just a quick reminder that tomorrow Friday, January 18th is an early release day to allow for staff development.  Then on Monday, January 21st we have NO SCHOOL in observation of Martin Luther King's birthday.  School resumes on Tuesday at the regular time.

As we approach February, traditionally the peak flu time, I've included the healthy habits list we talk about with our students.  If you've questions about the flu please contact our school nurse at 413-4902.

Practicing good health habits can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu.  A list of prevention tips are provided here.

1.      Avoid close contact.  Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2.      Stay home when you are sick.  If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.

3.      Cover your mouth and nose.  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4.      Clean your hands.  Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5.      Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.  Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6.      Practice other good health habits.  Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Here's hoping we all stay well this school year!

Mrs. E

January 2013

We are off to a great start for second semester!

Today most of the school is running around in their PJ's as we celebrate coming back from WInter break and a great start to learning in 2013.

I hope our families are able to join us on Tuesday, Jan. 8th as we celebrate the hard work students have put forth in second quarter.

Tuesday, January 8th:
2:15pm - Kdg-2nd Awards
2:45pm - All school Responsibility Awards and Strings class performing
3:15pm - 3rd-5th Awards

Have a great January!
Mrs. E

Happy Winter Break!

We had kids in shorts last week at school and today we added an extra day to our break by having a snow day.  One can never tell in the midwest what to expect, but that's one of the reasons I love this area.

Our Winter break parties are rescheduled for Friday, January 4th at 3:00pm.  So many families were prepared for these so we don't want to disappoint anyone.

I wish all our West Englewood families a wonderful and safe Winter break! We look forward to seeing all back at school on Thursday, January 3rd to begin a second semester of increased learning.

Happy Winter Break!

Thoughts with fellow elementary school

Our thoughts are with our fellow educators, their students and school community following the school tragedy in Connecticut today.  Please know that our district and school will continue to review our safety procedures to maintain the safest environment possible for our students.

We will give extra high-fives, hugs and handshakes this coming week as we celebrate the wonderful students we have at West Englewood.  We want all to feel safe and secure in their learning environment.

AIRZONE FUN!

Excitement was in the air on Thursday night at the PTO sponsored AirZone event.  Slipping, sliding, jumping, shooting baskets, and air hockey challenges were a few of the activities kids were involved in.  
It was a fun night where fellow students and their families could enjoy some down time together.  Many included dinner in their night with pizza from Northern Lights being ordered.  I loved watching the interactions with the students and their families.  It was a great evening!