From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Wednesday, November 1^st, is a Staff Development Day for all teachers in the Saugus Union School District.  This ongoing training that occurs twice a year keeps our teachers abreast of new instructional strategies, curriculum, classroom management, technology and trends in education.  This is a pupil free day.

Here are a few safety tips for families that participate in Halloween activities:

“Halloween may be one of the most dangerous nights of the year for kids as pedestrians,” according to the National SAFE KIDS Campaign.  Daylight savings has ended, and the roads are much darker earlier.  Children are four times more likely to suffer a pedestrian-related accident on Halloween than any other night of the year.  And while it is important for all children to remember to obey the rules of the road, all drivers need to be extra cautious this Halloween night.More ...

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

How many hours of sleep do children need each night?  If you answered “seven or eight,” your kids may be among millions of sleep-deprived American youngsters.  Actually, the ideal amount of sleep for children in elementary school is nine to ten hours per night.   Like adults, they suffer when they don’t get enough sleep.  It is in their best interest to make sure they sleep well:

·         Calm down.  Regular exercise too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep.

·         Set a schedule.  It’s a good idea to have them keep the same bedtime and wake-up time every day.

·         Say “good night” at 9:00pm.

·         Be firm.  Make sure they understand that complaining about bedtime isn’t going to get them anywhere.

·         Beware of caffeine.  Many popular drinks are loaded with caffeine, a stimulant that can affect sleep.

·         Promote bedtime reading.

It’s hard enough for a child to get by with too little sleep for one or two nights, but it’s even harder when sleep deprivation becomes a nightly habit.  Children who get eight hours of sleep each night when their bodies need nine or ten hours wind up losing an entire night’s sleep every five days.

Children who have persistent sleep problems may have a sleep disorder.  You should discuss them with your family doctor or pediatrician.

 

Fifth Grade:  Concerns: 1. “We are very unhappy with the fact that children can not sit with their friends on their lunch hour.  Children need to unwind and eat with whomever they choose.”  Students eat with their classes and earn class points for their classroom.   This way teachers can support yard duties when behavior issues come up.  Sixth grade students can earn the privilege of sitting wherever they want. 2.“Parent gossip.”  Gossip is a concern in any setting but especially in the parent community.  When parents talk among themselves, the information sometimes contains hearsay and can be detrimental to students and their families as well.  If you have a concern that relates to your child, please go straight to the teacher.  Strengths: “Great communication and staff.” “Good leadership, teachers care about students.”

Have a great week!

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

 

Construction Update

The cement drainage project adjacent to the two-story building was completed More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Is it any wonder that young children (who still don’t have much experience at being judged by strangers) sometimes have a genuine fear of report cards? 

Reports cards shouldn’t come as a big surprise.  Each child is normally kept fully aware of his or her teachers’ expectations and how well they are being met.  But as a parent, you, too, should have a good general idea of your child’s school performance before the report card arrives.

 

Here are some tips for helping your child experience as little “report card stress” as possible:

     Talk about your child’s progress throughout the year.  Pay attention to homework and tests.  Ask your child how he or she is doing.  If you suspect any problems, don’t hesitate to get in touch with teachers.

     Put report cards in perspective.  Children want to please their parents, and a parent’s disappointment often hurts more than any poor grade.  Try to praise your child for what he or she does well.

     Offer praise for work that’s well done.  Encourage your child to improve in those areas where the grades are low.

     Find out the real reason for any low grades.  For some children, doing poorly in school can also be a bid for your attention. It also could be too much television, not having a quiet place to study, or a personal problem?  If it is one of these, try to talk it over with your child.

     Don’t take your child’s achievements for granted.  When a report card brings good tidings, your child deserves to be praised for the effort and the results.  The key is to recognize them when they in fact fulfill our high expectations. 

     Make allowances for setbacks.  Even the best student may not earn A’s all the time.  Children, like their adult parents, also have good days and bad days.

     Accentuate the positive.  Be supportive and look to the future.  Help your child get used to the idea of showing you his or her report card and talking it over.  After all, there are many more report cards to come!

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

 

Turkey Trot –Sixth Grade Only

Thursday, November 16^th, is the annual Sixth Grade Turkey Trot.  This is your More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

 

Comments from 2006 Parent Survey

 

Welcome Miss Madeline our new crossing guard.  Thank you for making her feel welcomed.  Her highest priority is keeping our children safe!

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

 

Turkey-Trot Update

WOW!  On Thursday, November 16^th, Skyblue Mesa’s 6^th Grade students More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter