From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Everyone makes mistakes every day.  Sometimes people “catch” you at it, sometimes they don’t, but it’s how you deal with those goofs that are important.  Children, who are mortified whenever they make a boo-boo, whether on a school assignment or socially, develop poor self-images that can haunt them through life.  Here are a number of ways you can help your child deal with mistakes and criticism.

   “I,” not “You”:  The best way to make criticism more palatable is to rephrase it to reflect how the situation makes you feel, instead of casting blame on the child.

   Look for Positives:  Too often, busy parents take time only to spot and correct their child’s mistakes.  You can make the sting of criticism easier to handle if you offset criticism with plenty of positive comments.  For example, if you see your child reading a book, say, “It’s great to see how much you enjoy reading.  Tell me about the story.”

   Criticize the Action, Not the Person:  This may be a big switch from what many parents were used to as children, but you can help your children’s self-esteem by directing your anger at what they did rather than them.  Say, “Breaking that glass and not telling anyone about it was wrong.  Next time, I want you to be honest when something like that happens.”

   Teach Children to Laugh at Themselves:  Everyone does things that make them feel humiliated, like erasing a word so vigorously that it tears a hole in the paper.  By teaching children to laugh and not get upset at their foibles, you’ll help then realize that some mistakes can be funny and should not be taken seriously. 

 

Mistakes are part of life.  So is criticism.  Help your child to handle both.

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

Free Homework Help

You’ve got homework – we’ve got help.  Free online help More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

Construction Update

Dear parents,

Construction of our new Multi-purpose Building is in full swing!  The construction site is completely fenced and trucks are coming and going through the back fence located in the back grass field area.  There is a water truck that is keeping the dust down.  Construction should last approximately 18 months.  Room 28 and 29 are being relocated next to the library.  These two classrooms are empty and will remain empty until next year.  I will be attending regular construction meetings and giving you updates.  I have a project manager who works with me and the general contractor to make sure that school runs as usual. The only concern I have is the trucks coming in and out during morning drop off and pick up.  They may need to cross the line of traffic.  I have explained this to the general contractor and they are going to do the best they can.  Thank you for patience and understanding. 

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

No Dogs on Campus

For the safety and health of our students and staff, dogs are not allowed More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter

From the Principal’s Desk

If you want to give your child a truly memorable gift for the holidays this year, take a tip from principals and teachers and give something special that doesn’t coast a dime – a gift of your time and attention.  In today’s fast-paced society, where busy parents rarely find time to spend with their children, nothing is so dear and precious to a child as a parent’s time and undivided attention – especially during the holidays.

Sadly, parents today spend much less time with children than they once did.  A study published in Family Circle magazine notes that while mothers in 1959 reported playing with their children about 275 hours a year, or 23 hours a month, by 1983 the time had shrunk to only 75 hours a year – or about six hours a month!

Most elementary and middle school principals believe that this lack or adult interaction takes a toll on a child’s school performance.  Therefore they recommend time as an ideal gift for children from parents (as well as grandparents and other adults relatives).  It is a flexible gift suitable for any age, schedule, and budget. 

This year, try tucking an “IOU” an Outing” greeting card with your child’s holiday gifts.  Here are some suggestions for using the gift of time:

• For the child interested in art:  Plan a visit to a local art exhibit or museum. 

•  prepare a simple, inexpensive  to plan the menu, look uprecipes, make out a shopping list, schedule the food preparation, and create a centerpiece theme.  On the big day, watch your glow with pleasure, both from accomplishment and from appreciation of your presence.
• For the child who adores family games:  Buy your child a new age-appropriate game – or an old favorite like Monopoly or Scrabble – that the family can play together.
• For the child who enjoys music:  Scan the newspapers for inexpensive local concerts or dinner theater offerings.  Remember that your child will be as happy accompanying you to a high school band or church choir concert as to a symphony or opera performance. 
• For the child who loves nature:  Spend an afternoon with your child at the local nature center, or organize a group trip to the nearest zoo.  Plan a hike in the country or a walk in the park.  If the weather is inclement, take your child to the public library and browse together through age-appropriate nature books.
• For the child who likes to read-or who should read more:  Talk with the child’s teacher or school librarian for suggestions on books that the child would enjoy reading aloud with you.  Then set aside some time each day to readand discuss the books together. 
• For the child who’s crazy about sports:  The opportunities are many, and can fit any budget.  Take a local high school or college game and cheer for the home team.  Or watch an important game on television together.  Or you might try jogging some laps around eh high school track.

Think about making a New Year’s resolution to give a special gift or time and attention to your child, not just on the holidays but all year long.  It is one of the most important contributions you can make to your child’s education and quality of life.     

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

 

For the safety and health of our students and staff, dogs are not allowed More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter