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From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Teasing is not only unkind, but can lead to future personality or self-esteem problems for both the victim and the teaser.  Here are a few things parents need to know about teasing.

Observe

• Does your child tease a lot?  Parents often overlook seriously aggressive behavior.  Listening to the comments your child makes and watching your child’s interactions with peers can help determine whether you have a teaser in the making.  If so, take action.
• Monitor your child’s internet activity.  With e-mail, instant messaging, and chat rooms, the Internet has become the newest teasing forum.
• Is your child a silent victim?  Many victims are too ashamed to tell their parents.  Pay attention to changes in your child’s behavior and social activities.

Prevent

• Be prepared.  Children are most likely to pick on others who are, or who come across as, weaker or different.
• Work with the school.  Does your child’s school have a policy that addresses teasing?  If not, bring it up for discussion.

 

 

• Strength in numbers.  Boy and girls with a good group of friends are less likely to be the victim of teasing.

Take Action

If your child is the victim of teasing:

• Report it to the school.  Elementary school children can be very sly in their abuse of others, much of which escapes detection by adults.  Report any harassment to the teacher as soon as you become aware of it.
• Teach coping skills.  Check out online resources:

      www.no-bully.org,

      www.antibullying.net

www.bullying.org  www.ncpc.org

• Work together until the problem is fixed. 

Most importantly, children need to know that their home is a safe haven, a place where they will not be More ...

Keywords: SK Newsletter

Abajo se encuentra el boletin en Espanol

 

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

Change is a part of life for everyone, it’s important for children and families to learn how to cope with it.  Whether it is moving to a new home, school or community, a divorce or death in the family, a hospitalization or illness, or even just a friend moving away, the stress of a sudden change can be overwhelming for a child.  However, there are many things families can do to help.

Listen.  Sometimes children just need to talk about what’s troubling them.

Let outsiders in.  There are times, such as during a divorce, when children might feel more comfortable talking to someone other than their parents-a family friend, a trusted teacher or school counselor, or someone else they feel close to.

Know that they know.  Many parents believe they can keep their children in the dark about changes such as a job loss or illness, but children hear more and know more then parents expect.  The best approach is to acknowledge that they have probably heard something and talk to them about it.  Assure them that you’ll be there for them if they have questions, and that you’re doing all you can to keep things as normal as possible.

Be aware of troubling behaviors.  If your child’s behavior is suddenly different, it’s a sign that he or she is having difficulty coping.  Some of the signs that your child needs extra help coping are changes in appetite, changes in sleep, aggressive behavior, constant whining or weeping, depression, bedwetting or thumb sucking, nervous tics, and a withdrawal from things he or she used to enjoy.

Keep routines.  Children need to have routines in their life; they’re comforted by them.  Do your best to maintain as many of their routines as possible-the same bedtime ritual, for example.

Get the book.  There are books on almost every situation a child could be faced with.  Find children’s books at your child’s age level that discuss what they’re going through.

Information helps.  If your child is moving to a new school, house, or community, get as many photos and as much information as possible.  Try to do walkthroughs ahead of time and keep your attitude positive. 

Stay connected.  If the change involves a move, either within your family or a close friend, make sure to assure your children that there are many ways to keep touch, and that you’ll help them stay close to the people who are important to them. 

Finally, remember that you can’t protect a child from change.  Coping with change is a learning skill your child needs to master.  By providing a listening ear, giving your child the information needed, and staying positive, you are helping your child grow stronger and better prepared for the future, whatever it may bring.

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

Director Needed for Talent Show

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Keywords: SK Newsletter

Abajo se encuentra el boletin en Espanol

 

From the Principal’s Desk

Dear Parents,

With the major holidays approaching, parents face two challenges:  first, how to find the perfect presents for their children and perhaps more importantly, how to make sure their children are kind and grateful recipients, no matter what they get.  Here are some ideas to try.

Teach them what they’re thanking people for. 

What your children need to learn is that the thanks they give isn’t necessarily for what is in the box-it’s for the effort and caring that went into it.

Understand that disappointment is part of life.  It’s a guarantee that at some point your child is going to receive something he or she doesn’t like or want.  Explain this to your child ahead of time.  Laugh about some gifts you’ve gotten that were unusual.

When to write thanks, when to say thanks.  Let your children know that if a relative is in the room when they open their present, that a sincere face-to-face thank you (and a hug) is great.  For everyone else, a thank-you note is an absolute must.

When they’re the “giver.”  One of the best ways to help children realize the significance of giving is to make sure they spend time finding and wrapping the gifts they give to others.  Give them odd jobs to help them earn the money to buy gifts.

Give to others.  Help your children help those less fortunate.  Adopt a less-fortunate child through anonymous giving programs, or work in a food kitchen.  Show your children that giving is more rewarding than receiving.

Give gifts that expand their interests.  Among the best gifts for children are things that introduce them to new activities.

Look for presents that help them stay active.  Any kind of sports equipment helps kids have fun and get exercise.

Practical gifts can be fun, too.  A sleeping bag for overnights, or a small overnight bag or suitcase can be wonderful presents.

Spin the wheel, roll the dice, and deal the cards.  Card and board games are classics for a reason.  Look for games that children can play with just one or two, as well as those that are for family-sized groups.

Open up to books.  When you give a child a book, you’re giving both of you a present.

If you’re really stumped about gift-giving, talk to friends or relatives who have children slightly older than yours.  Ask what gifts their children really played with - gifts that lasted long after the “newness” wore off.

 

Debbie Bohn, Principal

Director Needed for Talent Show

Please volunteer to be the Director of Skyblue Mesa’s Talent Show.  If no one volunteers, there will be no More ...