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December 2009
December 02, 2009
Skyblue Mesa Newsletter of 12-01-09
SKYBLUE MESA PARENT NEWSLETTER
SKYBLUE MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A California Distinguished school
28040 Hardesty Street
Canyon Country, California 91351
Phone: (661)298-3260 Fax (661)298-3256; email dbohn@saugus.k12.ca.us
Volume 3 Number 15 December 8, 2009
______________________________________________________________________
From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents,
It’s not all just fun and games. What children do in their down time—when they are not in school or in planned activities—can have a serious impact on their lives and health, both now and in the future.
Whether or not your children are fixated on TV or video games, it’s likely that they spend many hours a week tuned into music, movies, computer games, or television shows. Here is important information you need to know about the effects of electronic media on your children, and what you can do to lessen the negative impact:
Watch with them. When your children are watching television shows or movies at home, be sure to be tuned in yourself. Speak up when you see something that you find offensive.
Turn it off. Limit the amount of time your children spend in front of the TV, and turn off any shows that you believe are promoting violence, sexuality, disrespect for the law, and alcohol or drug use.
Keep it out of their rooms. Children who have TVs or computer game systems in their rooms spend too many hours tuned out and too few working on activities that build their minds, bodies, and social skills.
Listen in. When your children talk to each other or to friends, occasionally listen in. Be aware if they seem to be identifying with characters in games or shows who are not good role models.
Use the rating systems. There are helpful rating systems on all television shows, music CDs, and video games. Be aware of what the ratings are and strictly limit your children to those that you feel are appropriate.
Understand that watching violence breeds violence. Many studies have shown that children, who watch a lot of violent programming, play violent computer or video games, and play music that glorifies violence are more prone to acting out in violent ways than other children.
Don’t give in. If your children beg for video games, music, or DVDs that you feel are inappropriate, ignore their pleas and don’t buy them.
Help them understand real from fantasy. Some children get lost in the images they see in videos, TV shows, and computer games and want to act out what they are watching. Monitor your children’s behavior and step in strongly if they seem to be identifying with the characters in the shows or games they are watching.
Set a good example. Limit the amount of television that you and other adults in the house watch. Encourage activities that involve the whole family that don’t involve a television or game console.
Finally, take the word of the experts in child health—the American Academy of Pediatrics. It has warned parents that children who watch a lot of television can end up doing more poorly in school, may be more likely to have attention problems, and may have problems with self-control and moral judgment.
Debbie Bohn, Principal
Help the Children
For the month of December, we will collect all canned vegetables More ...
Keywords: SK Newsletter
Posted by sknews at 05:25 | | 0 comment(s)
December 09, 2009
Skyblue Mesa Newsletter of 12-8-09
SKYBLUE MESA PARENT NEWSLETTER
SKYBLUE MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A California Distinguished school
28040 Hardesty Street
Canyon Country, California 91351
Phone: (661)298-3260 Fax (661)298-3256; email dbohn@saugus.k12.ca.us
Volume 3 Number 15 December 8, 2009
______________________________________________________________________
From the Principal’s Desk
Dear Parents,
“I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.” “A monkey could paint better than I can.” “Poetry is for brainiacs.” Those aren’t kids talking; they’re the words of their parents. And, without knowing it, they can do a lot of harm to children during their most creative years. From coloring with crayons to sculpting with clay, from banging on pots and pans to learning the violin, there are countless ways families can and should encourage their children to express themselves with music, art, and the written word. Here are some suggestions:
Out of sight, out of mind:
Keep some basic art supplies out and available for any time the mood to create strikes your children. Have something for them to draw with and something to draw on. Coloring books are OK, but the way to really stimulate your children’s artistic talents is to let them create their own visions by drawing on blank paper.
Take turns with other parents: Some art projects are time consuming, both for the child artist and their families. Work with neighbors or friends who have children near the same age as yours and take turns hosting both sets of children for an art adventure. It’s less hassle for you and more fun for the kids.
Be patient: When children are first learning to play a musical instrument, it can be grating on the ears of those around them. Instead of wincing at the bad notes (and there are a lot of them in the beginning), tune out the mistakes and remind yourself that children who learn how to play an instrument often also do better in school, particularly in math.
Lay on the praise: The art projects and music they do at home should be for the joy of it, not for work. While they’re drawing or practicing an instrument, give them lots of “good jobs” and pats on the back. Mentioning something specific that you like is even more helpful. Children are exposed to art and music at school, but the way to make them excited about the creative arts is to make them a part of your child’s at-home life. The arts give your children a way to express themselves unlike any other, and offer wonderful opportunities for them to grow. Do everything you can to make it happen.
Debbie Bohn, Principal
Help the Children
For the month of December, we will collect all canned vegetables other than green beans. Thank you
Sixth Grade Field Trip Fundraising
Bake Sale
The Sixth Grade Field Trip Fundraising Bake Sale with be held on Saturday, More ...
Keywords: SK Newsletter
Posted by sknews at 22:13 | | 0 comment(s)
December 16, 2009
Skyblue Mesa Newsletter of 12-15-09
SKYBLUE MESA PARENT NEWSLETTER
SKYBLUE MESA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A California Distinguished school
28040 Hardesty Street
Canyon Country, California 91351
Phone: (661)298-3260 Fax (661)298-3256; email dbohn@saugus.k12.ca.us
Volume 3 Number 16 December 15, 2009
______________________________________________________________________
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
Help the Children
For the month of December, we will collect all canned vegetables other than green beans. More ...
Keywords: SK Newsletter
Posted by sknews at 05:36 | | 0 comment(s)