The Principal's Corner:
Families,
It has been an interesting return back to school with the snow days that have happened and the changes in schedules that have happened as a result. Earlier this week many classes saw the Hutchings NWEA video which reminded students to take their time and try their best on the NWEA assessment as we progress through those different tests with the students.
We also had every single class participate in a Martin Luther King Jr. related event within their classrooms to celebrate MLK day. I had the opportunity to walk around and listen to great dialogue from kindergarten to 5th grade and how our students truly understand compassion, empathy, and doing what is right. As I was walking through classrooms I was reflective on what the message should be from me to the students about Martin Luther King Jr., what was the big takeaway that I wanted the students to learn about his life and the movement he inspired.
The message I decided on was that Martin Luther King Jr. stood up for what he believed was right. He saw an injustice in the world and through community, he created change that impacted the world where he lived. It’s not always easy to stand up for what is right and it is not always easy to remain positive and determined when the odds are stacked against you. However, that is what made Martin Luther King Jr. special. He did something that not many people could have done, and that is one area where our students can stand out, by standing up for what is right.
The last recorded speech Dr. King gave before his assassination was on April 3rd 1968 the day before he was shot and killed. His speech was how to support garbage men. He spoke about compassion, the importance of helping everyone, and that it is not enough to just see a problem and speak about it (or in this modern world post about it). Rather, working together with compassion to create a solution is the key.
On a separate note we do have a PTO meeting scheduled for Tuesday the 23rd at 6:30 here at Hutchings and there is no school Friday, January 26th. I hope you have an enjoyable weekend and if anyone has any ideas on how Michigan State Basketball can get back on track please e-mail MSU directly!
All the best,
Mr. Moore
Red Wings Reading Program
On behalf of the Detroit Red Wings, we would like to remind your school to partake in our complimentary reading program: Red Wings for Reading, presented by Michigan Education Savings Program geared towards elementary grade students!
HOW TO PARTICIPATE:
· Red Wings for Reading encourages Kindergarten through 5th Grade students to read at least three (3) books recommended for their grade level. A full book list, reading log, and classroom poster can be printed from www.DetroitRedWings.com/Reading.
· Once completed, students can submit an online entry form with the help of an adult at www.DetroitRedWings.com/Reading by January 31st, 2018.
STUDENTS:
· Students are entered into a drawing to win a pair of Detroit Red Wings tickets to the March 31st, 2018 game
students will receive a Red Wings for Reading Fan Pack.
GRAND PRIZE FOR SCHOOLS:
· One (1) Michigan elementary school with the highest participation rate through January 31st, 2018 will win a $2,500 library upgrade and an opportunity for the Detroit Red Wings Alternate Captain, Justin Abdelkader to read to a classroom of students!
For full contest details please click here.
Please feel free to pass this information along to the teachers and librarians at your school!
MacGregor's Message:
Kindergarten Registration
Our Kindergarten Registration event will be held on Tuesday, March 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 4 to 6:30 p.m.Students should register at the attendance area school. During the registration event, there will be tours of the school, an opportunity to explore a school bus and meet their school’s principal. Information packets and registrations will be available on the district’s website soon. For more information, please contact Helen at 517.548.6232. In the event of a snow day on March 6, the Kindergarten Registration event will be held on Tuesday, March 20.
Free and Reduced Price School Meals
Did you know that eligible students can receive a healthy and tasty school meal for 40 cents or less? Through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) students that meet the eligibility criteria qualify for free or reduced-price school meals each day. This includes both breakfast and lunch. To learn more, please visit https://goo.gl/njiCsX.
Counselor Corner:
Helping Children Make Good Choices
We make choices everyday, many times a day. Even as adults, it is sometimes difficult to make choices that are most beneficial for us. It is a skill that takes time and practice. The earlier we start helping our children develop strategies to make good choices, the easier it should be. Teaching children to make good choices will help them to develop independence, self-control and confidence. It is important to create situations where we offer choices and keep reinforcing the importance of making good choices.
Here are some strategies you can use to help our kids make good choices.
1. Allow children to make choices. As adults there are choices that we must make for our children. But, there are times that we can let them choose. Sometimes it is hard to step back because we want to save time and we want them to succeed. Choices help give children a sense of ownership and responsibility.
2. Limit choices. Keep the number and types of choices within reason. Having too many choices can cause frustration. Try to give only two or three allowable choices. This will reduce conflict and ensure success at making a good choice.
3. Discuss Options. Guide children through their choices. Discuss possible consequences - both positive and negative. Help them to think through and to understand why one choice may be better than another.
4. Consider others. Help children to understand that often choices affect not only themselves but others around them. Discuss and help them see how others may be affected by their choice.
5. Use Past Choices as Opportunities. When a child makes a choice that negatively impacted them or others, be sure to discuss what those consequences were and what options would have been better. Stress that we all make mistakes and it gives us the opportunity to learn from them.
6. Praise Good Choices. Do this by acknowledging and explaining why it was a good choice. Then celebrate the choice. The child can be reminded of this good choice when similar situations arise.
7. State When There Is No Choice. Let children know that because of rules, schedules, and most importantly, safety, there are sometimes no choices.
Making good choices is an ongoing process that takes time and practice. As we teach our kids to make good choices, it is important to stress that we are always here to help them.
Your Partner in Education,
Jennifer Starkey
School Counselor
Hutchings Elementary School