Lewis & Clark Lynx Newsletter
November 2023
We are trying a new format for our monthly newsletter. Please be sure to read all the way to the end to be in the know about all that's going on at Lewis and Clark and community opportunities!
The Giving Tree is Coming!
The Giving Tree is a wonderful opportunity for our L&C school community to donate or receive support during the upcoming holiday season. Our Holiday Giving Tree will be online again this year using Sign Up Genius. We will send a link mid-November that will allow you to select a gift request(s) to fill.
If your child’s classroom or your family, church, or business is interested in “adopting” a family or in making a monetary donation, please contact one of the Family Resource Specialists—Tracey Cravy or Lisa Hayhurst at 728-2400 x4355 or frclewis@mcpsmt.org,
Please Note: Wrapped gifts will be due to the FRC with family number and letter (if applicable) and gift descriptions (Example 4A– board game) by Wednesday, December 6th.
FREE Parenting Class November 2nd - Helping Kids Solve conflicts
Join Families First to fill your parenting tool box and better support your child.
Date/Time: Thursday, November 2nd - 6:00-8:00pm
Location: L&C Library, Free Childcare in Rm 161
Class Description: Whether it's your five-year-old hitting an older brother in frustration, your seven-year-old refusing to get ready for school, or your nine-year-old arguing over play plans with a lifelong friend, establishing healthy ways of working through conflict teaches your child vital skills. In this class you'll learn how to help your child develop skills that will not cause harm to themselves or others, while building confidence that will help them better manage future conflicts.
Free Child care is available- please register in advance to secure your spot.
Pre-registration STRONGLY enouraged. Register with Lifelong Learning Center online at www.missoulaclasses.com or call (406-549-8765).
For info about the class topic, call Families First at 406-721-7690
November Calendar at a Glance
Nov 2 - FREE Parenting Class - Helping Kids Solve Conflicts - L&C Library - 6:00-8:00pm
Nov 2-29 - Coffee, Toffee, Tea fundraiser
Nov 6-21 - Toiletry Drive - Organized by Lynx Service Club
Nov 9 Half Day of School -Parent Teacher Conferences
November 10 - No School - Parent Teacher Conferences
Nov 20 PTA Mtg - L&C Library 7-8pm
Nov 22-24 - No School - Happy Thanksgiving!
Lost and Found for November will be displayed thru Parent/Teacher Conferences
Save the Dates!
Bring Back the Sun - Celebrate the Moon: A Winter Solstice Music Program will be presented Thursday December 14, 2023. Dress Rehearsals will be Wednesday December 13.
Holiday Program Schedule: Thursday December 14, 2023
8:45am
K Cooper; 1Aldrich; 2Bond/2Meuer; 3Jensco; 4Jones; 5Sjoerdsma
10:00am K Kemmis ; 1Griffin; 3Mosbacher; 4O'Connor; 5Vanek
1:00pm K Winter; 1Langellla; 2BErgstrom/2Henderson; 3Hougard; 4Harper; 5Garland
Book Fair in the library Wednesday, Dec. 13 from 3:15-7pm and Thursday, Dec. 14 from 8-3:30pm. Profits from the sale go to purchasing new library books. Your students will have the opportunity to preview the books and create a wish list on Wednesday (12/13). Please feel free to contact Mr. Nordtome with any questions at jsnordtome@mcpsmt.org or 728-2400 ext. 4381.
November is Native American Heritage Month
Come try your hand at the Ribbon Skirt and Shirt Sewing Classes every Monday in November!
When: November 6, 13, 20, 27 - 6:00-8:00pm
Where: MCPS Admin Bldg B
From the Principal's Office
Lewis & Clark Families,
November is a special month. It is a time to recognize our students, celebrate American Indigenous people, honor our veterans, and a time to be thankful. Please join us this month during Parent Teacher Conferences to recognize your child(ren) and their progress in school. They have been learning so much these first couple of months and it's time for them to shine! November is also Native American Heritage Month and a time to celebrate the rich culture of our Montana tribes and others across the nation. November 11th is Veteran's Day, and a time to honor our military and those who have and are serving to protect us and our beautiful country. And Thanksgiving rounds out our month with a time to be thankful for family, friends, and the many treasured people and events in our lives. I wish you a very special month, and I look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks.
Alanna
Counselor's Corner: A Note from Ms. Myers
ZONES of Regulation - A Self-Regulation Curriculum
At Lewis and Clark, we use the Zones of Regulation to talk about emotional regulation. The
Zones is a self-regulation (self-control, impulse control) program; self-regulation refers to the
best state of alertness for body and emotions for a specific situation. For example, when
playing a game on the playground, it is beneficial to have a higher level of alertness and energy.
However, the same state is not appropriate for learning in the classroom. Through the lessons,
students are learning how to identify their feeling and to learn strategies to change the zone
they’re in to match the appropriate situation. We’re putting extra focus on how to get to and
stay in the green zone at school.
Try out the language at home! The more we generalize these concepts, the more practice students will get in self-awareness and self-regulation!
Lynx Service Club Annual Toiletry Drive
Hello Lewis and Clark Families! Lynx Service Club is organizing the annual Toiletry Drive for Lewis and Clark families in need. We will be collecting items starting November 3rd to November 20th.
Our families in need would benefit from:
Toothpaste
Toothbrushes
Dental floss
Bars of soap
Band-Aids
Kleenex
Toilet paper
Dish soap
Hand soap
Deodorant
Shampoo
Conditioner
Q-Tips
Lotion
Mouthwash
Face wash
Laundry Detergent
Items can be delivered to the boxes by the front office.
Thank you for helping Lewis and Clark families.
On behalf of LSC,
Emma Lynn, Quinn Anne, and Maren Ivy
Service Club is made up of 4th graders at Lewis and Clark. The groups meets on Monday's at lunch and any 4th grader is welcome!
Attendance Matters!
If your child will be absent due to illness or travel, please call the L&C Attendance Line to excuse them. 406-728-2400 ext. 4362
The LC Lynx PTA Pages
The Parent-Teacher Association of Lewis & Clark Elementary School strives to build an enriching school culture and a welcoming environment
for all children, parents, and staff.
Jog-a-thon Results: AMAZING!
Winter is here and with it brings a Lewis & Clark holiday tradition! Be on the lookout for your student's Coffee Toffee Tea & More information coming soon! All products sold are local and benefit Lewis & Clark. NEW this year- ONLINE ORDERING! Visit www.LClynxPTA.com to learn more. These items make great holiday gifts and treats! The PTA would love your help sorting the orders! Save the date for Sunday, Dec. 17th and please email LClynxPTA@gmail.com if you are interested in volunteering.
Also, The PTA is excited to announce that YOU ALL helped raise over $40,000 for Lewis and Clark Elementary school with the Lynx Jog-a-thon!!! Wow!! It was a raging success, from the beautiful afternoon on race day, to the happy smiles and shrieks of laughter from both students, staff and parents alike! It was inspirational to watch the students run, walk, skip, hop, jump, and dance with their classes around our home made track for 30 minutes on October 19th. We were thrilled to see so many parents show up to cheer, encourage and motivate the kids! THANK YOU to you all for supporting our school, our students, movement, being outside and embracing our school community!!
THANK YOU to our Jog-a-thon Team: Trisha Drobeck, Kyle Bocinsky, Keri McHugh, Staci Bocinsky and Ms. Vaneps.
Special thanks to 2 amazing community organizations who helped us on race day: Missoula YMCA and Run Wild Missoula
Thank you to the awesome families who showed up to help set-up, clean-up and pass out water to students!
Thank you to our Specialists team who also helped set-up, clean-up organize and motivate the students: Mrs. Morrison, Mr. Wyatt, Mr. Nordtome, and Mrs. Swanson.
Please Note: There will NOT be a November PTA meeting, as the PTA will be working
on tabulating Coffee Toffee Tea orders.
PTA Officers 2023-2024 School Year
Contact the PTA at: lclynxpta@gmail.com
President– Keri McHugh
Vice-President—YOUR name here! Can you help fill this position?
Co-Treasurers—Kyle Bocinsky & Staci Nugent
Secretary—Corey Harrison
Teacher Liaison—Jordan Garland, 5th Gr teacher jgarland@mcpsmt.org
Teacher Liaison—Sharon Jones, 4th Gr teacher sgjones@mcpsmt.org
Family Resource Center Thanks and Reminders!
The FRC (Family Resource Center) at Lewis & Clark is here to help all families, especially those experiencing housing or food insecurity.
Thank you to the following donors and volunteer support for the FRC:
Missoula Organization of Realtors—Family Resource Center Funds
Picture Day Volunteers - Catie Kohler, Megan Carey, Samantha Zauher, Amy Van Cleave, Kirby Beirle, Jeff Lamson. You helped bring our best smiles!
Clothes and Winter Outerwear: Shaw Family, Winter Family, Vanek Family, Wolsky Family, Faircloth Family, Garrett Family, Brueckner Family
Healthy Snacks: Garrett Family, Flynn Family
October Wish List (Items needed in the FRC to support students) Healthy or High Protein Snacks
*Due to the our upcoming busy weeks with The Giving Tree, please save any clothes or footwear donations until January. Thank you!
Family Resource Specialists:
Tracey Cravy and Lisa Hayhurst
728-2400 x4355 frclewis@mcpsmt.org
Family Resource Center Hours: M-F 8:15-3:15
Make Sure Your Child is Prepared for the Weather!
When coming to school, please remind your child(ren) to dress for the cold, wet weather. Students will be going outside to play each day they are at school, unless it is below zero or a complete downpour. Students should wear a warm coat, mittens, a hat, and rain/snow boots.
If you need help providing your child(ren) with warm outerwear, please contact the Family Resource Center for assistance at: 728-2400x4355 or frclewis@mcpsmt.org
Lost & Found!
Our Lost and Found boxes are purged monthly. Items will be displayed the
last week of each month for final claiming.
Lost and Found will be out through Parent/Teacher Conferences, November 6-10.
After November 10th, unclaimed items will be donated to local charities
or become part of the FRC inventory.
PLEASE LABEL CLOTHING, LUNCHBOXES & WATER BOTTLES.
Items with legible first and last names are delivered to students.
Below are pictures of our current Lost and Found items on display outside the gym.
Recognize anything?!
Messages from our School Nurse - Sara Manning
MCPS Families:
MCPS is fortunate to have a Health Services Department that includes a team of registered (RN) and licensed practical (LPN) nurses. Each of our RNs is assigned to 3-4 schools. Our nurse is Sara Manning. She is in our school several times per week and available via phone or email every day. Our LPNs mainly work in the high schools, but may also support RNs and students in K-8 schools as needed. In addition MCPS has a team of substitute and agency nurses to assist as needed.
School nurses support the education of our students by providing the following services:
Health promotion and disease prevention
Immunization management
Direct medical services
Medical case management services-working with your students’ healthcare providers to meet their needs
Health education services
Provide or link students, families, and staff to health resources
Assists students with disabilities, chronic or acute illnesses, and/or injuries in obtaining appropriate medical accommodations to improve equity and access to education and medical services by working with the 504 and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) teams
Support counselors and other mental health professionals to meet mental health needs
Provide medical training to other staff who work with your students
Research shows that school nurses enhance academic outcomes; improve graduation rates, test scores, and attendance, and help prevent, detect, and facilitate treatment for mental health issues.
Please reach out to our school nurse if your student(s) have any health issues or questions or you would like more information. She can help your student(s) reach their academic potential by supporting their health care needs and connecting them to resources to help them learn and succeed.
Sara Manning can be reached at (406)728-2500 ext 1061 or (406)207-8327. You can also reach her by email at smmanning@mcpsmt.org.
Thank you!
Lice information
Lice are a common community problem among school-age children. While lice are often transmitted in the community and home, schools are often where it is first detected in a child. Lice can be a nuisance, but they are not known to spread disease or pose a health risk. Detecting and treating lice early makes it easier to eliminate and reduces the spread to others; therefore, it is recommended that parents and guardians check their children regularly for the most common signs of lice:
- itchy scalp (which is also common with dandruff and dry skin)
- the presence of small nits that seem “glued” onto individual hairs close to the scalp so the nits do not “fall off”
MCPS Health Services follows evidence-based practices and guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses. For more information and resources, please visit our lice information web page.
Community Events and Resources
Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day- Tuesday, Nov. 14th.
WEAR PURPLE FOR COURAGE & UNITY! RUBY BRIDGES WALK TO SCHOOL DAY- NOV. 14TH!
Missoula, MT – [October 25, 2023] – The Ruby Bridges Walk to School Volunteer Committee - Montana is encouraging 3rd - 8th grade kids across the state to walk to school on Tuesday, November 14th in honor of unity and courage.
On November 14, 1960, six-year-old Ruby Bridges became the first black child to integrate William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans. She faced angry mobs of segregationists who taunted, mocked and did whatever they could to discourage her as she walked to school each day. But Ruby persevered, and her courage helped to pave the way for desegregation in schools across the country.
This year, on the 63rd anniversary of Ruby Bridges’ historic walk to school, we are calling on kids to walk to school in the name of courage. In addition to wearing purple and walking to school, kids can also participate in other activities to celebrate Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day. Here are a few ideas:
Learn more about Ruby Bridges and the civil rights movement.
Read Ruby Bridges’ book, “Ruby Bridges Goes to School.”
Make a poster or sign.
Talk to their parents and teachers about the importance of courage.
Are you interested in helping organize? Please email rubywalkmontana@gmail.com or visit https://rubybridges.foundation/#walk-to-school-day
Mark your calendars now for Tuesday, November 14, 2023. If you cannot walk to school, you can still participate by wearing purple and being involved! Let’s all come together for Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day and remember the importance of courage and unity.
FREE Parenting Classes!
The Lifelong Learning Center is partnering with Families First to provide training in MCPS Elementary and Middle Schools. Call Lifelong Learning Center at 406-549-8765 to register for the FREE CLASSES and FREE ONSITE CHILDCARE or at www.MissoulaClasses.com (Search Parenting and Family Classes)
Helping Kids Manage Their Emotions - November 14th, 6:00-8:00pm Chief Charlo Library, Children are not born knowing how to express or deal with their emotions. Whether it's your five-year-old's frustration over trying to get their shoes on, or your ten-year-old's anger that a friend refused to play with them, learning how to deal with anger, upset and the accompanying feelings can become a regular challenge if you don't create plans and strategies for managing emotions. In this class, you will learn how to identify the emotions behind your child's behavior, and to help them manage their emotions by connecting and developing new skills. Child care is provided. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.
Learning Disabilities, Thriving at School - November 29th, 6:00-8:00pm, Russell Elementary Library Although life with your child may at times seem challenging, it is important to remember that children with learning disabilities can and do succeed! As a parent, you can help create supportive home and school environments that will help your child be successful. In this class, you will learn strategies for helping your child cope with a learning disability to improve their life and the harmony of your entire family. Child care is available for registered participants.
Don't Forget About Fun & Free Science with SpectrUM at Missoula Public Library!
Our Character Strong trait for November is Gratitude!
Time Change this weekend: Set your clocks BACK one hour Nov. 5th
Healthy Habit of the Month: Early to Bed
School performance and behavior are often correlated with getting enough sleep each night. Sleep is as important to health as good food and exercise because without it the body can not thrive. During sleep short term memories are converted to long term memories which is vital to learning. The body also heals and repairs itself during sleep.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
Students ages 3-5 need 10-13 hrs of sleep
Students ages 6-12 need 9-12 hrs of sleep
That means a bedtime of 7:00p.m.-9:00p.m. for most elementary students. Start the process early so your child is actually getting adequate sleep and showing up to school refreshed and ready to learn.