As you learned throughout this fall, the first RULER skill involves being able to “Recognize” emotions and how they are experienced in the body (thoughts, facial expressions, and physiological responses). As a result, last month, students were explicitly introduced to and taught a third feeling word - hurt. Through both oral storytelling experiences and connecting to the character in a picture book, students learned that hurt is:

• An adjective meaning “sad or in pain because of something someone did or said

• Located in the blue quadrant of the Mood Meter

• Described as unpleasant with low energy.

People who are feeling hurt may have mouths that are pointing down or are closed or small. Hurt faces have eyes and eyebrows that are down. People who feel hurt may lower their heads and avoid contact from others. Hurt bodies may have hunched or curled shoulders and may have crossed arms. Hurt voices may be quiet and may sound shaky. People who are hurt may cry. Hurt bodies may have tummy aches or feel like their chest is heavy. They may feel shaky and tired or weak.

To complement students' work with this word in the classroom, here are some things you can do at home to reinforce what they are learning, as well as connect as a family in new ways!

• Take turns sharing a story about a time when you felt hurt.

• Together, explore the quote, “Stick and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me”, and discuss whether or not you believe this saying to be true.

• Draw two hearts on a piece of paper – brainstorm and fill one with words that cause hurt and one with words that help heal the hurt.

• Discuss the hearts and different words/actions that can help people feel loved and cared for every day.

• Choose stories to read before bedtime where the main character feels hurt. As you read together, look for “clues” that help you recognize the feeling (thoughts, actions, body language, etc.) Here are some possibilities:

• Pocket Full of Sads by Brad Davidson

• Jenny Mei is Sad by Tracy Subisak

• Looking for Happy by Ty Chapman

• When Sophie’s Feelings are Really, Really Hurt by Molly Bang

After reading Lila and the Crow, Mrs. Swahn's class had a really beautiful discussion and everyone was inspired. They were actually excited when asked to do some writing about it, which was great. It was also a great book to talk about symbolism. 5th graders did some lovely writing and it was Ms. Swahn's favorite RULER book so far!

Each month, we will highlight a different math strategy that students are learning so that parents are better able to support them at home with homework and questions. Click the link below to learn about TAPE DIAGRAMS - December's math strategy!

We know that many of our families are advanced planners! As a result we want to share that the 2024-2025 school calendar was approved and adopted at the November 28th Board of Education meeting. For reference you'll find a link to it below.

The Preschool Outreach Program (POP) is currently accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year (linked below is the application and an informational flyer).

Please submit your application at your earliest convenience as the role model screenings are occurring. More details regarding a date and times for screenings will be sent to you from the POP staff once they receive your application.

The South Windsor Public Schools has openings for caring, responsible, and reliable individuals to substitute in all of our schools.

We need your help to find individuals interested in working in our amazing district with wonderful students and staff, while having a flexible schedule and earning $125 per day.

Prior experience working with school-aged children or a bachelor’s degree is required. Our substitutes are an essential part of our schools. Please share with your friends, neighbors, and relatives who may be looking for a flexible job opportunity, enjoy community involvement, or are interested in gaining experience working in the field of education.

For more information, please contact any of our school administrators (or even some of our ET parents who are AMAZING subs in our building!), or visit our website below to apply for these important positions!

Gavin enjoyed a brisk recess on the swings!

This week Kindergarten students learned how to set goals for private and partner reading time. First, they talked about what they feel confident doing. Then, they decided what they felt they could be better at. Now, they are hard at work becoming better readers on their own and with a partner!

Need a great holiday gift idea??

Join members of the Eli Terry community at the Hartford Wolf Pack hockey game on Saturday, February 3 at 7:00 pm!

All children attending will be able to head out on the ice to hold the flag during the National Anthem.

Ticket sales are available online now! Visit the link below to order.

• Eli Terry Book Swap - Tuesday, December 19th (during the school day)
• Festive Sweater Spirit Day - Thursday, December 21st (staff & students!)
• Dress Your Best Spirit Day - Friday, December 22nd (staff & students)
• Early Dismissal - Winter Break - Friday, December 22nd (12:45 dismissal)
• NO SCHOOL - Winter Break - December 25th - January 1st
• PTO Wolf Pack Game - Saturday, February 3rd @ 7PM

Remember...any of the above events can be quickly added to your own Google Calendar just by clicking the blue hyperlink!

Throughout the year, you may miss something and want to easily access a previous week's newsletter. Thanks to YOUR feedback, we've made that easy. You'll be able to just click the links below! We've included the last few weeks of newsletters here:

December 1st, 2023

November 17th, 2023

November 10th, 2023

November 3rd, 2023

If you would like access to ALL previous newsletters you can find them here!