Superstar Snapshots

Superstar Families,

In my first principalship, I had the opportunity to work with emergency fire fighters after hours. One of the buildings on my campus had smoke that had been detected. It turned out it was just a fan that had malfunctioned and everything was fine. What I observed from the emergency fire fighters, however, was something that intrigued me.

There was one person with the emergency team whose sole purpose seemed to be making sure everyone was accounted for on the team. This was done through the buddy system and making sure that everyone was accounted for anytime anyone went into the building or came out. If someone did not follow protocol, this designee went to that person and reminded them of the safety precautions.

As a team, they not only made sure that the building was okay, they made sure everyone was okay as well. The mission was a success! In essence, there was a partnership that recognized the success of their team (or community) was dependent on the success of the individual.

I always struggle with what to write in the New Year. I didn’t want to write about resolutions; those are rarely successful and not always realistic. I shared this story of the firefighters to convey this message: as we begin 2025 and continue in the current school year, my desire is to see the partnership between the school and the community continue to strengthen and grow. My desire is for this partnership to be committed to the success of each individual student so that we may see a successful school for all. With a successful school, the potential for greatness within the community is endless! I wonder, will you help us become a community of one?

As always, I wanted to share some important information and dates.

• In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., there will be no school on Monday, January 20.
• The semester break is Friday, January 24. There is no school on this day.
• If your Superstar is going to eat breakfast, please make sure they are here between 8:00 - 8:15.
• Don't forget to have your Superstar wear appropriate shoes on the days they have p.e.!

We're so thankful for your partnership with us. We do not take it for granted that our partnership is so important. You, as an expert on your Superstar, help make each day a success.

Mrs. Teel, Principal

steel@longview.k12.wa.us

The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families are a top priority at Longview Public Schools. We collaborate with local first responders and regional emergency management officials to stay updated on best practices for health, mental health, safety protocols, and incident responses.

In preparation for the new school year, our school district is adopting Standard Response Protocol (SRP) terms. Developed by the “I Love You Guys” Foundation in response to school violence, SRP aims to standardize vocabulary and reduce miscommunications during emergencies.

Why standard terms?

It has been brought to school leaders’ attention that there may be confusion associated with language involving emergency action. Terms like “lockdown,” and “lock-out” are a few examples of how terms can evolve and their intended meanings may become unclear. Having clear communication, especially in emergencies, is important for everyone’s safety.

Our district has teamed up with other school districts and emergency responders in our region to use standard, agreed-upon terms for emergency situations. These terms are: Hold (in your classroom area), Secure (get inside and lock outside doors), Lockdown (locks, lights, out of sight), Evacuate (to a location), and Shelter (for chemical or other hazard). We are including a flier with SRP terms and symbols with this message so families can become familiar with the language and visuals.

Having clear and well-understood communication, especially in emergencies, is important for everyone’s safety. Thank you for partnering with us in this effort. If you have any questions, please call the school.

What are Head Lice?

• Head Lice are an infestation of the skin by the human itch mite (Pediculus humanus capitis).
• The most common symptoms of lice are intense itching and a sores caused by scratching.
• Lice are usually spread by direct contact with a person who has head lice.
• Head lice are found worldwide and affects people of all races and social classes.

How to Prevent Head Lice:

• Lice is prevented by avoiding direct contact with a person who has symptoms or with items such as clothing, hats bedding used by that person, stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with a person who has head lice, or using infested combs or brushes etc.

Treatment & Cleaning Information:

• Lice treatment usually is recommended for all persons diagnosed with an active infestation. All close contacts and household members should be checked.
• All household members and other potentially exposed persons should be treated at the same time as the person with head lice to prevent possible re-exposure.
• Bedding and clothing worn or used next to the skin anytime during the 2 days before treatment should be machine washed and dried using the hot water and hot dryer cycles or be dry-cleaned.
• Disinfest combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5–10 minutes.
• Items that cannot be dry-cleaned or laundered can be disinfested by storing in a closed plastic bag for 2 weeks.
• Vacuuming furniture and floors can remove an infested person's hairs that might have viable nits attached.
• Children and adults usually can return to child care, school, or work the day after treatment.

When Treating Head Lice:

• Do not use extra amounts of any lice medication unless instructed to do so by your physician and pharmacist. The drugs used to treat lice are insecticides and can be dangerous if they are misused or overused. Follow directions on the medication containers.
• Do not treat an infested person more than 2–3 times with the same medication if it does not seem to be working. This may be caused by using the medicine incorrectly or by resistance to the medicine. Always seek the advice of your health care provider if this should happen. He/she may recommend an alternative medication.
• Do not use different head lice drugs at the same time unless instructed to do so by your physician and pharmacist.

Mrs. Triana, School Nurse

rtriana@longview.k12.wa.us

Hello Superstar Families!

This month we are choosing to focus on perseverance, which is “To keep at doing something in spite of difficulties” or as students sometimes say, “Never give up.” This is an important skill for us as we return to school and get back to classroom learning.

Typically coming back to school can be exciting for some and difficult for others. After a few weeks off being back in the classroom can be a challenge. There may even be an increase in students becoming upset and displaying challenging behaviors. It is important to remember that all behavior is a form of communication and these things don’t mean that a child is a “bad kid”. Rather when students struggle, it means they are lacking a skill or unsure how to solve a problem.

Conscious Discipline reminds us that we don’t gain anything by punishing students for skills they don’t have. In fact, we can view unwanted behaviors as a chance to teach and help students discover new solutions and skills. This month we will be focusing on working hard and persevering when challenged. Join us in modeling perseverance and helping students work hard as we get back to school.

Wishing you well,

Mr. Thomas, Counselor

jthomas@longview.k12.wa.us

PTO is looking for volunteers! If you're interested in supporting our Superstars, fill out the online CHAMPS form below.

If your Superstar needs school supplies or a coat, please let the office know.

Our next PTO meeting is Thursday, January 16 in the LEAP room.

Goodie Friday is back! Goodie Friday is January 17. Profits help support field trips and special assemblies for our Superstars. If your Superstar is in line to make a purchase, please park your car rather than stay in the car line.

Email: steel@longview.k12.wa.us

Website: http://sthelens.longviewschool.com/

Location: 431 27th Avenue, Longview, WA 98632

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StHelensElementary