Tiger Tales #11

It is a great responsibility and understanding about how our democracy works. And a foundational skill is when students learn how to have civil and respectful discourse with one another about our country and the topics that are being debated. Students at Medina studied the political process, the Electoral College, and how voting works in the U.S.A. Students learned that when people vote they are using their voice to share opinions. I was impressed by students' conversations and their interest in the current events, and also most importantly by the respect they showed towards one another. A high profile U.S. Presidential election can sometimes bring stress and anxiety. At Medina, the focus on community and the ways students interact with one another illustrated the important point that even if people have differing opinions, we can share our thoughts with one another in respectful ways that invite conversation. Such great life lessons to learn.

It is a privilege to work at Medina with such committed and skilled professionals and with a caring and supportive community that models these ideas for our children.

Lara

We hope you will join us for our next Pastries with Principals event, which will be held on November 18th with the topic of Math. We will have two district Math Content Curriculum Facilitators who support both AL and the general curriculum for Math who will present some relevant and interesting information for parents. As always, at the end of our presentations we allow time for parents to ask general school-related questions of me or Kati as well. We hope to see many of you in November!

Next week we will be talking with students to help them understand why there is no school on Monday. Veterans Day a National holiday to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military to serve our national security – in wartime or peacetime. It is a day set aside to acknowledge the contributions of those who have served, both those still living and those who have died.

At Medina, we will honor Veterans with a whole school assembly on Friday, November 15 when some of our children will be singing some songs for the school that our wonderful music teachers have been leading in classes. In addition, we will have a display to honor those Veterans who are connected to our school community. If you know a Veteran, please email me or Kati Weiland with:

1. Name of Veteran
2. Branch served
3. Current of final/retired rank
4. Years served
5. Student at Medina Elementary who Honoree is related to
6. Option to have Veteran attend the assembly and/or provide a photo

The National PTA Reflections Art Competition this year has the theme of Accepting Imperfection and we welcome entries from pre-K to grade 5 students. The submission deadline for all artworks is Tuesday, Nov. 12th. For details and requirements, visit the PTA Arts Club page.

The PTA is instrumental in creating an avenue for parents to stay connected and involved. If you would like to learn more about the PTA, please see the website and also sign up for their newsletter The Byte: here.

All families are invited to come join our Medina Family Fun Night on Thursday, November 14 from 4:30 - 6:00 PM in the cafeteria. We will have Bingo cards, prizes, and fun for everyone! All you need to do is to bring yourself.

So that we can plan accordingly, please fill out the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/gJe0xt1rN0

We have A LOT of lovely coats, sweaters, vests, etc. that have been left out at recess. We have a 'Lost and Found' which is located just inside the playground doors (near the cafeteria). Parents, please help us by coming to see if your child's belongings are there. We have placed the rack of clothes in different areas of the school to see if students would claim their belongings, but we still have a lot that is unclaimed.

On December 13 we donate unclaimed clothing to local charities. Please help us connect the clothes to their owners and label your child's belongings.

Thanks for your help!

November:

11: NO SCHOOL. Veterans Day

12: 6:30 - 8:00 PM - Dr. Aramaki's Book Club RSVP online.

14: 4:30 - 6:00 BINGO FAMILY FUN NIGHT at Medina!

18: 8:15 - 9:15 AM Pastries with Principals in the Art Room

18: School photo re-take day

25 & 26: Elementary Conference Days (Preschool - 5th grade)

28 & 29: NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving Holiday

December:

2: PTA General Meeting