Newt Happenings

10/20/24 - Student and Family Edition

A Message from Sean McMannon, Superintendent

Safe, Fun, and Inclusive Halloween

KESD Families,

The following are reminders as we approach Halloween to ensure a safe and positive experience in our schools and communities. KESD’s District Equity Policy says “The Kingdom East School District is committed to the success of every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, family economics, class, geography, ability, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or initial proficiencies.” We never want any of our students to feel marginalized in our schools and or communities, and Halloween costumes can sometimes send hurtful messages either on purpose or unintended. I would suggest everyone view My Culture is Not a Costume video and review the items below to support a safe, fun and inclusive Halloween.

Thanks,

Sean McMannon-KESD Superintendent

Dress Code: Costumes if worn in school should be appropriate for school and follow the school's dress code. Please review the KESD Dress Code)
Safety: Costumes if worn in school should not hinder vision, and masks are not allowed. Costumes with realistic weapons are prohibited.
Inappropriate themes: Costumes should not feature inappropriate themes or characters, reference to drugs or alcohol, and not gory, threatening, or offensive.
Cultural Sensitivity: Costumes if worn in school should be culturally sensitive and not offensive or reinforcing of stereotypes. Avoid stereotypes by not wearing a costume that plays off stereotypes about a group of people. For example, dressing up as Pocahontas can be offensive because it presents a whitewashed version of a group of people who have been victimized. Here are other considerations when designing and choosing costumes
- Don't darken your skin: Don't darken or color your skin for a costume.
- Consider the meaning: Think about whether the costume would show honor or disrespect for a group or person. For example, tribal markings, headdresses, and turbans are inappropriate because they are tied to a specific ceremony or religious meaning.
- Research the culture: If you're not part of the culture, it's important to research it before making assumptions based on stereotypes.
- Don't wear ethnic garb: Wearing ethnic garb can be a common cultural appropriation misstep.

The Week Ahead...

Tuesday Oct 22nd

6:00pm - FONSS Meeting

Friday Oct 25th

Half Day - Morning Friday Exploratory - Last Day Session 2 (4-8) - BMA (K-3)
12:10pm - Dismissal - KEAP Programming available until 3pm

Goal: Students are supported to be socially, emotionally, and physically healthy

Power Hour!

Keep those heart rates up!! Colder weather is coming this week. Dress for chilly mornings!

Friday Exploratory Program

Friday exploratory continues this week. Please be sure to dress for the weather!

SEL, Health, Wellness, and Gratitude

Ask your students what they are learning in Health and 2nd Step. Application and transfer of learning supports our community!

Friday Flannel Food Drive

Newark will be participating in the NEKCA Food Drive. Between now and Nov 15th we will be collecting non-perishable food items to donate. On Friday Nov 15th remember to wear your flannel for our school photo!

Goal: Each child will have at least a year’s growth in math and literacy.

Math Professional Learning

This past week, Newark Street School K-3 Teachers and District Coaches collaborated with Carly from the Math All-Learners Network. This team began this professional learning journey with Carly last year and it continues for three sessions this fall as they explore innovative and effective practices for delivering math instruction to our students and develop both short and long term plans which meet the needs of our diverse learners. -- More math inspired notices to come next week! Be on the lookout for how you can support your mathematicians at home.

Effective School-Family Partnership

Parenting Resources (Developed and shared by a Newark parent - Thank you!!)

Books:

“Good Inside” by Dr.Becky Kennedy

“Raising Kids With Big Baffling Behaviors” by Robyn Gobbel

“Intentional Neuroplasticity” by Lori Desautel

Podcasts:

Tilt Parenting with Debbie Rieber

Good Inside with Dr.Becky

Learn With Dr.Emily

Beautifully Complex

Sensory W.I.S.E. Solutions

ADHD Kids Can Thrive

The Neurodiversity Podcast with Emily Kircher-Morris

The Self Driven Child

FlusterClux with Lynn Lyons (great for parents and kids with anxiety) The Baffling Behavior Show with Robyn Gobbel

Websites:

https://robyngobbel.com/

https://www.goodinside.com/

https://www.megfoundationforpain.org/ (great for when it is time to get shots!) https://birdsandbeesandkids.com/

FONSS

NEWARK STREET SCHOOL PARENT TEACHER ORGANIZATION

FRIENDS OF NEWARK STREET SCHOOL (FONSS)

If interested in joining and supporting students and the Newark Learning Community in any capacity... Contact Info - fonss1448@gmail.com

Newark Street School Student/Family Handbook 2024-2025 Quick Guide

This is a short version of the handbook with the most pertinent information to start the school year. The full version will be shared upon return. Students and caretakers will be expected to review the full handbook and sign a compact of agreement.

Mission, Vision, Goals

KESD Annual Continuous Improvement Goals

Students are supported to be socially, emotionally, and physically healthy.
Each child will have at least a year’s growth in math and literacy during the year. The focus is on understanding where students are at and what their next move is to learn.

Newark Street School Statements

The following mission, vision, and goals statements were created in collaboration with community stakeholders in 2017-18. Since then, they have been refined through our work around Education for Sustainability and Equity. We will revisit these statements once again at our first Education for Sustainability meeting this school year.

Newark Street School Mission

We believe Newark Street School is a global model of how rural, small school educates for sustainability.

Newark Street School Vision

We have merged all members of the learning community to work side-by side as learning partners who become increasingly prepared to explore the world and take responsible action for Environmental Integrity, Social Equity, and Economic Prosperity.

Newark Street School Goals

1. We communicate clearly and effectively.

2. We are self-directed leaders and learners.

3. We are creative and practical problem-solvers.

4. We are responsible and engaged citizens.

5. We are informed and integrative thinkers.