Citizens Connection

Included in this week's newsletter:

• Winter Testing Begins Today
• Second Semester Club Mentors Needed (for clubs at the Broadway campus)
• Family Skate Party - December 12th, 6-8 pm (All Families)
• Rescheduled First Friday - This Friday, December 13th (Broadway, K-5th grade)
• New Date for PBL Showcase - Friday, January 10th (Broadway campus)
• Counselor's Corner

Note: This weekly newsletter is being sent to all of our enrolled families, both those at the Broadway K-8 campus and those whose students attend class at Operation Breakthrough, so that all families are aware of upcoming events.

During the next two weeks leading up to winter break, our students will be participating in Winter NWEA testing, as well as other assessments. Here are some tips to be sure our students are prepared to show their full potential during testing:

• Get a good night's sleep - Students should have the opportunity to get a full night of sleep so that they can focus as they work.
• Eat a good breakfast - If your child will be eating breakfast at school, drop off as early as 7 am to be sure they have enough time to eat before going to class!
• Arrive on time - Students will do their best if they're able to test in the familiar space of their classroom, so avoid having to test in a makeup location by arriving on time on testing days.
• Have a positive attitude - As you discuss testing with your student, remind them that you believe in them and to go slow and do their best!

If you have any questions regarding when your student will be testing during these two weeks, please reach out to your child's teacher.

As the weather gets colder, we are prepping for second semester clubs! Clubs, which will begin in February, meet after school once a week for ten weeks on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays until 5 pm. The cost is $100, and there are limited scholarships available for students of families who qualify for free and reduced lunch. Registration will open when we return from winter break on January 7th.

We would love for you to share your hobbies and passions with the students! Our clubs are taught by school staff, caregivers, and community members, and some examples of popular clubs from previous years are cake decorating, chess, cooking club, yoga, Dungeons & Dragons, crafting, soccer, and Spanish! Club sponsors are paid $600 at the end of the semester for attending a sponsor orientation and then teaching ten weeks of clubs. If you would like to be a club mentor, please fill out this club proposal form. Proposals will be accepted through December 9th.

Come join us for a family skate party at Skate City in Shawnee on Thursday, December 12th from 6-8 pm! The cost is just $7 per skater and $2 for each skate rental. Food is available for purchase from the concessions area, including a special of 2 pieces of pizza and a small drink for $5! Skate City will donate a portion of each skater’s fee back to Citizens. This is a family event open to all CWC families, so please bring siblings and plan to stay at Skate City with your child(ren). See you there!

The December First Friday event was postponed, so we hope to see you this Friday, December 13th! All kindergarten through 5th grade families are invited to attend, beginning with a classroom visit at 7:45 am. Please allow your student to escort you to the classroom. See you then!

Due to supply issues, the date for the Fall PBL (Project-Based Learning) Showcase will be moved to Friday, January 10th at 2 pm. All 2nd-8th grade students will be presenting projects based on our fall theme of water conservation, and all families are invited to attend. Please plan on joining us for this community event!

In today’s digital age, screens are an unavoidable part of our daily lives. From educational apps to social media, they offer incredible learning opportunities and ways to connect. However, balancing screen time is crucial for students’ overall well-being and development.

The Impact of Screen Time

Excessive screen time can impact students in several ways, including:

• Physical health: Increased risk of sleep disruption, eye strain, and reduced physical activity.
• Emotional well-being: Overuse of screens, especially social media, can lead to increased stress, anxiety, or lower self-esteem.
• Academic performance: While technology can support learning, distractions from games or apps can affect focus and study habits.

Tips for Healthy Screen Time at Home

Here are a few strategies to help your child maintain a healthy relationship with screens:

1. Set boundaries: Establish clear rules for screen use, such as no devices during meals or an hour before bedtime.
2. Create tech-free zones: Designate certain areas, like bedrooms, as screen-free spaces to encourage better sleep and personal interactions.
3. Model balance: Show your child that you prioritize time offline by practicing mindful screen use yourself.
4. Encourage alternatives: Provide opportunities for outdoor play, reading, or family board games to create positive non-digital experiences.
5. Be involved: Engage in your child’s digital world by exploring educational apps together or watching shows they enjoy.

Open Conversations Matter

Discussing screen use openly with your child can foster trust and awareness. Ask them questions like:

• “What do you enjoy most about your time online?”
• “Have you seen or experienced anything online that made you uncomfortable?”

Encourage them to come to you if they ever feel overwhelmed by what they encounter on a screen. Let’s work together to create a balanced and healthy approach to technology use for our students!

Don't forget to check the Family Dashboard for the full calendar, including upcoming field trips!

December 9th-20th - NWEA Testing for all K-8 Students, times vary (Broadway Campus)

December 12th - Family Skate Party, 6 pm (All PreK-8 Families Invited, Skate City Shawnee)

December 13th - First Friday, 7:45 am (Broadway Campus, K-5th grade)

December 19th - Board of Directors Meeting, 6 pm (virtual)

December 20th - End of 2nd Quarter

December 23rd-January 6th - No School (Broadway Campus Winter Break & Professional Dev. Day)

January 7th - School Resumes (Broadway Campus)

January 10th - Fall PBL Showcase, 2 pm (Broadway Campus)

Email: info@cwckansascity.org
Website: www.cwckansascity.org
Location: 3435 Broadway Boulevard, KCMO, 64111
Phone: (816)499-8000

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cwckansascity