SIERRA SCOOP

May 3, 2024

FROM FOERSTER'S DESK

Arts Night was an absolute hit again this year! Thank you to Mr. Reming, Mrs. Stokke, Mrs. Peters, PTA, and all of our volunteers for all of your work putting this community event together. Students and families loved seeing all the artwork through the building, participating in a variety of activities (including my personal favorite...the cookie walk!), watching grade level performances, and more. Hopefully you were able to see the plaster creations by 5th grades, Arvada mural by 4th graders, and all the other colorful works that bring Sierra to life. Thanks to all that attended!

Have a splendid weekend 😀

Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at Sierra

zoom_out_map

Working Memory

zoom_out_map

Metacognition

Executive Functioning Skills (continued): Working Memory and Metacognition

This week, we will wrap up the series on executive function skills. Among these, Working Memory and Metacognition play pivotal roles. Working memory , characterized by ReME Remembers, involves the ability to hold and manipulate information in mind for brief periods, essential for tasks like following instructions and problem-solving. ReME reminds us that we need to retain, manipulate, and engage with information in order to remember and make sense of it. Metacognition, on the other hand, characterized by Aware Bear, refers to the awareness and control of one's own thought processes, including planning, monitoring, and evaluating performance. To support children's development of these skills, caregivers can employ various strategies:

For Working Memory:

Engage in activities that challenge recall and manipulation of information, such as memory games
Chunk tasks - split up multiple time-consuming tasks into smaller more manageable ones (i.e., instead of directing a child to clean their room, ask them to start by putting their laundry away, then give the direction to put the toys back on the shelf or make their bed)
Provide visual aids and break tasks into smaller steps (i.e., make a chart for getting ready for the day the includes pictures of getting dressed, eating breakfast, brushing hair, brushing teeth, putting on coat and backpack, etc.)

For Metacognition:

Use journaling or discussions to have children reflect. Prompt them with questions like, How did that go for me? or How did I do?
Model thinking about thinking (i.e., "This is confusing. How else can I try to figure this out?")
Encourage children to ask questions and predict outcomes (i.e., If I do ____, what might happen? What will others think or feel about me? How will I feel about myself?)

Consistent practice of strategies to support the development of executive functioning skills is essential. These skills, are not innate but rather develop gradually over time with deliberate effort and reinforcement. Importantly, research suggests that the frontal lobes of the brain, responsible for executive functions, continue to mature well into adulthood, with mastery not typically achieved until the mid to late twenties, or even early thirties. This underscores the necessity of ongoing practice and support throughout childhood, adolescence, and beyond. By recognizing that mastery is a process rather than an endpoint, this will hopefully remind us as caregivers to employ patience and support towards our children as they embark on their skill-building journey.

OFFICE INFORMATION

zoom_out_map

New After School Care 2024-2025

The Apex Center is offering after school care to Sierra for the 2024-2025 school year. Please see this flyer for more information.

Apex After School Care Registration Link

Not at School on 5/24?

If your child will not be at school for the last day of school on Fri., 5/24, please plan on picking up belongings (Friday Folder, report cards, etc) from the office 5/28-6/5 between the hours of 10:00am-1:00pm. Any items not picked up cannot be mailed.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

zoom_out_map

Sierra Calendar

May 7- Whole School Read-a-Thon prize during lunch recesses

May 8- Choir and Handbells performance 5:30pm

May 9- Read-a-Thon Carnival parties

May 10- K-2nd Field Day starting at 11:50am

May 14- Final Coffee with T n B at 7:50am

May 16- Read-a-Thon Magian prize

May 17- Outer Space ROAR Day

May 23- Greatest Hits ROAR Day

May 23- Last day for 5th grade; 5th Continuation at 4:00

May 23- Last day for 1/2day preschool classes

May 24- Last day; dismissal at 12:05pm

May 24- Kindergarten graduation 8:30am

May 24- Last day for full day preschool, dismissal at 12:00

May 24- Report Cards go home

***Please note, Sierra's calendar is updated with 2024-25 dates. These are subject to change.

Malara Gardens Fundraiser

zoom_out_map

Calling all gardeners! Support the Sierra Library and Technology fund!

We are partnering with local garden center, Malara Gardens, to support our library and technology budget. When you shop at Malara Gardens during the week of May 13 -19, mention Sierra at the cash register and our library will receive 10% of your purchase! Go buy some beautiful plants and flowers from a local grower and help our school all at once!

Malara Gardens is a family-owned local business located at 7190 Kipling Street, Arvada, CO 80004. www.malaragardens.com

Thank you!

DID YOU KNOW?

zoom_out_map

2024-25 Sierra Calendar Dates

Next year's calendar dates are on Sierra's calendar. Be sure to note important beginning of year dates (Ice Cream Social, 1st days for all students, Back to School Night, Modified Contact, and more). Dates/times are subject to change.

Please ensure that you read through the Sierra Student-Family Handbook for additional school information.