Dear Firebird Families,

March is here, bringing the promise of warmer days, new learning adventures, and exciting school events! As we move into this month, we celebrate the growth and achievements of our students while looking forward to the many opportunities ahead.

From Read Across America celebrations to the first signs of spring, March is a time of renewal, curiosity, and discovery. Our Firebirds continue to soar with enthusiasm, and we are so proud of their hard work and dedication. Be sure to check out the important dates and updates in this issue so you don’t miss out on the wonderful activities happening at Phenix Elementary.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a place where every student shines. Let’s make it a fantastic month, Firebirds!

Warm regards,

Daniel T. Richardson

Principal, Phenix Elementary

Please see our school website calendar (linked below) for March events!

Increasing activity in elementary children is essential for their physical, mental, and emotional development. Here are some effective ways to encourage and promote more movement and exercise for young kids:

1. Incorporate Active Games

• Tag or Hide and Seek: These classic games get kids running around, engaging their imagination, and having fun.
• Relay Races: Set up simple relay races with different activities like hopping, skipping, or crawling.
• Scavenger Hunts: A great way to get kids moving around and exploring while also encouraging problem-solving.

2. Active Breaks During Class

• Brain Breaks: Short physical activities like stretching, jumping jacks, or dancing to a song can help students refocus.
• Movement Challenges: Use a timer for activities like “How many jumping jacks can you do in one minute?” or “Let’s do 10 minutes of continuous movement!”

3. Promote Sports and Games

• Team Sports: Basketball, soccer, and other group games foster teamwork and get kids moving.
• Individual Sports: Encourage kids to try activities like swimming, gymnastics, or martial arts to develop strength and coordination.

4. Encourage Outdoor Play

• Park Visits: Outdoor playgrounds, nature walks, or playing sports like frisbee or soccer at the park.

5. Dance and Music

• Dance Parties: Play some fun music and have a dance party in the living room or classroom.
• Dance-Based Video Games: Games like Just Dance or GoNoodle encourage kids to follow dance moves and stay active.

6. Make Physical Activity a Family Event

• Weekend Adventures: Plan family hikes, bike rides, or other outdoor activities.
• Chore Challenges: Make household chores fun by turning them into games like races or timed challenges.

7. Provide Positive Reinforcement

• Praise Efforts: Celebrate even the smallest achievements in physical activity to build enthusiasm.
• Make it Social: Kids are more likely to be active when they do it with friends, so encourage play dates that involve outdoor activities.

The key is to make it fun and engaging while giving kids opportunities to move throughout the day. By varying activities and keeping them interesting, children will be motivated to stay active.

This March we are focusing on the value of Honesty. One way to understand Honesty is as "being truthful in both words and actions." Practicing Honesty not only helps to build stronger relationships but also reduces stress and promotes trust. If you’d like to encourage honesty with your child, try this activity:

Start by discussing Honesty as a family. Emphasize that it means being truthful in what we say and do. Talk about why Honesty is important and collaborate on creating a family Honesty pledge. Together, design and decorate a sign that defines what Honesty means to your family. Have each family member sign the pledge, and then choose a prominent place to display it. Regularly refer to the pledge as a reminder to practice Honesty, and celebrate when it is demonstrated within your family.

Don't forget to stay up-to-date with our PES Website! Our school related events can be found in the Calendar tab and there are resources located in the Parent & Student Reources tab. Please be sure to check in regularly at the link below!

• 3/13 Birthday Bash

• 3/14 Popcorn Friday

I wandered lonely as a cloud

That floats on high o'er vales and hills,

When all at once I saw a crowd,

A host, of golden daffodils;

Beside the lake, beneath the trees,

Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Email: richardsondt@ccpsmail.com
Website: https://pes.ccpsk12.org/
Location: 400 Red House Road, Phenix, VA, USA
Phone: (434)542-5570
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ccpsk12/