Geist Gazette

Website: https://ges.hseschools.org/

Location: 14051 East 104th Street, Fishers, IN 46037
Phone: 317-915-4260
Twitter: @TherisaSeymour

Facebook: Geist Elementary PTO

11/18 - Movie Night Grades 2-3-4 (Registration Closed)

11/18 - Spell Bowl Championship

11/20 - Movie Night Grades K-1 (Registration Closed)

11/21 - Vision Screening 3rd Grade

11/27-29 - School Closed (Thanksgiving Break)

IN CLASS

• November 11 – 26: Global Read Aloud Week (November 11 – 15); Learning to positively work with others while being physically active

OUT OF CLASS:

• HSE HS Athletics Schedule - https://hseathletics.com/Events
• Storywalk - https://playfishers.com/333/StoryWalk

Congratulations to the following second graders for earning Artist of the Week for their dotted pumpkins inspired by Yayoi Kusama: Preston R, Caleigh R, Colin R, Reagan E, Shiloh W, and Finley F.

Stress is a very normal; yet uncomfortable aspect of daily demands on us.

We have schedules and events to meet, tasks to complete, time management demands and pressures to perform. As adults, this can be difficult; yet we must be cognizant of the demands and to realize that some things are simply ‘out of my control’. When we focus on what is ‘in our control’, all of a sudden, the weight of many stressors is lessened.

Notice what’s ‘in my control’ all include the words ‘I’ and ‘my’; and those things ‘out of my control’ are situational events or have to do with ‘others’ thoughts and behaviors.

Our children are no different; yet sometimes we, as adults, forget to remind ourselves and our children to focus on ‘what is in our control’ and to establish a game plan, with a positive mindset, when faced with decisions and responses regarding those things ‘in our control. The reminder to ourselves, helps us to remind and guide our children to do the same.

1. Notice we are stressed (body signals, feelings of overwhelm, etc.). Talk with your child(ren) about how you notice stress in your own bodies and share with them what you do to calm your amygdala, in order to ‘get your prefrontal cortex online’ and able to take that first step toward a goal or task.

2. To use a strategy to calm our triggered amygdala (the outcome of a stressor). Positive self-talk using growth mindset words, like ‘I’ve got this’, ‘It will be okay, I’m ready to tackle this in a minute’, and ‘I will use one of my strategies’, are key.

3. Coming up with a plan or taking steps toward a goal is the next step. This is where we as educators and you, as family caregivers are so important. Modeling the

planning or goal-setting steps, with a growth mindset will enable your child(ren) to do the same for themselves when needed.

Many times, our young ones are amazed when we share with them that we are stressed and have struggles, many times, as well. When they hear and see modeling from us that affirms we are stressed, how we respond with calming self-talk and growth mindset and how we plan steps toward completion of a goal or challenge; this is when learning occurs.

Remember to always identify when triggered by a stressor, to verbalize and to decide whether an event or stressor is ‘in your control’ or ‘out of our control’. If ‘out of your control’, share verbally what you say to your amygdala to remind yourself that ‘it’s okay’, ‘I will move on and stop worrying’, etc., so that your child(ren) SEE you and DO the same.

Kindergarten:

Growth Mindset and Goal Setting (SS) - Lesson 2: Why We Pay Attention

Students will be able to identify reasons to pay attention.

Summary: In this week’s lesson, your child will learn two important reasons for paying attention: to learn and to stay safe.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child why it’s important to pay attention during different activities, for example, when listening to information or instructions.

First Grade:

Growth Mindset and Goal Setting (SS)- Lesson 1: Time to Pay Attention

Students will be able to demonstrate how they would pay attention in given scenarios.

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child will learn that paying attention can look different depending on the situation, for example, listening to the teacher during a lesson or looking both ways before crossing the street.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to show you how they can pay attention, for example, when you are reading a story with them, explaining a task, or crossing the street.

Second Grade:

Digital Citizenship (CSM)- That’s Private!

Students will recognize the kind of information that is private and understand that they should never give out private information online.

Summary:

Students will recognize the kind of information that is private and understand that they should never give out private information online.

Try This at Home:

Watch this video together (turn on captions so you can see the lyrics) and sing along!

https://www.commonsense.org/education/videos/we-the-digital-citizens

Now talk about this together:

What was your favorite part of the song? Why? What rules do we have about using apps and going online? What sites are OK to use? What are the time limits?

Third Grade

Growth Mindset and Goal Setting (SS) - Lesson 2: Getting Better with Practice

Students will be able to describe the connection between their own practice and effort and the changes that happen in their brain.

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child will learn that every time they practice a new skill, the brain gets better at sending the message for that skill.

Try This at Home:

Ask your child to explain what happens in their brain when they practice.

Fourth Grade

Getting Focused (MU) - Lesson 2: Mindful Awareness

Students will compare mindful behavior and unmindful behavior and identify the parts of the brain responsible for controlling each type.

Summary:

In this week’s lesson, your child will compare mindful behavior and unmindful behavior and identify the parts of the brain responsible for controlling each type

Try This at Home:

Ask your child what it means to use mindful (reflective and purposeful) vs what it means to use unmindful behavior (reflexive and unaware.) Have your child identify the areas of the brain associated with controlling each type (Mindful – pre frontal cortex and Unmindful – amygdala)

Hi GES Families!

Enrollment is now open for families in need of support during the holidays through the Salvation Army Angel Trees. Please head to https://saangeltree.org/ to sign up. Let me know if I can assist in any way.

The program requirements are listed below:

• Each angel must be 12 years old or under on Christmas Day.
• Households must fall below 200% of the Federal Poverty line.
• Families must reside in Hamilton County.

Required Documents :

• Head of Household Government Issued ID.
• Official document(s) with the child's date of birth (birth certificate, medical card, school record, etc.).
• Custody documentation (custody order, school record, lease, tax return, welfare statement, etc.) if available.

The Fishers Health Department is hosting International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day for the first time in Hamilton County. This year, International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day is Saturday, November 23, 2024. We will be hosting our event at the new Fishers Arts and Municipal Complex from 1pm – 3pm.

International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day a.k.a., Survivor Day, is a free event in which survivors of suicide loss come together to find connection, understanding, and hope through their shared experience.

HOT OPTIONS

MONDAY- Calzone (cheese only)

TUESDAY- Walking Taco (beef)

WEDNESDAY- Chicken Nuggets w Roll

THURSDAY- Thanksgiving Meal: Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Roll, Cranberry Sauce, Fruit Cup, Green Beans and Pumpkin Pie

FRIDAY- French Toast and Sausage (Turkey)

MONDAY 11/25 - Mozzorella Sticks

TUESDAY 11/26 - Egg Roll & Pot Stickers

DAILY HOT OPTION: Impossible Burger (Vegetarian)

COLD OPTIONS FOR BOTH WEEKS

PBJ

Garden Salad (Has egg)

Crispy Chicken Salad

Bento Box (muffin, cheese cubes, graham cookies and yogurt)

Please note on Thursday 11/21 the only cold option will be PBJ.

Geist Elementary Thanksgiving Lunch Help

Thu Nov 21, 2024

On Thursday, November 21st, Geist Elementary's cafe team will be serving their Thanksgiving meal as the hot lunch choice. This is a popular meal and, just like your family Thanksgiving meals, require additional hands on deck. If you are able and willing, our cafe staff would be grateful for any volunteers to help make the day run more smoothly.

All volunteers need a SafeVisitor badge. Please check in at the office before reporting to the cafeteria.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP.

The GES Café welcomes lunch visitors! Sign-ups will be available one week in advance (cutoff is 10am on Friday the week prior), with a maximum of two visits per month. All visitors must have an approved valid Safe Visitor background check on file with the district before coming into the building. All visitors will need to have their ID with them to sign in to the building.

• NO restaurant food or drink may be brought in for lunch.
• Phones must be put away at all times/No pictures may be taken during your visit.
• One visitor will be allowed per grade level per day.
• Adults only please.
• Adults may purchase a lunch for $4.30 at the time of signup. Check or cash exact change only please. Please indicate your child's teacher and your lunch preference: 'Hot Lunch', 'Salad', 'Bring from Home', or 'None'.
  
• Please proceed to the office to check out when your child's teacher picks up the class.
• Sign ups for the week of November 25: https://signup.com/go/gZfxmBU

Join the fun in the Geist Cafe! We're looking for a 10-2 kitchen / line employee. Work when the students attend school!
Contact: Karen Ogden, Director of Nutrition & Food Services
kogden@hse.k12.in.us

Get Connected: Follow us on Facebook @GeistElementaryPTO for updates on our upcoming events and how you can participate!

Get Involved: Click Here for current volunteer opportunities!

Contact Us: gesptopres@gmail.com

Last week our 3rd and 4th grade classes and choir members performed a phenomenal Veterans Day Program! Following the performance, the PTO provided a special breakfast to all attending Veterans and their families. We would like to extend an extra special THANK YOU to the Janssens family for sponsoring the breakfast and to Mrs. Koenig for your outstanding leadership and coordination of such an incredible program! We appreciate you all! To our Veterans: thank you for your service, sacrifices, and the example you set for us all.

Cinnamon Roll Trays are a great way to raise money for our school and bring some yummy convenience home just in time for Thanksgiving break!

Cinnamon rolls are $15 per tray. Each tray contains 6 large cinnamon rolls cooked and packaged safely with reheating instructions for when you are ready to enjoy! They are shelf stable, and they can even be frozen for up to three months!

Orders must be placed by 6:00 pm on Monday, November 18th, and cinnamon rolls will be sent home with your student and bagged in a reheatable tray on Friday, November 22nd- just in time for Thanksgiving Break!

If you order more than two trays, please call the office to arrange pick up.

Click Here to Order!

Taco Tuesday is coming up! Mark your calendars for the last Tuesday of every month for our monthly “Dine to Donate” event with Torchy’s Tacos!

Thank you for the candy donations and for helping us keep the staff lounge stocked!

Holiday Spirit Wear Sale going on now! Receive 25% off all merchandise and free shipping on orders over $75. All orders are guaranteed to be delivered by December 23rd!

Did you know you can raise money for our school by grocery shopping? The PTO participates in retail rewards through Kroger Community Rewards and Box Tops for Education. Here is how to enroll:

Kroger: link your rewards card here: https://www.kroger.com/account/communityrewards/

Box Tops: Download the app and scan your paper or digital receipts to earn credit for participating products.

Thank you again to the Janssens Family for sponsoring our Veteran’s Day Breakfast this year! We appreciate all your family does for our school!