The Groundhog Gazette

November 1, 2024

FROM THE DESK OF DR. LANCE

Happy November Parents and Guardians!! We have made it to November and I find myself at this time of year wanting to express my thanks to you for all of your continued support for Amity!! We had a wonderful turn out for Parent-Teacher Conferences and it was a pleasure to see you in the building meeting with teachers. Your children are working very hard and continue to learn amazing things. In addition, a reminder that there is No School on Tuesday, Nov 5 as Amity is a polling site for the General Election. Finally, as we begin to see (and feel) the cold weather, please be sure to have your students dressed appropriately for the weather. We will continue to have students outside at recess unless it is raining and/or extreme cold temperatures.

Amity Instagram

Be sure to follow @amityelem on Instagram this school year!

Upcoming Events

Nov 5 - General Election - Amity Gymnasium [No School]

Nov 11-15 - School Psychologist Week

Nov 25-29 - Autumn Break [No School]

Boise School District "Parents Make A Difference" Newsletter

Please see the link for the recent Boise School District Elementary Parent Newsletter - Parents Make A Difference.

From the Counselor

Happy Holiday Season Amity Families!

If your family is in need of a Holiday Food Basket please reach out as soon as possible before Nov. 20th so that we can ensure we have you on the list! Boxes will be distributed December 7th-10th! E-mail Taylor Denko at taylor.denko@boiseschools.org or call (208) 854-4228. Space is limited so reach out right away!

From the HEALTH OFFICE

Vision screenings are underway for all new students to the district, KG, 2nd, and 5th grade. You will receive a form if there is any concern with your child’s vision.

Scoliosis screenings for 5th-grade girls will occur during the 3rd Quarter.

*If you do not have vision insurance and are seeking an eye exam for your child, please contact the school nurse for a voucher that allows an exam and corrective eyewear per year.

Have a healthy November!

Nurse Tasha tasha.hussman@boiseschools.org

Michelle Diehl- Health Tech michelle.diehl@boiseschools.org

Anna Hall- Health Tech anna.hall@boiseschools.org

Student Screen Time

As we navigate the digital age, the topic of screen time for our elementary students has become increasingly important. With the rise of technology in education and entertainment, it’s essential to ensure that our children are using screens in a balanced and healthy way.

Why Screen Time Matters

Excessive screen time can lead to various issues, including decreased physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and difficulties with social interactions. It’s important for children to engage in diverse activities that promote their overall development, including play, reading, and face-to-face interactions.

Guidelines for Healthy Screen Use

Set Limits: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2 to 5 should have no more than one hour of high-quality programming each day. For children under 2, it’s best to avoid screen time except for video chatting.
Encourage Quality Content: Choose educational programs and apps that promote learning and creativity. Look for content that encourages critical thinking and engagement.
Create Screen-Free Zones: Designate certain areas and times in your home for screen-free activities, such as during family meals or before bedtime.
Be a Role Model: Demonstrate healthy screen habits by limiting your own screen time and prioritizing face-to-face interactions.
Promote Alternative Activities: Encourage outdoor play, reading, and hobbies that do not involve screens. Engaging in these activities can help develop a well-rounded set of skills.

Partnership for Success

We understand that technology plays a vital role in modern education, and we are committed to integrating it thoughtfully into our curriculum. We encourage you to have open conversations with your children about their screen time and to work together to establish a healthy balance.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a nurturing environment for our children’s growth and development.

Lost and Found Items

Don't forget to ask your student if they are missing a sweatshirt/coat, or feel free to stopy by. Our lost and found is getting very full. If students have their names in their items, it helps us get them back to the correct owner. We will be donating all unclaimed lost and found to a local charity at the end of the semester.

Groundhog GRIT

Congratulations to all our students for earning the GRIT Games last quarter! Our Goal was to earn 400 GRIT cards and we earned 422! Great Work! As we head into the 2nd quarter, our school focus is on the letter 'R' of GRIT…Responsibility! For the 2nd Quarter, we have challenged students to show extra responsibility in the classrooms, hallways, playground, lunchroom, and buses. To achieve our next reward our school must earn 550 GRIT cards!

Boise School District Special Education - Understanding Special Education Workshop

Please join us for our workshop that guides parents through the Special Education Process. This event will take place at Whitney Elementary on November 12th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. We will share valuable information for parents who are starting the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process or for those who have gone through it and want to review all the different components. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for parents to ask questions about special education to our district special education leadership. Dinner and childcare will be provided! Please register here or see our flyer for more information.