November 2024
Dear CES Families,
As we step into November, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude for all the support and dedication our school community continues to show. It’s hard to believe how quickly this year is flying by, but as we reflect on the past few months, I am proud of the progress and growth our students have made both academically and personally.
This month, we will be focusing on gratitude as we approach the holiday season. We encourage our students to not only express thanks for the big things but also for the small moments that make each day special. Whether it’s in the classroom, on the playground, or at home, taking time to appreciate the little things helps build strong and positive communities.
Thank you for all that you do to make our school a warm and welcoming place for learning. I wish you and your family a joyful and restful Thanksgiving holiday.
Warm regards,
Laura Ramos
Principal
Is it a “b” or a “d”?
Why Do Letter Reversals Happen?
Lowercase letters b and d are mirror images of each other. They both include a tall stick and a circle, but just in reverse order, so if you hold a lowercase b in front of a mirror, it reflects a d, and vice versa.
This is super tricky for most kids!
At the time kids learn their letters, they’re still figuring out directionality in text, learning left from right, and trying to get the hang of proper letter formation. So it’s no wonder b/d letter reversals and confusion occur frequently. Lowercase p and q also often get confused with b and d, because all these letters are essentially the same, just flipped and turned all around.
If your young child is struggling with letter reversals, it’s totally normal, and not an early indicator of dyslexia.
In fact, it’s actually developmentally appropriate for kids to reverse and confuse these letters throughout pre-k and kindergarten, even into first grade!
What can we do to help?
Here are a few strategies I use:
Vision, Hearing and Height and weight screening is underway here at CES.
As we move into colder weather please dress your student with weather appropriate clothing as they do go out to recess daily, unless there is extreme cold or rain. If you're in need of winter wear such as; hats, gloves, snow pants, winter coats, or boots please reach out and we will make efforts to make these available. Along with the winter month and weather comes the cold and flu season. We have seen an increase in pneumonia cases throughout the school, as well as other common colds, and strep throat. It is encouraged that you notify the health office when your child is out sick or diagnosed with any contagious illness.
November is Diabetes Awareness Month, this is a time to educate, spread awareness and prevent diabetic health related problems. This year's theme is Breaking Barriers and Bridging Gaps! This theme focuses on health equity. November 14th is World Diabetes Day, the birthdate of Frederick Banting, the man who discovered insulin in 1922.
Dear CES Families:
The school year is well underway and the holidays are approaching quickly. We understand these times can be very difficult, both emotionally and financially for families. Each year, we work with local schools, companies, and organizations to help ease some of the financial burdens for those most in need by helping to provide holiday gifts for children.
If you need help providing some unwrapped gifts to your child(ren) this holiday season, please complete this form, Holiday Gift Help, by Monday November 18th.
This information is kept confidential; community members who sponsor your child(ren) are given no identifying information. If you have any questions or your financial situation changes after Friday, November 22nd, please contact Ms. Garrity directly.
As we continue to utilize the Zones of Regulation framework, our work was focused on defining expected versus unexpected behaviors, our feelings during each behavior, and how each behavior affected others.
Expected Behaviors are actions that align with our schools core values (safe, kind, and responsible). When we choose these behaviors, the people around us feel comfortable in knowing you can make good choices. We are usually in the Green Zone when we show expected behaviors.
Unexpected Behaviors are unusual actions, typically against the rules, and make other people around us uncomfortable. When we are usually in the Yellow Zone, Blue Zone, or Red Zone when we show unexpected behaviors. We should use a coping strategy to move to the Green Zone and show expected behaviors again.
Our students did a great job during our class discussions! They were able to independently provide examples of each of these behaviors in school, at home, and in the community. We encourage you to utilize these terms with your children as we all work together to promote positive behaviors with all of our students.
On January 3, 2023, the Commonwealth launched the new Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) and established 25 Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs). As part of the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, these programs are increasing access to mental health and substance treatment for people across Massachusetts, and offer insurance-blind behavioral health crisis services to anyone in the state.
Additionally, the Commonwealth has created a Behavioral Health Roadmap Toolkit, which includes pre-made public awareness and informational materials (including social media graphics, fact sheets, flyers, and more).
As we all know, the weather in New England is VERY inconsistent. One day we are enjoying a beautiful 70 degree day and then the next we are finding frost on our cars in the morning. When the weather permits, the goal is to get all students outside for some fresh air and time to run around. We ask that they are prepared with appropriate clothing. This includes the kind of shoes they wear and coats. Hats and mittens are always encouraged in the cold weather. We would never hold a child inside but we are limited on the amount of extra coats we have available to share. Your attention and support to this request is extremely appreciated.
