The Grove Gazette
November 2024 Newsletter
October truly was an exciting month at Walnut Grove! Fall Break gave students and staff a refreshing pause, and the recent parent-teacher conferences saw strong participation. The engagement from families will surely have a lasting, positive impact on our school community.
We’re thrilled to share that PTA’s Eaglefest was a great success, offering families a fun-filled evening to come together and celebrate. Thank you to all who attended and supported this wonderful event!
We’re excited for American Education Week, running from November 13-17. As part of the festivities, we’ll welcome Mr. Ted Sadowski, Information Officer, from the City of Duluth Police Department as our Principal For A Day on November 21. This is a fantastic opportunity for him to experience firsthand the wonderful environment at Walnut Grove, and I know our students and staff will make a lasting impression.
Additionally, we look forward to our Grandparents’ Day Luncheon on November 7th! This cherished event is a beautiful opportunity for students to connect with their grandparents and make lasting memories.
Wishing everyone safe travels and meaningful time with loved ones over Thanksgiving!
Sincerely,
Dr. Dale Pugh
Please join us in congratulating our two local school winners for the PTA Reflections Competition.
Nora Jung, 2nd Grade, Visual Arts
Simone Washington, 4th Grade, Literary & Dance
All entries will be judged at the Area 2 Regional level during the month of November, and winners will be announced in early December. An awards ceremony will be held in early January for the Area 2 Council winners that were sent along to the state judging level. Typically, all visual art and photography originals are on display prior to being returned and I will provide additional on that once I have those details.
Thank you everyone for your submissions!
Lana Vega, Walnut Grove ES PTA Reflections Chair
For more information about how to craft a standout submission for next year's theme, CLICK HERE!
This month’s focus is Empathy. One way to think about Empathy is “understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings.” Empathy is a practice that can help us grow strong relationships. Empathy is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Kind. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like perspective-taking, conflict resolution, and leadership.
Have some fun connecting as a family this month while practicing Empathy. Here are 2 “PurposeFull Pursuits” you can complete together!
#1: Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings. Schedule a family movie night so that you can specifically watch for feelings and emotions. Let everyone know that you’d like them to point out how the characters in the show are feeling and that you will pause periodically to discuss Empathy. As emotions are identified, invite one another to Empathize by sharing about a time they felt that way or imagining how they might be feeling in that moment.
#2: Review the definition of Empathy as a family! Remember that Empathy is understanding and connecting with other people’s feelings. Find a time to sit in a circle together and celebrate all the ways you have seen each other practice Empathy. Take turns sharing responses to the following prompts or make up your own! Remember to practice Empathy as you listen to each other.
- What is 1 way a family member has shown you Empathy lately?
- Share about a time when you felt like someone really listened to you.
Conversation Starters
● What does Empathy look like to you?
● Is it hard for you to share how you feel with others? Why or why not?
