Placentino School News & Updates
We have noticed an increase in the number of electronic devices, including smartwatches and cellphones, in the elementary setting. In particular, we have noticed an increased use of smartwatches in unexpected ways during school hours (i.e, texting, playing games, used as recording devices). Smartwatches should only be used as a watch when wearing them in school. Cell phones should be kept inside the students backpack and not used during school hours (including the bus). There should not be any texting, recording, or game playing during school hours. If a child needs to get in contact with a family member, they can come to the front office to make a phone call home. As per the school handbook, “No electronic devices are allowed at school during school hours or on the bus.” If your child’s smartwatch is interfering with the school day, a staff member will ask the student to remove the watch, turn it off, and place it in their backpack. If a student does not comply with these procedures the smartwatch will not be allowed at school.
Many smartwatches have a “Do Not Disturb” or “Schooltime" setting which prevents notifications from going off when in school.
Parents can create an account on MySchoolBucks to view their child's breakfast and lunch transactions for up to 90 days. Please note that the system will display transactions as "breakfast" or "lunch" without detailing specific items selected.
Starting next month, Food Services will also begin providing breakfast menus for families.
Preschool and Kindergarten
During the month of April teachers and students in preschool and kindergarten will engage in a read aloud of You Matter by Christian Robinson. In this full, bright, and beautiful picture book, many different perspectives around the world are deftly and empathetically explored—from a pair of bird-watchers to the pigeons they’re feeding. Young readers will be drawn into the luminous illustrations inviting them to engage with the world in a new way and see how everyone is connected, and that everyone matters.
Conversation Starters:
- What makes you special?
- Who matters to you?
First and Second Grade
During the month of April teachers and students in first and second grade will engage in a read aloud of The Smallest Girl in the Smallest Grade by Justin Roberts. Sally notices everything—from the twenty-seven keys on the janitor’s ring to the bullying happening on the playground. One day, Sally has had enough and decides to make herself heard. And when she takes a chance and stands up to the bullying, she finds that one small girl can make a big difference.
Conversation Starters:
- What were some things that you noticed today that made you feel good?
- What were some things that you noticed today that bothered you?
- Sally McCabe sees bullying going on in her school. Have you ever witnessed someone being bullied? What did you do?
- How did Sally McCabe make a difference in the story?
- What is one thing you think would make the world a better place to live?
