A Month of Celebration and Achievement
Welcome to the enchanting month of May! As we embrace the beauty of spring and the warmth of the sun, we also embark on the final leg of our academic journey for the 23-24 school year. May is a magical time for both our students and staff, filled with excitement, determination, and a sense of accomplishment.
For our students, May represents the culmination of their year-long efforts to acquire knowledge and skills that will prepare them for the next grade level. It's our final push to ensure that every student is equipped with the tools they need to succeed academically and personally. Our dedicated staff members are digging deep this month, pouring their hearts and souls into teaching and guiding their students, ensuring that they have everything they need to thrive.
As we approach the end of the school year, the final days are brimming with celebration and memory-making opportunities. From end-of-year parties and award ceremonies to field days and special events, we are committed to creating lasting memories for our students as they prepare to transition to the next chapter of their academic journey.
Together, as a school community, we celebrate the achievements, growth, and resilience of our students and staff. May is a time to reflect on our accomplishments, express gratitude for the support and dedication of our school community, and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.
Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to the success of our students. Together, we will make the final days of the school year memorable and meaningful for all.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Stapp
"And, so together, they created a school they loved.”
Look What's Happening...
May 1- Prairie Fair with 3rd Grade
May 1- School Principals Day
May 1- Interpreter Appreciation Day
May 3- School Lunch Hero Day
May 3- Popcicles at the Park with 3rd Grade
May 3- Library Books are DUE
May 5- Cinco de Mayo
May 6- Poolside Park- 1st Grade
May 6-12 Teacher Appreciation Week
May 7- Teacher Appreciation Day
May 8- School Nurse Day
May 8- Senior Walkthrough
May 8- Lee Richardson Zoo with 2nd Grade
May 9- Last day of After School Program (ASP)
May 9- Fike Park Picnic with 2nd Grade
May 10- Kindergarten Park Day
May 10th- Orange Carpet Awards
12:30pm- 3rd & 4th Grades in the Auditorium
May 13- Students of the Week Celebration (2nd Semester)
May 14- Kindergarten Graduation
2:30pm in the Auditorium
May 15- Kindergarten- No School
May 15- Last Day of School- Release at 11:30am
Lunch- sack lunch by request only
May 27- Memorial Day
Nurse Sarah's News!
Summer break is almost here! That means lots of family time, outdoor fun, and probably some time in the water. This month’s newsletter is all about water safety so that you and your children can have a worry-free and fun-filled summer vacation!
Why It Matters
Drowning is something that nobody wants to have to think about. Unfortunately, it can happen and it is important to be aware of the risks that can come with water activities. Nearly 1,000 children die every year from drowning, and even more end up in hospitals with severe drowning-related injuries.
Where to Use Water safety
Pools/Jacuzzis
Lakes
Beaches
On boats
Bathrooms (for young children)
What you Can Do
Here are some simple guidelines that you can follow when your child is in or near water:
Never take your eyes off your child, even if they are in the shallow end or kiddie pool.
Put your phone away. If you need to check it, just ask another adult that you trust to keep an eye on your child while you use your phone.
Don’t rely on floaties! Children can still drown while wearing water wings or other inflatables.
Sign your child up for swim lessons. If you don’t know how to swim, sign yourself up as well
At parties or in groups, assign an adult to supervising the children and take turns so that someone always has eyes on the kids.
Make sure that your child knows the rules and never enters the water without an adult present.
Mindful Messages
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! In 1949, the month of May was declared as Mental Health Awareness Month with the goal to create awareness and show how important taking care of your mental health is. While many may think of how mental health impacts adults, children are just as impacted. In 2019, 1 in 6 children will experience a form of mental illness. 50% of all mental illness begins around the age 14 years old and 75% by the age of 25 years old. Anxiety disorders are the most common type of mental illness in both children and adults.
Here are some easy ways that may help reduce anxious symptoms for both youth and adults:
Spending more time outside, and less time indoors in front of a screen.
Practice different breathing exercises or guided meditation.
Share your feelings with a trusted person.
It is important to remember that everyone will experience feelings of anxiety throughout their life. Sometimes we experience these feelings to keep us safe and alert. While it is normal to experience feelings of anxiety, if it begins to impair your daily functioning or your students daily functioning it may be time to talk to a medical professional or mental health professional about your options. Here is an infographic from the National Alliance of Mental Illness that covers more information regarding mental health.
Social Services Support Team:
Mrs. Hailey, Mrs. Hamilton, Mrs. Metcalf
Ms. Hockett's Harmony
Skills and concepts we have been working on all year:
Kindergarteners are exploring instruments and rhythms and composing their own body percussion.
The first and second grade concert, which was supposed to showcase more of what we do in music, will be canceled due to space and time constraints. I am very sorry to those who were looking forward to the addition. In the coming years, we may be able to add more performance opportunities. This year just seemed not to work out the way I thought it would.
The recorder concert will not take place at the end of May because the fourth graders were able to perform their recorders at their musical earlier in the year.
Library News!
Keep Kids Engaged in Reading Over the Summer
How Can Parents Help?
1. Let kids read what they WANT to read. I tell the students to take advantage of "free" reading in the summer. Kids don't have to read in their reading level! If you want to read pictures books, then read picture books! If you want to try and tackle Harry Potter, then tackle Harry Potter!
2. Make time for smart play. Games and puzzles are a great way for kids to brush up on the basics while having fun at the same time!
3. Get out of the house! Experts have found that novelty stimulates the brain and promotes learning. Visiting a historic site or even simply reading together at the park can help your child get more excited about reading and learning. You can also visit a certain location inspired by the books you read together.
4. Use your imagination! Let your child craft, build with legos, or design their own superhero!
5. Visit your local public library, Pioneer Memorial Library! Summer Reading Program starts Thursday, May 30th with a challenge game sign up. Visit colbylibrary.com for more information or call 785-460-4470!
Mrs. Brown
After School Program (ASP)
The last of the After School Program will be Thursday, May 9th. All grades will be going to Fike Park on that day. Pick up will be at the usual location in the Primary Building.
On rare occasions, if a student needs to leave early. Call the Pk-4 office before 3:30pm (785-460-5100.)
More About CGS
Email: hstapp@colbyeagles.org
Website: https://www.colbyeagles.org/o/colbyes
Location: 210 North Grant Avenue, Colby, KS, USA
Phone: (785) 460-5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550694944969
Twitter: @ColbyEagles