Principal's Notes
Dr. Lisa Miller - Balmoral Elementary
Parent Teacher Conferences
Thank you to all the parents that had time to meet with their child's teachers. If you could not make it, we missed the opportunity to meet with you during parent-teacher conferences and would love to connect with you. It’s important that we have a conversation about your child’s progress, including their grades, MAP scores, and how they are adjusting socially and emotionally to the new grade level.
Parent-teacher conferences play a vital role in helping us work together to support your child’s success. By discussing both their academic achievements and areas where they may need more support, we can create a plan to help them thrive throughout the school year.
Please reach out to your child’s teacher to schedule a time that works for you. We look forward to connecting soon! PS - remember, all parents that meet with their child's teacher by next Friday will be entered in our parent raffle.
Student Engagement
PBIS
Unfortunately numerous classes have received negative reports from guest teachers. At Balmoral Elementary, we are committed to promoting positive behavior through our PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) framework. One of the key expectations we emphasize with our students is the importance of showing respect to all adults, both in and out of the classroom. Being respectful means listening attentively, following directions, and using kind words and actions in their interactions. These behaviors help create a safe and supportive environment where everyone can focus on learning and growing.
We kindly ask for your support in reinforcing these values at home. When students understand the importance of respect, they are more likely to have positive relationships with teachers, staff, and peers, and this contributes to their overall success in school. Together, we can continue to foster a respectful and inclusive community for all students.
Thank you for your partnership!
Increasing Student Stamina
We understand that maintaining focus and building stamina for learning can be challenging for students, and we are here to offer some helpful tips. To increase focus, it’s important to create a consistent routine at home. Setting aside a quiet, distraction-free space for homework and encouraging short, scheduled breaks can help students stay focused and refreshed. Limiting screen time outside of school hours also helps reduce distractions.
Building stamina is about gradually increasing the time students can stay engaged in a task. You can help by setting small goals at first, like focusing on a single task for 10–15 minutes, and gradually increasing that time. Encouraging activities that require focus, like reading, puzzles, or board games, can also strengthen their ability to concentrate for longer periods. Finally, getting enough sleep, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity play key roles in a child's ability to focus and persist through learning challenges.
With these simple strategies and support, we can work together to help students increase their focus and stamina, setting them up for success in the classroom and beyond.
Choose Happiness In The Morning
Years ago, I played this song to wake my children up for school. I wanted to set the tone for the day and encourage them to choose happiness! I encourage you to set a daily routine with your child that will help get them off to a positive mindset.
Balmoral Bulldogs - Organized, Mindful and Headed in the right direction - UP!
Balmoral Elementary, Crete Illinois
At Balmoral Elementary, we are deeply committed to improving student outcomes and working toward a brighter future for our school. Our goal is to ensure we rise above our current designation as a comprehensive school, focusing on targeted strategies to enhance academic performance, student growth, and overall success. Together, with the support of our families and staff, we are determined to create positive change and provide the best opportunities for our students.
Dr. Lisa Miller
School Phone: 708-367-2500