Principal's Message
Hello and happy Friday! The sun has been shining and we have been able to return to outdoor recess. Winter is still here so please remember to send your child in with appropriate cold weather clothing items and accessories. On the bright side, according to Punxsutawney Phil, he didn't see his shadow and therefore we may have an early start to spring! I am very excited about the upcoming events and classroom activities that are being planned for Read Across America, 100th day of school and national SEL day. Please also note (and see below) the many events that PTO are planning including the Night with your Knight event on March 8th.
A special thank you to our amazing school counselor, Kim Pease. This week is National School Counseling week and at Ashbrook, we are fortunate to have a phenomenal counselor. She goes above and beyond for our students everyday. Thank you Ms. Pease for all that you do to support the students of Ashbrook and their families. We are so blessed!
Important Information:
Please make sure that there is someone waiting at the bus stop to receive your child every day. Students are not permitted to walk home unsupervised and therefore will be returned to the school to await pickup. Please know that this procedure is in place to ensure your child's safety.
All students are reminded to wear and keep their seatbelts on for the duration of the school bus ride. Positive rewards and incentives are being given for STAR behavior on the bus. Be on the lookout for the new bus key tag rewards that were sent home. Thank you for reminding and encouraging your child to "stay safe" by keeping their seatbelts on and using a low voice on the bus; your partnership is appreciated and valued.
School Closures & Events
Spirit Wear: Red, pink and/or hearts for Valentine's Day February 14th
Half day for students- February 16th- Teacher in-service
No school- February 19th President's Day
College Day or School Spirit Wear- February 23rd
Looking ahead:
Read Across America: March 4-8
Spring recess begins 3/29-4/5
Zones of Regulation
One approach we use to increase self-regulation skills in the classroom is the Zones of Regulation. The Zones is a framework that teaches students to identify feelings and use appropriate coping tools. Feelings and state of alertness are sorted into four colored zones. Students who are well regulated are able to be in the appropriate zone at the appropriate time. We encourage you to try using some of the "Zones" language at home with your child.
Blue Zone: Your body is running slowly. You may feel sad, bored, tired or sick.
Green Zone: Your body is ready to learn! You may feel happy, calm or focused. This is the Zone we expect students to be in for most of the day.
Yellow Zone: This is the caution zone, and your body starts to lose control. You may feel worried, stressed, annoyed, frustrated, silly or excited.
Red Zone: Your body is out of control. You may feel anger, aggression, or terror. This may look like a child having a tantrum or a meltdown.
It’s important to note that there is not a “bad” Zone as all of the Zones are expected at one time or another. More information on the Zones of Regulation can be found here. Kids Like Me also has tips and suggestions for using Zones of Regulation at home.
School Counselor Corner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-Q3EBqTcyk
Save the date for the Great Kindness Challenge!
Principal's Book Recommendation
Jessica Kilgore Principal Ashbrook Elementary
Email: jkilgore@lumberton.k12.nj.us
Website: lumberton.k12.nj.us
Location: 33 Municipal Drive, Lumberton, NJ, USA
Phone: 609-518-0030