Gonic Weekly Update to Families

It has been a very busy week as we head through this late winter/early spring crazy time of year. There is a lot of learning taking place in all grades and I am very impressed with the growth that we have seen in so many areas. The highlight of my week was seeing the kindergarten students all dressed up for their Kings and Queens end of unit celebration! On the flip side, the challenge of the week has been dealing with a lot of peer conflict, much of which has carried into school from some online group chats/video game chats that are taking place in the older grades (3-5). I have already addressed this with those families but it is a good reminder to all that if we are going to allow our children access to those sorts of things, it really has to be closely monitored. I have used "Bark" for my own child's phone and it alerts me when conversations may be inappropriate as well as allows me to filter content and set other restrictions. Please remember that this newsletter is coming out a day early this week as there is a teacher workshop tomorrow and the students have no school (Friday March 14th).

Take care,

Greg

This is a 21+ event and is sure to be a good time. Mark it down on your calendars now and invite your friends!

According to Healthy Children.org children who spend time outside playing are:

● Physically healthier - More outdoor time is linked with improved motor

development and lower obesity rates and myopia (nearsightedness) risk.

Safely getting some sun also helps us make vitamin D that our bodies

need to stay healthy and strong.

● More engaged in learning - Playing outside promotes curiosity, creativity

and critical thinking and focus.

● More positive in behavior - Research shows that when children spent time

in natural settings they had less anger and aggression. Impulse control

also improves.

● Mentally healthier - Stress and depression are lower for all people who

spend time in nature. Children show increased focus and reduced

symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder.

Go to the link below to read the entire article. Then make a plan to go outside

and play.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/power-of-play/Pages/playing-outside-why-its-

important-for-

kids.aspx#:~:text=More%20outdoor%20time%20is%20linked,curiosity%2C%20creativity%20an

d%20critical%20thinking.

Vicki Senter, RN, BSN

Gonic School Nurse

* There is no school for students on Friday March 14th!

* What are your children doing this weekend to work on their independence?

* Link to past Gonic School and Title 1 Newsletters.

Gonic Elementary School

Main Office: Mrs. Tammy Hart and Mrs. Cindy Foley

Email: brown.g@sau54.org
Website: www.rochesterschools.com
Location: 10 Railroad Ave. Gonic, NH 03839
Phone: (603) 332-6487