Northside Elementary Newsletter

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• Students will learn what bullying is

• Students will know when to report appropriate information to adult

TEACHING POINTS

• Tell students that before reporting information to an adult, they need to ask themselves the following questions: “Is this bullying? Have I tried to stop the behavior on my own?”

• Bullying is defined as meeting all three of the following criteria:

• Behavior that Hurts Others

• Bullying can be direct (hitting, fighting, name calling)

• Bullying can be indirect (gossiping, excluding others)

• Behavior that is Intentional

• Bullying behavior is willful behavior with intent and deliberation

• Behavior that is Difficult to Stop

• Bullying behavior is persistent despite repeated attempts to stop the behavior

• Bullying is harassment and the victim must inform the person that the behavior is unacceptable and unwanted

• Bullying is not: one time, accidental, or non harmful.

• Friends OR peers can have conflict or be mean/rude to one another which is not bullying. There is a visual below to explain the difference to older students.

Examples Include:

• Kayla tells MacKenzie that she can’t sit with her on the bus today because she is saving the seat for a girl from her Social Studies class. Kayla is being rude, but here is no evidence of intentional meanness or repetitive behavior

• Lucas tells Damien that he can’t play with the Legos because he is the worst builder in the whole first grade. Lucas is being mean. It appears that his words are intended to hurt Damien. There is no evidence of repetitive behavior

• Brady told JP he would beat him up if he touched his cars, then shoved JP out of his way. During math class, he threw a spitball at JP and kicked his chair out from under him. JP asked Brady to stop multiple times. Brady is acting like a bully. He is engaging in repetitive behavior, designed to hurt JP. He is using intimidation and has not stopped when asked.

Staff Reminders & Expectations:

• When a student approaches with a problem, prompt them to use STEP to encourage them to problem solve independently.

Calendar of Upcoming Events

*Please note that all events are subject to change at any time. Additional events may be added throughout the year.

October 3: Picture Day

October 4: No School/ Staff Inservice

October 7: Bridging Brighter Smiles at Northside

October 16: Unity Day - Wear Orange

October 17: Family Reading Night 6:00-7:30pm

October 21: PTO Meeting 6pm

October 25: No School

November 6: Picture Retake Day

November 13-20: Book Fair (MORE INFORMATION TO COME)

November 14: Fall Conferences 3:30-7:00pm

November 18: PTO Meeting 6pm

November 19: Fall Conferences 3:30-7:00pm

November 27-December 2: No School/ Staff Inservice

December 16: PTO Meeting 6pm

December 18: PTO Teacher Appreciation Luncheon

December 23-January 1: Winter Break No School

January 13: PTO Meeting 6pm

January 14: 1st & 2nd Grade Concert 7:00pm at MHS PAC

January 20: No School

January 31: PTO Sock Hop

February 17: PTO Meeting 6pm

February 28: No School/ Staff Inservice

March 4: 3rd & 4th Grade Concert @ MHS PAC 7:00pm

March 13: Spring Conferences 3:30-7:00pm

March 17: PTO Meeting 6pm

March 18: Spring Conferences 3:30-7:00pm

March 20: 5th Grade District Chorus Concert @ MHS PAC 7:00pm

March 24-28: Spring Break No School

April 10: Kindergarten Circus @ MHS PAC 6:00pm

April 21: PTO Meeting 6pm

April 24: Open House & Basket Raffle

April 29: 5th Grade Concert & African Ensemble @ MHS PAC 7:00pm

May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week

May 16: No school current Kindergarteners (incoming K Round up day)

May 19: PTO Meeting 6pm

May 26: No School

June 5: Last Day of School (11:10 Dismissal - No Lunch)

Parent Teacher Conferences are November 14th & 19th from 3:30-7:00. Parents will sign up online using Family Access beginning October 30th at 8:00am. See instructions below.

Did you know that there are certain foods that are especially beneficial for a kid’s brain? And, no, it’s better than just increasing the veggies. Here are 5 easy ones to add to the menu!

1. Eggs- a good source of protein & they contain choline, which is essential for memory & brain development. Eggs support brain cell communication & overall mental clarity. Added bonus-eggs are fairly inexpensive & there are so many different ways to prepare them!

2. Avocados- rich in healthy monounsaturated fats that promote healthy blood flow. Avocados can improve brain function & support a healthy mood. They can be blended in smoothies for added creaminess.

3. Unsweetened Greek Yogurt- contains protein, zinc, choline & iodine which are all vital to brain development. Yogurt is also a great probiotic source. Add some fresh fruit to sweeten the deal.

4. Nuts & Seeds- walnuts, almonds & peanuts are full of protein & omega fatty acids that a developing brain needs. Pumpkin seeds, especially, may enhance memory & boost your mood. Also, great additions to your yogurt or eaten by themselves.

5. Dark Berries- are full of antioxidants, particularly vitamin C & flavonoids, which protect brain cells & can enhance memory & cognitive function. Blueberries are a superfood high in antioxidants, making them a powerful brain food. Fresh or frozen, they are great additions to smoothies, yogurt, or eaten on their own.

• Costume Guidance: No face paint, hair dye or anything that looks like a weapon

• Treats-- Teachers will communicate information about treats as we do have student allergies/sensitivities.

During the month of September, students focused on “Ready to Learn” by keeping my body still, voice quiet, my eyes watching and ears listening as well as coming to school prepared and on time. Your student may have earned a superstone, punch on their punch card, or points in their classroom if they were caught exhibiting one or more of these behaviors. Keep working hard to be Ready to Learn in all areas!

Throughout the month of October, students will be focusing on “Own My Choices” by using the problem solving steps, self-control and doing what is right. Although these are other P.R.O.U.D., we all need to accept the consequences of our actions in order for us to be our best selves. Sometimes we can have positive consequences such as earning student of the week or a glow wall award; sometimes we can have negative consequences such as an ODR or loss of a privilege.

Glow Wall

Students can earn a Glow Award through any staff member witnessing them completing something difficult for them, going above and beyond to show kindness, exhibiting our P.R.O.U.D. behavior for the month, or any other positive action we see. When students earn a Glow Award, they get to make a positive phone call home from the principal’s office! This is a special treat for many students.

Student of the Week starts this month!!

Please remember that SOW goes to students that are going above and beyond and that all students may not earn this honor.

OPTIONAL: Student Flu Vaccine

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from infectious diseases and illnesses. Green County Public Health is partnering with your child's school to provide the flu vaccine this fall. The flu vaccine is available to all students free of charge regardless of health insurance. Green County Public Health will be holding a free immunization clinic at your child's school on the following date:

Northside Elementary: Friday, October 18th, 2024

If you would like your child to receive the influenza vaccine at school please do the following:

• Complete and sign the consent form and return to your child's school.
• Complete a separate consent form for each child.
• Return the signed consent form to your child's school at least one day prior to the vaccination date.
• There are extra copies in the Northside office available upon request.