The Roadrunner Report

Greetings Roadrunners,

I hope this letter finds you well and excited about all of the good times this season brings.. We are thrilled to inform you about our upcoming weekly morning meeting focus at Mirage Elementary School, which centers around the "Zones of Regulation." This initiative is designed to promote emotional awareness, self-regulation, and positive social interactions among our students. Even though the holidays bring about so many joyous emotions, it is also a common time for people to have feelings of sadness, stress or even anxiety, so this focus is very intentional.

What are the Zones of Regulation?

The Zones of Regulation is a systematic, cognitive-behavioral approach that helps individuals recognize and manage their emotions and states of alertness. Developed by Leah M. Kuypers, an occupational therapist, this framework categorizes emotions and sensory experiences into four color-coded zones:

1. Blue Zone (Low Energy): Feelings of sadness, tiredness, or boredom.
2. Green Zone (Good to Go): A calm and focused state, representing a ready-to-learn mindset.
3. Yellow Zone (Caution): Indicates heightened emotions such as frustration, excitement, or anxiety.
4. Red Zone (Stop): Intense emotions like anger, panic, or extreme excitement.

History of Zones of Regulation:

The Zones of Regulation was developed to empower individuals with tools to recognize and regulate their emotions effectively. By fostering emotional intelligence, it aims to create a supportive environment for learning and social interaction.

How Can Zones of Regulation Strategies be Supported or Utilized at Home?

We believe that the success of our students in understanding and applying the Zones of Regulation principles can be enhanced with your support at home if you are interested in trying them out. Here are some ways you can reinforce these strategies if you so choose:

1. Open Communication: Encourage your child to express their feelings openly. Discuss different emotions and help them identify which zone they might be in at various times.

2. Create a Calming Corner: Designate a quiet space at home where your child can go to relax and calm down when needed. Equip it with comfort items like soft blankets or stress-relief tools.

3. Establish Routine: Consistency is key. Establishing a daily routine can provide a sense of predictability for your child, helping them manage their emotions more effectively.

4. Model Regulation Techniques: Demonstrate healthy emotional regulation by expressing your feelings in a calm and constructive manner. Children often learn best by observing the behavior of trusted adults.

5. Practice Mindfulness: Introduce simple mindfulness exercises such as deep breathing or short meditation sessions to help your child stay grounded and centered.

We are excited about the positive impact the Zones of Regulation can have on our students' social and emotional development. If you have any questions or would like additional resources, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or our school counselor.

Thank you for your continued support in fostering a positive and nurturing learning environment at Mirage Elementary School.

Warm regards,

Bobbi Cerro Proud Principal Mirage Elementary School

There is additional information available if you are interested.

I wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your continued support, and your support of our PTSA and the events they have put on this year thus far!

Our school community has thrived, in no small part, due to the dedicated efforts of our Mirage PTSA. The events organized by the PTSA throughout the year have not only brought joy and excitement to our students but have also strengthened the bonds within our school community.

I would like to extend a special thank you to the Mirage PTSA for their outstanding work in organizing a myriad of events, each one a resounding success. From the well-attended gatherings to the recent Fall Festival that was a true celebration of our school spirit, the PTSA has consistently gone above and beyond to make Mirage Elementary a vibrant and engaging place for our students and families.

Currently, the PTSA is running the Holiday Shoppe in the Science Lab, adding a touch of festive cheer to our school environment. It is heartening to witness the enthusiasm with which our students participate in these activities.

Moreover, the PTSA is looking for someone to join their board as a secretary. If you are passionate about contributing to the Mirage Elementary community and have the time and energy to spare, we encourage you to consider taking on this vital role. Your involvement will undoubtedly make a meaningful impact on the experiences of our students and the success of future events.

In closing, please join us in extending our deepest appreciation to the Mirage PTSA for their hard work, dedication, and commitment to making Mirage Elementary School an exceptional place for learning and growth. If you haven't already, we invite you to join the PTSA and become an active participant in the exciting journey that lies ahead.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Mirage Elementary School community. Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and looking forward to continued success in the coming year.

• Early Release Dates: 12/8 (Early Release-School out at 1:15) 12/15 (Half Day-School out at 11:15)

• Band Concert Tonight at 6:30 in the Cafeteria!

• Christmas Shoppe: December 4th-8th

• DIBELS Testing: December 4th-5th

• Polar Express Day-Grades K-3: December 7th (Students only)

• Choir Concert in the Media Center: December 13th at 6:30

• Holiday Hop-Grades 4-6: December 15 (Students only-wear shoes suitable for outdoor activities)

• No School: December 18th - January 2nd