This week the Connor Cougars attended grade level Town Hall Meetings. Throughout the school year, I bring the students together to talk about what's happening at RPC. During the meeting, I introduce the monthly SEL focus. For the month of September, the students learned about being a Bucket Filler and how our words and actions affect others. The students shared how they want to feel at RPC. The students want to feel safe, excited, proud and happy.

The Bucket Filling program is a nationwide program designed to improve Social & Emotional learning at school. It is based on a simple concept where we each have an invisible bucket with the singular purpose of holding good thoughts and feelings about ourselves. When we are happy and good to others, our buckets become full. When we are sad or not nice to others, our buckets become empty. We become “Bucket Fillers” when we are nice to others. Bucket Fillers fill both ours’ and others’ buckets. But when we make someone feel bad, we become “Bucket Dippers”. Bucket Dippers dip into both of our buckets.

This month our guidance counselor, Mrs. Reynolds will be visiting all of the classrooms. Her goal this month is to build a relationship with the students and create Class Charters. The Classroom Charter is a tool used in the RULER program to create a positive emotional climate in the classroom. The Charter is a collaborative document that students and teachers create together to establish common goals and a shared vision. The Charter is based on feelings and includes:

• How students and teachers want to feel at school.
• How they will make sure to feel those feelings.
• What they will do when there is conflict or unwanted feelings.

Click on the link to learn more about Mrs. Reynolds. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1YvZlcE7K42QIhvPyK6t6HaFoVK2jI8PrRAkbiB14n48/edit?usp=sharing

We want to make sure that students feel special on their birthday. All children will have their names announced on their birthday during morning announcements. If a birthday falls over the weekend, we announce the names the Friday before. We announce summer birthdays in June. Children will be invited to come to the main office to pick out a birthday prize!

Children in grades pre-k - 2 may have a parent or special caregiver read to his or her class or do a fun activity. Please communicate with your child’s teacher prior to the birthday.

In order to keep our children safe and healthy we have to adhere to Student Wellness Policy (Code 5405). The wellness policy specifically states that food and beverages are not permitted for classroom celebrations and parties. Please do not send in or bring birthday treats.

Together, we will continue to make your child’s birthday a wonderful experience at RP Connor!

With the support of the Sloatsburg Food Pantry, we are able to provide snacks to students who are coming to school without one. We receive a limited supply each month. If you are able, please consider donating snacks to the RPC Snack Program. The snacks need to be individually wrapped. Below is a suggested list of healthy snacks:

• Motts applesauce
• Shelf-stable yogurt
• Strawberry Nutrigrain Bars
• Tiger Bites Graham Crackers
• Raisins

Thank you for practicing the meal code at home. If your child is having trouble remembering their number, please write the number on a piece of paper and hang it from their backpack. Your support will help move the line along.

https://www.sufferncentral.org/rpc - select MENUS

With the support of the PTA the RPC Families will take a 45-minute journey through the universe from the comfort and security of your own school. The portable, inflatable planetarium will come right to our location and dazzle our budding astronomers as they are taken on a tour of the solar system.

The evening of September 26th, we will have two shows for families. As you arrive, you will be given an entry ticket. Mrs. Bean, our Instructional Facilitator will have activities set up in cafeteria to support the sun, moon and stars curriculum. The first show begins at 6:30 pm. The first 90 people to arrive will attend the first show. The second show begins at 7:15 pm.

Doors open at 6:20 pm. We cannot wait to explore the universe with you!

The Lost and Found is starting to fill up! Don't forget to label your child's belongings. Water bottles, lunch boxes, even jackets!

We are looking forward to Back to School Night on October 1st. The night will begin with Pre-k. Families in grade K - 2 will have two sessions to choose from starting at 6:30 pm. Through out the night, parents/guardians will also have an opportunity to meet the support staff and learn about the PTA.

We are VERY excited to share the 24-25 PTA Meeting schedule. This year we have both a remote and an in person option. The PTA is also hoping to offer daycare for those who need it. Please join us for as many as you are able. PTA Meetings are a great way to make friends and learn about what's happening in our schools.

Email: kbenadi@sufferncentral.org
Website: https://www.sufferncentral.org/rpc
Location: 13 Cypress Road, Suffern, NY, USA
Phone: (845)357-2858
Instagram: @RPCONNORELEMENTARY