Primary Press

Week of Nov 13-17 First Responders read to classes

11/13 - Assembly 8:15

11/15 - Futura Spanish Class 2:45-3:45 pm

11/17 - Neon/Bright Dress Up Day

IMMS Associate Principal Mr. Jondle...or, *ahem,*...the Incredible Hulk teaching our students that even superheroes need to work on self-control! 😄

Hello Spartan Star Families!

👏We have finished 10 weeks of school already; can you believe it? From our kindergarteners through our second graders, our students are beginning to settle in to routines, working towards meeting all of our school expectations, and learning a variety of academic and behavioral/social-emotional (SEL) skills that support their progress throughout the day, at both home and school! In fact, this month's theme at CEPS is "safety and self-control." We will be looking to identify super Spartan Star students who are role models for safe behavior at school, and will be giving them special recognition at an upcoming assembly.

❤️💛💙💚Our students work on "following the group plan," thinking of the "size of the problem" and if their reaction fits the size (small, medium, big), identifying which "zone" they're in (green-calm, yellow-nervous/excited, blue-sad/tired, red-angry/etc.), and how to manage their emotions, take perspective of others, and apply these skills in all settings. Once students reach the age where they begin kindergarten, we typically look for them to begin independently managing their emotions without meltdowns, but we also acknowledge that, just like academic skills, our job as parents and teachers is to meet all learners where they are at. This means that some students need more direct teaching and support in learning and applying these SEL skills. I know that both our staff here at CEPS and our families at home do a great job of this!

📰If you're interested in reading more about emotional regulation (what it is, what it looks like, why some students struggle, how to teach, and more), THIS ARTICLE from childmind.org is a great resource, includes multiple links if you'd like to dive deeper, and also has the option for you to listen to the article aloud.

📖🎒And...since I have you...here is my plug to have your child READ, READ, READ (or read to them!) and get your child to school on time! Thanks for reading!

You may have already noticed that the Seesaw app received a fresh new app icon on October 27! If you are not seeing the new purple app design, you can update to the newest version of the iOS or Android app to see this change. If you access Seesaw via the website, app.seesaw.me, the updates are automatic. We’ve attached the image of the new icon for your reference, too. Also, please know that nothing inside the app changed, and you’ll still access Messages and your learner’s content the same way!

One more quick tip: Are you interested in changing the frequency or location of Seesaw notifications? If so, follow these steps! Don’t hesitate to reach out to our K-8 Technology Integrator at ogodogk@mcfsd.org if you have any questions!

Check out our Wonders (English-Language Arts curriculum) grade-level newsletters by clicking the buttons below, to keep up-to-date on what your child is learning, along with tips on how to support literacy at home!

In Library/Tech class, we have begun our Digital Citizenship Unit. Throughout the coming weeks, all K-2 students will explore what it means to be a Digital Citizen: a person who is safe, responsible, and honest online. Kindergarten students will begin this unit in December but first and second graders have started this week. Activities will vary but will largely come from Common Sense Education. The K-2 Digital Citizenship Unit includes lessons, characters, and songs that teach young learners how to develop healthy media habits and how to be safe online.

Families can help support the learning we are doing in Library/Tech class by discussing student work either from the backpack or from Seesaw and by modeling being a safe, responsible, and honest digital citizen.

Looking for family resources on Digital Citizenship and media use with kids? See these links:

Common Sense Education Family Tips for Children Ages 3-8

Common Sense Education Digital Citizenship Resources (variety of ages)

Please reach out if you have any questions about our Digital Citizenship learning in grades K-2.

Thank you,

Amie Martin (Library Media Specialist)

Susan Schmaling (K/1 Library Tech Teacher and Interventionist)

martina@mcfsd.org 608.838.3146 extension 4919

schmals@mcfsd.org 608.838.3146 extension 4917

On November 7th and 14th, the Lions Club trained vision screeners will be screening all Kindergarten and 2nd grade students for vision difficulties. This is a simple, non-invasive test using a tool supplied by the screeners. Families will be notified if the results show any variance from normal range.

If for some reason (i.e your student is already screened by an ophthalmologist regularly), you wish your child not to be screened or if you have any further questions, please email School Nurse, Lauren Neesam at neesaml@mcfsd.org. Please also remind your student to bring their glasses to school that day, if they wear them!

November is...

Native American Heritage Month

• Wisconsin is home to 11 federally-recognized Native Nations and one federally unrecognized Nation. Let's remember the historic sacrifices and great cultural values these Nations provide to the State of Wisconsin.

National Homeless Youth Awareness Month

• This is a time to acknowledge and support those experiencing homelessness.

Veterans & Military Families Month

• Thank you to the families, caregivers, veterans and current service members for your strength and sacrifices. This month we honor their dedication and bravery.

November 13 World Kindness Day

• Today is World Kindness Day! What are you doing to show kindness to others not just today, but every day?
  

November 13 - 17 American Education Week

• Happy American Education Week! Learning is an adventure and teachers are our guides. Thank you for all the educational staff for helping students grow every day.

November 15 Education Support Professionals Day

• We are so thankful to our instructional assistants, bus drivers, custodians, health assistants, administrative associates, nutrition team, and everyone in between for all that you do to help and support our students every day!

• Thank you to all our amazing substitutes for helping our students continue to learn and grow even on days when their regular teachers can't be there.

* Wisconsin Public School Observance Days

The following flyers are not necessarily school-sponsored activities, and the McFarland School District does not provide support or endorsement of the program/flyer. It has neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, or activities announced in the brochure/flyer. Permission to distribute this material must not be considered a recommendation or endorsement by the School District.

3 juniors at McFarland High School, Emmi Everson, Kendra Mueller, and Lauren Boehnen are representing McFarland DECA through organizing the Ryan's Roundup events. Ryan's Roundup is an annual event that raises money to support kids, like Ryan Udell, a current 8th grader at the Middle School, with muscular dystrophy to attend the MDA summer camp which gives these kids a chance to escape their typical everyday life and daily challenges. They need your help! Help support McFarland DECA in their goal to donate $10,000 under Ryan's name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. You can help by using the link to donate or buy a shirt and attend the Mcfarland High School Boys and Girls basketball games on December 1st and 5th. (Wear your shirt to the games!) Help make this a successful and memorable event for Ryan! Classmunity Link

We are looking forward to offering a Parenting with Love and Logic Session this upcoming Dec/Jan. Classes will be on Wednesday evenings from 6:15-7:30 p.m. Please fill out THIS form if you are interested in joining us! Please contact Jackie Guenther, School Counselor at MHS with any questions.

guenthj@mcfsd.org or 608-838-4531.