Beartales

Jan. 9-Feb. 6 CogAT testing window opens (2nd and 5th)

Jan. 9 PTO Meeting 6:00 PM

Jan. 11 End of 1st semester

Jan. 12 No School; Teacher Work Day

Jan. 15-Feb. 2 iReady Literacy and Math Winter Assessment Window

January 16

3rd Grade Music Program @ 5:30 p.m.

5th Grade Music Program and Band Concert @ 6:15 p.m.

Jan. 22 2nd grade Canine Presentation-Sioux City Police Department

Jan. 30 5th to 6th grade transition with Middle School Counselors

Jan. 30-Mar. 12 ELPA/ALT ELPA Assessment Window

February 15

1st Grade Music Program @ 5:30 p.m.

4th Grade Music Program @ 6:15 p.m.

April 11

Kindergarten Music Program @ 5:30 p.m.

2nd Music Program @ 6:15 p.m.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! 2024 is here whether we are ready or not! We are quickly approaching the end of the 1st semester. I don' t know how it goes so fast! We are grateful to see all of our Bears back in the building and we hit the ground running on day 1 by getting back into routines and reviewing classroom and building wide expectations.

This month during our Character Strong time, grade levels are learning about Perseverance. The various grade levels will be focusing on the following:

Kindergarten--students will hear scenarios and determine if the person showed perseverance or not, will work as a class to find the correct path on a maze and learn that mistakes are opportunities to learn, learn about persevering through obstacles as they work together through different stations, and will follow the directions of musical chairs and use perseverance as they work to stay in the game.

1st grade--students will explore different Focusing strategies, then put their Focusing abilities to the test in a memory game, discuss different types of distractions, then practice overcoming distractions using perseverance, practice learning from mistakes as they face a challenge, and demonstrate perseverance and focus while working with a team to correctly spell the word perseverance.

2nd grade--students will show engagement by being active listeners of the character trait perseverance, reflect on ways to engage in the world to make it a better place and create a plan with a partner, engage in small groups with specific roles to create a mascot for perseverance, and will persevere and engage in group roles to build the tallest structure they can.

3rd grade--students will practice perseverance by breaking down goals and action items, will implement ideas on ideas on what to do when they are stuck while working on a challenging task, will contrast perseverance with procrastination, then use flexible thinking to adjust plans as needed, and will integrate perseverance with flexible thinking to adapt to new challenges in a game.

4th grade--students will practice breaking down large goals into smaller action items, will learn and practice the If/Then strategy for facing organizational obstacles by playing a game, will practice organizing tasks by learning to prioritize, and will synthesize organization skills and perseverance to create their own 3 T's game.

5th grade--students will demonstrate perseverance by creating If/Then plans for overcoming obstacles, will learn to make goals more attainable by breaking them into smaller goals, will practice perseverance by setting big goals and creating a timeline, and will plan for practicing perseverance by setting big goals and creating a timeline.

Within the Character Strong Program, there are staff, student, and family DARES that provide us opportunities to put concepts we are learning into action. Below you will see two new options of Family DARES. The first option is a quick and easy and the second is medium time and difficulty. Give one or both of them a try!

Thank you for partnering with us in your child's education. I am grateful for the students, staff, and families that we have at Bryant.

Dr. Holcomb

The PTO is thankful to everyone who time to answer their questions. The results are listed below. As a reminder, the next meeting is Tuesday, January 9th at 6:00 pm. Here is a link if you would like to participate virtually.

Angie Holcomb is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.

Topic: My Meeting

Time: Jan 9, 2024 06:00 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us04web.zoom.us/j/72125679581?pwd=HiMfGILjVsltGb8Q4z4tix0BTbxhTC.1

Meeting ID: 721 2567 9581

Passcode: Z4NN6m

In the social world we live, many kids use some form of social media. While social media can help kids connect with friends and family, explore new interests and areas of the world, and enhance their creativity, it can also lead to risks and added responsibility. Social media can be harmful if it is not used appropriately.

Without meaning to, kids can easily share more online than they should. Kids often post photos of themselves online or use their real names, birthdates, location, or school name. This information can make them easy targets for online predators or others with bad intentions.

Additionally, kids sometimes forget that photos, videos, and comments made online can’t be taken back after they have been sent or posted. It’s impossible to completely erase something once it’s been posted online. This may not cause problems for a child now but can lead to issues years later as they apply for college or a job. It is common for a college admissions office or recruiter to scour the internet for information on an applicant, ultimately discovering something a child may not want them to find. If a child would be embarrassed for a family member or future boss to see a photo or video, they shouldn’t post it.

Studies have shown that social media can negatively impact a child’s mental health. The pressure to get “likes” or keep up with other peers online can lead to depression and anxiety as well as unrealistic expectations.

What can families do?

• Limit the time kids spend on social media.
• “Friend” or “follow” your kids’ social profiles and remind them never to “friend” strangers.
• Encourage kids to use privacy settings.
• Remind kids that mean behavior is never okay, including online.

Check out the District’s website for additional social media tips.

Mark your calendars! School will not be in session on Friday, January 12 due to a teacher workday.