THE SWIS SCOOP
February 2, 2024
Greetings SWIS Families,
It’s hard to believe that it is already February! I can’t say enough about our students; they are awesome little people! One of my favorite parts of the day is talking with students, before school, in the halls, at recess, and of course in their class. Truth be told, sometimes it’s not about school, but rather what they’re interested in—a funny story they want to share, a joke, a game/competition coming up, what they worry about, or simply…what they’re having for dinner (all true, go figure). These are what I call the impromptu golden moments that make every day special.
One of our goals at this time of the year is to foster students’ independence. This is seen in their academics, organizational skills, self-advocacy, and a deeper sense of self-awareness as a learner and individual. Building these foundational skills gives children ownership and pride in their academic growth and in their ability to take on new challenges, academic or social, with confidence and perseverance.
While we remain dedicated to prioritizing the social-emotional well-being of each child, we also recognize that as the curriculum becomes more rigorous, students respond differently to new challenges. Learning is ‘messy’; it’s okay to make mistakes because it’s through our mistakes that the deepest learning occurs. It doesn't always 'feel good,' but when they finally have that “A-HA” moment, it’s amazingly powerful. Persistence and positive encouragement ensure that the skills and strategies taught and practiced each day at school are carried over into their independent work and/or work at home.
As partners in education, we appreciate your partnership in reinforcing self-advocacy, resilience, and good study habits at home, as it contributes significantly to your child's overall growth and development.
Thank you for your continued support.
-Dr. Lopez
Communication
Building Children's Resilience
What is resilience?
Resilience is the ability to withstand, address, adapt and adjust to misfortunes, overcome obstacles, and to bounce back from perceived failure, disappointment, or rejection. How a student learns to handle hurdles will have lasting impact in their future careers and relationships.
Ways to Build Children's Resilience
Teach children to be self-aware and reflective. Some children don't understand why they get upset, lash out, or even shut down. ...
Model coping strategies. Talk the talk and walk the walk. ...
Encourage creative problem-solving.
- Praise effort and improvement so your child will learn to embrace, rather than avoid, challenges.
- Foster independence in your child when it comes to making mistakes and solving problems.
- Letting go — even just a little — isn't easy, but we need our children to learn to stand strong on their own.
Grade Level Updates
Physical and Mental Health Updates
Specialists Updates
Teaching and Learning
Looking for simple and effective ways to help your child outside the classroom? Learn, play, and enjoy new games that will improve their math skills. Fluency starts at home!
Why play math games? Math games are a fun way to practice math skills. Playing these games can help your child feel less anxious about math. Playing math games together can also help you get a better sense of your child’s strengths and challenges.
STUDENT SHOUT-OUTS 🙌 📣
Lila, Caleb, Mrs. Bergeron, and Mrs. Gordon presented on UDL approaches on writing to the School Committee. Both teachers and children did an unbelievably awesome job!
4th grade student winners for week 2 of the READ BOWL.
CLASSROOM 📸
SWIS Great Kindness Challenge 2024. Monday's Theme Day was Pajama Day "Dream of a Kind World."
SWIS 2024 Great Kindness Challenge... Tuesday's Theme Day was Superhero Day "Kindness is My Superpower!" Mrs. Caplette's class showed their kindness superpowers.
SWIS 2024 Great Kindness Challenge. Wednesday Secret Agent Day.
Mrs. Burbank's class created kindness messages using invisible ink and a wheel decoder.
SWIS 2024 Great Kindness Challenge... Wednesday's Theme Day was Secret Agent Day "Do Secret Acts of Kindness!"