Mindset
One important development in educational research, especially that from Carol Dweck (Stanford University) is the impact and understanding of mindset. What we mean by this is the idea that people (our students) have intelligence that grows and expands, rather than being fixed upon birth. We all know that the brain is like a muscle. We know that effortful learning changes the brain by creating new connections for us all. We have also learned that as students understand this concept and realize that they can influence their outcomes by putting in more effort, they will achieve at higher levels. Just their belief of this idea empowers them to perform better.
I have seen evidence of this at Medina. Students set goals and they are supported by teachers in knowing that they can continue to grow each time and will achieve with these goals. I see it in their questions, in the ways they feel safe to ask for help, and in the dynamic of the classroom. As parents, you can continue to support them in this understanding of mindset. If your child states that they cannot do something, all you need to do is add the word ‘yet’ at the end of their sentence. So, if your son/daughter cannot understand a topic, just remind him/her that they do not know it yet. They will. And we are partners to help them get there. If you are interested in knowing more about mindset, you might be interested in this article: Why Mindset Matters | STANFORD magazine
October - Bullying Prevention Month
This month is bullying prevention month. PACER was founded in 2006, and its National Bullying Prevention Center has a mission: to actively lead social change to prevent childhood bullying, so that all youth are safe and supported in their schools, communities, and online.
According to PACER, bullying is, "when someone aggressively uses their 'power' to target another individual with repeated, unwanted words or actions. Those targeted are hurt either physically or emotionally and have a hard time stopping what is happening to them. Students often describe bullying as when, 'someone makes you feel less about who you are as a person.' "
At Medina, we work every day to teach students the 'Medina Way,' which is to: Be Kind, Be Safe, Do Your Best, Help the Rest. Your child might have received a postcard like this from school. We are sending home postcards recognizing when we see students contributing to our positive community. Thank you for instilling such kindness in your children, it is so wonderful to see each day.
On October 16 we will celebrate UNITY DAY at Medina. If you have any orange at home, please send your child to school wearing some orange. If you do not have orange at home, no worries - we will provide students with an orange tiger pawprint! On October 25 the students will experience a unity day assembly so we can all come together to celebrate our community.
Medina Elementary Volunteer Training
Thank you to those of you who came to the volunteer orientations this past week on September 30 and also on October 1. There were many of you who also attended the virtual option on those days. If you did not get the opportunity to come to the training or attend one of the virtual trainings, you can have the chance to come to the volunteer training on October 16 from 11:45 - 12:15 in the Medina Library. A virtual option will be made available at that time as well.
THANK YOU!
THANK YOU all for a great Walk, Roll, Carpool to school week! We had a wonderful crowd come from Medina Park to the school using a different mode of transportation. We appreciate the partnership!
Also a big thank you to our PTA for a great kick off to our after-school activity program this week. It has been wonderful to see so many engaged students and volunteers!
Our PTA also provided our 5th grade teachers with a delicious lunch to enjoy this week. The team felt very celebrated and special, thank you for providing these lunches for our teachers throughout the year. They really appreciate it!
You can learn more about the PTA and their newsletter: The Byte here.
Order Your 4 Free At-home COVID-19 Tests!
Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home tests from COVIDTests.gov. The COVID-19 tests will detect current COVID-19 variants and can be used through the end of the year. Your order of COVID-19 tests is completely free, you won’t even pay for shipping! USPS started shipping tests the week of September 30. You can also find a list of no-cost COVID-19 testing sites on CDC’s website: No-Cost COVID-19 Testing (cdc.gov).
Tests (both for COVID-19 and the flu) are also provided through Washington State DOH testing kiosks are free: Testing Kiosks | Washington State Department of Health.
School drop off and pick up reminders
- The main front entrance doors open at 8:00 AM for all students. Preschool, if you would like to use this entrance as well, please continue signing in at the front office.
- If your child arrives after the 8:05 AM bell, please direct them to go the front office to check-in. This includes Preschool, Kindergarten, and 1st grade. Exterior classroom doors will be locked, and class will be in session.
- At pick up or drop off, if you are using the car loop, please direct your child to use the car door on the right side so they can safely get out of the car and on the sidewalk. We’ve noticed some students getting out of the left side where there are incoming cars moving.
- Kindergarten loop - if you are using this car loop, please do not leave your car unattended, which blocks traffic, in order to pick up older children. If you need to leave your car, you will need to park it in a designated space or on the street.
Pre-Arranged Absences
We value time spent with your families, and it is for this reason that there are designated holidays and time away from school. As such, please plan for family vacations to take place during non-school days. If there is a special reason for an absence on a school day (e.g. important family trip, sport competition, assessment, etc.), please complete a Request for Excused Absence form. This a friendly reminder that Bellevue School District allows each student 5 pre-arranged absences (PAA) per year. You may use these one at a time, or all at once. If your child will be missing 2 or more days, we ask that you submit a pre-arranged absence form at least one week prior to your trip. If your child will only be missing one day, please email medinaattendance@bsd405.org. Thank you for including your child’s full name when emailing for any attendance related matters.
Brrrr…it’s cold outside!
With the temperature getting colder early in the morning, please make sure your child has a jacket to wear. Unless there is lightening or extreme weather, recess is outside daily. Don't forget to label the jacket with your child's name in case they leave their jacket behind around the school.
If your child or family is need of warmer clothing, please do not hesitate to reach out to our counselor Elise Geck (gecke@bsd405.org) or Family Engagement Specialist Ashley Mata (mataA@bsd405.org) for assistance.
Important Dates
October:
7: Student and classroom photo day
11: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS. District Professional Development Day
16: 11:45 - 12:15 AM (Medina Library) - Volunteer training
16: Unity Day (bullying prevention day) WEAR ORANGE!
18: Deadline for applications to Advanced Learning, Grades 1 - 11
21: 8:15 - 9:15 AM - Pastries with Principals (Topic: Literacy Curriculum and school Q&A)
November:
11: NO SCHOOL. Veterans Day
18: School photo re-take day
25 & 26: Elementary Conference Days
28 & 29: NO SCHOOL. Thanksgiving Holiday
