Miles ELC Newsletter
March 2024
Monthly Site Council and PTO Zoom Link
Location: 1400 East Broadway Boulevard, Tucson, AZ, USA
Phone: 520-225-2200
Facebook: Miles Exploratory Learning Center K-8 | Tucson AZ | Facebook
Instagram: Miles ELC (@miles_k8) • Instagram photos and videos
😀Parents, please enter your child's absence via ParentVUE😀
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, March 6th- Annual Walk-a-thon
Friday, March 8th- Grading Day- No School
Monday, March 11th- Friday, March 15th- Spring Break- No School
Tuesday, March 19th- 6:00 PM- PTO Meeting
Wednesday, March 20th- Professional Development- No School
Friday, March 29th- Spring Holiday- No School
Principal's Corner
Happy Spring Mustangs!
March is a great time to reconnect with the outdoors and the sunshine and all things flowery and fresh. Thank you to those who helped us enjoy the outdoors by supporting our Walk-a-thon. Your pledges, your encouragement, your time—all very much appreciated. It was a lovely day and we look forward to growing our participation next year.
During this time of the school year, schools also begin preparations for State testing. While testing doesn't make for the most exciting school days, it is necessary. How can you help at this time? Make sure your child comes to school each day and on time. Our tests often begin first thing in the morning and so having your child here allows them to get their selves ready for testing and to not feel rushed. Please work with your child's teacher so you know the exact testing days and can plan accordingly.
There are wonderful things happening around Miles. Many are highlighted in this newsletter. Enjoy!
With Appreciation,
Mrs. Steele
The annual Walk-a-thon is now over and we had such fun! All pledges are going to support Miles tax credit to fund programs like ASL, gardening and after school tutoring.
We were excited to see our students being active and raising money for Miles! Some students had over 15 laps, that is truly amazing.
Students will be turning in their money from their pledges to their teachers. All pledges need to be turned in by the end of the month.
Thank you so much for your support in the walk-a-thon and for all of your donations!
A message from Coach Scott
Heart for Kids Challenge begins March 27th and it will last 2 weeks. The students will be able to complete activities and learn about how being active helps the body. It will be fun and energetic for the students with possible prizes. More detail are coming.
Attention Middle School students, track is coming. Get all the paperwork in and after spring break, lets run and have fun. See Paulina or Scott for more information.
Counselor's Corner
Hello Miles Mustang Family,
We celebrated Black History Month in February. Our students were able to learn about so many Black public figures who've combatted an unjust society, with pure bravery, resilience and courage. Much of the ripple effects of racism and prejudice is still felt today and it is important to extend our teaching and learning of our history and how it has shaped who we are today. This month, we will be focusing on Courage as a part of our Character Strong Curriculum.
As we all know, the political and social climate has been challenging to all of us. Many of us are in a constant state of worry, fear and uncertainty. The hard part is that our children are feeling the same way. Here are some ways to teach your kids to have courage during times of political and civil unrest:
Openly Communicate: Encourage open and honest conversations about current events, addressing any questions or concerns your child may have. While sometimes we may not have all the answers, it is okay to share that with them. Explain what you do know, while also validating their feelings and perspectives.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate courage and resilience in your own actions and behaviors. Show your child that it's okay to feel scared or uncertain, but it's important to face challenges with bravery, empathy, and determination. Social activist Maggie Kuhn said it best, "speak your mind, even when your voice shakes"
Teach Empathy and Understanding: Help your child develop empathy and understanding towards others who may be affected by what is going on in the world: challenges faced by people of color, undocumented citizens, LGBTQIA+ youth, people displaced from their homes, etc. Encourage them to consider different or conflicting viewpoints and perspectives while treating others with kindness and respect, even in difficult situations.
Encourage Positive Actions: Empower them to take positive actions in response to civil unrest, such as participating in peaceful protests, volunteering in their community, or advocating for causes they believe in. Teach them that even small acts of kindness and activism can make a difference.
Provide Stability and Support: Maintain a sense of stability and routine in your child's life, emphasizing that they are safe and supported. Reassure them, provide comfort, and guidance when needed, and remind them that you are there to support them in working through those tough emotions/challenges. Ensure that there's balance in their internet/media use. Much of the news and social media apps are designed to sustain our attention, leading to people ruminating and fixating on those political/social issues. This can leave us increasingly frustrated, helpless and emotionally drained.
By trying these tools and strategies, we can help our children develop the courage, resilience, and empathy needed to navigate times of civil unrest with strength and compassion.
March with courage and have a relaxing spring break!
-Alex 😄
Garden News
Exploring abounds in the Miles ELC garden. In February, Rm 1 adored feeling feathers, Rms 2 and 4 followed the re-use paths of water, and Rm 3 is following the growth of diverse seeds. Rm 5 reaped playful rewards of raking leaves and pulling weeds, and Rms 6 and 7 have taken on chicken responsibilities with tender care. I look forward to continued curiosities and discoveries with all elementary classes!
Families – Thank you for a fun February Work Day! Next, we’ll clean up the garden on the morning of Saturday, April 13th.
Community Liaison News
Hi Miles families! This month we are looking forward to the walk-a-thon and all the fun that brings. Thank you to coach Scott for helping plan and run the walk-a-thon this year!
Miles carnival is coming up on April 20th and I am always looking for volunteers, whether this means volunteering the day of the event or helping in the setting up and planning beforehand, we are grateful for all volunteers.
Some of the main items we are looking for to help the carnival run smoothly, are grills and people to help cook the food, this included burgers and hotdogs.
Let me know if you are interested in volunteering or if you have any supplies we can use!
-Grace