ÉRE Connection

May 2024 School Newsletter

In the May Newsletter!

Principals' Message - When children have tantrums
Jump Rope for Heart, May 16, 10:00 am
Pre-order 2024/25 School Supplies by May 31
PreK & Kindergarten Registration is now open!
Before & After School Care coming to ÉRE
Order June Hot Lunch by May 20
WRSD is hiring!

1. Principals' Message

Hello ÉRE Families!

Eight months of learning complete! Bring on the warmer weather!

During our last Staff Professional Development day on April 26, we were thrilled to learn more about the biology behind the 'lid-flip' and what works in co-regulating our kids from Candice Larson. Candice works as a Behavioral Specialist in Rocky Mountain House and is a fantastic presentor.

Have you seen a 'lid-flip' with your child? Likely. . . it can look like a tantrum or just disregulation and is most common to occur with the people your child trusts the most (ie. YOU!) And as you likely know, when your child is having a tantrum, all logic goes out the window which can make for a frustrating experience. During the 'lid-flip', blood to the brain is concentrated to the brain stem, a part of the brain designed for Survival Responses (Fight/Flight/Freeze). In order to exit the tantrum, we need to re-engage the frontal lobe where intellectual thought and logic occurs.

* our takeaways below:

cont. . . Takeaways from Candice Larson session on Regulation

We had quite a few takeaways from Candice Larson's session:

A tantrum is sometimes called a lid-flip because the blood to the brain leaves the front of the brain and concentrates in the brain stem
There could be many reasons for a lid-flip: hungry, tired, over-stimuli, frustration, feeling threatened, avoidance, angry, sad, confusing emotions, and more. Lid-flips happen to everyone and at any age ('Hangry' anyone?)
The lid-flip is a Fight/Flight/Freeze response that occurs to protect the body.
A regulated person can assist someone in a lid-flip with co-regulation to bring them out of the Fight/Flight/Freeze response.
We have to connect to correct. . . no relationship - no progress
Tantrums are normal. One has to be uncomfortable to grow. . .but it takes trust to be in an uncomfortable state.
When one is having a Fight/Flight/Freeze response. . . it is happening without thinking. . . the behavior in this state are Fight (move toward) / Flight (move away) / Freeze (avoid) responses.
No one can respond well to questions in the Fight/Flight/Freeze state because they don't have access to their thinking brain. It works better to give what is needed rather than ask if they need it (Give water. . . no need to ask if they want water. . . they won't be able to process the question.)
Learning doesn't happen in a Fight/Flight/Freeze response. Learning happens when the thinking brain is re-engaged. (Don't waste time trying to teach a lesson before they are regulated.)
The brain doesn't differentiate between physical threats and emotional threats. . . A friend won't play with you at recess could register as a threat similar to a wild animal approaching
The brain has four areas: Survival, Sensory, Emotions, Thinking - the brain reverts to Survival when in a Fight/Flight/Freeze Response
We can sometimes hack the Fight/Flight/Freeze response by appealing to sensory: Sight (picture of parent), Sound (favourite song), Taste (You can't be unregulated and eating), Smell (essential oils, mother's perfume), Touch (light or deep pressure, movement)
A student who has experienced trauma may have over-developed sensory and under-developed thinking abilities. They could be highly aware of the smallest cues (an eyebrow twitch, how hard we set down a coffee cup) and less able to critical problem solve.
You have to be self-aware of your own regulation to aid in co-regulation. You can not help someone regulate if you are disregulated.
Humans are herd animals. . . we model what we see. . . (do we see disregulated adults or co-regulating adults?)
Humans build narratives to explain what is happening. . . we need opportunities to check our thinking with trusted co-regulators to help build accurate narratives
Empathy starts to develop at age 8. . . before that, kids can model what empathy looks like, but don't actually feel the emotions of others until empathy develops
One Caring Adult is incredibely helpful and important in reversing Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)

We were glad Candice reminded us about the biology behind a 'lid-flip' so we can support our students with the right co-regulating intervention.

For those interested, Candice is presenting her Chaos to Calm: Coregulation for Parents session for FREE on June 18, 1:00 - 2:30 pm athe Rocky Primary Care Network. Space is limited. Register by calling 403-845-3050.

***

We trust you are seeing your child demonstrate fantastic progress this school year. Of course, if you have any questions, ideas, or accolades to share, please do connect via school phone (403) 845-3541 or email tim.bowman@wrsd.ca or kim.simo@wrsd.ca. Our school is better, together.

All our best!

Tim Bowman‎‎‎‎‎‎‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Kim Simo

Principal ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ Vice Principal

(403) 845-3541 ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ (403) 845-3541

tim.bowman@wrsd.ca ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎kim.simo@wrsd.ca

2. Jump Rope for Heart, May 16, 10:00 am

Our school is participating in @HeartandStroke's #JumpRopeForHeart and making a difference!
ERE looks to bring awareness to heart health via Jump Rope for Heart May 16, 10:00 am
The entire school will meet outside on the school courtyard to skip/jump/move as much as we can for 30 mintues
Families are welcome to join us for the skipping event
We are also accepting donations to support the Heart & Stroke Foundation through our fundraising link: https://jumpropeforheart.crowdchange.ca/52047

3. Custom School Supplies

We offer pre-ordering of 2024/25 school supplies through Custom School Supplies.
Some families prefer the convenience of ordering high quality supplies that are delivered to the school the week before school starts in the fall. (Get exactly what you need without leaving the house or coming back early from vacation!)
Each order also comes with 80 name stickers that can be placed on supplies.

https://www.customschoolsupplies.ca/rocky2024/

The earlybird pricing ends May 31, 2024. (Late orders can be made until August 1)

This is a voluntary program. Families can also purchase school supplies on their own.

Ecole Rocky Elementary School

customschoolsupplies.ca

4. School Council

Our next School Council Meeting is Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 6:00 pm in the school library. New families are always welcome.

Chairperson: Darlene Nordstrom

Vice Chair: Vanessa Lobley

Secretary: Tiffany Hudey

Treasurer: Mark Ceelan

Hot Lunch Coordinators: Terri Hemphill, Elaine Crebas, Vanessa Watt

Thank you School Council for the donation of $2000 towards the Calgary Field Trip!
The School Council & Society can be reached directly at: ereparentcouncil@gmail.com

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5. Hot Lunch & Milk Program

Our Hot Lunch and the Milk Program is ready to go!

June orders are due May 20.
Hot Lunch is offered on Mondays and Thursdays. Hot dogs are on some Fridays.
Watch for a new vendor (Quesada) with some Wednesday dates!
The Milk Program offers white or chocolate milk available to order every day. Our milk provider has been inconsistent in supply as of late. The School Council will provide shelf stable Milk2Go product when milk is unavailable.

School Council organizes our hot lunch and milk program. All funds raised go back into supporting the school.
Parents of Grade 4/5 students run the hot dog program. All funds raised go towards the Grade 4/5 Field Trip to Calgary in May 2024.

To Order Hot Lunch or Milk:
- Go to ere.hotlunches.net
- Click "Click Here to Register" (A new registration is required each year.)
- Enter Access Code REHL
- Complete the rest of the registration form.
- Click "Register Now" button at the bottom
- Follow the instructions to add each child at ÉRE
- Once your child(ren) are registered, click on "Orders"

Order June Hot Lunch by May 20

6. PreK & Kindergarten Registration is now OPEN

We are now accepting registration for 2024/2025 PreK and Kindergarten. Online Registration can be found on our school website: https://ecolerocky.wrsd.ca/home/news/post/new-registrations

Our preregistration numbers are progressing well. We are over over 80% enrolled in all classes. We are down to our last few spots available in PreK before starting a waiting list.

2024/2025 Pre-K Program

For students who turn 4 in 2024.

The Pre-K program this year runs full day Tuesday/Thursday/alt Friday. The program is staffed with a certificated teacher. Program cost is $100 a month. Program subsidies are available for qualifying students. The program is capped at 18 students.

2024/2025 English & French Immersion Kindergarten

For students who turn 5 in 2024.

Our English Kindergarten program runs full day Monday/Wednesday and alternating Fridays.

Our French Immersion Kindergarten program runs full day Tuesday/Thursday and alternating Fridays.

We would gladly schedule your family a school tour. Please contact the school office by phone (403) 845-3541 or email: rockyelem@wrsd.ca

Online Student Registration

If after school plans are different than usual, please write them into the student agenda.

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7. The Nurture Tree Before & After School Craft Camps starts Mid-May

The Nurture Tree Daycare has been running in our basement the last few months while repairs were made to their flooded building. Repairs should be completed soon allowing the babies and toddlers to return to the main building.
The Nurture Tree will soon open Before & After School Craft Camps at ÉRE starting mid-May.
Once licensing is approved, it will become an Before & After School Care program for the remainder of the year and into the summer.
The Before & After School Care program will host an Open House Thursday, May 16th, 4:30-6:00 pm in the newly developed Lake Room in our school basement.
The Nurture Tree will offer care starting at 7 am until the beginning of school and after school until 6 pm for children aged 5-11.
To inquire further, contact the Nurture Tree by email: admin@thenurturetree.ca or text 403-844-1028.

Quest Theatre Presentation of "The Antyssey"

8. The ÉRE Team

Mme. Bolton is delighted to share she welcomed a precious baby boy into her family on April 9th, 2024 at 10:51pm, weighing 7lbs 3oz, 20.5 inches long. Welcome Alder James Smith!
Mrs. Fipke has announced that she plans to retire at the end of this school year. Mrs. Fipke started at ÉRE as an Educational Assistant in 1997. We look forward to celebrating a 27 year career!
We are hiring! With growing numbers in our primary French Immersion classes, we have a posting out for a new Grade 2 French Immersion Teacher starting in September 2024. We are also hiring for a French Immersion teacher to cover Mme Bolton's maternity leave until April 2025.
Please reach out to staff anytime you have questions. Staff e-mails are firstname.lastname@wrsd.ca

9. This & That

We are excited to celebrate our French Immersion program at the Evening of French Entertainment, May 22, 6:00 - 7:30 pm at the Lou Soppit Centre. The event will feature performances by every French Immersion student K-8.
French Immersion parents - you can now join Canadian Parents for French (CPF) for FREE at https://cpf.ca/en/join-cpf/
Hats on for Mental Health, May 8 - Everyone is encouraged to wear a favourite or funny hat
Cupcake Sale, May 15 - grade 4/5 students will be selling cupcakes at the school for $1 as their last fundraiser for the Calgary Field Trip
ChapterOne, 1:1 at-home (virtual) literacy intervention program available at no cost to First Nations students, or students who have at least one parent who is First Nations. The program is funded through donations from Canadian companies, such as TD Bank, organizations such as the National Indian Brotherhood, and through a partnership with Jordan's Principle. Trained Early Literacy Interventionists work one-on-one 3-5 times per week with students. The at-home tutoring program is available to students in grades K to 5.
Free breakfast is served every morning in our front foyer 8:20 - 8:40 am. All students are welcome to grab a bite to eat.
If your child will be absent from school, please connect with our Student Attendance Line by phone 1-855-756-2797 or use the School Messenger App
Please use your child's agenda for writing notes to the teacher and communicating the after school plan.
If your child's after school plan is different than usual, please write this in the student agenda. It helps a lot when students are unsure after school.
If at all possible, when paying for items like agendas, PreK fees, field trips or swimming, please pay through School Cash Online located at: https://wildrose.schoolcashonline.com/ This greatly reduces the chances of lost money or discrepancies in payments made. Cheque and cash payments can also be made at the school office.
Our school website is regularly updated with important dates, school newsletters, and useful links along with information about the school. https://ecolerocky.wrsd.ca/
Social Media - The school regularly updates our Facebook account with good news stories and upcoming events. Please consider giving us a follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ecolerockyelementary

10. WRSD is hiring!

The ERE Team is hiring for a Grade 2 French Immersion Teacher to start in September 2024 to meet the needs of growing numbers in our primary Immersion classes. Please share with anyone that may be interested in the position.

EA - Caroline, Casual
Administrative Assistant - Lochearn, Division Office
Caretaker - Charlotte Small School, Casual
Teacher - Casual, Pioneer Math/Science, West Central Foods, Science, & Math, Caroline SSF, Grade 2, Grade 1, Kindergarten
Division Office - Accountant, Driver

March & April Student of the Month

PreK - Annabelle, Owen, Oaklynn, Devon, Victor, Cianna
Kindergarten - Ryanne, Tazmin, Connor, Ryland, Emma, Kyler, Adelle, Ellis, Aspen, Savannah
Grade 1 - Henry, Margaret, Ace, Ryerson, Petrena, Tayven, Tahlia, Rylee
Grade 2 - Pyper, Claire, Sayde, Cecelia, Seara, Kamber, Jayce, Oaklyn
Grade 3 - Jaxx, Sariah, Kyla, Jay, James, Sophia, Mya, Kade, Blessie, Tatiana
Grade 4 - Isaiah, Kye, Brinsley, Jazlyn, Kiera, Gideon
Grade 5 - Madeline, Zeik, Hendrix, Sawyer, Brielle, Bryson, Stevie, Emilee, Malik, Kenny

CONGRATULATIONS AWARD WINNERS!