Highlights of our week!
- Watch the broadcast for this week!
- Another video...Football game etiquette!
- Students staying after lunch to help clean the lunch tables! Love our leaders!
- Ask about our Falcon Friday cheer at the end of first hour on Fridays!
- So many students going to clubs this week! We had over 100 students in clubs!
- Students are learning mindfulness techniques!
- We have a digital kindness wall where students can leave other students kind messages! This is sponsored by Columbia College.
I always love what Mrs. Caplinger shares with parents of her Gifted students. We can all learn from this!
Most gifted children, though not all, are voracious readers. It may be hard for busy parents to keep up with the latest book their children can’t put down. Even if you have the time to attempt to read your child’s latest favorite, you may find yourself totally disinterested in the content. Good news! You don’t have to read the book to discuss it with your child. Here are a few questions you can ask:
Who is the author? Have you read other books by this same author?
Where is the story set? Is it a place you’d like to visit if you could? Why or why not?
Is there a “good guy” and/or a “bad guy” in this story?
Who else would like this book? Would you recommend it to_________________? Why or why not?
How did you discover this book?
Would you like to be friends with the main character? Explain why or why not.
What’s the main problem in the story?
Can you describe a time that you felt like the main character?
If you could talk to the author, what would tell the author to change to improve the story?
Would I like this book? Why or Why not?
Adapted from “How to Discuss Books With Your Kids (Even When You Haven’t Read Them!)” By Dr. Elissa F. Brown and Michele Joerg March 2018 Parenting for High Potential Volume 7 Issue 1
https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A01111106
Order a yearbook for your student by Friday, September 13, 2024 and you’ll get it at the lowest price of the year!
You are most likely receiving emails as well!
The “Sunday Scaries”
We have a term in our house, “The Sunday Scaries” to refer to the emotions we experience in letting go of the weekend or break. We ALL experience the, “Sunday Scaries,” from time to time, but for our anxious or more sensitive kids, these feelings can be very big!
These students will often start complaining about headaches or stomach aches later on Sunday evening as their brains start processing returning to a different, less comforting routine the following day. They are not making these symptoms up. Instead, these are physical symptoms of an internal stress reaction. All three of my own children struggled to get back to school this week and required extra soothing the first night or two. (Yes, even my high school student)
This stress reaction is greatly heightened if the student senses that a parent may allow them to avoid the negative stimuli (school) due to the bodily symptoms. The MOST IMPACTFUL and POWERFUL thing you can do for your student is to make sure they understand that missing school is not an option. Their physical stress reaction skyrockets when there is the assumption that they can avoid negative stimuli. The stress reaction immediately reduces when school avoidance is not on the table.
For these students, it’s helpful to review the school policy that dictates what an approved school absence involves. Showing them in black and white that what they are experiencing, while uncomfortable, does not excuse them from school can sometimes help.
Some things that can help with the “Sunday Scaries:"
Don’t ask if they are worried
Ask them how they are feeling about going back to school and talk through those emotions and physical symptoms with them to normalize and put words to what they are experiencing.
Relate to them
Let them know that going back to work affects you as well. If you experienced the “Sunday Scaries” as a child, let them know this. It helps them know that an uncomfortable experience is/was a shared experience.
Plan soothing routines
If, when you check in with them prior to their return to school, they identify some symptoms of stress, plan out the soothing routines they’d like to go through the night before. It gives a sense of control over something that feels out of control for them.
As always, thanks for being the best parent and advocate for your child. The BEST thing you can do is sooth their symptoms and then get them back into the next “normal” routine, which is their school week. These stress symptoms typically disappear by the first evening or two. Your students are amazing and resilient!
Blair Oaks Middle School
Picture Day Is: Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Wagner Portrait Group will be photographing students for portrait packages & school records.
Only online orders will be accepted.
(Please do not bring checks, cash, or order forms to school as they will no longer be accepted.)
Online Pre-Order Password: 9H5Z2X4X
Can’t order online or have other questions? We are happy to help! 314-567-5900
Thank you for your help to prepare for a great picture day! We appreciate you!
Blair Oaks Middle School
Theme for 24-25: Be different: make a difference!
To empower a community of productive citizens through
positive relationships, collaboration, and innovative learning.
Vision Statement:
We envision soaring to new heights through:
Academic Excellence, Character Development,
Community Involvement, Leadership and Service
Email: maholt@blairoaks.org
Phone: 314-324-5919
