Principal's Message
Happy New Year, Panthers!!
I hope that everyone had a wonderful Winter Break with family and friends! As a reminder, there is no school on Monday, January 6th. School will resume on Tuesday, January 7th.
As we step into the second half of this school year, we are excited to welcome our scholars back to continue “Building Brighter Futures!” Together, we’ve accomplished so much, and we’re ready to maintain that momentum in the coming months. We are looking for all scholars to work harder than they have before! This is the time of year where additional instruction and small group support based on individual student data/needs are put in place to ensure academic growth and to help our scholars reach their end of year goals. It is going to be very important for all scholars to be present at school each day. Additionally, we ask that you reiterate the importance of adhering to school rules and expectations with your scholar(s). The Code of Conduct will be reviewed with all scholars this week; however, your support and daily encouragement is needed to ensure our scholars are on their best behavior each day.
Parents, I would also like to take a moment to reiterate our morning arrival policy. Morning arrival begins at 7:40am. Please refrain from leaving your scholar at the school before 7:40am when supervision is provided. It is a true safety concern to have scholars in front of the school unsupervised. Student safety is a top priority.
As always, thank you so much for your continued trust and partnership in making Phillis Wheatley Elementary a place where every Panther thrives. We look forward to seeing our scholars bright and early Tuesday morning by 8:15am. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!
Have a good evening!
Sincerely,
Tabitha Brown
Principal
Resiliency Traits for January
Self Awareness
Definition: Understanding how and why I think and act, including my impact on others.
Quote: “Emotional self-awareness is the building block of the next fundamental emotional intelligence: being able to shake off a bad mood.” - Daniel Goleman, Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ
Strategies:
- Make a list of the things you like about yourself.
- Talk to and share your thoughts and feelings with safe adults (for example, a parent, family member, teacher, school counselor, or school staff member) and safe friends.
- List two of your strengths and two values. Your strengths may include a special skill such as playing a sport or musical instrument. Your values are what you find most important like family, honesty, and kindness.
- Make a list of things you like to do and how they make you feel.
Reflection Questions:
- What are my strengths and weaknesses?
- What do I wish your friends and family knew about me?
- Would my family be proud of my actions online? Why or why not?
Self Management
Definition:
Governing how I think and act, including my impact on others.
Quote:
“When in doubt if an action is good or bad, refrain.” - Voltaire
Strategies:
- Name it to Tame it: Name your feelings to work on managing them.
- When you are feeling angry or stressed, try this breathing exercise called 4:7:8.
- Inhale through your nose to a count of 4.
- Hold your breath for a count of 7.
- Exhale through your mouth for a count of 8.
- Repeat.
- When in doubt, pause before you act.
Reflection Questions:
- During times of sadness or stress, what coping strategies can I utilize?
- How can I better manage the amount of time that I am spending on devices?
Phillis Wheatley Elementary
Email: Wheatley_es@ocps.net
Website: https://wheatleyes.ocps.net/
Location: 1475 Marvin C. Zanders Avenue, Apopka, FL, USA
Phone: 407-884-2250
Twitter: @Wheatley_OCPS
Instagram: ocps_wheatleyes