We empower each child to grow and become a well-rounded citizen,

because every child's future counts.

OES Families,

This week we honored our counselors. At our school, we are fortunate to have dedicated counselors like Mr. Hastings, Ms. Breneman, and Miss Romero who play crucial roles in supporting our students' well-being and academic success. Mr. Hastings brings a wealth of experience and empathy to his role, always ready to lend an understanding ear and offer guidance. Ms. Breneman's nurturing approach fosters a safe space where students feel comfortable expressing themselves and seeking advice. Meanwhile, Miss Romero's enthusiasm and innovative methods empower students to overcome challenges and explore their potential. Together, they embody our commitment to nurturing every student's holistic development, ensuring they thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Thank you for all you do for our school community!

Valentine’s Day, celebrated on February 14th, is a special day dedicated to love, friendship, and kindness. Whether it’s exchanging valentines in the classroom, sharing treats with friends, or simply showing gratitude to those we care about, Valentine’s Day reminds us of the importance of love and connection. Each classroom has a plan for valentine activities throughout the school day. Please read your child's classroom newsletter for more information.

For more information, please visit our website at: https://oes.cvsd.org/ and follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/OpportunityElementaryCVSD/ and Instagram at @opp.es

Best regards,

Mrs. Spence & Mr. Howard

We have amazing staff members here at Opportunity. Please take a moment to recognize one or more of them by submitting a MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD nomination.

Go to cvsd.org • click on “Meritorious Service Awards” under “About Us”Direct link: www.cvsd.org/Meritorious

If your family has any gently used leggings, sweat pants, or t-shirts that you are willing to donate to our school, please drop them off at our office in a bag labeled DONATIONS. We will use these donations for children that get wet or messy during the school day. Thank you in advance!

Avoiding Conflicts Over Different Parenting Styles

There are many sources of conflict that can affect relationships between parents as well as their relationships with their kids. One of these sources can be conflicting parenting styles. We believe that significant damage can be done by parents when they fight over how to parent their kids.

We often receive calls from parents who are struggling with different parenting styles, even though they might not realize that this is the cause of the conflict. Understanding the different parenting styles can help parents identify their own style, recognize the detrimental effects of some parenting styles, and then make necessary changes for the long-term benefit of their kids.

Different Parenting Styles
In 1990, the book, Parenting with Love and Logic was published. Three primary parenting styles were described in that book:

• Helicopter Parents
• Drill Sergeant Parents
• Consultant Parents

Helicopter Parents hover over their children and constantly rescue them from the hostile world in which they live. The message that Helicopter Parents send is, “You can’t help yourself. I must take care of everything for you.”

Over the years, the Helicopter Parent concept and term, introduced in that book, has become widely accepted and even has become an important topic in the field of child psychology. For example, a recent review article by J. S. Vigdal and K. K. Brønnick (A Systematic Review of “Helicopter Parenting” and Its Relationship with Anxiety and Depression, published in 2022) concluded that a majority of studies examining the effects of Helicopter Parenting found a direct relationship between Helicopter Parenting and symptoms of anxiety and depression in children.

Drill Sergeant Parents command and direct the lives of children. The Drill Sergeant parent sends the message that, “You can’t think. I must do your thinking for you.” Drill Sergeant parents tend to raise kids who have never learned how to make decisions for themselves and who therefore become followers, subject to peer pressure.

Consultant Parenting contrasts strongly with Helicopter Parenting and Drill Sergeant Parenting. Consultant Parents provide guidance and empathetic support for children as their children assume responsibility for their lives. They send the message that, “You’re capable and can make wise decisions. You are a responsible person.”

A fourth style of parenting was also described in Parenting with Love and Logic—laissez-faire parenting. These are parents who essentially let their children raise themselves. This was considered a lesser style in 1990, but it appears to have become more common now and can certainly contribute to conflict between parents.

Avoiding Conflict with Consultant Parenting
Typically, one parent is a Helicopter Parent and the other is a Drill Sergeant, and the dramatic difference between these styles can create conflict between the parents, as well as confusion and uncertainty for their kids. Using the Consultant style of parenting developed by Love and Logic is one way that parents can avoid conflict over parenting styles, as well as help their kids grow up to become responsible, respectful adults who know how to make healthy decisions.

To learn more about these different parenting styles and their effects on kids, listen to our audio, Helicopters, Drill Sergeants and Consultants.

Thanks for reading!

Charles and Jim Fay

Support our PTO's fundraising efforts by purchasing some Opportunity Gear. Lots of tshirts, sweatshirts, and hats for the whole family. Purchase on-line. Contact opportunitypto@gmail.com with questions.

15% of ALL February 11th sales that are placed with the McDonald's app or from the kiosk in the store will be donated to Opportunity PTO! We look forward to seeing you on February 11th. COME SEE YOUR OES STAFF BETWEEN 4:30 & 6:00!!!

We need volunteers to help with POPCORN FRIDAYS - if we cannot recruit help, POPCORN FRIDAYS WILL ONLY BE HELP ONCE A MONTH! Please email our PTO if you are available to help!OpportunityPTO@gmail.com

• Tuesdays/Fridays - Dynamic PANDAmonium Choir Practice @ 8:10
• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays - 4/5TH Grade Yoga @3:15 pm
• Wednesdays/Thursdays - DANCE CLASS @ 3:15
• February 10-14 - ASB SMENCILS SALE - 8:40-8:55 (M,T,W) & through order forms (M-F)
• February 11 - MCDONALDS DIGITAL FUNDRAISER
• February 14 - Valentines Day
• February 17 - NO SCHOOL - PRESIDENT'S DAY
• March 1 - 2025-26 Kindergarten Registration Begins
• March 4 - 3rd Grade Music Performance - 1:05 pm & 6:30 pm - Gym
• March 5 - 2nd Grade Music Performance - 2:30 pm & 6:30 pm - Gym

Click the link below to access our PARENT HANDBOOK. This hand book will be linked in our newsletter each week for you to reference important information.

Email: lspence@cvsd.org
Website: oes.cvsd.org/
Location: 1109 South Wilbur Road, Spokane Valley, WA, USA
Phone: 509-558-3550
Facebook: facebook.com/OpportunityElementaryCVSD/