The Primary Connection
Primary Family Newsletter - November 17, 2023
Notes From the Office
In the event of an emergency or important announcement, timely communication is essential. Please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date with the school office. We will use various communication channels, such as text messages, phone calls, and emails, to keep you informed.
As we approach Thanksgiving, classrooms in our building will do different activities with students to celebrate the holiday. Please look out for more details from your child's teacher. As a reminder, we dismiss early on Wednesday, Noveber 22nd and school will resume on Monday, November 27th.
Mark Your Calendars!
November 20th - Board of Education Meeting, 7:00 PM
November 22nd - Half Day for Students and Staff
November 23rd - Happy Thanksgiving
November 24th - Go get some holiday deals
December 1st - ELF Holiday Play, 7:00 PM
Deceomber 2nd - ELF Holiday Play, 7:00 PM
December 3rd - ELF Holiday Play, 2:00 PM
December 5th - PTO Meeting, 4:00 PM
PTO Fundraiser Pick Up
If you did not pick up your fundraiser items earlier this week, please stop in to the Primary, we have your items for you.
Handwriting
Unlike social media reports, Edwardsburg Primary does teach handwriting skills. Handwriting at the elementary level is an important skill that lays the foundation for effective communication and academic success.
Here are some key points to consider when it comes to handwriting at this stage:
Pre-writing Skills:
Before formal handwriting instruction, children develop pre-writing skills such as drawing shapes, lines, and patterns. Activities like coloring, tracing, and playing with building blocks can help in developing fine motor skills.
Our staff Introduce letters in a logical sequence, starting with simple shapes and progressing to more complex ones. It is important in early wrting that students learn both uppercase and lowercase letters. All letters start at the top of the line and progress down, not from the bottom up.
Proper Grip:
Emphasize the importance of a proper pencil grip. Encourage the use of a tripod grip, where the pencil is held between the thumb and the first two fingers.
Letter Size and Spacing:
Teach children to write letters proportionally in terms of size and to leave appropriate spaces between words. Provide guidelines on paper to help them maintain consistent sizing.
Zones of Regulation
The Zones of Regulation is commonly used in educational settings, including schools and therapy sessions, to support students in understanding and managing their emotions. It helps create a common language for discussing feelings and provides a visual tool for individuals to communicate their emotional states.
By incorporating the Zones of Regulation into daily activities and routines, educators and therapists aim to empower individuals with the skills they need to navigate various social and emotional situations successfully. I will start sharing Zones information in my newsletter, as it may be helpful for some families to use the Zones at home.
Blue Zone (Low Energy/Down):
Emotions: Sad, tired, bored, sick.
State of Alertness: Low.
Strategies: Rest, relaxation, calming activities, sensory breaks.
Green Zone (Good to Go/Ready to Learn):
Emotions: Happy, calm, focused, content.
State of Alertness: Ideal.
Strategies: Maintain, continue activities, problem-solving, appropriate social interactions.
Yellow Zone (Caution/Slow Down):
Emotions: Frustrated, anxious, excited, worried.
State of Alertness: Increased.
Strategies: Use self-control, be alert, strategies to manage energy, take a break.
Red Zone (High Alert/Stop):
Emotions: Angry, terrified, out of control, panic.
State of Alertness: Very high.
Strategies: Stop and think, use calming techniques, remove oneself from the situation, seek adult support.
Elf the Musical
Weather Outwear Guidance
Cold weather is here, and it is going to get snowy soon enough. We do have a small supply of items that students can borrow, but not enough if a lot of students do not have the proper outdoor clothing. I have attached some guidance to help you understand the expectations for being outdoors at school.
Edwardsburg Primary School
Office Hours: 7:45 - 4:15PM
(Regular office hours begin September 5, 2023)
Email: tspaulding@goeddies.com
Website: www.edwardsburgpublicschools.org
Location: 69100 Section Street, Edwardsburg, MI, USA
Phone: 269-663-1037
Facebook: facebook.com/edwardsburgpublicschools
Elementary Principal at Edwardsburg Primary School