The Astronomical - October 2023
October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Though schools should focus on creating an anti-bullying culture year-round, October has been set aside as a time to draw special attention to this important issue. A variety of organizations come together to support schools as they work to create a safer, kinder environment for all students.
Bullying may include in-person or online behavior (known as cyberbullying). It’s become a major issue in schools, where 1 in 5 students now report experiencing bullying behavior. Students may be bullied for their physical appearance, race/ethnicity, gender, disability, religion, or sexual orientation, among other reasons.
The good news is that research indicates that strong bullying prevention programs can help reduce bullying at school. These programs can help potential bullies recognize and stop their own behavior. They can also empower victims, giving them the support they need in the face of bullying.
Please review the attached flyers. One is from Elementary School District 159, and the other is from Neil Armstrong. Both flyers will share how we as home and school can embrace and celebrate this most important event in the month of October.
Monday, October 2nd in honor of World Day Bullying Prevention all members of the Elementary School District 159 are encouraged and welcomed to wear the color blue. Show us your support for bully prevention by wearing blue tops/blouses, blue pants/jeans/skirts, and dress as the color blue in many diverse cultures is a symbol of peace.
🍂Fall Party🍂
Halloween is a favorite holiday amongst many, given that it is one of the only days you get to dress up as almost anything you want as well as eat as many candies as you desire without judgment (LOL). Halloween costumes at Neil Armstrong are welcomed.
It is important to be mindful that Halloween costumes should not make anyone feel uncomfortable, unsafe, and disrespected. For example, please reframe from wearing any costume that is scary, minimizes the dignity of any groups, and accessories such as toy guns, swords, and like items will need to remain at home.
Participating students must arrive with their costume on and it should be something they can manage on their own when using the restroom. There will be a student-centered alternative for those who do not participate in Halloween activities. if you do not want your child to participate please notify your child's teacher.
If you would like to volunteer and help out in the classroom, please contact your child's teacher and you must have an approved ESD #159 volunteer background check.
Please review our beginning of the year attendance letter has prepared by Assistant Principal Tancredi. We would also like you to know that our attendance theme for 2023-2024 is, "WE THRIVE When WE STRIVE for 95!"
Homerooms that have a 95% attendance rate for the month will receive a special treat from Mrs. Etherly and Mrs. Tancredi! This could be: extra recess, treats/snacks, a dance party, ice cream social, etc.
If a grade level gets a 95% attendance rate for the month, they will receive a special treat from administration, too! Let’s get our attendance rate up to 95!
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE - SEPTEMBER 2023
OVERALL K-5 - 95.1%
Kindergarten 91.7%
- K1 - 90.4
- K2 - 92.5
Grade 1 96.4%
- 1A - 96.1
- 1B - 96.7
Grade 2 95.2%
- 2A - 94
- 2B - 95.6
Grade 3 95.6%
- 3A - 95.5
- 3B - 94.7
- 3G - 97.9
Grade 4 95.7%
- 4A - 94.5
- 4B - 95.8
- 4G - 98
Grade 5 95.1%
- 5A - 94.4
- 5B - 97.2
- 5C - 93
- 5G - 96.9
CONGRATULATIONS 1A, 1B, 2B, 2G, 3A, 3G, 4B, 4G, 5B, & 5G SMALL ASTRO SCHOLARS!!!!
PBIS
Please join us as we congratulate our September GOTCHA winners (see picture)! Small Astro Scholars are given GOTCHAs when observed following PBIS School Wide Expectations. All collected GOTCHAs are placed in a raffle. We look forward to learning who will win October's raffle.
PBIS is so looking forward to our Red Ribbon kickoff week which begins, October 23rd through the 31st. The theme for 2023 is, "Be Kind To Your Mind. LIve Drug Free." Our very own, Richton Park Chief of Police, Demitrous Cook will kickoff our week by delivering a speech about staying off drugs and living a healthy lifestyle. Our Small Astro Scholars will have an opportunity to participate in a poster contest, theme related dress up days, an all school photo with the district drone, and much more. Additional information is forthcoming. We are looking forward to kicking this special week off with our Astronomical families, friends, and community!
~Ms. Stern, NAES PBIS Lead
Second Step: Emotion Management Grades K-5
Our Small Astro Scholars will be coming to a close regarding Unit 1: Growth Mindset & Goal-Setting. We are now preparing them to engage in lessons regarding Emotion Management.
The themes for this program are as follows:
- Self-Awareness
- Self-Management
- Social Awareness
- Relationship Skills
Families, you should receive Home links and weekly communication from your child's teacher as it offers ideas to help you support your child's social-emotional development at home. If you have not received a notice, please contact your child's teacher.
