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Paula Sandahl
The Weekly Splash

A Note from Mrs. Hammer

January’s Schoolwide Behavioral Focus

As we return to school in the new year, we are excited to welcome students back and to begin the second half of the year feeling connected, supported, and ready to learn. January is always a powerful time to pause, reset routines, and help children settle back into the rhythm of school after a long break.

Based on a recent review of our schoolwide behavior data, we noticed an important area where we can better support students. Some children are still learning positive ways to handle big feelings like anger, frustration, or disappointment. Our goal is to teach and reinforce safe choices during those moments, especially choices that do not involve using hands or feet in unkind or harmful ways.

This focus was the heart of our schoolwide pep rally on Tuesday and will remain our January behavior focus. Throughout the month, staff will be laser focused on noticing, teaching, and positively reinforcing “Safe” behavior across all settings. Students will hear consistent language such as, “Safe hands, safe feet, safe words we speak.” We will practice what this looks like when students are calm, learning, frustrated, or upset, so they have tools they can use in real moments.

Behind the scenes, teachers are also spending intentional time rebuilding relationships, revisiting expectations, and strengthening familiar classroom routines that help children feel secure and successful. This work is essential and foundational. When students feel safe and supported, learning can truly flourish.

If you would like to continue this conversation at home, the slides from our pep rally are linked below. They include the same language and strategies students are practicing at school and can be a helpful way to reinforce these ideas together as a family.

Thank you for your continued partnership as we support our students’ growth, learning, and well being in the new year.

PBIS Pep Rallies (Slides #1-13)

And a quick reminder…when sending an email communication to me, please also include Mrs. Morrison (kmorrison@coventryct.org).

 

CGS PTO News & Events

 

 

A Peek Inside Our Week

 See photos of some of the special moments we shared this week.

 Highlights include: Pizza with a Police Officer, VIP Lunch with a View, and winter learning fun!

 

Lunch Time & Snack Time

Our lunchroom staff and volunteers have noticed that a large amount of unfinished lunches and snacks are being thrown away each day. We know families are thoughtful and intentional when packing meals so we encourage families to have a conversation with their child about lunch choices and expectations. This includes talking about packed lunches as well as snacks purchased from the cafe such as chips, ice cream, fruit roll ups, and other treats. Clear expectations help children make thoughtful decisions and build independence.

A helpful message for many students is that “main meals” should be eaten first. Meals provide the fuel children need to stay focused, energized, and ready to learn for the afternoon. Extra snacks or desserts can be enjoyed after meals are finished or saved for another time.

For many children, especially our youngest learners, lunchtime can move quickly and they may need reminders or guidance. Letting your child know which foods should be eaten first, which items can/should be saved, and what should come home can make a big difference.

These simple conversations help reduce food waste, honor the effort families put into packing lunches, and support students in learning healthy habits that sustain them throughout the school day.

 

Winter Afterschool Clubs & Activities

Registration for Session #1 of our winter  clubs is now closed. Unfortunately due to low enrollment numbers, Monday Multisport, Slime Club, and Ukulele Club will not be running. Families that registered for these clubs should have received communication from Mrs. Kessler. 

There are only 2 clubs running:  Mad Science and Thursday Multisport.

Mad Science begins on Monday 1/12 and Thursday Multisport on 1/15. If you have a child attending one or both of these clubs, please ensure you update your child’s dismissal plan in Pick Up Patrol!

 

Parking Reminder for Arrival and Dismissal

To help keep arrival and dismissal safe, smooth, and accessible for all, we are asking families to please park only in designated parking spaces during drop off and pick up. Handicap parking spots must remain available at all times for families, staff, and our specialty transportation who require them.

Once parked, families should walk with their child to the Main Entrance for arrival and meet them there at dismissal. This helps us maintain clear sightlines, safe pathways, and consistent supervision.

When the main parking lot is full, families are welcome to park in the side lot or along the front lawn grass area. These options help prevent overcrowding and ensure that vans and buses, including those supporting students with additional needs, can safely access the building.

Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our school community safe and accessible for everyone. We truly appreciate your support and cooperation.

 

Mark Your Calendars!

Beach Day - Schoolwide Spirit Day: Monday, January 12th Beach Day Flyer 

NO SCHOOL - MLK Jr. Day: Monday, January 19th

Early Release - PD Day: Friday, January 30th

Events in the Larger Community

Below you’ll find 2-3 questions from your child’s grade-level team and specials’ teachers that connect directly to what they’ve been learning; both in academics, related arts,  and in social-emotional learning lessons. These are great conversation starters to help your child share, reflect on their day/week, and celebrate their learning with you. 

Ask your KINDERGARTNER…

  • How do we tap out words like “fox”, “mud” or “sit”?
  • How can we be safe, responsible, and respectful at recess time?
  • What was the best part about coming back to school?

Ask your 1st GRADER…

  • What is sound? What makes sound happen? (Tell your family your favorite sound station!)
  • There were 7 blue birds and some red birds sitting on a branch.  There were 12 birds in all. How many red birds were on the branch?  **Show in pictures using the 5 group method and write a number sentence to match!
  • How do you spell why, try, by and my?  Write the sentence: Tom sang a song to the kids. How do you mark the words in this sentence?
  • What was the best part about coming back to school?

Ask your 2nd GRADER…

  • Name some words with r-controlled vowels. What sounds do the vowels make? 
  • How can we continue to be safe with our friends at recess and in the classroom? 
  • What are some ways we collect and use data in the real world? 
  • What animals were helpful to the Plains Indians and why? 

Ask all your children about their visit to LIBRARY this week:

  • What did you learn in the library about Martin Luther King, Jr.?
  • What is a biography?
  • What is something you can do to spread kindness?

Want Access to a Previous Newsletter?

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