Tuesday January 5th, 2016

Monday was a day like most weeks this school year. We enrolled several new students, but our highest number in one day. This article is one most can probably relate to. Thank you to everybody, not just certified, who have smiled and welcomed every student as they have arrived this year. The circumstances that bring a new student are usually out of their control. In contrast, we get to choose how we welcome and respond when they arrive. Kindness and empathy:

Importance of Caring Classrooms & Schools

Please note the added activity this week about the annual Science Discovery Day. This is an all day event in the gym, during block times on Thursday, and is always a great experience for students.

In order to raise student achievement, students must also be developing social and emotional skills. School provides academic learning, as well as a safe place to develop and provide basic needs for students. The following article is a great reminder and overview of the importance of social and emotional learning during the school day. Such an important and relatable topic, and fits with the article above. This is also important as you look long term, with students being leaders in their families and communities. When the classroom and school is a safe inclusive place for learning, not just academic learning, all students grow. We need kids with healthy emotional and social skills:

Social-Emotional Learning

Empathy, It Matters

Great thought from Pooh: