Dear GRAIS Community,
As we begin February vacation, we wish you all a nice break from the hustle and bustle of getting children ready for school in the morning and monitoring homework completion in the evenings! The children certainly deserve a nice break with some rest and some fun.
Counselors’ Corner:
February is Random Acts of Kindness Month, and research suggests a strong connection between acts of kindness and a heightened sense of well-being. Engaging in altruistic acts not only strengthens our support systems, but also motivates us to lead more active lifestyles, thereby boosting our self-esteem. When we extend a helping hand to others, it can trigger positive changes in the brain that are directly associated with feelings of happiness. Here are some children’s books to learn more about kindness: Will You be the “I”in Kind by Julia Cook, A Bike Like Sergio’s by Maribeth Boelts, Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson. You can practice kindness with your children by writing and delivering encouraging notes to people–neighbors, first responders, residents in nursing homes, or anyone! Here are some discussion points to help you talk about kindness with your child.
Tell me about a time when someone was kind to you? How did it make you feel?
What do you think kindness means and why is it important?
Who is someone in your class you can be kind to?
What are ways you can be kind to people at home, at school, and in the community?
In the Art Room:
Fourth graders have been creating artwork with a focus on color. Currently, they’re creating complementary colored hearts inspired by contemporary artist Chris Uphues. They have been working on their cutting, gluing, and tracing skills for this project.
Jason Naylor and Shantell Martin are both contemporary artists who promote kindness and positivity through their artwork. Fifth graders looked at some of their artwork, thought about, and discussed how art can be used to communicate and help us to feel better. Viewing art and making art can bring about positive feelings and change. Students were asked to think about things that make them feel happy and draw them in creative, personal ways in our current art project. They're looking great so far!
Student Grades:
As we head toward the end of our second trimester on March 11th, please note that as a natural progression, this trimester has been less about review of prior knowledge and more about learning new grade-level concepts, as well as less about teacher-assisted work completion and more about independence. We hope you will check Aspen routinely to stay current on your child’s academic performance. If you need assistance accessing the portal, please contact Ms. Barboza at cbarboza@freelake.org or 508.923.3506, extension 3100. She’s happy to help!
Sweets and Treats:
We thank all who donated to the scrumptious spread last week and to the PTO board for organizing this expression of kindness.
Update on American Heart Association from Mr. Lestage:
In the beginning of the month, Brooke from the American Heart Association came in during lunch to present to students this year's Kids’ Heart Challenge. Basically, we are aiming to raise awareness on heart health while hoping to help others in need. If you choose to donate, simply signing up will help spread the awareness. Donations will help spread awareness, raise funds, help with medical bills, and allow for further research with the American Heart Association.
The attached flyer went home after the presentation, but I attached it again in case it was misplaced. The sign up is super easy and you can track and follow along to see how GRAIS is doing. Website Link (Search: George in the school name and it will come up.)
As of today, we have reached 86% ($2575.25) of our goal of $3,000. Thank you to all that have already participated! The fundraiser through February 29th.
Dates to Remember:
School Resumes - February 26th
No School – March 5th
ELA/Math Games Event – March 21st at 5:45 - 7:15 p.m.
PTO’s Mardi GRAIS Drop-off Evening Social – March 22nd from 6 - 8 p.m.
Spring Picture Day – March 27th
Early Dismissal at 11:30 a.m. – April 1st
No School – April 12th
Spring Vacation – April 15th through the 19th
Scholastic Book Fair – April 29th through May 3rd
No School – May 27th
Nature’s Classroom- June 4th - 7th
Survivor Day – June 14th
Anticipated Last Day of School – June 18th
Spring MCAS Dates:
Grade Five ELA MCAS – April 2nd & 3rd
Grade Four ELA MCAS – April 4th & 5th
Grade Five Math MCAS – May 13th & 14th
Grade Four Math MCAS – May 15th & 16th
Grade Five Science MCAS – May 20th & 21st
Kindly,
Dr. Sullivan
508.923.3506 X3150