Notes from Principal Simmons: Weekend Update January 22

I don't know about you, but I am not a huge fan of winter. I much prefer camping during the hot summer months. To help me through the long winter months I like to cozy up with a good book, warm coffee and my fireplace! I've been reading a helpful book and thought I'd share it with you. When the World Feels Like a Scary Place-Essential Conversations for Anxious Parents and Worried Kids by Abigail Gewirtz, PhD. The books shares how we as parents and guardians can use conversation to help kids get through these tough times. It's helped me to approach things with my own daughter and helped me relate to some of the things students and parents may be experiencing. The author talks about "Emotion Coaching" which is how we can teach our children to recognize and respond to emotions. There are 5 steps: 1. Regulate our own emotions, 2. Help our children identify and label emotions, 3. Listen and Validate 4. Assist in finding solutions to emotional challenges and 5. Set Limits (when needed). I am not done reading yet, but I have found it interesting so far. I hope you enjoy some quality time with your loved ones this weekend.

~Amanda

In the Near Future:

Wed, Feb. 3 - Superintendent's Conference Day 1/2 Day of School - Dismissal begins at 11:30

Important Information:

In advance, we would like to thank families for their thoughtful communication regarding health related situations. We would like to continue to keep lines of communication open so that we can offer the best support possible and make accommodations to ensure student learning continues flawlessly.

I know it is terribly inconvenient, but if your child should experience one or more of the following: runny nose, nasal congestion, cough, loss of taste or smell, muscle pain or body aches, temperature of 100'F or more, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, headache, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea - please do not send your child to school and a Negative COVID test will be required. They should also be symptom-free upon return. If you should have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our school nurses (315)-487-4636.

It seems like a good time to review the safety procedures here at school. Students need a clean mask to wear each and every day. Students need wash their hands often and maintain 6 ft social distancing whenever possible.

As the cold weather continues, please ensure that your child has proper attire to wear outdoors for PE and recess breaks (coats, hats, etc.). If you have lost any items, please remind your child to check out our Lost & Found in the hallway outside the Blue Gymnasium.

Thank you to Mrs. Hesler's Boys for being my models

Kindergarten registration for the 2021-2022 school year will opened virtually on December 1, 2020 and will remain open until March 31, 2021! You may utilize the Virtual Registration process to get started and schedule your telemeeting! Please click here to find all the pertinent information regarding this process! We look forward to welcoming our newest WILDCATS!

Positivity Project: OPM - Supporting others when they struggle
Supporting other people when they struggle is a critical piece of being human. There is a Chinese saying that sums this up: “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.”

From The PTA:

Some other exciting PTA info, we'll start our Gertrude Hawk Chocolates Fundraising Wednesday January 13 - Tuesday February

To Stay Connected:

● Access Stonehedge Elementary’s website, by clicking the “Stonehedge Elementary” tab at the District’s website, www.westgenesee.org.

● As a school, we communicate a lot of information via email, so be sure to keep your current email address up to date and check it often!

● Stonehedge Elementary School follow @stonehedgeblue on Twitter!

In advance, we would like to thank families for their thoughtful communication regarding health related situations with students and family members in hopes of keeping everyone safe. We would like to continue to keep lines of communication open so that we can offer the best support possible and make accommodations to ensure student learning continues flawlessly.

Around School: