The Springer Buzz

January 13, 2017

Our Mission

At Springer Elementary School, we will provide a safe and supportive environment that engages, inspires, and nurtures all students' emotional and academic needs in order to become empathetic, productive global citizens and lifelong learners.

In This Issue:

• Principal’s message

• News and Announcements

• Parent Education Opportunities

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• Monday, January 16: MLK Birthday, No School

• Tuesday, January 17: Staff Devlp. No School

• Wednesday, February 1, 7:00pm: PTA Mtg. Staff RM

• February 20-24: Winter Recess--No School

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents,

As we approach the end of this long weekend let’s remember Dr. Martin Luther King as we celebrate his accomplishments on Monday, January 16th.   As I reflect on the impact he has made in our country, I am reminded directly of the effects he has had on my family. My father and oldest sister remind me of how far we have come from the stories they share.  My sister attended a segregated school and my dad was asked to go to the colored bathroom and drinking fountain while we were stationed in Louisiana.   So, I hope that as the holiday approaches you and your family will find a way to honor Dr. King in some way.  I want to share this quote that resonates with our nation and me.

"We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools."      - Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Lynn Boskie, Principal

Safety Reminder:

The new year has started, so  just a few reminders about bike and car safety.   Our children are our precious gifts.  With the rain, visibility may become an issue so be sure to use the crosswalks and the crossing guards to enter school.   The firelane near the kindergarten area is not a drop off zone.  Thank you to all of the volunteer crossing guards for helping to keep our students safe.  

As a neighborhood school we have students riding bikes to school as well.  Here are a few reminders to share with your children:

• Wear a bike helmet.  You’re never too cool.   

• Go With the Traffic Flow. Ride on the right in the same direction as other vehicles. Go with the flow – not against it.

• Obey All Traffic Laws. A bicycle is a vehicle and you’re a driver. When you ride in the street, obey all traffic signs, signals, and lane markings.

• Yield to Traffic When Appropriate. Almost always, drivers on a smaller road must yield (wait) for traffic on a major or larger road. If there is no stop sign or traffic signal and you are coming from a smaller roadway (out of a driveway, from a sidewalk, a bike path, etc.), you must slow down and look to see if the way is clear before proceeding. This also means yielding to pedestrians who have already entered a crosswalk.

• Be Predictable. Ride in a straight line, not in and out of cars. Signal your moves to others.

• Stay Alert at All Times. Use your eyes AND ears. Watch out for potholes, cracks, wet leaves, storm grates, railroad tracks, or anything that could make you lose control of your bike. You need your ears to hear traffic and avoid dangerous situations; don’t wear a headset when you ride.

• Look Before Turning. When turning left or right, always look behind you for a break in traffic, then signal before making the turn. Watch for left- or right-turning traffic.

• Watch for Parked Cars. Ride far enough out from the curb to avoid the unexpected from parked cars (like doors opening, or cars pulling out).

We Want You … Substitute Opportunities!

The Silicon Valley economy is doing well and unemployment is quite low.  For LASD, this means fewer people interested in substitute teaching.  We are looking for parents who would be interested in helping our schools by becoming a substitute teacher.  This may initially sound a bit unnerving, but it is actually a wonderful way to learn more about the learning of our students. You can choose your schedule, working as often or as little as you would like as well as at the schools of your choosing.  We could really use your help, so please consider the opportunity.

If you would consider joining our substitute teaching pool, we are offering a free mini-training hosted by our Human Resource & Curriculum Departments.  Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 19th from 9am-12:30pm.  For more information click the link here and/or contact Erin Green, Director of Student and Staff Services at egreen@lasdschools.org

A Message From The LASD Nurses

From LASD Health Services Department:

When to Keep Your Child Home From School

Sometimes it is difficult, especially early in the morning, to know whether or not to send your child to school.  The following guidelines are indications that you should keep him/her home.  In this way, you are helping to control the spread of colds, flu, and other contagious illnesses.

Keep your child at home when he/she has any of the following symptoms:

You need to keep your child home until he/she has been symptom free without medication for 24 hours.

Also, NOTIFY THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY if your child is exposed to or contracts chicken pox, mumps or measles or whooping cough (pertussis).  These conditions can be life threatening to students who are undergoing therapies that suppress their immune systems.

The following information is only a guide to common childhood health concerns. Call our District Nurses (650-444-9702 or 650-537-8119) or personal health care provider for more information. Always bring a copy of a physician’s note to school and/or notify the school if your child will have an extended absence due to a health condition for 10 days or longer.

For more information click here for the LASD website page!

For more information on the flu and how to recognize it click here.

Cornerstone Corner

This month’s ABC book: “Blue Day Book for Kids” by Bradley Trevor Greive helps students understand that everyone has bad days. A series of animal photos convey what a blue day might feel like and offers ideas on how to turn these blue days around.

Goals of lesson:

1. Empower students to practice specific skills they can use to influence things that happen to them.

2. View disappointment and sadness as temporary and fixable states.

3. Act and switch directions so that the outcome of their day is changed.

4. Name feelings and notice the feelings of others.

5. Learn ways to accept and deal with feelings.

To reinforce this lesson at home:

·      Model the behavior of positive self-talk and switching directions when you are in a blue mood

·      Below are steps to help your child change how they feel when they want to get out of a blue mood:

1. Accept and name your feelings. For example, say to yourself, "I am sad." "I am scared."

2. Remind yourself that this feeling is temporary. You will feel happy again. Look to caring adults for support.

3. Relax and take a time out before you act. Take slow deep breaths and count to ten, relaxing all the muscles in your body. Get ready to choose the way you respond.

4. Think about ways to help move out of your mood. Use positive self-talk to make a plan.

When you “catch” kids modeling positive behaviors...

Notice, Name it, and Celebrate it!

Job Opportunity Loyola School

Instructional Assistant

Loyola School – 20 hours per week (9:15 am -1:15 pm)

Kindergarten

Salary:  $14.05 – $18.45 per hour

Contact  Marlene Revelo,

mrevelo@lasdschools.org

Assessment and Reporting in LASD

Friday, January 27, 2017

9:00am

Gardner Bullis School - Staff Lounge

Join us for a Parent EdTalk on Assessment and Reporting in LASD. This talk will include an overview of standards based teaching and learning, as well as provide details on our district-wide K-8 common assessments: the Fountas and Pinnell Reading Benchmark Assessment and the iReady Diagnostic Assessment in Reading and Math.

Seating is limited to 50. To reserve a place please click link: https://edtalk_1_27_17.eventbrite.com

Springer Auction! Save The Date!

Springer Auction Party - Save the Date!

Date: March 18, 2017, 6:30-10:30pm

Location: Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto

Theme: Hollywood Heroes & Villains!

Tickets on Sale January, 2017

The Springer auction party is our largest and most awesome adult-only fundraiser and community building event of the year! All proceeds from the auction go directly to Springer Elementary school. Funds go toward instructional materials and supplies and amazing programs like The Living Classroom (the district’s hands-on science program), art and music enrichment, and noontime clubs and activities.

The 2017 auction team needs your help. We would love the following donations:

• Cool Gear: iPad, iPhone, Xbox, Playstation, Beats, etc.

• Vacation Getaways: Vacation homes or airlines

• Parties: Host an awesome party for kids or adults