November Bowlesburg Newsletter

This month, we would like to shine our spotlight on our wonderful school counselor Miss Tayler Walker. This is Miss Walker’s second year at Bowlesburg, however she is very familiar with the school, having attended Kindergarten through 4th grade at Bowlesburg. Miss Walker is loved and well liked by students and staff alike and was chosen as the RIROE Bowlesburg Staff Member of the month for November. Along with preparing our classroom morning meeting lessons, Miss Walker is one of two MTSS Coaches for Bowlesburg and proviides general and intensive counseling services to our students. On top of her counseling responsibilities and serving on the SEL Tier 1, SEL Tier 2, SEL Tier 3, Culture and Climate, and Guiding Coalition Committees, she coordinates/assists with the following services or programs which benefit our students and families:

• Riverbend Food Bank Contact/Coordinator

• Shop with a Cop Contact

• Thanksgiving Food Basket Contact

• Pioneer Telecom Shoe Giveaway

• Coats for Kids-Silvis East Moline Rotary Club

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley

We are very fortunate to have her on our Team. Thank you Miss Walker for all that you do!

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be by appointment Thursday, November 2nd 3:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and Friday November 3rd 7:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m. Please contact your student's teacher to schedule a conference time.

How you can support Social Emotional Learning (SEL) at home.

SEL Practices from School to Home Social-emotional learning is an all-day concept. At home, families can build on the work of the schools. Families can use their everyday interactions to build on the skills that EMSD #37 implements in their school-wide SEL program that will help children throughout their day in a variety of settings. Below are six strategies to utilize to help bridge SEL practices from school to home.

1. Focus on strengths. It can be tempting to focus on problem areas. Ask your child what he/she thinks they did well first. A focus on accomplishment can help children persist when things get difficult and can build self-efficacy.

2. Use visuals to help your child plan. When something is new or challenging for your child- getting ready for the day, completing homework, keeping the room clean - make visual reminders or a step-by-step checklist that can be displayed in the home. By showing children what they need to do to succeed, this practice can develop independence and contribute to a sense of pride when goals are met.

3. Ask about feelings. Talk about emotions together- what it feels like to be frustrated, nervous, or excited. The ability to label uncomfortable feelings can grow self-awareness. Encouraging your child to use “I” statements like “I feel sad” or “I’m angry” can help build self-control and communication skills.

4. Stay calm when YOU are mad. Learn to recognize your own triggering situations and talk about how you cope with anger as a family. For example, “I am feeling very upset, so I’m going to take a couple of deep breaths and five minutes to myself before we talk about this.” Modeling how to calm down helps your kids develop self-control.

5. Be willing to make apologies. When you do get upset, or make a mistake, take accountability and apologize to your kids. Explain what you meant to do or say to help teach social competence. Conflict is a normal part of life, and can be solved respectfully and calmly.

6. Encourage sharing and helping. Talk with your kids regularly about what others might need and how you could offer some help. Brainstorm big ways and small ways to help - whether by taking out the trash for an elderly neighbor or by volunteering at the local animal shelter, or helping a sibling pack for a trip. These acts build empathy and helpt to create a community-oriented mindset.

Over the course of the last three months in the SEL lessons your student has been working on friendship skills, self-regulation / impulsive behaviors, safe places, and basic feelings. The month of November your student will focus on the size of the problem and zones of regulation / brain states.

PTA's next meeting will be Tuesday, November 14th at 6:00 p.m. in the library.

If you or your student is planning to bring snacks to school, please follow the District Wellness Policy.

In accordance with the Wellness Policy:

1. ALL SNACKS PROVIDED AT SCHOOL WILL COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL SMART SNACK GUIDELINES This means that we have to make sure that we are giving students healthy items such as: *fruits and vegetables *low sugar snacks *low fat snacks

2. ALL SNACKS/TREATS BROUGHT INTO THE SCHOOLS MUST BE PREPACKAGED (no homemade treats). Due to the increase in severe food allergies, all food must not only comply with the Smart Snack guidelines but they must also be packaged with a listing of ingredients. Fruits and vegetables do not have to follow this guideline. Healthy snacks are available to purchase from the Food Service Office on the district website.

3. WE ARE MOVING AWAY FROM USING FOOD AS INCENTIVES and FOODS FOR CELEBRATIONS. We want our students to know that celebrating a birthday doesn’t have to mean treats. It can be as simple as a teacher offering a special activity for that child to celebrate a birthday. Please see our website for more information regarding our new wellness initiatives.

• November 2nd &3rd - Parent/Teacher Conferences
• November 21st - Early Dismissal 11:30 a.m.
• November 22nd-24th - Thanksgiving Break
• November 30th - PTA Skate Night at Skate City 6:00-8:00 p.m.