Strathmore Elementary School
February 2022 Newsletter
Mrs. K Bera, Principal
- February 1 Second Marking Period
- February 2 Four Hour Session...Dismissal 1:20 PM
- February 4 Wear Red Day (Wear Red for Woman's Health)
- February 10 Report Cards on Portal
- February 11 School Spirit Day
- February 17 100th day of school
- February 17 Four Hour Session....Dismissal 1:20 PM
- February 18-21 School Closed President's Day
- February 23 Star Student 6:30 PM
- February 23 PTO meeting 7:00 PM
- February 24 & 25 School Store
- February 26 MARSD Strategic Planning Meeting 8:30-3:00
- February 28 BOE Meeting 6:30 PM
February 2, 2022 School Dismisses at 1:20 PM
February 17, 2022 School Dismisses at 1:20 PM
February 17
February 18-21
February 2022
It’s the 100th Day of School!!!
Dear Parents,
Our 100th Day of School is scheduled for Thursday February 17, 2022! To celebrate we would like the students to dress up like they are 100 years old. We have included some suggestions to help get you started on planning what your child will wear!
Girls: printed skirt, pearls, eyeglasses, sweater, wig or curled hairstyle, gray hairspray, knee high stockings, large purse, scarf
Boys: button down shirt, flannel shirt, suspenders, tie, eyeglasses, drawn on mustache or beard, gray hair spray
We can all agree that parenting can be very stressful. Remaining calm can help get you through your busy, challenging, hectic day. Treat yourself by becoming familiar with some simple stress management skills and relaxation exercises that are sure to help you relax and feel more energetic.
https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/family-living/stress/#.WFhBqrIrLcs
MAKE A LIFE-SAVING FASHION STATEMENT BY WEARING RED
MS. FEEN’S SCHOOL-COUNSELING CORNER
February is Friendship Month at Strathmore
Grade-schoolers who struggle with Social Skills may need some coaching on how to connect with other kids. Here are some ways teachers and parents can help:
Prepare for social interactions - Teach your child conversation starters, like “I liked your show-and-tell or “Can I play with you?” Practice unexpected situations using “what-if” scenarios: “What if Steven says you can’t play with him?” TV can also be a good practice tool. As you watch TV with your child, ask questions like, “How do you think her friend is going to react to what she said? What would you say if someone said that to you?” Then brainstorm other ways the character could have interacted.
Keep Practicing - Talk about and role-play social situations regularly. Kids with learning and thinking differences can often learn the script, but they may have trouble remembering it in a stressful situation. Ongoing practice can help.
Explain that a lot of kids find it hard to make friends - Let your child know that other kids have social challenges also. Tell your child, “I know this is hard for you. Making friends is hard for lots of people but you’re a great kid and together we’ll make this work for you. If forming friendships is something you struggle with, you could share that. It can take some pressure off your child.
Talk about different types of friends- Let your child know that friends aren’t “one size fits all.” Let them know there are friends to play sports with, friends to do school projects with, and friends to talk to about life- but not every friend will be all of those things. Helping kids remember this can prevent hurt feelings.
Help your child figure out what matters most in a friend - It can be as easy as saying, “What kinds of things do you want to do with your friends?” or “Why do you want to be friends with Alex?”
Work to identify potential friends - Talk with your child about who seems like someone it would be fun to spend time with. Ask questions like, “What do you and Bree have in common?” and “Is Steven easy to talk to?” Be open to what your child is saying, even if you worry it’s not a good match.
Talk about what makes a good friend - Talk about the qualities of a good friend. It can help your child know what to look for , and also how to be a good friend. For instance: Good friends try not to hurt each other’s feelings. Good friends help each other solve problems. Good friends can disagree without being mean.
Help Friendships take hold - Provide chances for kids to be with each other. It could be as simple as inviting a friend to the grocery store to make the trip less boring.
Explain that friendship doesn’t have to be forever - Kids start being aware of differing values and points of view. When a friend crosses the line into doing things like lying, cheating, or bullying, your child may feel uncomfortable and might now know how to handle it. Let your child know that friendships can change over time….it’s okay to want to hang out with kids who have the same interests.
Understand your child’s friendship needs - Different kids have different needs. Listen closely to your child and pay attention to any signals. If your child seems content, keep in mind that solitary isn’t the same thing as lonely. Sometimes kids with learning and thinking differences have so many things to manage that adding friends to the mix is too much. And some kids just prefer their own company.
Talking to Your Child About Disabilities
Acknowledge your child’s curiosity in a matter-of-fact approach such as, ‘he/she walks, communicates, or learns differently.’
Avoid inappropriate, outdated words such as: crippled, retarded or handicapped
Do not refer to non-disabled children as ‘normal’ or laugh at insensitive jokes or comments which target disabled persons.
Emphasize what your child has in common with a disabled child. Always emphasize what the disabled person can do rather than what they are unable to do. When you find what your child has in common, encourage play dates, birthday parties, etc.
Explain that although a child may be physically disabled, he/she is not mentally impaired.
If you hear your child or your child’s friends making fun of a person for being different, explain how hurtful laughter and unkind words are to the disabled person. Use this as an opportunity to teach empathy.
Books and media in your home should include characters with disabilities. Make sure your home library is not outdated; if so, add new additions to your child’s/family’s collection.
Most importantly, model acceptances and inclusion by reaching out to those with disabilities. Just a simple greeting and smile will communicate acceptance to your child and how to show kindness to others. (Ziba Kashef)
Three Ways to Help Children Develop Responsible Habits
Three Ways to Help Children Develop Responsible Habits
When parents think of their children's habits, they usually think about the
things that drive them crazy. But habits can be positive, too.
Habits are automatic actions that take no conscious thought. For example, you probably don't have to think about what you do first thing in the morning. Brushing your teeth and taking a shower are habits you've developed over the years.
On the first of the month, you've probably developed the habit of paying bills. If you wait longer than a day or two, you'll probably feel something nagging at you to get this job finished.
As parents, one of our most important responsibilities is to help our kids develop positive habits. Here are some suggestions.
- Don't try everything at once. Remember the year you made 15 New Year's resolutions? By February, you had given up on most of them. Your kids are the same. Choose only a few habits for your kids to develop.
- Make sure your kids are involved. After all, you are trying to change their habits. Talk with them about what you're trying to do. Let them know that positive habits can make their lives easier and more pleasant.
- Allow 21 days. Experts have discovered that if you repeat an action every day for 21 days, it will become a part of your subconscious mind.
So for the next 21 days, make sure your kids act on their new habit. After that, they'll find they're doing it automatically.
-The Parent institute
When Should You Call the Teacher?
If despite your best efforts your child isn't studying well, it's important to contact the school. As a team, you can work to solve the problem. Here are some signs that it's time to call the teacher:
Your child refuses to study no matter what you say or do.
You and your child do not understand homework instructions.
It seems impossible for your child to get organized.
You are unable to provide basic study supplies.
Assignments are usually too hard or too easy for your child.
Some days your child has no homework and others he is overwhelmed with it.
Your child has missed a lot of school and assignments.
A personal problem is affecting your child's ability to study.
You have never talked with the teacher about how to help your child study.
brought to you by
Strathmore Elementary School
Kelly Bera, Principal
Copyright (c) 2017 The Parent Institute, a Division of NIS, Inc.
MARSD Strategic Planning is Rescheduled!
The Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District is partnering with the NJ School Boards Association to engage in the Strategic Planning Renewal Process. All members of the school community are encouraged to participate in this important process. Please mark your calendar for the new date below to become actively involved in shaping the future of the Matawan-Aberdeen Regional School District through the Strategic Planning Process.
➔Strategic Planning is now a One-Day Conference for the “Main Event”
◆ Saturday February 26, 2022 ~ 8:30 - 3:00 PM
◆ State of the School / State of the Community Report Presentations
◆ Review of District Beliefs, Vision & Mission
◆ Development of District Goals, & Objectives
**In the event of inclement weather, the Strategic Planning Conference will
take place on Saturday, March 12, 2022
MARSD ¡Planificación Estratégica ha sido Reprogramada!
El Distrito Escolar Regional Matawan-Aberdeen se está asociando con la Asociación de Juntas Escolares de Nueva Jersey para participar en el Proceso de Renovación de la Planificación Estratégica. Se alienta a todos los miembros de la comunidad escolar a participar en este importante proceso. Por favor marque su calendario con la nueva fecha a continuación para participar activamente en la configuración del futuro del Distrito Escolar Regional Matawan-Aberdeen a través del Proceso de Planificación Estratégica.
➔Planificación Estratégica ahora es Conferencia de
Un-Dia para el “Evento Principal” :
◆ Sábado Febrero 26, 2022 ~ 8:30 - 3:00 PM
◆ Estado de la Escuela / Presentaciones de Reportes en la Comunidad
◆ Revisión de creencias y misión
◆ Desarrollo de visión, metas y objetivos para los próximos cinco años.
**En caso de mal tiempo, la Conferencia de Planificación Estratégica tendrá lugar el Sábado, Marzo 12, 2022
¡Click Aquí Para Confirmar su Participación!