Manton Elementary Newsletter

Important dates to remember:

1. April 30 PTO Dance-a-Thon
2. April 26 3rd grade starts M-STEP
3. April 26 Remote students start coming in to test
4. May 10 4th grade starts M-STEP
5. May 17 PTO Meeting Popsicles on the Playground!

News for You:

• Please remember to send in a water bottle and face mask for your student.
• If you have an updated phone number and/or address please be sure to contact the office to have this updated in our system.

• PTO: The PTO (parent-teacher organization) is looking for new parent recruits who want to be a part of a great group to enhance the school experience for all students! The next meeting is on May 17 at 6:30 on the elementary playground. Students can come and play on the playground and enjoy a popsicle if accompanied by a parent. This meeting will be conducted virtually and we will send out the link soon!

• Please remember when sending a treat in with your child that it must be store-bought and individually wrapped. Thank you.
• Please note the following Internet Access points for Manton Students: (Student devices will automatically connect to the wireless network except Bloomfield Township) Manton School Parking lot, Rollins Church, Caldwell Township, Bloomfield Township using the following code: bYid3fi6 , Liberty Township, Greenwood Township, Cedar Creek Township.
• Parents dropping off their children on Maple Street. Please do not allow your child to exit on the traffic side. This is a safety precaution, and we appreciate your assistance.

• Parents are not allowed in the building this year. If you have a pre-arranged meeting, then you will need to wear a face mask and be screened in.
• Please wash your child's face mask each day before wearing it again at school.
• Parents, continue to drive forward in the drop-off lane, and please do not leave the vehicle. It has been a great start to the school year, and we want to keep it that way. Thanks!

Parents/Guardians!

Your letters about testing were sent out this week! Your child will be asked to come in multiple times to complete all of their spring assessments. Please, please strongly consider bringing in your child for their assessments. The data we will receive helps us determine how their remote learning went and placement for the next school year. Do not come to the school early on your day. Please wait until all busses have left (after 1:08). Thank you!

Also, there will be an exit meeting scheduled for your child on how they performed in our remote program. During this meeting, Mr. Katona will discuss your child's assessment scores, grades from the Pathblazer program, and parent participation. We are looking forward to these meetings! These meetings will take place the week of June 7th. Parents will also drop off all school equipment on this day.

Self-regulation is the ability that helps us control our behaviors to make good decisions and not reacting (or overreacting) in the moment. Self-regulation is a skill that allows us to manage our emotions when we are angry, anxious, or disappointed. Self-regulation skills can be difficult for children whose brains are still developing.

There are many benefits in having self-regulation skills. Having the ability to self-regulate can help children finish work tasks (at school and home), maintain lasting friendships, make safe choices, and work through tough challenges. Kids (and adults, too) are more likely to lead happier and healthier lives when self-regulation skills are strengthened. This does not happen overnight. Learning self-regulation skills takes time and work. Some strategies and skills to improve self-regulation are listed below:

1. Practice Self-Control with games – Jenga, Simon Says, and lots more

2. Journaling – Write down any questions, thoughts, and feelings. The possibilities are endless!

3. Picture books – My Mouth is a Volcano, I’m in Charge of Me, What Were You Thinking? -just to name a few!

4. Set aside a time for Movement – Jumping jacks, push-ups, running, or anything that involves movement!

5. Develop Routines – Develop a routine, then practice the routine (homework routine, chore routine, etc.)

6. Create a calm down space – Design an area (doesn’t have to be fancy) for your child to go when they just need a few minutes to themselves.

Symptoms

☐ Temperature 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or feels feverish

☐ Sore throat

☐ New uncontrolled cough that causes difficulty breathing (for students with chronic allergic/asthmatic cough, a change in their cough from baseline)

☐ Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain

☐ New onset of severe headache, especially with a fever

Quarantine Guidelines

Individuals can shorten their quarantine to 14 days after their last contact with a person who has COVID-19 ONLY IF:

• They do not develop any symptoms or signs of COVID-19 infection during daily symptom monitoring for the 10 days after the last exposure; and,
• Daily symptom monitoring continues through day 14 after the last exposure.

If there is any concern about whether or not they will follow these instructions, they should follow the standard 14 day quarantine.

Happy Earthday!

Thanks to Dutchman Tree Farms for their sampling donation!

Fun in the classroom!

Happy Secretary's Day to our own Mrs. Morrow!