December at John Haley

December is here and with it comes winter! In addition to entering this cold time of year, it also means we are only a few weeks away from completing our first academic semester. Thank you again for what you do to help make the John Haley community a great place to be. This is a special place!

As we approach the final weeks of our first academic semester, it can be difficult for students to keep the “pedal to the metal” on their learning. They are excited about the holidays, time with friends and family over vacation, and just the pure joy that comes with this time of year. I often remind my staff that these can be challenging weeks for our learners as they are focused on many other things. We work hard at school to teach and learn right up to the final day before winter break. We appreciate you helping at home as well by encouraging your children to work hard, and to head into the new year with good energy and focus on their learning. Thank you in advance for your support!

This year in particular, I have reflected a lot on how time is spent each day. Nothing replaces those moments when family members are together, laughing and sharing memories with each other. As you head into the holidays, continue to make those great memories with your kids. Sometimes (myself included) we “go go go” and forget to stop and appreciate all that is happening around us. I hope you all have a wonderful time with your family, make great memories, and share many laughs together!

I again want you to all know how grateful we are that you send us your children each day. We take very seriously the responsibility we have in shaping their lives. The world is a complex place and we are certainly excited that kids from John Haley Elementary School will be future leaders, who will no doubt continue to do amazing things. As always, my door is open and I welcome you to stop by, email, or call anytime that you have questions, comments, or concerns. Take care and happy holidays to you and your families!

This is just a friendly reminder that students need to come to school properly dressed for the weather. As the weather gets colder and wet, students need to have a proper winter jacket or sweater. Please continue practicing zipping up jackets at home. Despite the cold weather, we will be going outside for recess for 15 minutes, unless there has been a weather advisory stating that we cannot go outside or the temperature is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Please remember to LABEL EVERYTHING!

In order to help us, you can practice having your child dress him/herself in winter gear. Hopefully it won’t be a very cold and wet winter!!

Dress Code Guidelines:

Jackets, hoodies or sweaters: (sample below)

• Solid colors ONLY
• No logos (unless it's the school logo)
• Must wear collared shirt underneath
• Hoods must be off the head during school hours
• Hoodies MUST not have big pockets/pouch in front

No coats, hats or bandanas to be worn during school hours.

Thanking you in advance,

What is PTO?

The Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) is an active voluntary organization whose membership is open to all parents/guardians. The organization is committed to building school spirit, fostering a strong and supportive community, and enriching the educational life of the JHE community by organizing special events and programs. It exists to support the educational goals directed by the administration, and to organize social and fundraising events which strengthen and support the school.

What Does the PTO Do?

Every year the PTO plans different fundraisers for the benefit of all students and staff at John Haley Elementary. The proceeds from the fundraisers are used to provide supplies to the classrooms, fund student field trips and fun family events throughout the year, and do little things throughout the year for our teachers and students.

These are some of the examples that we can do: The welcome back signs on the first day of school, first day of school donuts and coffee for staff, field trips, bounce house for end of the year party, fifth grade end of the year celebration and helping the school with any equipment needs that may arise.

Beginning Tuesday, December 6th thru Wednesday, December 21st, students and staff members will have the opportunity to participate in the 12 Days of Christmas. Each day will have a different theme or activity. All are invited to join in the fun! Happy Holidays!

Holiday break is not a time just for worksheets and textbooks, but your child should continue to learn. The best way is just to read a little bit every day. And that means reading more than text messages!

Here's how:

- Link movies to books. They may enjoy watching movies during winter break. Encourage your student to watch at least one based on a book--and read the book first.

- Give books for gifts. If your child will receive a gift this month, consider giving your student a book or a gift card to a bookstore. Suggest this to other family members as well.

- Read for a purpose. Practical reading--the kind you do to learn a skill--is both fun and informative. If your child enjoys cooking, she/he could read a recipe and try it out. If she/he likes gadgets, she/he could read the instruction manual and put one together. If she/he likes sports, she/he could check out the newspaper for a look at how her favorite teams are faring.

December usually contains a winter break from school. And once your child returns in January, the school year will be about half over. This is a great time to review the first part of the year and make plans for the next. Looking at your child’s school attendance should be part of this important process.

Did your child attend school every day unless he/she was sick or there was a family emergency?

If so, congratulations! Let your student know you’re proud of her/his strong attendance. Help him/her keep up the good work for the rest of the year and beyond. Strong attendance is one predictor of success in school.

If not:

- Remind your child that regular school attendance is a priority.

- Emphasize the need for rest, nutrition and exercise to stay healthy and stay in school.

- Consider the reasons you take your child out of school. Can you make some appointments outside school hours?

What is Responsibility?

Responsibility is the willingness and ability to take ownership of our thoughts, words, and actions. We have a responsibility to our school, family, and community to be accountable for our choices and how they impact ourselves and others.

Why focus on Responsibility?

• Responsibility teaches resilience. It is not possible to persevere and achieve our dreams without taking personal responsibility seriously.
• Responsibility empowers us to own our actions. There is great power in being able to make conscious, calculated choices to reach goals and manage those things in our control.
• Responsibility teaches us to manage our time and resources. Responsibly organizing and prioritizing needs is an executive function of the brain that improves with practice.

Responsibility in Action:

• Give students roles and responsibilities. When students have a leadership role in class, they are accountable for contributing positively to the classroom culture.
• Empower students with self-management tools. Provide students with tools to help manage stress and impulsivity while motivating them to meet goals.
• Clearly communicate consequences. Empower students to make choices and experience the consequences of their actions, both positive and negative.

Dec. 2- Atten-DANCE party

Dec. 6- DCA2- 3rd-5th- Reading

Dec. 6-21- 12 days of Christmas

Dec. 8- DCA2- 3rd-5th- Math

Dec.9- Spelling Bee

Dec.9- Parent's Night Out@ 6:00-8:00-$5.00

Dec. 13- DCA2- Science

Dec. 14- DCA2-Social Studies

Dec.15- 3rd grade performance/Top Dog @5:00pm-Cafe A

Dec. 20- Early Release @ 12:15pm

Dec. 21- Wear your holiday pajamas/ Early Dismissal @12:15pm

Dec.22- Jan.6- Winter Break

Jan.9- Classes resume

Office hours: 7:30am - 3:30pm

Student School hours: 7:30am-3:15pm

Doors open at 7:15 am

Please be aware that students are tardy after 7:45 am.