North Star News - Family Edition

As we step into February, we're excited to celebrate a multitude of events that make this month special for our elementary school community!

Firstly, we're gearing up to celebrate our 100th day of school! It's incredible to see how much our students have grown and learned since the beginning of the year. We'll be marking this milestone with fun activities and interactive learning experiences throughout the day.

Additionally, February brings with it Counselor's Week, where we honor the dedication and support our school counselor provides to our students. She plays a vital role in nurturing our children's well-being and academic success, and we're grateful for her hard work and commitment.

It's also Kindness Month, a time to emphasize the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding towards one another. We encourage our students to perform acts of kindness both within our school community and beyond, spreading joy and positivity wherever they go.

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, a day to celebrate love and friendship. We'll be holding various Valentine's themed activities to foster a sense of camaraderie and appreciation among our students.

February is also Black History Month, a time to honor the contributions and achievements of Black Americans throughout history. We'll be integrating lessons and discussions into our curriculum to educate and inspire our students about the rich tapestry of African American heritage.

Lastly, we'll be observing President's Day, commemorating the great leaders who have shaped our nation's history. It's an opportunity for us to reflect on the values of democracy, leadership, and civic responsibility.

Thank you for your continued support as we embark on another exciting month of learning and growth. Together, let's make February a month filled with positivity, kindness, and celebration!

Most sincerely,

Candy Llewellyn, Ed.D.

Principal

Monday, February 5, 2024 --> 100th Day of School

Wednesday, February 7 --> Flags for First Graders assembly

Wednesday, February 14 --> Valentine's Day

Thursday, February 15 --> Interim's Issued

Monday, February 19 --> Presidents' Day (School Holiday)

Friday, February 23 --> Sock Hop at Lakeview Elementary

Thursday, February 29 --> Parent/Teacher Conferences (4 - 6 pm)

• 5:30 - 6:30 pm --> K-2 students
• 7 - 8:30 pm --> students in grades 3-5

February 26 - March 1 --> Scholastic BOOK FAIR

Looking Ahead:

Tuesday, March 5 --> Student Holiday (Teacher workday)

Friday, March 15 --> End of the 3rd Nine Weeks

Monday, March 25 --> Report Cards issued

We had a donation of school Valentines last week. If your child needs a box of Valentines for his/her class, please let the office know and we will make sure they have what they need.

The Book Fair will take place during library times and during the evening of Parent Teacher conferences. If you would like to volunteer to help, please email Mrs. Walker (stephanie_walker@colonialhts.net).

Use the QR code below for more information!

Please make sure that you have your car tag if you are picking your child up in the afternoon. We ask that you stay inside of your vehicle. Children should enter the vehicle on the passenger side (closest to the sidewalk) to avoid them being in the way of oncoming cars. If you need to get out of your vehicle to assist your child, we ask that you park and do so in order to keep the lines moving.

We ask that if you must pick your child up early that you do so BEFORE 2:30 p.m. After 2:30 p.m. it is challenging to get the children up early with all of the other dismissal things going on. If you arrive after 2:30 p.m. you may be asked to wait until normal dismissal.

Please make every effort to have your child at school on time every day. Obviously, if they are not well, we encourage you to keep them home. Being at school on time and not leaving early is just as important as coming to school every day!

As an added incentive we will have special days for those who are here every day! Stay tuned for more information!!

Please remember that we go outside for recess every day unless the temperatures are below 40 OR it is raining. Make sure your students have a coat and are dressed appropriately to go outside. We are required to have at least 20 minutes of recess each day.

According to Johns Hopkins, the common cold is very easily spread to others. It's often spread through airborne droplets that are coughed or sneezed into the air by the sick person. The droplets are then inhaled by another person. Colds can also be spread when a sick person touches you or a surface (like a doorknob) that you then touch.

Contrary to popular belief, cold weather or being chilled doesn't cause a cold. However, more colds do occur during the cold season (early fall to late winter). This is probably due to a variety of factors, including:

• Schools are in session, increasing the risk for exposure to the virus.

• People stay more indoors and are in closer proximity to each other.

• Low humidity, causing dry nasal passages which are more susceptible to cold viruses.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact the office or Nurse Kelly.

On January 26, our school came alive with vibrant colors and enthusiastic spirits as we celebrated our first House Unity Day! It was a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a whole lot of fun as we gathered to honor the House of Isibindi.

Isibindi, represented by the color green, showcased its strength and unity as students from all grades came together to participate in various house games and friendly competitions. Laughter and cheers echoed through the halls as students demonstrated their teamwork and sportsmanship, truly embodying the spirit of Isibindi.

Throughout the day, our students had the opportunity to delve deeper into the rich history and values of the House of Isibindi. They learned about the significance of the House crest, its powerful motto, and the inspiring chant that unites its members in purpose and pride.

It was heartwarming to see every student proudly adorned in the color green, symbolizing their belonging to the House of Isibindi and their commitment to its ideals of courage, resilience, and determination.

As we reflect on our inaugural House Unity Day, we're filled with gratitude for the sense of community and belonging it fostered among our students. We look forward to many more memorable celebrations ahead as we continue to strengthen our house system and nurture a spirit of unity and collaboration within our school.

We send a BIG THANK YOU to the parents/guardians who joined us for our Unity Day breakfast as well. Thank you for your support in making our House Unity Day a resounding success!

It is important for students to be in school every day. However, if your child is ill, please keep them home. We do require a doctor or parent note following any absence - even if you called the school office. We want all of our Stars to be successful and in order for that to happen we need them at school each and every day. If possible, please do not schedule vacations during the school year.

Remember if a child misses more than 2 days of school per month (even for excused absences) that equates to 18-20 days over the course of the school year - making them chronically absent.

Please be mindful that our school day begins at 8:30 a.m. and students who arrive after 8:30 a.m. are considered tardy.

If you drop your child off after 8:30 a.m. --> You must park and walk your child in to sign them in. This is a change from the way we have done this in the past.

We love celebrating birthdays and we want to make sure our friends whose birthdays are during summer break get a chance to be recognized and celebrated. With that being said, we will be celebrating half-birthdays for those born in June and July. In February we will be celebrating July birthdays. You are free to bring in store bought treats(cupcakes, cookies, etc.) on that day for your students class if you wish.

1- Keep your hands and feet to yourself.

2 - Be honest.

3 - Be respectful to others.

Please review these rules with your child. We discuss these on a daily basis to make sure students understand what our expectations are.

Breakfast and lunch will be served daily to all students at no cost.

School menus can be found HERE.

If your child will be bringing his/her lunch to school, please help them so they are able to open juice boxes or other containers they bring in their lunch. We have adults on hand to help but if the students can open things themselves, it makes lunch go smoother!

Parents - PLEASE do not bring food to share with students at lunch. We have many students who have allergies and for the safety of ALL students it is imperative that you do not bring food to share when you visit for lunch.

If you bring cupcakes for a birthday, they must be store bought and the teacher should be the one to distribute them.

If you have any questions about this procedure, please do not hesitate to call the Nurse Kelly or Dr. Llewellyn.

Please remind students that they are not permitted to wear hats, hoods, or any head covering of any kind in the building or on the school bus.

Character Trait of the Month:

This month is all about Perseverance. One way to think about Perseverance is “pushing yourself through challenges and obstacles.” We all experience challenges in our lives. We all have moments when we feel like we can’t do it or that we want to give up on a big task. It is important to develop tools that help us work through those challenges in order to grow in those moments instead of giving up. How might you practice Perseverance as a family this month? Perseverance is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout

the year that helps students Be Strong. Across grade levels, students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.

North House System:

We have started our North House System where we are building a culture of excellence through authentic connection and a sense of belonging. The system provides a consistent and purposeful school-wide positive behavior support system designed to increase student achievement academically, socially, and emotionally for our 3rd -5th grade students. Our motto is, “We are stronger together.” North House System handbooks have been sent home and we ask that you sign the handbook agreement and return it to school as soon as possible .

Anti-Bullying Note: Bullying is defined as unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance where the behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. In order to help us prevent bullying here at North Elementary we would love it if you could talk to your student about what bullying is and how to stand up to it safely. Please let your student know bullying is unacceptable at North Elementary.

Encourage your student to speak to a trusted adult if they are being bullied or see others being bullied when it FIRST happens.