All incoming Kindergartners and families are invited to join us on May 6 for food, crafts, and fun as we get ready for Kindergarten! 

Highland Families,

This month at school, the SEL Tool: Leader Brain was introduced to students in all grades K-5. Students are not only learning how to identify their feelings by using the Mood Meter (Septembers Tool), but are learning how to identify when their bodies start becoming dysregulated (out of ones control).  The tool: Leader Brain gives students of visual of what an in control brain looks like. (I can think clearly, I can solve problems, I can make good choices..) and what a Flipped Lid look like. (I am not ready to talk, I am not thinking clearly, I am in fight, flight, or freeze) Being able to identify where your brain is at will help students identify when they need a break or need to calm down their bodies before they can feel in control again. Teaching "Flipping my Lid" creates calmer, more understanding, and empathetic learning environments where students feel a sense of safety. 

Guidance (SEL) for the Month of October we focused on Self-Management, as well as, Relationship Skills

Below are some topics we have covered or will be covering in the month of October.

-Self-Management

• Self-Control and how to press our pause buttons

• Calming Activities and Energizing Activities 

• BIG emotions and how to manage them with calming/energizing activities

• Practicing self-control through games/activities

• Identifying what activities make us feel strong on the inside

Relationship Skills

• Identifying positive friendships, mentors, and family supports

• Identifying what people make us feel strong on the inside

Families,

Each month we will discuss and send home a NEW tool for students to use that will help develop their Social-Emotional Skills.  The same tool students learn at school will also be sent home for families to be able to use at home too.  Every month I will post a video on here of the tool and how it works.  We will also explain how to use the tool at home, and how it is being used at school as a part of our SEL. 

Our tool this month is called a Mood-Meter.  A mood meter is a great tool for students to use when they need help identifying how they feel.  Be on the look for our next week's post about the Mood-Meter and how it works here at school, and how you can use it at home!

Guidance (SEL) Curriculum will start in the month of September.  In our first month we will be discussing the following topics

• Self-Awareness

  • What brings you strength? Who brings you strength?

  • Mindfulness Activities: Activities that calm our bodies down (deep breathing)

  • What skills make a good listener?

  • What is the difference between Physical Health and Mental Health, and what activities help us achieve healthy bodies and minds.

  • What does Belonging mean? What are our Differences/Similiarities? 

Our 3rd - 5th grade will begin state assessment this week!!! In order to cheer them on, we are having an ALL OUT SPORTS DAY on MONDAY. Students will attend a pep rally where teachers will play some of the DCHS girls basketball team and other fun and games! We are super proud of all the learning our students have gained this year and know they are going to truly show success on the test!

Please avoid scheduling appointments or other days off from school during this testing period:  April 30 - May 10.

LET'S DO THIS!!!

For more information from DCPS district communication, visit the link below.

Click HERE to review information about DCPS@Home for preschool through Grade 5 and assignments. 

If you are in need of supplies for your child's Valentines Day Box or Bag, please stop by the table in the front lobby of the school. There are shoe boxes, bags, and buckets to choose from and lots of decorations. Please only take what your child needs for their specific box. 

An adult must bring the child to get the supplies. 

Supplies are available from 7 AM to 5 PM. 

Please ask Ms. Ellie if you have any questions.