APRIL 2022 From Our Teachers
Leawood Elementary School
From 5th Grade
Some 5th graders in my class wanted a writing challenge. So I dared them to write like Dr. Seuss (we were inspired by our guest reader on Seuss's birthday in March). Click here to see their fabulous Seuss-i-cal creations.
Mrs. Story
Student Leadership Update
Thank you for all of the book donations in the month of February! Student leaders collected 466 books and donated them to Reach out and Read Colorado.
Garden Update
Save the date, April 30th will be Garden Clean Up Day! More details to come. If you have any questions or ideas for our garden, please reach out to Ms. Leu (kelsey.leu@jeffco.k12.co.us).
Library/Technology News
CMAS Technology Reminders
CMAS testing is coming up for all 3rd - 5th grade students. Third, fourth and fifth graders will be testing on April 5th, 6th, and 7th. Third and fifth grade students have one additional week of testing on April 12th, 13th and 14th. It is important that Chromebooks come to school fully charged and fully functional. Please let your classroom teacher or I know if your Chromebook is not working properly so we can troubleshoot prior to testing.
Chromebook Health Check
With CMAS coming up next week, now is a great time to make sure your student’s chromebook is running smoothly. Performing Chromebook maintenance every month or so helps your device work more efficiently. Please help your student follow the steps in this Chromebook Care document to keep the device up to date.
Lisa Pepper, Digital Teacher Librarian (lisa.pepper@jeffco.k12.co.us)
From the Social Emotional Learning Specialist
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL)
The students continue to learn how to identify emotions in themselves and others, building relationships, and calming techniques through Second Step lessons. Our students are reminded of compassion, importance of healthy friendships and treating others with respect on a regular basis. In the upcoming month, lessons will include empathy and differences/similarities to help students have a better understanding of those around them.
Kim Garcia, M. Ed.
Interim SEL
From the Instructional Coach
Coach Corner
Test Anxiety: How You Can Help Your Child
During the month of April, 3rd through 5th-grade students will take the CMAS Assessments for English Language Arts and Mathematics. 5th-grade students will be also be taking the CMAS science test.
You may notice that your children are anxious at home the nights before and the mornings of the tests. Here are some tips on how you can help at home to assist in alleviating some of the stress your child may be feeling.
Parents should:
* make sure their children attend school regularly.
* create and maintain a home environment that will help their children be well-rested during regular school days and during the week of testing.
* evaluate their children's academic progress over a period of time rather than on one single score.
* talk with their children and encourage them to do their best.
* be proactive, contact school officials if they have questions concerning tests results.
* encourage their children to maintain a healthy diet and exercise on a regular basis.
Students are encouraged to:
* consistently develop good sleeping habits, especially during the week of the test, and maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
* avoid cramming, develop good study habits and good test-taking skills.
* wear comfortable clothes during the exam and maintain a comfortable and relaxed body posture during the test.
* be aware of the time allotted for the test, read directions carefully, and for time management purposes leave questions blank that they are not sure of and attempt to answer them later.
* not compare themselves to other students while taking the test.
* take deep breaths and attempt to regain composure when anxiety levels are high or when negative thoughts are present.
SOURCE: http://www.ericdigests.org/2005-2/anxiety.html
We are so proud of the work your children have done this school year! Give them a pat on the back for their hard work! If you have questions feel free to reach out to your child's teacher or me.
Jamie Kelley, Instructional Coach (jakelley@jeffcoschools.us)