January 17, 2024
REMINDER: School begins at 8:40 am. We encourage students to be settled in their classrooms by 8:35. Please aim to have them arrive a bit earlier if coming by car or walking. Also, please do not park in the Handicapped spots. Thank you! 😊
🗒️Message from School Counselor Tim Guttmann
NCES Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to share an insightful finding from a 2018 study conducted by Stanford University.
The study revealed that students whose parents or guardians maintained a positive attitude towards math demonstrated not only stronger math skills but also improved memory and enhanced problem-solving abilities. It serves as a valuable reminder of the impact OUR outlook can have on our children's learning experiences.
As I reflect on this during the conclusion of our first NTI day due to weather, I am reminded that our attitudes shape our children's perceptions. If we approach challenges with positivity, our children are more likely to mirror these behaviors and achieve encouraging outcomes.
Moreover, positive affirmations play a crucial role in developing a strong self-image and fostering a growth mindset. They act as powerful tools in combating negative self-talk, a common challenge many children face.
I encourage you to explore the linked resource Positive Affirmations for Kids for more information and examples.
https://www.centervention.com/positive-affirmations-for-kids/
Tim Guttmann - School Counselor
Libby Steltenpohl - Mental Health Practitioner
Join us for the last regular season game, this Sunday at 6:00 at MidAmerica on Watterson Trail. Our cheerleaders and basketball players would love to see you there!
2023-2024 Yearbook
Sorry for any confusion. This year all yearbooks will be covered for students and staff.
Any families who have paid already will be refunded.
💻❄️NCES Short-Term NTI Information
Please click here for NCES NTI information. Thank you for your support!
Upcoming Calendar Fun 🗓️
Jan 26: Dress Like a Word Day Parade. Students are invited to choose a word, "dress" like the word and parade the school in our special word parade. We love to celebrate English words and words from other languages our students know, so your student's word can be a word in your home language. Make it simple, no need to buy anything. ;) Teachers will brainstorm ideas with their class as well. This has been a huge hit in years past, so we’d love to see students enjoy participating again this year! Families are invited to the parade at 10:00AM.
Watch this video for an introduction from Mrs. Feld explaining Dress Like a Word Day!
Dressing like any word is fine, but a pdf is attached with OPTIONAL ideas in case families need more inspiration.
Feb 1: 100th Day of School (Kinder families stay tuned for the ways your class will celebrate)
There was a mishap with the publication of the Literacy KNight date. It is Mar 7th: We invite your family to join us to celebrate reading and writing. Doors will open at 5:45. You don't want to miss the fun, so mark your calendar!
🎉 Celebration 🎉
Charlie Zou, our very own first grader, has won 1st prize of the KY State Grade Level Chess Championship! Congrats, Charlie!
🍎 Parent Teacher Association
Please join us for our first NCES School Dance! To purchase tickets and for more information, please view the flier below (Link here, sign up on QR code or send check/cash). Due to capacity restrictions, tickets will be available for purchase as space allows. Tickets are $5/adult and NCES students are FREE. This is NOT a drop-off event. Please note that adults may accompany up to (2) NCES students if within the SAME event space (i.e. K-2 in the Cafeteria and 3-5th in the Gymnasium). Example #1: If you have a 5th grader and a Kindergartener, please plan to have (1) adult /child. Example #2: If you have a 2nd Grader and 1st Grader, (1) adult ticket will suffice. If you have any questions, please email: NCES.KNIGHTS.PTA@gmail.com. We hope to see you there!
Visit the PTA Website for information and events!
We are pleased to inform you that our General Membership PTA meeting is scheduled for January 31, 2024 at 5:00pm in the NCES Library. Your attendance and participation would be invaluable as we discuss important matters and plan for the upcoming activities.
We're thrilled to congratulate Addison Simon, Rishik Nandavanam, and Saneesh Nagane for their outstanding representation at the 15th District PTA Reflections Contest, where they not only participated but secured a well-deserved place in the district competition! Due to the forecasted inclement weather, the 2023-24 District Reflections awards celebration has been rescheduled for Thursday, January 25th at 6pm at the Youth Performing Arts School (YPAS) auditorium.
Recurring Information
Transportation Change Form and Transportation Reminders:
From 8:15-8:40 AM, the parking lot closest to the carpool lane will be closed. If you need to visit the front office during this time, please park in the lot located on the cafeteria/bus drop-off side of the building The map below shows the area marked in green. In short, during these times, the carpool side will be exit-only.
For everyone's safety, please refrain from dropping your student off at the four-way stop on the carpool sidelines that you see marked in red on the map below. Instead, always use the designated carpool line.
To assist with traffic flow and clarity, parts of the carpool map will be color-coded. Areas marked in red will be no-access zones or have blockades to help traffic flow, while those highlighted in green will indicate suitable parking areas if you need to enter the school building during that 8:15 to 8:40 time frame.
There are 3 forms that we need completed, the Educational Benefits Forms (EBF), Residency Form and the FRC Needs Assessment. The first two can be completed on your Parent Portal account. (Go here to log-in/sign-up and complete the forms designated "required"). You can access the Assessment here. If you would prefer to complete a paper copy of these forms, please reach out to me at the email below. Classes who have over 95% of their students complete the forms by Nov 1 will receive a special treat! Please help your student's class earn a prize!
If you are interested in having your student participate in Blessings in a Backpack, please complete this form.
If you need clothes for your student from the Clothing Assistance Program (CAP), please complete this form.
Photo ID is always required when entering the building during the school day.
Parents may join their child for lunch! Lunch schedule linked here. No restaurant food is permitted. Photo ID required.
Follow us on social media! Facebook: Norton Commons Elementary School, Instagram: @NCES_Knights, X (Twitter): @NCES_Knights
If you are not getting text alerts from NCES, make sure to sign up for School Messenger.
Our ECE Department is raising money from Box Tops! Download the app and email rachel.murphy@jefferson.kyschools.us or christina.frederiksen@jefferson.kyschools.us with questions.
