OWN 3 Elementary

PYP Newsletter

J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 6

Message From the Principal

Truth is about honesty, integrity, and courage. We guide students to speak honestly, act ethically, and seek understanding. Families can foster truthfulness by encouraging children to share their feelings openly, admit mistakes without fear, and recognize honesty in daily life—like returning a misplaced item or admitting a misunderstanding. This partnership teaches children that honesty is always the best choice.

With Gratitude,

Ms. Pryor

School Initiatives

This quarter, we will focus on two major areas:

Language Policy
- This is one of the five key policies we are emphasizing.
- As a school community, we want everyone to feel confident and comfortable with this policy so we can better support our families and learners.
- This policy reflects our commitment to fairness and respect for all members of our school community.
Learner Profile Attributes
- We will ensure that staff, students, and families understand the IB Learner Profile attributes.
- These attributes help guide students in how they approach different learning tasks.
- Everyone should recognize that we are part of a community of learners who use these attributes to grow academically, socially, and personally.

Language Policy

Pillar of the Month - Truth

Truth means being honest, using facts, and sharing what we know in a fair and responsible way. At school, students learn that telling the truth helps build trust, understanding, and strong relationships with others.
- I can show truth at home by:
  - - Be honest about actions
    - Tell what really happened
    - Explain their thinking using facts
- I can show truth at school by:
  - - Use evidence from learning
    - Admit mistakes
    - Speak truthfully and respectfully with teachers and peers
- I can show truth in my community by:
  - - Follow rules
    - Make fair choices
    - Share accurate information when interacting with others

Learner Profile of the Month - Principled

Principled means doing the right thing, being honest, and making fair choices, even when no one is watching. At school, students learn that being principled helps build trust, respect, and a strong community where everyone feels safe and valued.
- I can be a principled at home by:
  - - Do the right thing even when it is hard
    - Follow family rules
    - Take responsibility for their actions
- I can be principled at school by:
  - - Be honest about their work
    - Treat others fairly
    - Follow classroom and school expectations
- I can be principled in my community by:
  - - Show respect to others
    - Care for shared spaces
    - Make choices that are fair and responsible

Community Spotlight:

Current Events

Community Circle

OWN 3 has spent time developing a Morning Meeting–style Community Circle. This time brings our school community together to collaborate, build relationships, and show pride in one another. During Community Circle, students share their understanding of the pillar and IB learner profile attribute of the month and reflect on how these values guide their actions. This is also an opportunity to honor our Language Policy by celebrating and respecting the many languages spoken by our students and families.

Upcoming Events

100 Days of School

Our school community will soon be celebrating 100 Days of School! This exciting milestone marks our journey of becoming 100 days smarter together. Please be sure to check your teacher’s messages on Bloomz for important details and expectations for how we will celebrate this special day. 🎉📚

Black History Month (BHM)

As a school, we will celebrate Black History Month by learning about important Black figures. We will focus on how their contributions have shaped and improved society, making the world a better place—not only for their own communities, but for our community as a whole.

Literature Suggestions for Principled

Finders Keepers?

This story tells the true story of a child in India who finds a lost wallet and learns why doing the right thing, returning it to its owner, is important, even without a reward. This story highlights honesty and doing what is right because it respects others and shows integrity.

Author: Robert Arnett

The Proudest Blue

This story follows two sisters on the first day one of them wears her hijab to school, facing unkind comments but staying true to her beliefs and identity. It connects to being principled by showing courage, self-respect, and standing up for one’s values in the face of adversity.

Author: Ibtihaj Muhammad

Mr. Lincoln’s Way

This story is about a school principal who helps a student learn tolerance and respect for others different from himself, transforming his behavior through understanding and fairness. This book models principled behavior through empathy, responsibility, and choosing to treat others kindly.

Author: Patricia Polacco

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