OWN 3 Elementary
PYP Newsletter
D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 5
Embedded Files
Message From the Principal
Message From the Principal
Respect is the foundation of all relationships. This month, we encourage students to honor themselves, others, and our school community. Families can support this by modeling kindness, listening attentively, and noticing moments when children show respect—like helping a sibling, saying “thank you,” or valuing someone else’s opinion. Together, we build a culture where every voice is valued.
With Gratitude,
Ms. Pryor
School Initiatives
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
Language Policy
Pillar of the Month - Respect
Respect means treating people, places, and things with care. It’s showing kindness through our words and actions, listening to others, and valuing their feelings, space, and belongings. When we practice respect, we help make our homes, schools, and communities safe, welcoming places for everyone.
I can show respect at home by:
Listen and respond kindly when family members are speaking.
Help with simple chores without being asked.
Take care of shared spaces and belongings.
I can show respect at school by:
Follow directions the first time and use polite language.
Take turns, share materials, and include others.
Keep the classroom clean and treat school property with care.
I can show respect in my community by:
Use good manners in public places.
Help keep parks, sidewalks, and shared areas clean.
Show kindness to neighbors and community helpers.
Learner Profile of the Month - Communicator
Communicators share their ideas clearly and listen carefully to others. They use words, actions, and body language to express themselves respectfully. Communicators ask questions, participate in conversations, and work well with others to understand and be understood.
I can be a communicator at home by:
Share feelings and needs using clear, respectful words.
Listen carefully when family members speak.
Ask questions to understand directions or routines.
I can be communicator at school by:
Participate in discussions and group work.
Use active listening and take turns speaking.
Ask for help or clarification when something is confusing.
I can be communicator in my community by:
Use polite language with neighbors and community helpers.
Follow rules and signs to communicate respect for shared spaces.
Speak up kindly to offer help or solve small problems.
Community Spotlight:
Community Spotlight:
Current Events
Holiday Book Exchange
This month, our students participated in our Annual Book Swap. They brought in gently used books, wrapped them, and placed them on our Book Swap tables. During the event, students had the opportunity to browse and select a new book to take home. It was a wonderful way for children to share their love of reading with one another and build excitement around books.
Current Events
Winter Showcase
Our students participated in a Winter Showcase, where they proudly shared the musical and art skills they’ve been developing with Ms. Kantor and Mrs. Kristina's classes. This event gave them a chance to highlight their talent and hard work. The performance featured a wonderful mix of winter-themed songs and art pieces, creating a joyful celebration for all.
Literature Suggestions for Communicator
Literature Suggestions for Communicator
Suki’s Kimono
Suki’s Kimono
In Suki’s Kimono, Suki bravely shares a story from her Japanese heritage on the first day of school. Even when her classmates don’t understand at first, she communicates her culture, traditions, and feelings with pride. This book helps young learners see that being a communicator means expressing who you are—even when your story is different from others’.
Author: Chieri Uegaki
A Boy Called Slow
A Boy Called Slow
A Boy Called Slow tells the true story of Sitting Bull as a child in a Lakota community. Slow learns that communication isn’t only about words—it’s about actions, listening, and sharing stories passed down through generations. This book encourages students to see communication as a powerful way to honor culture, identity, and family history.
Author: Joseph Bruchac
The Only Road
The Only Road
In The Only Road, cousins Jaime and Ángela leave their Guatemalan village and journey north in search of safety. Along the way, they must rely on communication—asking for help, building trust, and supporting each other through uncertainty. This powerful story helps older students understand that communication can be a tool for survival, resilience, and connection across cultures.
Author: Alexandra Diaz
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