January 26, 2024
We’ve had another winter weather-impacted week! I hope that you were able to enjoy our two snow/ice days!
Upcoming Important Dates:
January 29 - OPC Meeting @ 7 pm
February
February 1 - Talent Show Auditions (see attached flyer)
February 2 - Talent Show Auditions
February 6 - Early Release Day @ 2:37 pm
Hungry Howie’s 4 pm-8 pm
February 9 - Daddy/Daughter Dance (see attached form)
February 10- KHC @ LHS 9-11 am (check-in begins at 8:30 am)
February 12-16 - Penny Wars
February 16 - Popcorn Friday/Hoot Shop
February 19-20 - No School (Winter Break)
February 23 - Mother/Son Dance
February 26 - OPC Meeting 7 pm - Lab
Positivity Project:
This week our school community will be focusing on the character strength of Forgiveness. Forgiveness means you forgive those who have done wrong and you accept that people make mistakes.
Forgiveness is the ability to move past being injured and allow yourself to reconcile with the person who hurt you. Forgiveness can often be seen as a selfless act, but it also carries many benefits for those who practice it. Those who demonstrate forgiveness have the ability to move forward after someone has hurt them. Forgiveness is often rooted in the idea that all people are valuable and worthy of a second chance. Many who forgive have the ability to consider things from another’s perspective.
The ability to reconcile differences and move forward positively is a trait of any effective group. When people work together, conflict is inevitable. However, when people value each other’s contribution and believe in the group’s goal, they become more capable of moving past conflict toward genuinely positive behavior. A group member’s willingness to forgive imperfections of both other members and the group as a whole contribute to overall success.
To practice and encourage the character strength of forgiveness with your child, please visit the Positivity Project’s P2 for Families (password: P2) where together you will watch a video, read a quote and talk about the answers to three questions.
Journey of Celebrating One Another:
I'm constantly amazed by their curiosity and creativity. This year, we're continuing to embark on a journey of learning that celebrates our differences and fosters kindness in our classroom and school community. To support this mission, I'd love to partner with you and share several ways that you can help support us here at school.
Opening the Dialogue:
Culture & Sensitivity: Our world is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. Help your child understand how words and actions can impact others differently. Encourage questions and open conversations about cultural differences, fostering respect and appreciation. Resources like children's books on various cultures can be great conversation starters!
Word Choice Matters: Teach your child about the power of their words. Help them understand that some words can hurt, even if not intended. Encourage choosing kind and respectful language, emphasizing alternatives for potentially hurtful phrases.
Empathy & Kindness: The cornerstone of our school building is kindness. Talk about what it means to be kind, to show empathy, and to be an upstander against negativity. Encourage acts of kindness in daily life, big or small, and celebrate them together! Also, encourage students to seek out an adult at school if they are experiencing difficulty with negativity and they need some guidance or direction on how best to navigate the situation.
Remember:
Start conversations at your child's pace and age level.
Be open to questions and listen actively.
Model respectful behavior in your own interactions.
Most importantly, let your child know you're always there to talk and offer support.
By working together, we can create a learning environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their best selves. Please reach out if you would like some additional resources, support, or guidance. I'm excited to embark on this journey with you and your child!
Continuous School Improvement Updates:
This week, several members of our school team and one Oxbow parent, had an opportunity to work with various school teams from around the district, our State and Federal Grants Director, Mrs. Bjorkman, and Sara Shriver, Executive Director of the Michigan Association of State and Federal Program Specialists (MASFPS), evaluating Oxbow’s progress towards school goals from last year to the current school year.
School Goals Include:
1. Increasing proficiency in mathematics in all grade levels
2. Increasing proficiency in literacy in all grade levels
3. Providing social-emotional support to students through the use of the Positivity Project to support self-awareness and to become a better citizen.
What is Continuous School Improvement?
Our school team is dedicated to a process of continuous improvement, constantly striving to refine and enhance our teaching methods, curriculum, and overall school environment. This isn't a one-time thing, but a cycle of reflection, adaptation, and growth throughout the school year.
We gather feedback from students, parents, teachers, and the wider community, analyzing strengths and areas for development. Surveys will be emailed to staff and families very soon!
Based on this, we implement new strategies, test them, and evaluate their effectiveness. It's an ongoing journey, fueled by a commitment to providing every student with the best possible learning experience. This might mean adjusting class sizes, exploring new technology, or incorporating innovative teaching techniques. While change can sometimes be unsettling, know that it's always driven by a deep desire to provide your child with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. We invite you to be part of this process, sharing your thoughts and insights to help us create a school that truly lives up to its potential.
School Team Members: Mrs. Scanlon, Mrs. Walker, Mr. Rehnlund, Mrs. Richards
Parent Team Member: Mrs. Nelson, Parent of a 2nd Grader
Cold Weather:
With the colder weather here, please be sure to send in a jacket and/or hat and gloves with your child daily. Label all items with your child’s first and last name. When the weather is dry, children go outside daily for recess, even throughout the winter months. For children to play in the snow on the playground, they must have snow boots and snow pants with them.
Enjoy your weekend and go Lions!
Mrs. Greenleaf
#WeAreOxbow