I will be visiting each room monthly, for guidance lessons. Kindergarten through 4th grade will focus on our Guidelines For Success, which are the following:
Cooperate with everyone
Have responsible actions
Respect others and yourself
Imitate Christ in all things
Show a positive attitude
Try your best in all you do
Each month, we will focus on a different guideline. We will read a story and discuss how that guideline was demonstrated in the story. The students will then complete a worksheet to put in their guidance books, which they create throughout the year. (The kids loves their books and are so proud when they take them home in May!)
The 5th grade guidance classes will focus on building self esteem and addressing bullying issues. Students, this age, really begin to face situations with friends and peers where self confidence is vital. The ability to do what is right when faced with peer pressure is an extremely difficult action. My goal in the 5th grade guidance classes is to address these very issues and arm the students with courage and integrity based on our faith in God.
Our 6th grade students will be focusing on developing their Individual Learning Plans (ILPs). These are plans that will help them explore careers and colleges. In 6th grades, students are not meant to know what they "want to be when they grow up." With that said, it certainly doesn't hurt to explore and research while being encouraged to develop important study skills that will benefit them in the future. The ILPs are created through the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority. An informational packet will be sent home for parents at a later date.
This year, I am briefly visiting the classrooms at the K-3 Campus to introduce myself and read a book about students with allergies. In doing this, I hope to make students aware of the struggles students with allergies may have as well as stress the importance of everyone's role in keeping these students safe. Classes at the 4-6 Campus will begin in October. I will be assisting with administering the MAP tests during the month of September.
This year, I am briefly visiting the classrooms at the K-3 Campus to introduce myself and read a book about students with allergies. In doing this, I hope to make students aware of the struggles students with allergies may have as well as stress the importance of everyone's role in keeping these students safe. Classes at the 4-6 Campus will begin in October. I will be assisting with administering the MAP tests during the month of September.
Each month I try to offer posts and articles that could be beneficial for parents and our students. The following is a list of suggestions taken from the Organized Home website ( http://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/back-to-school-tips-get-organized ):
I also suggest thinking about the age of your child and how the beginning of a new school year might effect them. Older students are more concerned about having friends with them in class, while the younger students might not be ready to let go off mom and dad just yet. For parents with tearful students, I suggest using the drop-off line/routine your school has. It may seem easier to walk your child into the school building. in the mornings, but more often than not walking them in can make the situation worse. The majority of students who are upset or crying are usually clam and working before the parent gets to their car. By using the drop off line, you are saying to your child that you believe in them and that they can handle walking to their room and getting their morning responsibilities completed. Before too long, everyone is smiling and moving on with their day. For older students, encourage them to complete homework as soon as they get home. This is establishing strong study habits that students will utilize throughout their education. Strong study habits are a vital part of being successful at school.
In closing, I want give you a "Back to School Prayer," from my favorite blogger, Kristen Welch.
"I pray You will be near them when I can't be.
I pray if they don't feel Your presence, they will seek You and discover You're right there with them.
I pray that You will surround them with peace and comfort in every new situation.
I pray they find one good friend, a brother or sister in Christ because it's hard to stand alone.
I pray that 6:00 AM won't come as early this year.
I pray when they fail, they will forgive themselves and try again.
I pray You will give the school nurse an extra supply of patience and band aids for my child.
I pray they will not sit next to the child who has to throw up in the trash can.
I pray they will be a blessing to their teacher and not a curse.
I pray you will bless them with Godly teachers as you have in the past.
I pray they wil have fun. But not too much fun, if you know what I mean.
I pray they will let their light shine, quietly or loudly, but not in their own way.
I pray homework will be light and not become Home. Work.
I pray that You will help me to trust their choices, let them go even when it's hard and pull them close
when they need me the most.
I pray above all, God, that You would use their challenges, disappointments and victories to draw
them closer to You this school year.
Thank you for every gift.
Amen
I can be contacted by email ( kim.bennett@owensboro.catholic.org ) or by phone. I am at the K-3 Campus until 11:00 ( 684-7583 ) and at the 4-6 Campus after 11:30 ( 683-6989 ).
- Use a wet-erase (dry-erase gets rubbed off too easily!) calendar with a designated color for each member of the family, or use a calendar app that automatically syncs everyone’s updates.
- Visit the school’s website NOW and print out the calendar, lunch menu, school supplies list, required documents, and any other important notices.
- Hang a checklist (lunch, backpack, water bottle, coat) by the door so kids and teens can make sure they have everything each morning.
- Keep a jar of change and single bills for school lunches and last-minute announcements. (“Mom, I’m supposed to bring $2 today for our pizza party!”)
- Create a designated homework space with all the necessary supplies to avoid procrastination in a search for the pencil, ruler, or calculator.
- Insist that all outfits for the following day be laid out by a certain time the night before—especially if they need to be ironed. (Source)
I also suggest thinking about the age of your child and how the beginning of a new school year might effect them. Older students are more concerned about having friends with them in class, while the younger students might not be ready to let go off mom and dad just yet. For parents with tearful students, I suggest using the drop-off line/routine your school has. It may seem easier to walk your child into the school building. in the mornings, but more often than not walking them in can make the situation worse. The majority of students who are upset or crying are usually clam and working before the parent gets to their car. By using the drop off line, you are saying to your child that you believe in them and that they can handle walking to their room and getting their morning responsibilities completed. Before too long, everyone is smiling and moving on with their day. For older students, encourage them to complete homework as soon as they get home. This is establishing strong study habits that students will utilize throughout their education. Strong study habits are a vital part of being successful at school.
In closing, I want give you a "Back to School Prayer," from my favorite blogger, Kristen Welch.
"I pray You will be near them when I can't be.
I pray if they don't feel Your presence, they will seek You and discover You're right there with them.
I pray that You will surround them with peace and comfort in every new situation.
I pray they find one good friend, a brother or sister in Christ because it's hard to stand alone.
I pray that 6:00 AM won't come as early this year.
I pray when they fail, they will forgive themselves and try again.
I pray You will give the school nurse an extra supply of patience and band aids for my child.
I pray they will not sit next to the child who has to throw up in the trash can.
I pray they will be a blessing to their teacher and not a curse.
I pray you will bless them with Godly teachers as you have in the past.
I pray they wil have fun. But not too much fun, if you know what I mean.
I pray they will let their light shine, quietly or loudly, but not in their own way.
I pray homework will be light and not become Home. Work.
I pray that You will help me to trust their choices, let them go even when it's hard and pull them close
when they need me the most.
I pray above all, God, that You would use their challenges, disappointments and victories to draw
them closer to You this school year.
Thank you for every gift.
Amen
I can be contacted by email ( kim.bennett@owensboro.catholic.org ) or by phone. I am at the K-3 Campus until 11:00 ( 684-7583 ) and at the 4-6 Campus after 11:30 ( 683-6989 ).
Have a blessed school year!
