News from the Principal
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As the school year begins, many parents are often worried because children sometimes experience separation anxiety as they begin a new school year or begin school for the first time. Change even when it is a good change, is anxiety producing. Separation anxiety is a child’s way of expressing that it is difficult to say good-bye. Most preschoolers and sometimes even elementary students will experience this anxiety at some point in their lives. Sometimes it occurs unexpectedly after a change in the environment or routine. Other times separation anxiety occurs because children are worried about events or happenings at home – a parent may be deployed, there may be an illness in the family, or the death of a family member. These events can leave a child feeling insecure. Usually, however, separation anxiety is a “missing mom or dad” issue. Listed below are some suggested tips that may be useful to help minimize the problem. Sometimes it may take up to two weeks before you begin to see improvement. Don’t panic, hang in there. Be positive with your child about his/her school experience and this stage will soon be over.
DO: Keep your good-byes short and sweet. In doing so, you let your child know that you have confidence in your child’s ability to cope and that you know he/she will be okay. You trust that he/she will be in good hands.
DO: Develop loving good-bye routines. Walk your child to the classroom, where you can say good-bye and get a hug. Then let your child enter the classroom. If needed, let the teacher take your child.
DO: Send clear messages. Your child needs to know that you expect him/her to go to school no matter how much he/she fusses, cries, or throws a temper tantrum.
DO: Invite children from the class over, so your child can develop friendships that will make the transition easier.
DO: Ask your spouse or another family member to take a turn dropping off, or pick up one of your child’s classmates on the way to school, and your problems may disappear immediately.
DO: Work in partnership with the teacher and aide. Let the teacher or aide greet your child and gently guide him/her into the classroom where your child will engage in activities.
DO: Believe in your child’s ability to make positive changes.
Hopefully these tips will help with smooth transitions for our new year.
God Bless, Linda K. Robinson
Summer is passing quickly and the beginning of our 38th
school year is rapidly approaching. We
are excited about the many opportunities ahead.
We are especially thrilled about the addition of our middle school
beginning with the sixth grade this year.
Parents that have previously registered should soon receive a parent
information packet. If you have not had
a chance to register and plan to join us in the fall, please call or stop by
the Fox Hill Campus, and we will begin the registration process.
School will begin on Tuesday,
September 7. Before Open House your
child’s teacher will contact you to introduce herself and to invite you and
your child to our Open House. Open House
gives you and your child the opportunity to meet the teacher and to learn the
goals and objectives for the school year.
Listed below are the times and dates.
* Preschool - 5-day (M-F), 3-day
(M,W,F) and 2-day (T&Th)
classes – Tuesday,
August 31
* Prekindergarten - Wednesday, September 1
* Kindergarten – Thursday, September 2
* First and Second Grades - Wednesday, September 1
(Parents and students may attend any time between
* Third and Fourth Grades – Thursday, September 2
(Parents and students may attend any time between
*Fifth and Sixth Grades – Tuesday, August 31
(Parents and students may attend any time between
There will be two Open House events for first – sixth grades. The first Open House will be held according
to the above schedule. Parents and
students may visit the classroom. First
through sixth grade students may arrive anytime between
Parents Night:
Sixth Grade: Monday, October 4, at
Fifth Grade: Monday, September 27, at
Fourth Grade: Tuesday, September 28, at
Third Grade: Tuesday, September 21, at
Second Grade: Thursday,
September 13, at 7:00 p.m.
First Grade: Monday, September 20, at
Please mark
your calendars so that you can attend your child’s Open House. We look forward to seeing you in the coming
weeks. We value the support and trust
which you place in Gloria Dei Lutheran School.
We, as a dedicated faculty and staff, continually strive to provide
quality learning experiences in a nurturing, Christ-centered environment for
your child.
God Bless,
Linda K. Robinson
From the Principal
On June 17, thirty-four students graduated from our fifth grade program. Teachers, pastors, staff members, and parents have worked together to mentor, nurture, and guide these graduates over the years, so that they can make a positive difference. Congratulations Graduates!!!!! We are appreciative and thankful for the opportunity to be a part of their educational journey and ministry. We are also excited that many of these students will be returning for our 6th grade program, as we move into the development of our middle school. Gloria Dei’s first class graduated in 1988. Since then we have had a total of 884 graduates!
I am pleased to announce that seven of our fifth graders earned the Presidential Academic Excellence Award this year. This is a national achievement awarded at three points in a student’s academic career – at the end of elementary, middle, and high school. To qualify at the elementary level, students must maintain an A average for 4th and 5th grades and at the 4th grade level score at least an 85% or above on a national achievement test in reading or math. Congratulations!!!!!!
Our Presidential Scholars for this year are:
Briana Barnett Victoria Hill Nicole Shuford
Courtney Francis Anna Junkins
Cameron Fyfe Eric Moore
I would also like to congratulate our staff members who celebrated special milestones in their service and ministry at Gloria Dei. Thank you for your dedication and contributions to our program.
10th Anniversary – Lisa Dadez, JT Stancil, Alison Rowland, Martin Sunderland, Sue Gerke
15th Anniversary – Lisa Maguire, Kathy Dermanis, Ann Myers
20th Anniversary – Gloria Staples
25th Anniversary – Dianne Jarjoura and Pat Quinn
Retirement after 19 Years of Service – Jackie Hart
We have had a busy productive year, and we are looking forward to our 2010 – 2011 school year and the opportunities to work with children and families as we partner together to mentor and guide the children in our care.
God Bless,
Linda K. Robinson
Gloria Dei students and Kohl’s teamed up during our Book Fair Week to celebrate Earth Day. Our visitors from Kohl’s read stories about conserving our resources and protecting our environment to the first – fourth graders. Then the students recited The Earth Day Pledge and discussed ways they could recycle, reuse, and reduce waste. Afterwards, each student helped weed our courtyard flower beds and planted petunias, Easter lilies, and flower bulbs. Over 200 flowers were planted, and we were blessed that the rain held off until the last class had finished planting their flowers. By participating, Gloria Dei is eligible for a grant as part of the Kohl’s for Kids Program. Thank you to Kohl’s and the seven members of the Newport News branch who shared their time and talents with us for the day. A good time was had by all.
As a family, you might want to discuss The Earth Day Pledge and talk about ways you as a family can protect our planet.
The Earth Day Pledge
Because the Earth is my home and needs my help to survive, I will try my best to...turn off my bedroom lights when I am not using it, recycle my plastic and metal cans, turn off the water when I am brushing my teeth, and choose to use products that are the least harmful to the environment. I also promise to remind my friends and family to care for the Earth in the same way.
Our end-of-the-year programs, which follow our chapel format, will soon be here. Be sure to check the schedule included in our newsletter, so you can make your plans to attend and show your support for your child.
Reminder: If you plan for your child to return in the fall, make sure you have registered. Also, our summer child-care program begins on Monday,
June 21. If you would like more information, please call us at 851-6292 or stop by our school offices.
Enjoy your summer, have fun, and remember to have your grades’ age child read and practice their math skills.
God bless,
Linda Robinson
Summer will be here before we know it. Mrs. Riley, Child Care Director, and Mrs. Scherrer, Grades Program Coordinator, have been busy planning and scheduling events and activities for our Summer Adventures program, so that our children will have a fun, action packed summer.
Our program is open to children ages three to twelve years of age.
(Children should be three by December 31 of 2009, and they need to be potty trained.) We open at 6:00 am and close at 6:00 pm. Your child may participate on a full-time basis, 20 hours per week, or on an hourly basis. Pick for the month, the program that best meets your child’s needs. Children may also enter the program at any time during the summer. So as the summer progresses and boredom sets in, let your child join us for activities with friends.
Various projects and activities will correlate with weekly themes such as: Destination Vacation, American Spirit, Deep Freeze, Sail the Seas, Cruise Control, Gone Fishing, Games, Galore, Shooting Stars, Save the Earth, and more. During the week, children will also enjoy weekly field trips, music, arts & crafts projects, computer games and instruction, organized games, physical activities, Chapel, and special presentations. Our older children love swimming, the game room, and Fabulous Fridays. Our younger children enjoy the Tumble Bus, Jelly Bean the Magician, and Balloon Creatures.
For more details or information, you may stop by our school offices or call us at 851-6292. Come join us!
God Bless,
Linda K. Robinson
Principal
Congratulations to the following students who achieved honor roll recognition for the third quarter. To qualify for the honor roll, students must earn A’s and/or B’s in every subject and satisfactory or above in resource classes and work habits. Keep up the great work.
First Grade
Ashley Baldwin
Bryce Bontemps
Aaliyah Carver
Autumn Clark
Luke DeConcini
Tyson Denton
Ruth Douglas
Sarah Dudjak
Kendall Grace Etheridge
Lauren Fyfe
Brian Gilles
Schuyler Grant
Alexis Harris
Madison Haynes
Kate Holloway
Jonah Hutchison
Jakob Juhl
Julianne LaPointe
Katie Lawrence
Garren Maguire
Mycole McNair
Jonah Montanez
Trevor Moyer
Sammi Reynolds
Abigail Ronsonet
Melissa Russo
Akai Senthill
Jackson Smith
Christopher Sparks
Kimberly Stierhoff
Madison Sutton
Andreas Thanos
Bo Walter
Megan Yoakum
Ethan Zollman
Second Grade
Jeremy Baldwin
Kaela Butler
Mikaela Campbell
Ryan Carroll
Brandi Chandler
Jermiah Chatman
Jazzlyn Childs
Fletcher Chisman
Jason Cooke
Tess DeConcini
Jordan Eriksen
James Green
Kaylin House
Riley Hylton
Kaleigh Keller
Samanta Lindborg-Rodriguez
Matthew Morales
Joshua Rice
Morgan Riggins
Margaret Russo
Peyton Stewart
Matthew Tucker
Gabrielle West
Third Grade
Katelynne Berland
Travis Boyd
Kayse Cowan
Grant Cunningham
Naomi Dempsey
Madeleine Etheridge
MacKenzie Garner
Christian Hackett
Nathan Hethcox
Emily Howell
Haley Kramer
Madyson Merson
Rose Pearson
Natalie Pfahl
Ashley Rogers
Teddy Sadowski
Janae Sayler
Anni Wang
Joi Wright
Hannah Zollmann
Fourth Grade
Miriam Abdel-Sayed
Ethan Bennett
Nickolas Childs
Whiting Chisman
Catherine Dixon
Kyle Egan
Ian Gehris
Tristan Gerth
Luke Glaab
Zada Grandberry
Kelsea Hall
Faith Harrington
Zachary Huratiak
Vladimir Kupke
Isaac Huggins
Jacob Hutchison
Trey Hylton
Raegan Johnson
Bergen Maguire
Hope Matthews
Alex Morales
Amanda Olney
Esme Parker
Kaitlyn Prioleau
Paige Robinson
Madison Terry
Regan Walter
Zachary Welch
Amanda Wells
Fifth Grade
Kendrick Allmendinger
Stevie Ayres-Kerr
Briana Barnett
Zhe’Vaughn Butler
Cameron Capotosto
Liam Carr
Maddy Cunningham
Michael Do
Courtney Francis
Cameron Fyfe
Joshua Glaab
MacKenzie Grimm
Garret Haney
Victoria Hill
Anna Junkins
Daniel Manning
Marissa Martin
Kyle Miller
Eric Moore
Joshua Mortensen
Chloe’ Newsome
Rebeka Petrick
Caitlyn Phillips
Grace Sheffield
Nicole Shuford
Meghan Stout
Julia Whelan
Kasamira Wojcik
Spring weather hopefully has finally arrived. Students and teachers are certainly enjoying the warmer temperatures and outside playtime. Once we return from Easter break, we will be in the countdown for this school year. Many parents have recently shared with me the tremendous growth they have seen in the development and skill levels of their children. I am sure they will also notice the incredible physical growth as the children try to wear their summer clothing from last year.
Often we hear the expression “in the blink of an eye.” I think this phrase especially holds true when we think about the time we have with our children. Childhood is precious and sometimes in the midst of our busy and hectic schedules, we often forget to cherish and take advantage of the time we do have. I encourage parents and grandparents to make special efforts to spend quality time with their children.
Some suggestions might include:
·
When
you pick-up your children at the end of the school or childcare day, give them
your full attention as your greet them. Ask them about their day. You
will be amazed how smiles and hugs will melt away many of the tensions and
stresses of the day.
·
Try
putting those cell phone calls on hold while dropping-off and picking-up your
child. Technology is great, but it can also take over and rule our lives
if we allow it.
·
Try
having more evening meals together at the dinner table.
·
Schedule
periodic game nights. Turn off the television for the night, and enjoy
each others company as you play and talk.
·
Develop
a bedtime ritual – prayers, reading to your child or letting your child read to
you, etc.
·
Let
the children help with after dinner clean-up, then enjoy some playtime
together. Daylight savings time makes it so much easier to go for walks,
ride bicycles, or play ball together.
·
Remember
to tell your children that you love them.
Time spent together makes special memories for all involved.
God Bless,
Linda K. Robinson
Soon we will begin registration for our 38th school year. By the end of the first week of March, you should have received your registration packet for next year. If you have not received registration information, please call our school office at 851-6292, and we will be happy to mail you a packet. I would like to remind you that all students who are returning to Gloria Dei for the 2010-2011 school year need to re-register, as this is a yearly process. Registration for current school students and our congregation members begins on Saturday, March 13, 2010. Open registration begins on Monday, March 22. If your child currently attends and you plan for your child to return next year, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the advance registration during the week of March 13 -19 to reserve placement for your child.
We are excited to be able to expand our program for next year to include the beginning of middle school grade levels with the 6th grade. We have had a tremendous response from our current 5th graders with the required registrations to open the doorway for this new adventure. We are currently accepting registrations for the sixth grade. If you would like more information about the program and curriculum, please let me know and I will be glad to talk with you.
Each year’s program builds a foundation to enable students to grow with sequential skill development to the next grade level. As a child moves from one grade level to another, the programs expand to offer a broader base of activities and enriching experiences.
Students moving from preschool to prekindergarten experience pre-reading activities with Getting Ready to Read with Mother Goose by Sadlier-Oxford; Mortimer Moose, an alphabet and beginning phonics program; and The Weekly Reader magazine. Along with many classroom activities, they enjoy weekly P.E., music, Chapel, and library. Every other week, prekindergarten students learn about nutrition with Chef Combo, visit the computer lab to work with educational software, and participate in a hands-on science experience in their science class.
Students at the kindergarten level have the choice of a half-day or full-day program. We are one of the few schools on the peninsula who still offer a half-day program as an option for parents. All kindergarten classes learn reading with a phonetic program, Beginning to Read, Write and Listen by Macmillan/McGraw-Hill. What an exciting time when your kindergartener reads to you for the first time. Students enjoy the weekly resource classes they enjoyed in prekindergarten with science and computers becoming weekly classes. Students in the full-day classes will also have a weekly Spanish program.
Our first – fifth grade levels are located at our Harris Creek Campus. This campus has all the essentials needed for elementary age students - computer lab, library, art/music room, science room, P.E. area, playground, infirmary, and offices. The grades’ program builds strong academic skills in phonetics and reading comprehension, spelling, math, and writing while offering an enriching resource schedule - weekly art classes, extended computer time, weekly P.E., Spanish, along with weekly Chapel services, daily devotions, library, music, chorus, and science lab.
Sixth grade will also be located at our Harris Creek Campus. We will continue with our strong tradition of academic excellence in a Christian environment with an emphasis on the mental, spiritual, physical, emotional, and social needs of students. Students will change classes with the core subjects of literature, grammar, composition, math, science, and social studies being taught daily. In addition, a well-rounded program of resources/electives will include health, first aid, P.E. – yoga, skating, bowling, line dancing, art – drawing and painting, drama, public speaking, computers, Chapel, library, music – hand bells and choral, and MORE.
If there is enough interest, we will also form an after school soccer team to play area private/parochial middle schools.
It is amazing what our students can accomplish with a strong academic curriculum, enriching resource classes, a spiritual foundation which reinforces values and morals, and a nurturing, caring environment.
This is an abbreviated summary of what is offered for our students as they progress from one level to the next. As you prepare to register for next year, if you have questions about our curriculum, need more information, or want a tour of the campus, (especially if your child is moving to the Harris Creek Campus) please call, and I will be glad to talk with you. We are excited and appreciative of the opportunity to work in partnership with you in educating your child.
God Bless, Linda K. Robinson
Congratulations to the following students who achieved honor roll recognition for the second quarter. To qualify for the honor roll, students must earn A’s and/or B’s in every subject and satisfactory or above in resource classes and work habits. Keep up the great work.
First Grade
Brittany Allen
Ashley Baldwin
Bryce Bontemps
Aaliyah Carver
Autumn Clark
Luke DeConcini
Tyson Denton
Ruth Douglas
Sarah Dudjak
Kendall Grace Etheridge
Rowan Etheridge
Lauren Fyfe
Brian Gilles
Schuyler Grant
Alexis Harris
Madison Haynes
Kate Holloway
Jonah Hutchison
Jakob Juhl
Julianne LaPointe
Katie Lawrence
Garren Maguire
Mycole McNair
Jonah Montanez
Trevor Moyer
Sammi Reynolds
Abigail Ronsonet
Melissa Russo
Akai Senthill
Jackson Smith
Christopher Sparks
Kimberly Stierhoff
Madison Sutton
Andreas Thanos
Bo Walter
Megan Yoakum
Ethan Zollman
Second Grade
Kaela Butler
Mikaela Campbell
Ryan Carroll
Brandi Chandler
Jazzlyn Childs
Fletcher Chisman
Jason Cooke
Tess DeConcini
Jordan Eriksen
Kayla Gaddy
James Green
Kaylin House
Riley Hylton
Kate Jett
Kaleigh Keller
Samanta Lindborg-Rodriguez
Olivia Malone
Matthew Morales
Joshua Rice
Morgan Riggins
Elizabeth Robertson
Margaret Russo
Peyton Stewart
Jordan Trice
Julian Trice
Matthew Tucker
Gabrielle West
Matthew Zorumski
Third Grade
Katelynne Berland
William Bertoline
Kayse Cowan
Grant Cunningham
Naomi Dempsey
Madeleine Etheridge
Christian Hackett
Nathan Hethcox
Haley Kramer
Madyson Merson
Rose Pearson
Natalie Pfahl
Teddy Sadowski
Janae Sayler
Anni Wang
Hannah Zollmann
Fourth Grade
Ethan Bennett
Nick Childs
Whiting Chisman
Catherine Dixon
Ian Gehris
Tristan Gerth
Luke Glaab
Zada Grandberry
Kelsea Hall
Zada Grandberry
Faith Harrington
Zachary Huratiak
Vladimir Kupke
Isaac Huggins
Jacob Hutchison
Trey Hylton
Raegan Johnson
Bergen Maguire
Hope Matthews
Alex Morales
Amanda Olney
Esme Parker
Paige Robinson
Madison Terry
Regan Walter
Amanda Wells
Fifth Grade
Kendrick Allmendinger
Stevie Ayres-Kerr
Briana Barnett
Zhe’Vaughn Butler
Cameron Capotosto
Liam Carr
Maddy Cunningham
Michael Do
Courtney Francis
Cameron Fyfe
Joshua Glaab
Mackenzie Grimm
Garret Haney
Victoria Hill
Anna Junkins
Marissa Martin
Kyle Miller
Eric Moore
Joshua Mortensen
Chloe’ Newsome
Rebeka Petrick
Caitlyn Phillips
Grace Sheffield
Nicole Shuford
Meghan Stout
Julia Whelan
Kasamira Wojcik
School Fundraisers
Each Wednesday, there is a fundraiser for Gloria Dei School. Here’s a list of the restaurants. Let the cashier know you are with Gloria Dei!
Chili’s 1st Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
The school receives 10% of sales.
Chick-fil-A Coliseum Drive, 2nd Wednesday,
5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
The school receives 10% of sales up to
$1,000 and 20% of sales if over $1,000.
Capri 3rd Wednesday, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
The school receives 15% of sales.
Pizza Hut Riverdale Shopping Center,
4th Wednesday.
The school receives 20% of sales.
Now that January is here, we are reaching that time of year when we start planning our school budget and making decisions on programs that will be offered for the 2010-2011 school year. Many parents have expressed an interest in Gloria Dei Lutheran School expanding the grade levels offered to include the middle school grades of sixth, seventh, and eighth. In response to these inquiries and requests, we are studying the feasibility and interest in offering a sixth grade for the coming school year. If there is enough interest, then a grade level could be added each year to offer a middle school program.
Many present and former parents have shared with us the struggles and dilemma in finding a middle school program that matches the experience they have had at Gloria Dei – an accelerated curriculum, an enriching, well-rounded program, in a nurturing Christ-centered environment. We are excited to study the many possibilities and opportunities that the addition of middle school grades might bring to our students, families, and school.
The sixth grade program would be incorporated into the present buildings at the Harris Creek Campus. We would follow our tradition of a strong academic program making some changes in scheduling and offerings so students feel there is a difference between the fifth and sixth grades. At this time the details, curriculum, schedules, routines, etc. are areas we are reviewing and planning. We are in the preliminary stages. As we proceed, we are assessing the input and thoughts of parents and the level of commitment and support.
Our process will begin with an interest survey to our fourth and fifth grade parents. If there is strong commitment among our upper grades for a sixth grade, we will continue to explore this option.
If you have any questions or information you would like to share concerning this plan, please email Linda Robinson at lrobinson@gloriadei.net.
We are excited to be exploring the possibility of this option. Please continue to hold our school, students, parents, and staff in prayer as we continue our ministry of education and child care.
God Bless,
Linda K. Robinson
* Mycole McNair,
first grade, also achieved Honor Roll recognition for the first
quarter.
Gloria Dei Lutheran School
Honor Roll – First Quarter 2009-2010
Congratulations to the following students who achieved honor roll recognition for the first quarter. To qualify for the honor roll, students must earn A’s and/or B’s in every subject and satisfactory or above in resource classes and work habits. Keep up the great work. You are off to a fantastic beginning for the school year.
God Bless, Linda K. Robinson
|
First Grade Bryce Bontemps Aaliyah Carver Isabella Casagrande’s Autumn Clark Luke DeConcini Tyson Denton Ruth Douglas Sarah Dudjak Kendall Grace Etheridge Rowan Etheridge Richard Fox Lauren Fyfe Brian Gilles Schuyler Grant Alexis Harris Abby Hayes Madison Haynes Valiyah Henry Kate Holloway Jonah Hutchison Jakob Juhl Julianne LaPointe Katie Lawrence Garran Maguire Mycole McNair Jonah Montana Trevor Moyer Kelly Parker Sammi Reynolds Samanta Lindborg-Rodriguez Abigail Ransomed Akai Senthill Jackson Smith Christopher Sparks Kimberly Stierhoff Madison Sutton Andreas Thanos Bo Walter Ryan Williamson Megan Yoakum Ethan Zollmann
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Second Grade Kaela Butler Mikaela Campbell Ryan Carroll Brandi Chandler Jermiah Chatman Jazzlyn Childs Kaci Cunningham Tess DeConcini Alex Eidenberger Jordan Eriksen James Green Kaylin House Riley Hylton Kate Jett Kaleigh Keller Addie Lawrence Olivia Malone Matthew Morales Joshua Rice Morgan Riggins Margaret Russo Peyton Stewart Matthew Tucker Gabrielle West Matthew Zorumski
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Third Grade Katelynne Berland William Bertoline Travis Boyd Layla Crawford Grant Cunningham Madeleine Etheridge Mackenzie Garner Sydney Green Christian Hackett Morgan Harris Nathan Hethcox Haley Kramer Madyson Merson Rose Pearson Natalie Pfahl Teddy Sadowski Janae Sayler Evan Swartzbaugh Kaelyn Thackeray Joi Wright Hannah Zollmann
|
Fourth Grade Ethan Bennett Jason Campbell Nick Childs Whiting Chisman Catherine Dixon Kyle Egan Katelyn Gartrell Ian Gehris Tristan Gerth Luke Glaab Zada Grandberry Kelsea Hall Faith Harrington Vladimir Kupke Isaac Huggins Jacob Hutchison Trey Hylton Raegan Johnson Bergen Maguire Hope Matthews Alex Morales Amanda Olney Esme Parker Kaitlyn Prioleau Paige Robinson Marisa Rucker Madison Terry Regan Walter Amanda Wells
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Fifth Grade Kendrick Allmendinger Stevie Ayres-Kerr Briana Barnett Zhe’Vaughn Butler Cameron Capotosto Liam Carr Maddy Cunningham Michael Do Courtney Francis Cameron Fyfe Joshua Glaab Mackenzie Grimm Garret Haney Victoria Hill Anna Junkins Marissa Martin Kyle Miller Eric Moore Joshua Mortensen Chloe’ Newsome Rebeka Petrick Caitlyn Phillips Grace Sheffield Nicole Shuford Meghan Stout Julia Whelan Kasamira Wojcik
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We are at the end of our first grading period. What a busy nine weeks! Parent/teacher conferences are being held and those first reports cards will be sent home soon. We have settled into the routines of homework, afterschool activities, and earlier bedtimes.
After several weeks of school, we often experience as teachers, parents, and students the end of the “honeymoon” period. Many of you may be experiencing this now. The newness and excitement have worn off, routines are in place, schedules are hectic, and the realization hits that days are no longer as easy going.
As children move from one grade level to the next, they find that there are new rules to follow, greater expectations, and that more is required of them in almost every aspect. The work is more complex, homework load increases, study and work skills need refining/strengthening. School is often difficult! Life is harder. Sometimes this change to the next level meets with anxiety or frustration from students and often from parents.
Our human nature, our first instinct, is to fight and resist what is hard and difficult. Face it, the easy way out is much more comfortable and often desirable. But in life, things do not usually come easily. In fact, most accomplishments, successes, and worthwhile endeavors come with struggle and hard work. It is during these periods, when more effort is required, that we stretch and grow. Children need to be taught how to think and do for themselves. Many children do not stop, listen, think, and follow directions. These children then often expect the adults around them to explain directions multiple times, confirm that each and every answer is correct before moving to the next task, or for the adult to give them the answers.
When we see our children struggle with work, chores, tasks, etc., a first response is to rescue them, jump in, correct the problem, make it better, solve the dilemma, give them the answer. Please think again. This does not often serve a child well. If a child is rescued every time the going gets rough, the child does not develop the problem solving skills, persistence, and determination that will serve him/her well later in life. Children become dependent on the adults around them to make it right, instead of becoming independent thinkers. Sometimes what children learn in the struggle is more important and valuable than the task at hand. By meeting and overcoming reasonable obstacles, a child grows in the ability to handle more complex tasks; a child develops a sense of worthwhile accomplishment through the challenge. Children know when they have succeeded through their own efforts and with that comes a greater sense of accomplishment and pride, even though they may not realize it during the mist of the struggle. We all want our children to become independent and confident in their abilities. Sometimes that means letting go enough so that they can stumble, pick themselves up again, and move forward.
So as we continue through this school year, it is important to offer support and encouragement to our children. It is also important that teachers and parents work together as a team. Parenting and teaching can at times be a balancing. Sometimes you must step back; give children the opportunity to do it on their own – even with the struggle. Sometimes you might need to step in and offer guidance and assistance. Give students time to adjust and rise to the new, more difficult expectations. You may find yourself surprised and delighted at what your child will be able to accomplish.
God Bless,
Linda K. Robinson
The following article was published on John Rosemond’s website as his weekly column the first week of school. It offers valuable advice as we start the new school year. I encourage parents, teachers, grandparents, and everyone who helps mentor children to read his weekly column in our Sunday Daily Press or visit his website www.rosemond.com for additional parenting guidance.
God Bless, Linda K. Robinson
Living with Children
As this school year began, several teachers asked if I
would reprint a column that first appeared about ten years ago. The subject is
my five top back-to-school tips for parents.
Before you read, be informed that when I use the term ``best students,'' I am
not necessarily referring to those children who make the best grades. Rather, I
mean those students who come to school prepared to pay attention, accept
assignment and do their best, whatever their best may be. Here, then, are those
tips:
1. Make it clear to your child that disobedience is
not an option. Teachers consistently report that the best students are almost
always among the most well behaved. Good behavior begins in the home, not at
school and not even the best teacher can discipline a child who comes from home
not already respectful of adult authority. Make the rules of proper behavior
clear to your child, and when the rules are broken, enforce with a firm, even
hand. New research finds that a child’s level of self-control is positively
associated with school achievement.
2. Assign your child a fair share of day-to-day
housework. Again, teachers tell me that the best students are usually those who
have daily chores at home. It makes sense, doesn't it, that a child who comes
to school already accustomed to accepting adult assignment will have fewer
problems accepting assignment from teachers? The more responsible a child is
within his or her family, the more responsibility the child will demonstrate at
school.
3. Limit electronic entertainment to nonschool
days only, and even then allow no more than five total hours per week. The
research is increasingly unequivocal: screen time of any sort decreases
attention span. Learning from a real-life, flesh-and-blood teacher requires
being ready to ask questions, being ready to answer questions, memorizing, conducting independent inquiry, transferring what you've
learned to paper, listening to the teacher's feedback concerning your work and
correcting your mistakes. As for television alone, a researcher once found that
truly gifted children tended to watch no more than five hours of television a
week. The national average is 25 hours per week per child, which is simply to
say if you want your child to be average, let him watch a lot of television
4. Be always interested in what and how your
child is doing in school, but take care not to get involved in doing his work
for him. There is a difference between interest and involvement. The interested
parent says to the child, in effect, ``I am concerned about your education, but
it is ultimately your responsibility.'' The involved parent says, ``Your education is my responsibility.'' Unfortunately, too
many well-intentioned parents have unwittingly accepted/appropriated
responsibility for their children's school work. The result of this parental
benevolence is a child who has difficulty taking the proverbial bull by the
horns. New research supports this low-involvement parenting model.
5. If and when your child's teacher reports a
problem, give the teacher - not your child! - the benefit
of the doubt. As a rule, teachers are more committed to bettering the welfare
of children than any other class of professional. When a teacher says your
child has a problem, academic or behavioral, it is with your child's best
interest in mind. Curb the tendency to become defensive and listen with an open
mind and an open heart. You may learn something that will help you become a
better parent.
John Rosemond (Reprinted
with permission)
As the school year begins, many parents are often worried because their children experience separation anxiety as they begin a new school year or begin school for the first time. Change even when it is a good change, is anxiety producing. Separation anxiety is a child’s way of expressing that it is difficult to say good-bye. Most preschoolers and sometimes even elementary students will experience this anxiety at some point in their lives. Sometimes it occurs unexpectedly after a change in the environment or routine. Other times separation anxiety occurs because children are worried about events or happenings at home – a parent may be deployed, there may be an illness in the family, or the death of a family member. These events can leave a child feeling insecure. Usually, however, separation anxiety is a “missing mom or dad” issue. Listed below are some suggested tips that may be useful to help minimize the problem. Sometimes it may take up to two weeks before you begin to see improvement. Don’t panic, hang in there. Be positive with your child about his/her school experience and this stage will soon be over.
DO: Keep your good-byes short and sweet. In doing so, you let your child know that you have confidence in your child’s ability to cope and that you know he/she will be okay. You trust that he/she will be in good hands.
DON’T: Hover around making the good-byes long and drawn out. This tends to make you and your child more upset. Your child will sense your anxiety, and this will make it more difficult for him/ her to calm down.
DO: Develop loving good-bye routines. Walk your child to the classroom, where you can say good-bye and get a hug. Then let your child enter the classroom. If needed, let the teacher take your child.
DON’T: Bargain or bribe your child to behave. This sets the stage for expecting additional bargains and bribes for behavior expectations.
DO: Send clear messages. Your child needs to know that you expect him/her to go to school no matter how much he/she fusses, cries, or throws a temper tantrum.
DON’T: Take your child home. If you do, you send the message that if your child cries enough he/she won’t have to stay. Taking your child home will usually only prolong anxiety.
DO: Invite children from the class over, so your child can develop friendships that will make the transition easier.
DON’T: Get upset. By keeping an upbeat and positive attitude about school, teachers, and friends, you’ll help your child feel safe and enjoy his/her time at school.
DO: Ask your spouse or another family member to take a turn dropping off, or pick up one of your child’s classmates on the way to school, and your problems may disappear immediately.
DON’T: Discuss problems with the teacher in the morning. Save conversations and questions for the end of the day or a phone call. Try not to discuss problems or concerns in front of your child.
DO: Work in partnership with the teacher and aide. Let the teacher or aide greet your child and gently guide him/her into the classroom where your child will engage in activities.
DON’T: Be surprised if anxiety reoccurs after holidays, sick days, or other transition periods.
DO: Believe in your child’s ability to make positive changes.
DON’T: Sneak out. You want your child to know that he/she can trust you.
Hopefully these tips will help with smooth transitions for our new year.
God Bless, Linda K. Robinson
August is here and signs of gearing up for a new school abound everywhere - in flyers, advertisements, and in all the department stores. Likewise, we have been busy preparing for our 37th school year. Parents that have previously registered should soon receive a parent information packet. If you have not had a chance to register and plan to join us in the fall, please call or stop by the Fox Hill Campus, and we will begin the registration process.
Our school year will begin on Tuesday, September 8. Our school calendar and supply lists are available on our website, www.gloriadeilutheranschool.net.
Open House Dates
* Preschool - 5-day (M-F), 3-day (M,W,F) and 2-day (T&Th) classes – Tuesday, September 1
5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
* Prekindergarten - Wednesday, September 2
5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
* Kindergarten – Thursday, September 3
5:30 to 6:00 p.m. or 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.
* First and Second Grades - Wednesday, September 2
(Parents and students may attend any time between 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
* Third and Fourth Grade – Thursday, September 3
(Parents and students may attend any time between 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
*Fifth Grades – Tuesday, September 1
(Parents and students may attend any time between 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
There will be two Open House events for first – fifth grades. The first Open House will be held according to the above schedule. Parents and students may visit the classroom. First through fifth grade students may arrive anytime between 7:00 and 8:00. During this time frame, parents and students can arrive and leave as their schedule allows. Students will have a chance to meet their teacher, visit with classmates, and unpack book bags or school supplies. Parents will receive class schedules and other pertinent information for the school year. There will be another open house meeting for parents only in which teachers will review the curriculum, explain goals and objectives for the year, and answer questions. At the Parents’ Night, we will also review our new computer based reading program for first – fifth grades, Accelerated Reader.
Parents’ Night:
Fifth Grade: Thursday, September 24, at 7:00 p.m.
Fourth Grade: Tuesday, September 22, at 7:00 p.m.
Third Grade: Tuesday, September 15, at 7:00 p.m.
Second Grade: Monday, September 14, at 7:00 p.m.
First Grade: Monday, September 21, at 7:00 p.m.
Please mark your calendars so that you can attend your child’s Open House. We look forward to seeing you in the coming weeks. We appreciate the support and trust which you place in Gloria Dei Lutheran School. We, as a committed faculty and staff, will strive to provide quality learning experiences for your child.
God Bless, Linda K. Robinson