Dear Parents/Guardians,
It may seem cliché, but a new year indicates time to reflect on meeting goals. Setting a goal helps guide us in a positive direction and gives us purpose and focus. Often, what we pay close attention to, does get achieved.
We are all learners and sometimes need a bit extra to motivate us. It can also be stressful when learning is difficult. We don’t always acknowledge the process or progress of the learning as we get focused on the outcome or the
“grade”. Your children give effort to learn and be respectful each day at Westview. They get opportunities to work together as partners or on a team, be creative and problem solve. Each one of us manages these tasks differently and some of us need more time to develop skills needed for optimal learning.
What are the personal expectations you have for your child(ren)? How do you show them and support those expectations? Do you reward effort and provide opportunity for practice at home? Encouragement and validation for our efforts can have a positive effect. How we communicate to children impacts the way they think about themselves and influences behavior.
If we send consistent messages that they are capable and competent, they may have the confidence to take risks and become more sure of themselves. If we send too many reminders of what they are lacking or unable to do, they may feel unsure about trying. This is not about giving praise for things we expect and know they can do, but encouraging them for their effort. Here are some ways you can encourage your children.
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Give children realistic responsibility. In doing this, the message translates, “I know that you can do this.”
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Point out children’s strengths and achievements.
When correcting a child or pointing out an error, try focusing on a strength first. For instance, “I like the way you write your letters, now let’s concentrate on spacing your words out a little more.”
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Recognize efforts and attitudes with comments such as, “Your attitude about reading has really improved,” or “I noticed that you were very determined to tie your shoes.” Promote positive self-talk. When children do something well, ask them how they feel about their efforts. Encourage them to make positive comments about themselves and discourage them from putting themselves down.
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If you need a reminder to encourage your child, consciously develop the habit of offering a positive remark when they leave for school in the morning and when you say goodnight.
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Looking Ahead …
Tues, Feb. 9
Thurs, Feb. 10
Fri, Feb. 11
Mon, Feb. 15
No School Today Happy New Years!
School Resumes Today! Welcome Back!
8:00 am Band Rehearsal
8:15 am Student Council Meeting
8:15 am Grade 5 REACH Two-Steps Girls Group
8:10 am DaCapo Choir Rehearsal
4:00 pm PTO/Site Council Meeting
8:00 am Band Rehearsal
8:15 am Grade 5 REACH Two-Steps Girls Group
No School for Students, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
7:00 pm Panorama of Bands at AVHS
8:15 am Family Network Committee Meeting
5:00-8:00 Dairy Queen Night; Apple Valley
8:00 am There is NO Band Rehearsal today
8:15 am Grade 5 REACH Two-Steps Girls Group
8:30 am Guys Read Book Club
2:30 pm Grade 2 Music Concert
6:30 pm Grade 4 Music Concert
No School For Students Today
Data Analysis and Instructional Alignment Day for Staff
8:10 am DaCapo Choir Rehearsal
8:00 am Band Rehearsal
8:15 am Grade 5 REACH Two-Steps Girls Group
Student Council Spirit Day
4:00-8:00 Parent/Teacher Conferences
Sign up available on January 20 after 9am. To sign up, got to link on
WV homepage: www.district196.org/wv/ help you schedule an appointment
or call school; we’ll gladly
12:00-8:00 No School for Students Today
Parent/Teacher Conferences
No School Today
No School Today – Presidents’ Day
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Refrain from solving all problems for your child. Instead of trying to fix situations, encourage your son/daughter to generate their own solutions and try new ideas. For instance, “I notice that you and your sister both want to play that game. I know you can figure out a way to share. Let me know what you decide.”
Michael Jordan wasn’t always a superstar. He practiced at home and in the gym for hours working on building his strengths and improving his weaknesses in the whole game of basketball. Additional reading, word study, writing, math games and facts can also be valuable practice ideas to improve school goals. What are your goals for yourself and your child(ren)?
Respectfully,
Tami Staloch-Schultz, Principal

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2 J ANUARY 2 016
Parent/Teacher conferences will be held on Tuesday, February 9 (4:00-8:00 p.m.) and Thursday, February 11 (12:00-8:00 p.m.) Please note that this is a change from what was printed in the school calendar.
Conference appointments may be made on-line beginning Wednesday, January
20 th at 9:00 a.m.
To sign up for your child’s conference, please go to our school web site
( www.district196.org/wv /). There will be a link to connect you to the conference schedule. Find the schedule for your child’s teacher. Pick a time that works for you and schedule your conference. If you have more than one child, you may schedule your conferences back-to-back .
If you do not have access to a computer, or if you would like help, please call our office at 952-431-8380. We can assist you with scheduling your conference(s).
District guidelines ask parents to check in at the main office when visiting school
(even if it is just to drop off an item your child forgot at home).
With the snowier weather here, the already busy back door drop-off area has become even more congested.
To ensure the safety of students and to keep traffic moving, please …
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Have your child enter/exit your vehicle once you are next to the yellow curb.
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Do not cut into an open spot, wait your turn in line.
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Drive slowly and have patience!
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Respect others who are entering or exiting back door driveway. You are a role model for our future drivers.
At 3:55 p.m., all students who are still waiting for a ride will be brought into the office. If snowy traffic is making you late, phone the school office at 952-431-8380.
Your child will be waiting in the office.
Your cooperation is greatly appreciated!
We are excited to present our first Westview Health and Wellness Family Night of the school year! This special evening is happening Tuesday night, January 26 th from 6:30-8:00PM and will include many fun things to do for kids and parents alike.
· Dakota County Parks System will be there all evening to take groups of kids out on the grounds to try snowshoeing
· The YMCA will be in the gym from 7:15-8:00PM to lead kids in active movement
· Katie P e yton will be there to lead an interactive class for parents called “Busy Momma Boot Camp” from 6:30-7:15pm
· Jackie Mart will be leading another very interactive and fun class for parents called “How to talk to children about Real Food” from 7:15-8:00PM
· Maggie Kilpatrick will lead an open house activity all evening for kids who are interested in creating a craft project
· Both you and your children can learn about and practice yoga calm that will be lead by teachers from Westview
· Informational Booths will include, but are not limited to: o Kristin Larson, featuring doTERRA oils, will show you how to use essential oils for many purposes in your home and with all family members o Dr. Troy, from “Life Wellness”, will talk about family health from a chiropractor’s perspective o A practitioner will be present to speak with you about the importance of sleep o A dentist will be there to talk about the importance of dental health
The entire evening is sponsored by Valley Natural Foods.
Many thanks to them for helping us arrange activities for the evening!

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3 J ANUARY 2 016