PINNEY post the Pinney Website 2014 January Newsletter 9989 Concord Road * Dublin, OH * 43017 * 614.798.3570 * Fax 614.718.8961 Please check out the Eli Pinney website for school calendar events and other important information. Scan the QR code above to access. www.dublinschools.net/pinney Greetings Pinney families, Happy New Year to all! I hope everyone enjoyed a restful break with friends and family. We begin the new year with several fun events coming up this winter. First, our annual Skate Night will take place on Saturday, January 11th at the Dublin Chiller. The event is FREE and skate rentals are only $2.00. We hope to see you there! The ever-popular Movie Night will be Friday, February 7th. Look for a separate email and flyer to go home to families during the next few weeks. As you are well aware, the weather has been brutal of late, so please remember to send your child to school with appropriate outer wear. Also, don’t forget to label all clothing with the child’s first and last name. * 20 degrees or below with wind chill - all recesses will be indoors * 21-25 degrees with wind chill - lunch recess will be indoors, short recess may be outdoors * 26 degrees with wind chill and warmer - all recesses will be outdoors Thank you for helping our Pinney students stay healthy and warm. Go Panthers! Troy Ehrsam, Principal Notes from the Pinney Office Office Communication • Students may not enter the building until 9:00 a.m. daily. • Be patient in the pick-up line at the end of the day. Cars need to remain in a single file line to pick up students. Also, please drop off your child at the sidewalk or side door in the morning. A Pinney staff member will monitor the side door beginning at 9:00 a.m. daily. We do not want children walking through cars and/or traffic. Student safety is our priority. • Give the buses the right of way during arrival and dismissal. No cars in the bus loop during the following times: 8:45-9:15 a.m. & 3:15-3:45 p.m. • Call the office or the automated attendance line (718-8960) if your child is going to be absent or late. Please send in a note if your child is signing out early for an appointment. • If your child is going to be absent from school, we would appreciate a phone call before 9:30 a.m. of that day. Ohio state law does require us to now have a written note upon a child’s return to school after an absence of any kind. An absence form can be found in the downloads section of our Pinney website (Absence Notification Form). We would appreciate your help by sending in this form or a note explaining the absence upon your child’s return to school. It is also important that you know that absences due to a family-planned vacation are no longer excused absences. • All phone number changes should take place at the building level. Please do not call the district office to change your contact information. Please call the Pinney office for questions (798-3570). • Send in a note if your child’s end of the day arrangements change. Without a note, we will follow typical end of day routine. • Both students need a note giving parent permission when bringing home a friend. New “Note to School” pads can be picked up in the office. • Write your child’s first and last name on the inside of lunch boxes, backpacks, jackets and other items so that we can return them if lost. All lost and found items will be donated to Welcome Warehouse at the end of each trimester. • The archived “Pinney Post” can be found in the “Newsletters” link on our website. • Check your child’s backpack frequently. School Day AM Preschool 8:45-11:15 am PM Preschool AM Kindergarten 9:10-11:40 am PM Kindergarten Grades 1-5 9:10-3:40 pm ELI Latchkey (7:05 a.m. start & 6:00 p.m. end) 12:45-3:15 pm 1:10-3:40 pm 12:05-1:05 pm Clinic Communication with Mrs. Slack & Mrs. Pagan Clinic Communication The Dublin City School District has developed policies to help insure the health and safety of all our students. These policies have been developed in direct correlation with the recommendations of both Nationwide Children’s Hospital and the Centers for Disease Control. It is even more important that parents familiarize themselves with these policies and adhere to them as we move into the time of year when flu and other contagious illnesses become more prevalent. Please take time now to review the following information. If all of our parents follow these policies, we can reduce illness and absences for your child. • It is important to keep any child home exhibiting signs of illness. Signs of illness include fever of 100 degrees or higher, vomiting, diarrhea, sore throat, chills, irritability, or unusual skin rash. Other signs of illness are red and crusty eyes, as well as, other symptoms that are unusual for your child. If your child has been home ill, they must be symptom free without medication for 24 hours before returning to school. If they have been placed on an antibiotic for a contagious illness, they must be on the antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school. • Please remember that parents are responsible for supplying the school with any medication (prescription and over-the-counter) that needs to be given during school hours. The appropriate forms(s) must be completed for clinic staff to be able to administer the medication. Prescription and non-prescription forms are available on the district web site at www.dublinschools.net or from the clinic. The clinic staff is happy to help you determine which forms are needed for your child. • Please make sure to call the school if you change phone numbers. This information is vital as we often need to contact a parent(s) if there is an injury or illness. When listing someone as an emergency contact, please make sure it is a local person who would be able to pick up an ill child. • Remember that cough drops are considered a medication. They must be kept in the clinic and must be sent in with a non-prescription medication form that has been completed by a parent. Students are not permitted to carry cough drops with them during the school day. • When leaving a message on the attendance line, please provide any symptoms your child has such as student's temperature, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Please also include if your child has been seen by a doctor or travelled abroad. Please feel free to call the clinic and speak with the clinic aide or school nurse regarding any questions or concerns you have. Thank you for your help keeping all of our students healthy and safe this season. Clinic phone # - (614) 718-8955 Counselor Corner Mrs. Cellar During the month of January, I will visit each classroom grades K-5 for one guidance lesson. In kindergarten, we will read Polka-dot Fixes Kindergarten by Catherine Urdahl and focus on solving conflicts with friends. In first grade, we will be leaning the connection between feelings and behaviors. Through role playing, students will practice appropriate ways to express negative feelings. In second grade, students will learn ways to deal with anxiety about performance and to learn that poor performance does not make someone a “bad kid.” We will end by reading the book Iím Gonna Like Me by Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell. In third grade, we will read and discuss Wilma Jean the Worry Machine by Julia Cook. Students will begin to understand worry and we will practice ways to manage these feelings. In fourth grade, students will participate in an activity called “War on Worries.” We will read a short story on a student that has one major worry. We will then make worry lines as a strategy in dealing with worry and anxiety. In fifth grade, students will participate in an activity called “Left Out and Lonely.” The objective of this lesson is for students to learn that others experience loneliness. Students will also learn ways to manage, as well as, learn to help others who are experiencing this feeling. Instructional Support Thank you to our PTO for approving a grant for sensory materials! Because of this grant we were able to purchase materials like weighted pencils, fidgets, seat cushions, and other sensory materials that will benefit all students at Pinney who are in need of some of these supports to be successful. Below is an article taken from www.scholastic.com on HOMEWORK HELP meant to help you support your child's education at home. Enjoy! Mrs. Barr, barr_lauren@dublinschools.net 10 Homework Help Tips Wading through homework can be the bane of the school year. Here are 10 tips to help your kid make homework manageable. By Stephanie Wood http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/homework-project-tips/10-homework-help-tips#comments 1. Do It as Early as Possible: Best for Everyone: On days when there are no afternoon activities, give your child a time frame — say, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. — to get down to business. This way, the bulk of it can get done before your kiddo’s too pooped — and you can just review and wrap things up once you get home. 2. Create a Call List: Best for Forgetters: From kindergarten on, kids need a list of three or four classmates they can call on when they forget an assignment. The study buddy can read your child the spelling words over the phone, or his mom can snap a pic of the worksheet and text it to you. 3. Build Confidence: Best for the Intimidated: You can short-circuit negative thinking by sitting down and figuring out the first problem together. That alone can help him remember how to do the rest. Then heap on the praise: “You did a great job on that one! Try the next one now.” Another strategy: Have your child show you similar problems he worked on in class. That may jog his memory so he can retrace the steps. Plus, it helps you see what he’s already learned. 4. Cut It in Half: Best for the Overwhelmed 5. Change the Scene: Best for Daydreamers: Something as simple as a special place to work can boost a child’s motivation and, in turn, his confidence. 6. Keep the Positive Feedback Coming: Best for the K–2 Set: Little kids need instant feedback, so it’s okay for parents of young grade-schoolers to correct mistakes, says Grace. Then emphasize what your kid’s done well. If you praise specific improvements, your little learner will become more inclined to try to do a good job the first time around. 7. Leave the Room: Best for Whiners: “Kids who drag things out are often doing so for your attention — they’re enjoying the interaction on some level,” explains Grace. “Avoid joining in. And if you must stay in the room, have your child work in a spot that’s farther away from whatever you’re doing.” 8. Beat the Clock: Best for Procrastinators: Sometimes a pint-size foot dragger just needs a jump-start. If that’s true for yours, try Dolin’s “Five Minutes of Fury”: Set a timer for five minutes, shout “Go!” and have your child work as fast as she can until the timer goes off. At that point, she can take a short break or keep going — and many kids continue. 9. Plan, Plan, Plan: Best for 3rd- to 5th-Graders: Together, divide the project into steps, then help her estimate how much time each will take. 10. Let ’Em Vent: Best for Everyone: When your routine is upended — and your kid hasn’t even started his homework — ease frustration by letting him complain. Listen, empathize (“Wow, that is a lot of work”), and state his feelings back to him (“You sound upset”). Once your child feels understood, says Dolin, he’ll be more likely to accept your suggestions — and better able to focus on what needs to be done. Jim “Basketball” Jones Jim “Basketball” Jones visited the Pinney students and staff on December 5th for an awesome display of basketball skills and character development. Mr. Jones shared important messages related to character education and making good choices as a student in our school. Several students and staff members joined in the fun and showcased our Pinney Practices....Take Care of Self, Take Care of Others, and Take Care of School. It was one of the best assemblies we’ve ever had. Thanks Mr. Jones!! Tech Tidbits During the month of December, several of the first grade classrooms created their own versions of the "12 Days of Christmas" with the help of a favorite book character, Pete the Cat and even Brutus Buckeye. They collaborated with one another to write a new version, "The 12 Days of December". Students created their own illustrations through the use of “Pixie”, and they also recorded their own voices singing their song. Also in December, many students and teachers at Pinney participated in the "Hour of Code". The Hour of Code is an opportunity for every student to try computer science for one hour. During Computer Science Education Week (Dec. 9-15), students had the opportunity to play some games and learn about basic coding for websites and programs. To learn more about this awesome opportunity and for your children to try out some of the fun interactive activities, go to <http://csedweek.org/learn> IMPORTANT DATES * January - February * ELI PINNEY ELEMENTARY * You can also check out the Pinney calendar on the website for updated events and times. Wed., Jan. 8 Fri. Jan. 10 Sat., Jan. 11 Mon., Jan. 20 Wed., Jan. 22 Welcome Back! NO SCHOOL - Teacher Work Day PTO Skate Night NO SCHOOL - MLK, Jr. Day Market Day pick-up Tues., Feb. 4 Parent conferences Thurs., Feb. 6 Parent conferences Fri., Feb. 7 Movie Night Tues., Feb. 11 Student Council meeting Thurs., Feb. 13 AM-PS Valentine Party Thurs., Feb. 13 PM-PS Valentine Party Fri., Feb. 14 Valentine Party (AM-K/1&2) Fri., Feb 14 Valentine Party (PM-K/3-5) Mon., Feb. 17 NO SCHOOL - Presidents’ Day Wed., Feb. 19 Market Day pick-up Thurs., Feb. 20 PTO general meeting Fri., Feb. 21 PTO Dance-a-Thon Mon., Feb. 24-Fri., Feb. 28 Read Across American week Mon., Feb. 24 Read Across America assembly (AM-PS/Foglietti/4th Gr./5th Gr.) Mon., Feb. 24 Read Across America assembly (AM-K/1st Gr./Kollar/O’Connor/Morgan/Givens) Fri., Feb. 28 End of second trimester Dublin Chiller 5:15-7:15pm Commons 5:00-7:00pm Classrooms Classrooms Gymnasium Music Rm. Classroom Classroom Classrooms Classrooms 4:00-7:45pm 4:00-7:45pm TBD 8:15-9:00am 10:00-10:45am 2:00-2:45pm 10:00-10:45am 2:00-2:45pm Commons Commons Gym 5:00-7:00pm 2:00-3:15pm All Day Commons 10:15-11:00am Commons 11:10-11:40am Pinney Gives Back The “Pinney Gives Back” Monthly Food/Supply Drive is a great way to give back to our community! Drop off your donation in the special shopping cart in the cafeteria anytime during the first two (2) weeks of each month. Everything will be donated to the Dublin Food Pantry. We will keep track of donations and let everyone know each month’s total. Questions? anjwolshire@att.net September October November December January February March April May boxed potatoes (THANK YOU!) Total: baby food & boxed potatoes (THANK YOU!) Total: toilet paper & boxed potatoes (THANK YOU!) Total: canned fruits Total: boxed mac n’ cheese canned tuna or chicken peanut butter or jelly white or brown rice canned stew or ravioli Thank you for your donations! 44 boxed potatoes 55 baby food jars 96 rolls of TP/17 potatoes 100+ cans Other News & Notes SAFETY/SECURITY The intercom instructions to enter the building have been revised. After you have pressed the button, please stand on the red "X" on the floor and face the camera. Once you have been granted access, then proceed to the door to enter. ONLY THE PERSON/PARTY BUZZING MAY ENTER THE BUILDING. Other visitors behind you should wait until the door has closed. If they should follow you, we would appreciate it if you kindly inform them of our entrance procedure. Thank you for your effort in keeping our students and staff safe. Attention 5th Grade Parents The Ohio Department of Health requires all 5th grade students to receive one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diptheria, and Accelular Pertussis) by the start of 6th grade. Please drop off, mail, or fax a copy of your child's completed vaccine record to the attention of the clinic/school nurse as soon as you receive that vaccine. Many of you may have already had this vaccine (also called Adacel and Boostrix). Any questions, please contact the clinic at 614-718-8955. KinderKey Caroling Thank you to all of the students and parents that braved the rainy elements for a night of caroling through the Pinney neighborhoods. We raised a grand total of $1134.60 for the Heart Lab at Children’s Hospital. Way to go Panthers!! P.E.R.C. Presents…! (Please visit www.percdublin.org for more information) ! Norman Shub: The Importance of Letting Children Struggle ! ! ! ! ! ! Where: Dublin Rec. Center! When: tuesday, Jan 28th 2014 ! ! ! 9:30-11am & 7-8:30pm! This workshop helps parents really understand: · How to support your child through difficulties · Becoming a helping parent vs an enabling parent · Developing your child’s independence · Recognizing and understanding anxiety · How to support your child so he/she becomes a self-reliant adult Parents Encouraging Responsible Choices ! Babysitting is available for a small fee through the Dublin Rec Ctr during the am session and for free during the pm session. Norman Shub, author, teacher, and psychotherapist has worked around the world. Norman is a dynamic presenter who is particularly gifted in bringing the audience into the learning process.