Let’s make this an amazing last 5 days before Winter Break for our KUBBIES!
This week we have some changes to our usual routine — Santa Visits, Winter Wonderland, Holiday Celebrations and sharing holiday wishes. Then on Friday, we all head home for Winter Break where our celebrations continue with our family and friends.
True for some, not for all. As Winter Break draws near, along with all of the excitement, it is not uncommon to see an increase in undesired behaviors and regression to previous behaviors in our students. For many of our students, home is a place where relationships are unhealthy, meals are not prepared, and drugs/alcohol or violence are part of daily life. For these students, many of whom we may not even be aware of their circumstances, the most consistent, positive and secure part of their life is time at school. No wonder they are exhibiting some stress. When these students walk out of our doors on Friday, there may be no breakfast or lunch, no counseling services, no celebrations, no gifts, and no one to encourage and support them.
So we support our children. We collaborate with our community to provide basic necessities (food, coats, meals). We give our kids books from our classrooms to read over the break. We express that we are thankful for each other and look forward to being together again as a school community in the new year.
And even though we are tired and looking forward to a much-needed break ourselves, we keep an eye on those who are acting out more than usual. We give them structure and routine. We give them a break. We give them encouragement. This may not be their favorite time of the year.
Thank you for ALL YOU DO for our kids EVERYDAY 🙂
Santa & his elves will be visiting the students at Kennedy School on Tuesday, December 20th. Due to limited space in the front foyer, Santa will be set up in the gymnasium & PE class on Monday will be in classrooms. *Santa will set up in the Pre School entryway for our littlest friends!
Thank you for your flexibility. As always, the office ladies will call your class down to greet Santa. Please remind your students, in the best interest of allowing Santa to visit with all 760+ students, each Kubbie should be prepared to ask Santa for 1 item 🙂 We will be on hand to take photos of students & 1 “class” photo, which will then be posted on our school Flickr account for you to easily download.
Here’s our week at a glance:
Monday, December 19th
*Wear Jeans on a Monday!
Tuesday, December 20th
Santa Visits Kennedy School
*Rescheduled Faculty Meeting = Team Leaders: Check your email!
Faculty Meeting Fun @ 3:10pm in Room 110 (Bring any $10 gift card)
Wednesday, December 21st
Winter Wonderland 6:00pm-8:00pm
*Thanks to those who volunteered! An email will be sent soon with more info! If you didn’t sign up, but are interested in helping out, please let me know! We expect a large turnout, so the more volunteers, the better! 🙂
Thursday, December 22nd
December Buddy Event (Teacher’s Lounge)
Friday, December 23rd
Spirit Assembly – PJ/Movie/Hot Chocolate Day
(12/29) Happy Birthday Jimmy Kennedy 🙂
(01/05) Happy Birthday Kathy Holguin 🙂
(01/06) Happy Birthday Mayra Tellez & Callie Biasco 🙂
*Looking forward to learning with everyone during this Wednesday’s SIP day!
Now it’s your turn. What’s your word for 2017? What word can you choose that will provide focus for you?
