Welcome to a new year! 2019 brings opportunities for us to grow as a community of readers and compassionate citizens.

As readers, we continue to strive for all students to read on grade-level by the end of third grade. We are working hard toward that goal with Rise & Read daily, where every student reads a book of their choosing for twenty minutes. As a community of readers, some of our fourth and fifth grade students are reading buddies to younger students during Rise & Read and they get to help their schoolmates grow in their love of reading. You can help build your child's image as a reader by

• creating a comfortable place to read at home.
• talking to your child about what they are reading. (Who are the characters? What can your child make a connection to in what they are reading? How does the book make your child feel?)
• modeling reading - read a favorite story to them at bedtime or pick up a book and read alongside them.

As we focus on compassion in the month of January, we are learning that compassion means caring enough to do something about someone else’s need. 

Some conversation starters to try with your child:
• Has anyone ever helped you out when you were in need? 

• Think of a time when you noticed someone in your class or at your school needed something. It might have been school supplies, new shoes, or a snack for snack time. Did you see anyone show compassion toward that student? 

• When have you shown compassion? How did it feel? 

I encourage you to take some time this month to evaluate the needs of people in your life. One night a week, sit down as a family and identify people at school, at work, at church, in your neighborhood or even in your own home who have a need. Consider and discuss as a family what can be done about that need and set out to do something about it in the coming week. 

Important Reminders:

• If your child is going to be absent, please CALL THE SCHOOL each day he/she will be absent and SEND IN A NOTE explaining the reason for the absence on the day your child returns.
• We go out to recess every day, conditions permitting. Please ensure your child has warm outerwear to wear at recess, including hats and gloves. Please label all your child's belongings. If you need assistance getting warm winter gear for your child, please call Mrs. Smith (counselor) or Mrs. Schmeck (nurse).