From the Principal’s Desk - Personal Bank Account
In the last article, I wrote about a Personal Bank Account. The idea was taken from the book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens. A PBA is a fictional account much like a bank account for a child’s self-esteem. Like a bank account what we do positive for ourselves is called a deposit and the negative things we do to ourselves are called withdrawals. Sean Covey, the author, also explains we also have a Relationship Bank Account. We can do positive things that encourage our relationships to flourish. Covey calls these deposits. We can also do negative things to our relationships which cause trauma or conflict. These are called withdrawals. I would like to focus this article on the deposits we can make in relationships.
The first deposit is keeping promises. Trust is valuable to any relationship and in order to build trust you must do what you say you will do.
Doing small acts of kindness can really show someone you care. Deposits like a compliment, a smile or even a kind note can enrich a relationship. People like to know others care.
Being loyal is vital to any relationship. The third deposit is loyalty. Loyal people keep secrets, avoid gossip and stick up for others. To quote Sean Covey, “Strong minds talk about ideas; weak minds talk about people.”
Taking time to listen can strengthen a relationship. Listening is not only a talent but a discipline. It is essential that when we are in a relationship and someone comes to us with a problem we block out everything else and take the time to genuinely listen.
When you are wrong, apologize. Saying the words “I am sorry” can ease tension and start the process of rebuilding or putting a strained relationship back on track.
The last deposit is to set clear expectations. When entering a new relationship it is important to establish clear expectations. A relationship has a better chance to succeed if there are no vague messages or the relationship is based on the truth.
Like a plant needs water, good soil and sunlight to grow; relationships need deposits in order to flourish.
Post-Script - Your children will learn how to act in their relationships by watching you. Children may not say anything but they are always observing and watching.
Upcoming Events:
March 2 - 6 Dr. Suess Week
March 20 End of the 3rd Nine Week Grading Period
March 23 Statewide Tornado Drill at 9:50 AM
March 26 Talent Show
March 27 Whole School Daily Mile - Weather Permitting
March 30 Whole School Daily Mile - Rain Date
April 2 - 6 No School - Spring Recess
Winter Connections Day:
Students recently had the opportunity to visit the high school to meet their pen pal partners in person after exchanging letters throughout the school year. The visit gave students a chance to connect with one another through conversation and get to know the person behind the letters.
To help make the introductions more comfortable and fun, some students spent time coloring or completing simple activities together while they talked. These activities helped create a relaxed and welcoming environment as students built new connections with their high school pen pals.
Students will continue writing to their pen pals for the remainder of the school year and will have another opportunity to see them in person at the district-wide Connections Day in May.
A big thank you to everyone who helped organize this special visit and to the high school staff for graciously hosting our students. It was a wonderful experience for all involved!
PBIS Indian of the Month: “Resilient”
Each month, our classroom teachers nominate one student who has done an outstanding job demonstrating our school’s PBIS expectation of the month. These students serve as positive role models for their classmates and help create a caring and respectful school community.
For February, our focus word was “Take Initiative.” Teachers looked for students who demonstrated initiative by stepping up without being asked, making responsible choices, and taking action to help themselves and others succeed—even when faced with challenges.
We are proud of the students who rise to the challenge each month and model what it means to live out our PBIS expectations: Lawrence Cotterman, Charlotte Triplett, Eulylah Sorio, Janey Doyle, Quinley Price, Jaxson Schmiedebusch, Romee Long, Evelyn Salas, Maeve Edgerton, Jamal Banks, James Swygart, Kolin Knerr, Jaxon Garlock , Kynslee Neal, Elijah Whitaker, Ardyn Cooper, Maxwell Edgerton, Will Blackburn, Elliott Germann, Cruz Miller, Tucker Coffey, and Colton Williams. Congratulations to all of our February Indians of the Month!
Looking ahead, March’s focus expectation will be “Take Ownership.” We’ll be celebrating students who take responsibility for their actions, choices, and learning, and who demonstrate accountability in positive and respectful ways.
Whole School Daily Mile- Volunteers Needed
https://forms.gle/1PDj8C8FyMRTu6NJ9
If you are interested and able to volunteer for the upcoming whole school daily mile on March 27th, please use the link to sign up! We are looking for around 60 volunteers to help guide and cheer the students on as they complete their mile!
A Friendly Reminder about pickups
If you need to add your student to the pickup list you must call the office by 2:30pm
The doors to the gym open at 3:20pm
Adults pick up a student must stop and speak with the teacher at the head of the appropriate grade line.
Please always have your identification available as you may be asked to provide it at any time.
Students and parents should not go back to the classrooms for any reason.