PES | January Newsletter

January 2020

Dear Students, Families, Staff, and Community Members: 

Welcome back and Happy New Year! Returning to school in January, our students and staff are always filled with renewed energy and tenacity. The staff is excited to make a positive difference in the lives of Popplewell students.

Thank you to everyone who was able to join Popplewell for our Holiday festivities, concerts classroom parties, supporting our Little Caesar’s Pizza fundraiser, and assisting in classrooms. The students feel the excitement and intensity of December. The month is filled with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and the break that is looming. We at Popplewell genuinely appreciate all the assistance, gifts, fun activities, and love! January, as with the previous four months, a new character education trait, is introduced. We start 2020 with a focus on fairness. Students will learn through age-appropriateness that doing something in an honest and even way is fairness. Students will learn social skills on the following: Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Do not take advantage of others • Do not blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly!

Finally, in closing, a few tips, and reminders to help students in January.  

Cold Weather Reminders

Although we have not had much cold weather, it is essential to make sure the children dress appropriately for the cold weather. If the temperature or the temperature plus the wind-chill dips below 19 degrees Fahrenheit, we will keep the students inside. If students are at recess and show signs of discomfort, the bell will ring early. Again, please make sure warm clothing, hats, gloves, and coats are worn. Popplewell’s students need fresh air and a break from the classroom.

Tips to Encourage Students in Math and Literacy

Math: To help support your child in math, please work with them to achieve automaticity with basic math facts. Automaticity is the ability to say the answer to a problem immediately after reading the math fact. Flashcards can be found at stores or printed from the internet. 

• Grades K-2 need to achieve fluency with addition and subtraction. 

• Grades 3-5 need to achieve fluency with Multiplication and division facts.

Literacy: The most important thing a parent can do to develop literacy is to read with your child. Questions to ask your child while reading non-fiction text include: 

• What is the main idea of the passage or text? 

• Can you tell me something you already know about this story? 

• What did you learn from reading the text? 

• Are there any words that you do not know what they mean? 

• What are some new words that you learned? 

• Do you have any questions after reading this? 

Again, thanks for all of the support our Buhl Community gives us at Popplewell. It is my wish everyone has a Happy New Year in 2020!

Sincerely,

Cynthia M. Cooper, Principal