1. family and parenting
2. children

March 2015
Guidance NEWSLETTER
Mary Starnes
[email protected]
Recent topics in Developmental Guidance classes are as follows:
At this time, students in Grades Kindergarten-4 are involved in their annual Protective Behaviors, or Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention Unit. This unit, like all other Guidance Units, is presented in a developmental manner and includes ageappropriate lessons on stranger awareness, body ownership, assertiveness, types of abuse and problem solving skills. Each
year, all students learn and review the 3 rules of personal safety, which are “Say Words that Mean No, Get Away to a Safe
Place, and Tell a Grownup who can Help”. The students are also learning the following vocabulary regarding their personal
safety:
* The Always Ask First Rule
* Safe Touch
* Unsafe Touch
* Unwanted Touch
* The Touching Rule
By studying such key topics, students are learning skills to increase their sense of personal and emotional safety and wellness.
Also, by teaching students these assertiveness and problem-solving skills, they should feel stronger and more competent
should potential abusive situations occur. Parents received a letter in the Thursday folder when their children’s grade level
began this important unit.
Attached to this newsletter is a pamphlet entitled, “Talking to Your Child about Personal Safety”.
This is a very helpful resource for parents and guardians about this important topic. If you would like any resources in our
area, please contact me.
Our 5th Graders have completed their Protective Behaviors unit, and have moved on to their annual ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs) unit. A great video series called “The Danger Zone” helps to explain the dangers of using various types
of drugs. Last week, the 5th graders were introduced to this topic by learning about the health hazards of using any type of tobacco product.
BULLY BLOCKERS COUNCIL
The first group of 3rd grade volunteers on our 2014-2015 Bully Blockers Council met weekly during lunch recess for the last
ten weeks. The aim of the Bully Blockers Council is to increase awareness of bullying behavior and to encourage students to
“stand up” if they witness bullying. The B.B.C. also aims to help spread the word about bullying.
Congratulations to the following 3rd graders who are in B.B.C. – Group A. We appreciate their efforts !
Ms. Ramsey
Ms. Roszak
Mrs. Wilke
Hector Alamo
Isabelle Borak
David Fischer
Emma Frank
Reza Gaikwad
Yasheca Rajnwal
Shelby Spivey
Alexis Wera
Lincoln Begin
Bree Griffin
Dominic Garcia
Caleb Mueller
Mollinee Niemczyk
Lilly Piotrowski
Claire Cianciola
Grace Bloechl
Brett Goggins
Jackie Lam
Paige Lenz
Antonio Lopez
Mari Molette
Bria Swenson
Kohlub Yang
B.B.C. - Group B has now started meeting and will continue to do so for a total of 10 meetings. They will continue to carry
out the mission of being part of the solution to bullying.
March 2015
Guidance NEWSLETTER
Mary Starnes
[email protected]
Caring Community Peer Tutoring
Peer Tutoring has just begun at Elm Dale! This is an activity where trained, responsible 4 th and 5th graders spend one recess
a week tutoring a younger child in spelling, math, or reading. The tutors receive training by me in the areas of trustbuilding, reflective listening, giving feedback, and encouraging. This program is mutually beneficial for both the tutors and
their younger “study buddies”. I am pleased to say that almost 100 4 th and 5th graders volunteered to be tutors this year,
proving that Elm Dale truly is a “caring community”. Thank you to our 2015 Elm Dale Peer Tutors!
P.B.I.S. (The Elm Dale Way) Happenings:
As a part of our P.B.I.S. efforts (“The Elm Dale Way”), we hold short, all-school assemblies every month.
Every assembly focuses on our 3 school-wide expectations of Safe, Respectful, and Responsible. Announcements and reminders are given, followed by into some kind of presentation, skit, role-play, or game
show. A different grade level of teachers plan and present this middle part of the program which aims to
teach or reinforce certain behavioral expectations for our students.
In February, our assembly was presented by the 3rd grade teachers and 3rd grade students. They used an
entertaining game show format (complete with “Jeopardy” game show music) to review our expectations
for the cafeteria!
Finally, all monthly assemblies conclude with our all-school song, “Elm Dale Rocks!”
Great job in reminding us of the Elm Dale Way, 3rd grade teachers and students!
Our March PBIS assembly will be presented in the near future by our Second Graders and will cover how
we should always be using our hands for helping.
Human Growth and Development:
Two Human Growth and Development lessons are offered to all 4th and 5th graders. These lessons cover
good health and hygiene habits, as well as social, emotional and physical changes that occur during puberty. Fourth graders will have their lessons in late March, and 5th graders will receive their lessons in May.
Parents receive permission slips prior to these classes.
Guidance Quote of the Day:
“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is
to be kind.” - Henry James