Horace Mann Happenings
Horace Mann Happenings January 5, 2015
Information
Doors open at 7:45 am—Please do not drop students off before 7:45 am Breakfast is served from 8:00 am to 8:20 am School starts at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Students arriving to school after 8:30 am must report to the office to get a tardy slip. Rise & Shine begins at 8:25 am Monday-Thursday; 8:15 am on Friday If you have to schedule an appointment for your child during school hours, please try to schedule appointments during lunch/recess. Please check your child’s Monday folder for more information.
ATTENDANCE COUNTS Help Horace Mann meet its attendance goal of 96%. Every absence counts. Attendance from August 20 to December 19: Kindergarten— 96.26% 1st Grade— 96.17% 2nd Grade— 97.36% 3rd Grade— 97.37% 4th Grade— 96.75% 5th Grade— 96.93% Horace Mann—96.79% Under the Teacher Leader Effectiveness evaluation model, 15% of each teacher’s evaluation will be based off of student attendance. Under the State Department of Education A-F Report Card, 10% of the Horace Mann grade will be based off of student attendance. MATCHING GIFT PLAN Did You Know? Halliburton has a Matching Gift Plan that allows anyone working for Halliburton to make a donation to Horace Mann Elementary and Halliburton will double their match amount. Example: When a Halliburton employee makes a $500 donation to Horace Mann, Halliburton will make a $1,000 donation to Horace Mann.
Horace Mann Elementary 1201 Whisenant Street, Duncan, Oklahoma 73533 Telephone: 580-255-6530, Fax: 580-255-3673 Janice Gay, Principal
Volume 5, Issue 4
Spark Kids’ Creativity in Four Ways Every child is wonderfully original. So give them the power to colorfully express what they are thinking as they discover, explore and dream. Creativity is the ability to come up with original ideas, possibilities and alternatives used in everyday life. For kids, it is a skill critical to school and life successes. Here are a few tips to help bring creativity into your home. Children start learning even before they are born. No wonder parents are called children's first teachers! Parents make a powerful difference in what children learn and how they think – so spark your kids’ creativity by encouraging their curiosity, using common everyday experiences to inspire new ideas, building their confidence and using their art to spark conversations. 1. Encourage their curiosity. Ask questions. Kids are naturally curious. Children know instinctively to ask questions. Children often ask better questions than adults. Listen and build on their curiosity. Continue to inspire their imagination with simple questions, while encouraging them to think of the answers or solutions. Ask your child to imagine and wonder, “What it?” “What if you could have a dinosaur as a pet?” “What if we took a vacation on another planet?” 2. Weave creativity into common everyday experiences. Creativity can happen anywhere. Use common everyday
experiences on teach creativity – in the car, on a walk or when you’re cooking together. Bring crayons and paper along when you go out to eat. Encourage your children to draw a story about a restaurant on Mars and share it while you’re waiting. 3. Build their confidence. When children are encouraged to look at things in many ways and believe in their ideas, it gives them the confidence to express what they’re thinking. Encourage your children to take the lead in coming up with new ideas. If they ask you to “make it for them,” reply that you’d love to see what they create. Children’s fresh and unique styles should be valued. Use any moment as a teachable opportunity to stretch your child’s thinking and encourage their creative expression. Support your child’s interests. Stretch what they know or know how to do. 4. Art sparks communication. Art helps children communicate their ideas. Children’s drawings are their first written communication years before they can read or write. Art opens the window into what your children are thinking and feeling. Talk about what you observe in your children’s art as they draw and paint. Let your child tell you the story of their art. “Tell me about your drawing?” is a perfect question to spark conversation. You can also help your children become creative, confident, and competent learners
by... Setting the Stage Provide art materials and art projects Set up an Art Center in your home Talk with your kids about their art Encourage kids to be problem solvers Speaking to Young Artists Talk with children about art. The art they are creating and the art all around them. Notice the way art is used in everyday life. Art all around us. Introduce art vocabulary to children. Look for lines, shapes/forms, colors, textures, patterns, repetition, and balance. Share opinions and what personal preferences are based on. Urge children to consider ways they could change the design of man-made items. Look for lessons from nature that could improve human designed items. "Look what I made!" When children say, "Look what I made!" show your interest. Encourage them to describe how they created their art. Children are eager to show adults their creations. How can you respond so they are motivated to explore the arts further? Their imaginations will soar. Positive, encouraging responses will help artists of all ages feel they are creative thinkers and capable doers. Usually just one positive comment or open-ended question will open up a fascinating conversation!
Important Dates
JAN 7—Spelling Bee JAN 9—Falcon Friday JAN 9—Safety Drills JAN 19—No School—Teacher Professional Development JAN 23—Safety Drills JAN 27—Regional Spelling Bee FEB 6—Falcon Friday FEB 9-13—Book Fair FEB 10—Family Night FEB 11—5th Grade Caroling FEB 13—5th Grade Science Fair FEB 20—Stephens County Science Fair FEB 24—Group Pictures FEB 25—5th Grade State OCCT Writing Test MARCH 6—Falcon Friday MARCH 12-13—Parent/Teacher Conferences—we need 100% participation MARCH 13– Parent/Teacher Conferences—No School MARCH 13—End of 3rd 9-weeks MARCH 16-20—Spring Break—No School MARCH 27—Safety Drills APRIL 3—Inclement Weather Day— No School APRIL 10– Falcon Friday APRIL 14-15—3rd, 4th, 5th State OCCT Reading Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 16—5th grade OCCT Social Studies Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 21-22—3rd 4th, 5th State OCCT Math Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 23-24—5th Grade State OCCT Science Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 30—4th & 5th Grade OKC Science Fest at OKC Fairgrounds APRIL 28-30—Buy 1 Get 1 Book Fair MAY 1—Falcon Friday MAY 6—Job Fair/Career Day MAY 7—1st grade to Zoo MAY 8—5th Grade Hands on Health MAY 8—3rd Grade to Wichita Mtns MAY 13—4th Conservation Day MAY 19—5th Grade Graduation, 6 pm in gym Dates are subject to change. Please check with your child’s teacher for additional information.
Snoopy Lane: Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands (to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat) Kids don't always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, or when they come inside from playing. But it's a message worth repeating — hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick. Germs can be transmitted many ways, including: Touching dirty hands Changing dirty diapers Through contaminated water and food Through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze By contaminated surfaces Through contact with a sick person’s body fluids When kids come into contact with germs, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. And once they're infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea. Washing Hands Correctly Here's how to scrub those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your kids — or better yet, wash your hands together often so they learn the importance of good hand washing habits. Try singing a tune, such as Row, Row, Row Your Boat twice while washing your hands, the song Happy Birthday song, or recite the ABC’s twice. What ever song you decide (or make up your own), practice each time to form a good hand washing habit. Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands. Use soap and lather up for about 20 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary — any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists! Rinse and dry well with a clean towel. To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially: before eating and cooking after using the bathroom after cleaning around the house after touching animals, including family pets before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dot, etc.) Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor's office!
Group 2 Junior Police Visit the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis are sponsors for Junior Police at each elementary school in Duncan. Tuesday, October 21, 2014, six members of the Junior Police squad proudly represented Horace Mann as they attended the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis club meeting. The Junior Police received compliments regarding their stellar behavior. Further, the Junior Police exhibited exemplary behaviors from the moment they entered the halls, during lunch and as they exited the meeting. Junior Police in attendance include Josue Baeza, Brayan Chiadez, Bethany Fraire, Kyndle Ledford, Landen Mowdy, and Jillian Ward along with the Junior Police sponsors, Mrs. Dawn Price and Mrs. Judy Latimer. Ms. Brandi Jones continues to serve as a Junior Police sponsor. The students had the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills by introducing themselves. They were also provided a complimentary meal and recognized for their service to Horace Mann. The program included a short presentation regarding Smart Start of Stephens County. Further, Dr. JoAnn Pierce gave a brief overview of the Priority One committee; trying to reach parents and caregivers encouraging the love and fundamentals of reading at an early age. The Junior Police made the following reflections. Josue Baeza reported he learned how the Kiwanis members help children in schools and how Smart Start helps provides books to students. Brayan Chiadez and Jullian Ward reported they learned about how Smart Start helps children learn to read, even before they begin school. Landen Mowdy and Bethany Fraire reported they learned a lot of children do not have their own books at home. Kyndle Ledford also learned about the value of volunteerism and even had the forethought to “see if anyone I know wants to help out with that” (reading to students 30 mins-1 hr weekly). Further, the Junior Police learned reading really is FUNdamental. Overall, it was a great experience for the students.
Junior Police Visit the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis and Volunteer to Make a Poster Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis are sponsors for Junior Police at each elementary school in Duncan. Tuesday, December 2, 2014, six members of the Junior Police squad proudly represented Horace Mann as they attended the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis club meeting. Junior Police in attendance include Carysn Etheridge, Korbin Hammack, Gabrielle Lewis, Hana Scott, Xavier Mikes, and Micah Miller along with the Junior Police sponsors, Mrs. Dawn Price and Mrs. Judy Latimer. Ms. Brandi Jones continues to serve as a Junior Police sponsor. The students had the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills by introducing themselves. I was extremely proud when the group volunteered to make a poster for the Kiwanis t-shirt Christmas stocking stuffers that will be displayed at the Christmas tree sales! Gabrielle Lewis led the pledge of allegiance. They were also provided a complimentary meal and recognized for their service to Horace Mann. The program included a short presentation by Carolyn Roger regarding the plant Crape Myrtles. Further, The Junior Police received a civics lesson learning how Duncan became the Crape Myrtle capital of Oklahoma, February 27, 2008. The Junior Police made the following reflections. Carsyn Etheridge reported she learned this type of plant was popular in Oklahoma. Gabrielle Lewis also reports she learned about the plant including that the plant likes soap! Ms. Rogers explained some people save their dish, bath, soapy water to pour on the plant, especially since Duncan is on a water restriction. Xavier Mikes also reports he learned how to take care of the flowering plant. Hana Scott reported she learned the flowers grow in many gorgeous colors and Duncan is the Crape Myrtle capital of Oklahoma. Carysn Etheridge further states this plant is popular in Oklahoma. Korbin Hammack reflected on the fact that being a JP one has to be mature and have manners at the same time, have fun doing a job correctly. Micah Miller reports he learned to put others first. Additionally, the JP’s received as science lesson, learning life cycle of the Crepe Mytrle. First year it needs a great deal of water, that stage has been nicknamed, sleep. Second year, nicknamed creep, it begins to grow. Finally, the third stage is nicknamed leap because it grows in leaps and bounds. Overall, it was a great experience for the students.
We’re on the web: www.duncanps.org
8 Tips for School Success
And Facebook
Research shows that parent support is more important to school success than a child’s IQ, economic status or school setting, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Here are tips for elementary school success.
workplace. Keep school supplies near the child’s homework spot.
2. Have the Right Attitude: Parents should show excitement and enthusiasm for their child’s school. This will put the child in a positive frame of mind to come to school and be successful. Volunteer in their school if you can. But more importantly, ask your children what they’re doing in school, discuss the topics they’re studying and talk about how they’re handling assignments.
6. Be a Reading and Writing Role Model: It’s important to show students that adults use reading and writing skills every day. Demonstrate those skills by reading, even if it’s just street signs or directions; write for your children, even if it’s just a note tucked in with lunch. Let them see that schooling goes beyond 8:30am to 3:30pm. When the foundations of reading are in place, everything else falls into place more easily. Read with your child, alongside your child, and even on your own to model the importance of it.
And School Connect And DTV-10
December Students of the Month 1st Grade Ms. Dorrough: Melissa Hatter Ms. LaForce: Bradley Cates Ms. Payne: Bricen Mendinghall Ms. Wilson: Jarret Isennock 2nd Grade Ms. Anderson: Aryiah Harris Ms. Gates: Layci Blalock Ms. Giles: Caitlin Nguyen 3rd Grade Ms. Hill: Mason Imel Ms. Scott: Angela Ibarra Ms. Waldo: Melanie Healey Ms. Wilcox: Dayci Alston 4th Grade Ms. Benton: Chrissy Benton Ms. Benson: Sheridan White Mr. Caldwell: Jaiden Gregston 5th Grade Ms. Jones: Julia Taylor Ms. Morphew: Marissa Bumgarner Ms. Stuck: Hana Scott Specials Ms. Johnson: Karly Miller Ms. Roberts: Hector Solorio-Salazar Ms. Spencer: Kenedy Noble Ms. Tolle: Ean Adams
5. Support Strengths: Recognize and encourage strengths. There is a tendency sometimes to focus only on areas where children need extra 1. Think Long Term: We know stu- help. Emphasizing children’s strengths and helping them develop dents need to learn reading, writing and math skills in elementary school, their areas of interest builds selfesteem and keeps kids motivated. If but to succeed throughout their you devote time to a problem learnschool years, the two things they ing area, continue emphasizing your really need to know are study skills child’s strengths. It is important that a and how to learn. As a parent, help child understands that struggling in your child develop effective study skills and strategies for time manage- one area doesn’t mean he is a poor student. ment.
3. Communicate: It is critically important to build a relationship with your children’s teachers. Communicate with the teacher often. You can get in touch by e-mail, notes, phone calls or face-to-face. The most important thing is that the parents approach the education of their child with the teacher as a team effort and a common goal. This kind of personal contact tells teachers that you are involved, that you value them, and that you are open to discussions about your child’s weaknesses, as well as his or her strengths. 4. Stick to Routines: In the morning, make sure your children wake up at a consistent time every day and eat breakfast. Strive for consistency in their nighttime routine too. Advise your children that if you make sure your backpack is ready the night before, you’re not scrambling the next morning and you start the day off right. Kids benefit from a consistent homework routine, including a regular time of day and comfortable
7. Demonstrate Relevance: Help your children see that what they learn in school is useful and relevant to their life. If they are studying fractions, the next time you are baking, show them how measuring cups and spoons divide ingredients and talk about how important it is to know the difference between a quarter cup and two-thirds of a cup — the difference between delicious and yuck! 8. Support Homework Independence: Learning independence and responsibility is an important lesson of the elementary school years, and homework is key to this process. Have a pre-homework chat to summarize assignments and to review directions. After this brief meeting, slip away, but check back later to see if there are any questions or problems. Above all, let the child work on his or her own.
Horace Mann Spelling Bee Preliminary Winners 3rd Grade Landon Holthaus Emerson Villagrana 4th Grade Ayden Pennypacker 5th Grade Maelyn Marks Runners-up 3rd Grade Ka’ziya Criner Anastasia Scott 4th Grade Anna Hutto Ashton Smith 5th Grade Alexis Giles Julia Taylor Spelling Bee will be held January 7 at Horace Mann. “RingPop” December Attendance Winner was a tie between Ms. Scott and Mrs. Giles’ classrooms with only 4 absences for the month of December! Who will our January attendance winner be?
Information
Doors open at 7:45 am—Please do not drop students off before 7:45 am Breakfast is served from 8:00 am to 8:20 am School starts at 8:30 am and ends at 3:30 pm. Students arriving to school after 8:30 am must report to the office to get a tardy slip. Rise & Shine begins at 8:25 am Monday-Thursday; 8:15 am on Friday If you have to schedule an appointment for your child during school hours, please try to schedule appointments during lunch/recess. Please check your child’s Monday folder for more information.
ATTENDANCE COUNTS Help Horace Mann meet its attendance goal of 96%. Every absence counts. Attendance from August 20 to December 19: Kindergarten— 96.26% 1st Grade— 96.17% 2nd Grade— 97.36% 3rd Grade— 97.37% 4th Grade— 96.75% 5th Grade— 96.93% Horace Mann—96.79% Under the Teacher Leader Effectiveness evaluation model, 15% of each teacher’s evaluation will be based off of student attendance. Under the State Department of Education A-F Report Card, 10% of the Horace Mann grade will be based off of student attendance. MATCHING GIFT PLAN Did You Know? Halliburton has a Matching Gift Plan that allows anyone working for Halliburton to make a donation to Horace Mann Elementary and Halliburton will double their match amount. Example: When a Halliburton employee makes a $500 donation to Horace Mann, Halliburton will make a $1,000 donation to Horace Mann.
Horace Mann Elementary 1201 Whisenant Street, Duncan, Oklahoma 73533 Telephone: 580-255-6530, Fax: 580-255-3673 Janice Gay, Principal
Volume 5, Issue 4
Spark Kids’ Creativity in Four Ways Every child is wonderfully original. So give them the power to colorfully express what they are thinking as they discover, explore and dream. Creativity is the ability to come up with original ideas, possibilities and alternatives used in everyday life. For kids, it is a skill critical to school and life successes. Here are a few tips to help bring creativity into your home. Children start learning even before they are born. No wonder parents are called children's first teachers! Parents make a powerful difference in what children learn and how they think – so spark your kids’ creativity by encouraging their curiosity, using common everyday experiences to inspire new ideas, building their confidence and using their art to spark conversations. 1. Encourage their curiosity. Ask questions. Kids are naturally curious. Children know instinctively to ask questions. Children often ask better questions than adults. Listen and build on their curiosity. Continue to inspire their imagination with simple questions, while encouraging them to think of the answers or solutions. Ask your child to imagine and wonder, “What it?” “What if you could have a dinosaur as a pet?” “What if we took a vacation on another planet?” 2. Weave creativity into common everyday experiences. Creativity can happen anywhere. Use common everyday
experiences on teach creativity – in the car, on a walk or when you’re cooking together. Bring crayons and paper along when you go out to eat. Encourage your children to draw a story about a restaurant on Mars and share it while you’re waiting. 3. Build their confidence. When children are encouraged to look at things in many ways and believe in their ideas, it gives them the confidence to express what they’re thinking. Encourage your children to take the lead in coming up with new ideas. If they ask you to “make it for them,” reply that you’d love to see what they create. Children’s fresh and unique styles should be valued. Use any moment as a teachable opportunity to stretch your child’s thinking and encourage their creative expression. Support your child’s interests. Stretch what they know or know how to do. 4. Art sparks communication. Art helps children communicate their ideas. Children’s drawings are their first written communication years before they can read or write. Art opens the window into what your children are thinking and feeling. Talk about what you observe in your children’s art as they draw and paint. Let your child tell you the story of their art. “Tell me about your drawing?” is a perfect question to spark conversation. You can also help your children become creative, confident, and competent learners
by... Setting the Stage Provide art materials and art projects Set up an Art Center in your home Talk with your kids about their art Encourage kids to be problem solvers Speaking to Young Artists Talk with children about art. The art they are creating and the art all around them. Notice the way art is used in everyday life. Art all around us. Introduce art vocabulary to children. Look for lines, shapes/forms, colors, textures, patterns, repetition, and balance. Share opinions and what personal preferences are based on. Urge children to consider ways they could change the design of man-made items. Look for lessons from nature that could improve human designed items. "Look what I made!" When children say, "Look what I made!" show your interest. Encourage them to describe how they created their art. Children are eager to show adults their creations. How can you respond so they are motivated to explore the arts further? Their imaginations will soar. Positive, encouraging responses will help artists of all ages feel they are creative thinkers and capable doers. Usually just one positive comment or open-ended question will open up a fascinating conversation!
Important Dates
JAN 7—Spelling Bee JAN 9—Falcon Friday JAN 9—Safety Drills JAN 19—No School—Teacher Professional Development JAN 23—Safety Drills JAN 27—Regional Spelling Bee FEB 6—Falcon Friday FEB 9-13—Book Fair FEB 10—Family Night FEB 11—5th Grade Caroling FEB 13—5th Grade Science Fair FEB 20—Stephens County Science Fair FEB 24—Group Pictures FEB 25—5th Grade State OCCT Writing Test MARCH 6—Falcon Friday MARCH 12-13—Parent/Teacher Conferences—we need 100% participation MARCH 13– Parent/Teacher Conferences—No School MARCH 13—End of 3rd 9-weeks MARCH 16-20—Spring Break—No School MARCH 27—Safety Drills APRIL 3—Inclement Weather Day— No School APRIL 10– Falcon Friday APRIL 14-15—3rd, 4th, 5th State OCCT Reading Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 16—5th grade OCCT Social Studies Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 21-22—3rd 4th, 5th State OCCT Math Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 23-24—5th Grade State OCCT Science Tests—Need 100% attendance APRIL 30—4th & 5th Grade OKC Science Fest at OKC Fairgrounds APRIL 28-30—Buy 1 Get 1 Book Fair MAY 1—Falcon Friday MAY 6—Job Fair/Career Day MAY 7—1st grade to Zoo MAY 8—5th Grade Hands on Health MAY 8—3rd Grade to Wichita Mtns MAY 13—4th Conservation Day MAY 19—5th Grade Graduation, 6 pm in gym Dates are subject to change. Please check with your child’s teacher for additional information.
Snoopy Lane: Wash, Wash, Wash Your Hands (to the tune of Row, Row, Row Your Boat) Kids don't always listen when you tell them to wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom, or when they come inside from playing. But it's a message worth repeating — hand washing is by far the best way to prevent germs from spreading and to keep your kids from getting sick. Germs can be transmitted many ways, including: Touching dirty hands Changing dirty diapers Through contaminated water and food Through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze By contaminated surfaces Through contact with a sick person’s body fluids When kids come into contact with germs, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. And once they're infected, it's usually just a matter of time before the whole family comes down with the same illness. Good hand washing is the first line of defense against the spread of many illnesses, from the common cold to more serious illnesses such as meningitis, bronchitis, influenza, hepatitis A, and most types of infectious diarrhea. Washing Hands Correctly Here's how to scrub those germs away. Demonstrate this routine to your kids — or better yet, wash your hands together often so they learn the importance of good hand washing habits. Try singing a tune, such as Row, Row, Row Your Boat twice while washing your hands, the song Happy Birthday song, or recite the ABC’s twice. What ever song you decide (or make up your own), practice each time to form a good hand washing habit. Wash your hands in warm water. Make sure the water isn't too hot for little hands. Use soap and lather up for about 20 seconds (antibacterial soap isn't necessary — any soap will do). Make sure you get in between the fingers and under the nails where uninvited germs like to hang out. And don't forget the wrists! Rinse and dry well with a clean towel. To minimize the germs passed around your family, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially: before eating and cooking after using the bathroom after cleaning around the house after touching animals, including family pets before and after visiting or taking care of any sick friends or relatives after blowing one’s nose, coughing, or sneezing after being outside (playing, gardening, walking the dot, etc.) Don't underestimate the power of hand washing! The few seconds you spend at the sink could save you trips to the doctor's office!
Group 2 Junior Police Visit the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis are sponsors for Junior Police at each elementary school in Duncan. Tuesday, October 21, 2014, six members of the Junior Police squad proudly represented Horace Mann as they attended the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis club meeting. The Junior Police received compliments regarding their stellar behavior. Further, the Junior Police exhibited exemplary behaviors from the moment they entered the halls, during lunch and as they exited the meeting. Junior Police in attendance include Josue Baeza, Brayan Chiadez, Bethany Fraire, Kyndle Ledford, Landen Mowdy, and Jillian Ward along with the Junior Police sponsors, Mrs. Dawn Price and Mrs. Judy Latimer. Ms. Brandi Jones continues to serve as a Junior Police sponsor. The students had the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills by introducing themselves. They were also provided a complimentary meal and recognized for their service to Horace Mann. The program included a short presentation regarding Smart Start of Stephens County. Further, Dr. JoAnn Pierce gave a brief overview of the Priority One committee; trying to reach parents and caregivers encouraging the love and fundamentals of reading at an early age. The Junior Police made the following reflections. Josue Baeza reported he learned how the Kiwanis members help children in schools and how Smart Start helps provides books to students. Brayan Chiadez and Jullian Ward reported they learned about how Smart Start helps children learn to read, even before they begin school. Landen Mowdy and Bethany Fraire reported they learned a lot of children do not have their own books at home. Kyndle Ledford also learned about the value of volunteerism and even had the forethought to “see if anyone I know wants to help out with that” (reading to students 30 mins-1 hr weekly). Further, the Junior Police learned reading really is FUNdamental. Overall, it was a great experience for the students.
Junior Police Visit the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis and Volunteer to Make a Poster Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis are sponsors for Junior Police at each elementary school in Duncan. Tuesday, December 2, 2014, six members of the Junior Police squad proudly represented Horace Mann as they attended the Duncan Chisholm Trail Kiwanis club meeting. Junior Police in attendance include Carysn Etheridge, Korbin Hammack, Gabrielle Lewis, Hana Scott, Xavier Mikes, and Micah Miller along with the Junior Police sponsors, Mrs. Dawn Price and Mrs. Judy Latimer. Ms. Brandi Jones continues to serve as a Junior Police sponsor. The students had the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills by introducing themselves. I was extremely proud when the group volunteered to make a poster for the Kiwanis t-shirt Christmas stocking stuffers that will be displayed at the Christmas tree sales! Gabrielle Lewis led the pledge of allegiance. They were also provided a complimentary meal and recognized for their service to Horace Mann. The program included a short presentation by Carolyn Roger regarding the plant Crape Myrtles. Further, The Junior Police received a civics lesson learning how Duncan became the Crape Myrtle capital of Oklahoma, February 27, 2008. The Junior Police made the following reflections. Carsyn Etheridge reported she learned this type of plant was popular in Oklahoma. Gabrielle Lewis also reports she learned about the plant including that the plant likes soap! Ms. Rogers explained some people save their dish, bath, soapy water to pour on the plant, especially since Duncan is on a water restriction. Xavier Mikes also reports he learned how to take care of the flowering plant. Hana Scott reported she learned the flowers grow in many gorgeous colors and Duncan is the Crape Myrtle capital of Oklahoma. Carysn Etheridge further states this plant is popular in Oklahoma. Korbin Hammack reflected on the fact that being a JP one has to be mature and have manners at the same time, have fun doing a job correctly. Micah Miller reports he learned to put others first. Additionally, the JP’s received as science lesson, learning life cycle of the Crepe Mytrle. First year it needs a great deal of water, that stage has been nicknamed, sleep. Second year, nicknamed creep, it begins to grow. Finally, the third stage is nicknamed leap because it grows in leaps and bounds. Overall, it was a great experience for the students.
We’re on the web: www.duncanps.org
8 Tips for School Success
And Facebook
Research shows that parent support is more important to school success than a child’s IQ, economic status or school setting, according to the U.S. Department of Education. Here are tips for elementary school success.
workplace. Keep school supplies near the child’s homework spot.
2. Have the Right Attitude: Parents should show excitement and enthusiasm for their child’s school. This will put the child in a positive frame of mind to come to school and be successful. Volunteer in their school if you can. But more importantly, ask your children what they’re doing in school, discuss the topics they’re studying and talk about how they’re handling assignments.
6. Be a Reading and Writing Role Model: It’s important to show students that adults use reading and writing skills every day. Demonstrate those skills by reading, even if it’s just street signs or directions; write for your children, even if it’s just a note tucked in with lunch. Let them see that schooling goes beyond 8:30am to 3:30pm. When the foundations of reading are in place, everything else falls into place more easily. Read with your child, alongside your child, and even on your own to model the importance of it.
And School Connect And DTV-10
December Students of the Month 1st Grade Ms. Dorrough: Melissa Hatter Ms. LaForce: Bradley Cates Ms. Payne: Bricen Mendinghall Ms. Wilson: Jarret Isennock 2nd Grade Ms. Anderson: Aryiah Harris Ms. Gates: Layci Blalock Ms. Giles: Caitlin Nguyen 3rd Grade Ms. Hill: Mason Imel Ms. Scott: Angela Ibarra Ms. Waldo: Melanie Healey Ms. Wilcox: Dayci Alston 4th Grade Ms. Benton: Chrissy Benton Ms. Benson: Sheridan White Mr. Caldwell: Jaiden Gregston 5th Grade Ms. Jones: Julia Taylor Ms. Morphew: Marissa Bumgarner Ms. Stuck: Hana Scott Specials Ms. Johnson: Karly Miller Ms. Roberts: Hector Solorio-Salazar Ms. Spencer: Kenedy Noble Ms. Tolle: Ean Adams
5. Support Strengths: Recognize and encourage strengths. There is a tendency sometimes to focus only on areas where children need extra 1. Think Long Term: We know stu- help. Emphasizing children’s strengths and helping them develop dents need to learn reading, writing and math skills in elementary school, their areas of interest builds selfesteem and keeps kids motivated. If but to succeed throughout their you devote time to a problem learnschool years, the two things they ing area, continue emphasizing your really need to know are study skills child’s strengths. It is important that a and how to learn. As a parent, help child understands that struggling in your child develop effective study skills and strategies for time manage- one area doesn’t mean he is a poor student. ment.
3. Communicate: It is critically important to build a relationship with your children’s teachers. Communicate with the teacher often. You can get in touch by e-mail, notes, phone calls or face-to-face. The most important thing is that the parents approach the education of their child with the teacher as a team effort and a common goal. This kind of personal contact tells teachers that you are involved, that you value them, and that you are open to discussions about your child’s weaknesses, as well as his or her strengths. 4. Stick to Routines: In the morning, make sure your children wake up at a consistent time every day and eat breakfast. Strive for consistency in their nighttime routine too. Advise your children that if you make sure your backpack is ready the night before, you’re not scrambling the next morning and you start the day off right. Kids benefit from a consistent homework routine, including a regular time of day and comfortable
7. Demonstrate Relevance: Help your children see that what they learn in school is useful and relevant to their life. If they are studying fractions, the next time you are baking, show them how measuring cups and spoons divide ingredients and talk about how important it is to know the difference between a quarter cup and two-thirds of a cup — the difference between delicious and yuck! 8. Support Homework Independence: Learning independence and responsibility is an important lesson of the elementary school years, and homework is key to this process. Have a pre-homework chat to summarize assignments and to review directions. After this brief meeting, slip away, but check back later to see if there are any questions or problems. Above all, let the child work on his or her own.
Horace Mann Spelling Bee Preliminary Winners 3rd Grade Landon Holthaus Emerson Villagrana 4th Grade Ayden Pennypacker 5th Grade Maelyn Marks Runners-up 3rd Grade Ka’ziya Criner Anastasia Scott 4th Grade Anna Hutto Ashton Smith 5th Grade Alexis Giles Julia Taylor Spelling Bee will be held January 7 at Horace Mann. “RingPop” December Attendance Winner was a tie between Ms. Scott and Mrs. Giles’ classrooms with only 4 absences for the month of December! Who will our January attendance winner be?
