Dear Parents-
Many times we hear negative things about schools or how students are struggling with certain subjects on state tests. Although these are real problems and concerns, I choose to look at the positives of how our students are performing. Performance is measured in many different ways. You can measure with statistics and test scores, but you can also measure by the impact of what our students do for our community.
One very important piece of our story at Challenger Elementary is our spirit of giving. Throughout the year, we frequently give away more money to local charities than we take in for our student activities and PTO. In the past 5 years, Challenger Elementary has raised $33,403 for various charities. Make-A-Wish cookie donations, Jump Rope for Heart, and field day T-shirt sales are just a few of our charitable donations.
Today was another great way to give back to our community. The 3rd grade participated in the local Arbor Day Celebration. The entire 3rd grade class walked to the West Street Park located in the city of Howell. At this celebration, students planted trees, connected with police/fire/emergency personnel, learned about the Rotary Club, and simply enjoyed a great afternoon in our community. Thanks to the 3rd grade teachers for seeking this opportunity out for our students.
To be honest, I am amazed how much of a giving spirit our school possesses. Our staff goes the extra mile to connect students to our community and build a spirit of giving. Thanks for continuing to support these efforts at home. Have a great weekend!
Mr. Cherry
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Upcoming Calendar Items
A friendly reminder that Friday, May 11 is a half day of school. On this day, our students will be released at 12:05 p.m. Superintendent MacGregor’s final Coffee Chat of the school year will be held on Thursday, May 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Howell Chamber of Commerce. Lastly, please remember that the last day of school has been changed to Thursday, June 14 to accommodate a make-up day that is required as the district exceeded its allowed inclement weather days.
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Helping your Child With Separation Anxiety
Separation anxiety is the distress that can happen to both children and adults when they think about separating from home or from the people they have become attached to. It commonly develops after a person experiences a major stressor, such as a loss, a change of schools, or family divorce. Symptoms include crying, school refusal, clinginess, and regressed behaviors.
To resolve the feelings of separation anxiety, a child must develop an adequate sense of safety in their environment, trust in people other than their parents, and trust in the parent's return.
Here are five quick tips to relieve separation anxiety:
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Say your goodbyes and go. As painful as it is to see your child in distress, teachers are trained to support in these situations. Every time you leave your child at school and come back at the end of the day as promised, you are helping your child build security and confidence. Stay calm, matter-of-fact and, sympathetic: "Say, "I know you don't want me to go away right now, but I will be back after school."
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Be prepared and routine - it creates a sense of predictability and comfort. If it is the start of the school year or if your child will be starting a new school, visit the school ahead of time. Make sure your child’s basic needs are met: they are well-rested, fed a nutritious breakfast, not feeling rushed. Wake up a little early to schedule in some “snuggle time” before starting the day.
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Create a special “goodbye” ritual (a special wave, handshake, or transitional object). This promotes meaningful connection and distraction.
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Pay attention to your own body language and maintain control over your own anxieties. If your child senses or sees your distress at leaving, that will tell him that there must be something wrong. Model the calm and confident behavior we would like to see from our children.
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Read some stories about saying goodbye. Children may enjoy stories like The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn or Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney.
It always helps to talk to your child’s teacher - they can help ensure the school environment is as welcoming and comfortable as possible!
Your Partner in Education,
Kim Martin
References: American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Psychiatric Association, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition), and the National Institutes of Health - National Library of Medicine.