January at GFW Primary & Intermediate Schools

By Jennifer Thompson, Principal

At the primary school, January’s weather has made it difficult for our students to get outside and play. If the windchill is below zero, the students stay inside for recess. We are fortunate to have options for students during these times. This includes using the gym if it is available, our indoor sensory path, various games and activities, and movement with videos. At the Intermediate School, students are inside in the gym for recess playing basketball, football and other activities. Teachers also have students take frequent movement breaks throughout the day. These increase on days when there is no outside recess.

Traditionally the winter months are a time when some students struggle more with their emotions. At the primary and intermediate school Miss Mages, our school social worker is available to visit with students who are feeling sad, upset, or just need some additional time with a caring adult. She also works with students on friendship skills, handling their emotions, dealing with conflict, and connects families with services in the community. We also have school-linked mental health available at both schools through Sioux Trails. Students are able to see a counselor here at school during school hours once parents meet with a Sioux Trails counselor.

January also brings the beginning of the first of our two sessions of EDGE (engaging and discovering while growing in education) program at the primary school. This is an after school program that focuses on math, reading and social skills. Each session has a theme and students work on projects and assignments related to the theme. Students collaborate on projects and problem solve together.

After school activities are abundant at both schools. There are many students who take part in gymnastics and robotics classes sponsored by community education. Just for Kix dance classes also take place at the primary school. Registrations will be going home in a few weeks for our after school enrichment activities starting in January at the intermediate and March at the primary school. If you did not receive the latest copy of the In Flight stop by the office and pick one up. There are many great activities this winter and spring through community education for adults and children which can be found in the In Flight.

Our K-6th grade students will begin a Read-A-Thon in February. They will kick things off at the end of this month during our monthly assembly. Our Mindset for February is Attitude of Gratitude. Students are learning to seek the positive in every experience and to be thankful for what they have. During our T-Bird Way Assembly students expressed gratitude for their families, friends, and school. Attitude of Gratitude teaches us that we build our lives on either positive or negative foundations. Choosing the positive, leads toward extraordinary success. Choosing the negative, starts a downward spiral.

January is the perfect time to review our T-Bird Way philosophy with students. Our students have done a great job of being respectful, responsible and safe on the playground, bus, hallways, and classrooms in the schools. Hopefully they will continue to do so as they work and play in the communities. Reminders are always helpful and when parents use similar words at home it translates from school to home and to the community. If you see one of our students being respectful, responsible, or safe please let them know.