Thursday, August 23, 2018

Week of August 20, 2018

Thursday Folder Fliers:



Chick-Fil-A Night:
Thank you for the awesome turn out at our first restaurant night! Our next restaurant night is on Monday, September 10th at Texas Roadhouse.


Parking Lot:
Please make sure to go SLOW in our parking lot. We have had a few parents/families who have been nearly hit walking through the lot. Thank you for ensuring the safety of our families.


Legend Homecoming 2017
Legend Homecoming Parade:
We are seeking parents interested in planning and creating the IHE float for the Legend Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, September 5th from 3:45-5:00pm. Please contact Becki Gonzales at beckiwithani@gmail.com if you are interested.



Mindful Parenting Resource Ideas:
Mindfulness is an amazing tool that can increase self awareness, focus, and self regulation as it decreases stress in everyday life. We are excited to practice these skills with our students at Iron Horse Elementary.  Research on mindfulness by Mindful Schools and Mindful Life. https://www.mindfulschools.org/about-mindfulness/research/  and https://mindfullifetoday.com/press/. First of all, what is mindfulness?  Mindfulness is the quality of paying attention in an open, balanced and curious way.  
Ideas for home

  • Modeling Mindfulness for your children at home. Two great books to read are Mindful Parenting by Kristen Race, owner of Mindful Life, or 10 Mindful Minutes by Goldie Hawn.
  • Practice breathing techniques at home on a regular basis. Here is a great activity called belly breathing: http://www.pbs.org/parents/adventures-in-learning/2015/09/calming-breathing-exercise-for-kids/
  • Go to the local library and ask the librarian for some picture books on the topic. Some of our favorites are:
    • Mindful Monkey, Happy Panda by Lauren Alderfer
    • Anh’s Anger by Gail Silver
    • Master of Mindfulness by Laurie Grossman & Mr. Musumeci’s 5th Grade Class
Activities
  • Unplug the electronics on a regular basis! Use Screenagers Tech Talk Tuesday blog for ideas on topics to discuss with the family around the digital world
  • Go for a hike and try to find as many shades of green, blues, yellow, etc.
  • Play some music and listen to the lyrics together, ask “what is the song about?”
  • End the day by identifying three good things from the day (threegoodthingsaday.com)
  • Download a mindful APP for your home device. A few suggestions are Mind Yeti, Stop Breathe and Think Kids, or Dreamy Kid
  • Practice mindful movement activities, such as yoga, taking a mindful walk, signing up for karate lessons
There is so much out there on the topic, if you are interested to learn more please reach out to Erin O’Hara or Rachel Perkins for more resources.

Upcoming Events:
August 24: Donuts for Dads 7:45-8:15am in the Cafeteria
August 28: Assessment and Picture Day 8:00am-3:30pm
September 3: NO School - Labor Day
September 5: Legend Homecoming Parade
September 10: Texas Roadhouse Restaurant Night for IHE
September 19: PTO Meeting 3:45-4:45pm
September 19: SAC Meeting 5:00-6:00pm
September 21: NO School - Teacher PLC Day