It hardly seems possible, but almost half the school year is behind us! As I reflect on my first 100 days as interim principal of Kensico School, I am amazed at how much our students have grown and matured. Sitting down at lunch with students, shooting hoops at recess, listening to a student read in class, and observing our Student Council in action are the best parts of my day and give me the most joy. When I walk into classes, I am so proud of the work and effort our teachers put into their daily interactions with the students. Sometimes I just want to “jump” right in and start teaching with them.
The New York State English Language Arts (ELA) and Math assessments are right around the corner. Teachers and students are working hard to prepare for the tests, which are scheduled for April and early May this year. Last year our students scored very well. We look forward to improving again this year. Please talk to your children about the importance of these tests and encourage them to put forth their very best effort.
Our Kensico CARES initiative continues to motivate our students and teachers to make Kensico School a special place for learning. This month, I share with you the last of the acronyms in Kensico CARES – “Self-Control.” Please take the time to share with your children the following ways we can show “Self-Control” in school and at home.
SELF-CONTROL
Common definitions of self-control:
- The trait of controlling your own behavior.
- The ability to have command over the choices you make.
- Showing restraint for self.
- Making the right choice rather than relying on our impulses.
How and where we use self-control at school
- “When problems arise with a classmate, I try to talk out my problem rather than get angry and tattle.”
- “When I feel myself starting to get out of control, I take deep breaths or count to ten to gather myself and then I return to my activity.”
- “We teach self-control through role playing in class. We discuss how we have control over our own body and when or how it moves.”
- "During class discussions, I want to hear what others have to say. I control my urge to call out an answer by raising my hand.”
HOME REINFORCEMENT
- Talk with your child about what are appropriate and inappropriate actions in different situations. Role-play the right way to control your words and actions. Play an active part and be an actor with your child. They will remember more if you are involved.
- Talk with your child about ways that you have to use self-control at work or while driving. Whenever a child sees that a parent has to use self-control, they do a better job of putting it into action.
- Come up with a place that your child can go (or you can go) to gain control back. Make a place that is not punishment, but rather a place that will help them think about regaining their composure.
- Listen to your child. Let them tell you why they are upset or angry.
