According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, gift giving behaviors secrete chemicals in our brains that create a “warm glow” effect. One of the greatest gifts we can give is the gift of service. Kids feel good about themselves when they see that their actions have helped others. When we do something that makes us feel good, we are more likely to continue it!
This month, Mrs. Ross will be talking about service and reading “Ordinary Mary’s Extraordinary Deed” by Emily Pearson to grades K-2, and “The Quiltmaker’s Gift” by Jeff Brumbeau and Gail de Marcken for grades 3-5.
From phones and tablets to streaming movies and YouTube, tech and media are everywhere. Kids love easy access to shows, games, and information. Parents and caregivers love that kids can learn on the go (and stay busy when dinner’s cooking), but it’s easy to overdo it when the phone never stops pinging and the next episode plays automatically. Families can keep media and tech use in check by following a few simple practices(www.commonsense.org/education).
COVID taught us many things, but one of the many that really stands out is the need to be prepared for anything. I thought I would focus on food preparedness this month. When you are out and about shopping, stock up on items that are not only easy to store, but also that you will eat. Most households now have instant pots, but even if you don’t, beans are a great staple to have around (and easy to cook in the Instant Pot). Stock up on a variety of beans as they are high in protein and fiber. Other great staples include nuts butters, dried fruits (Walmart has great #10 containers of freeze-dried berries…a great food to have around in winter), shelf stable grains and milks, canned goods, etc… Again, store what you will eat, and make it a goal to build up your “favorite” food supply…. just in case.
Happy December!
This is a reminder, breakfast begins at 8:40am. Please do not drop your students off before 8:40am.
As winter will soon be upon us, students need to dress for the weather. We will be outside for recess when the real feel is 22 degrees or above and the air quality is good to moderate.
If you miss a call from Granite Elementary, please check to see if you have a voicemail. The office receives many phone calls inquiring about a missed call. Often, we have sent a Skylert message providing you with information.
Possession of a cell phone is a privilege that may be forfeited by any student that uses the phone inappropriately. The district will not be responsible for preventing theft, loss of or damage to cell phones brought to school. Cell phones may not be used during classroom time, instructional activities or field trips. Phones must remain off during school hours and in back packs. The principal, on a case-by-case basis to accommodate family emergencies or medical necessity may grant exceptions to this policy. Other electronic devices are prohibited at school unless the teacher grants special permission.
Calendar items:
December 1 Career Day
December 3 Virtual Friday
December 8 PTA meeting
December 10 Great American Wax Museum, 3rd grade
December 13 December birthday table
SCC meeting; 4:15pm in the library
December 18 – January 2 Winter Break
The meaning of life is to find your gift. The purpose of life is to give it away. – Pablo Picasso
