S.O.A.R. Program
Newsletter - September 26, 2008
by Debbie Fischgrabe
October 02, 2008
S.O.A.R. Program
Putnam Co. R-I School District
Newsletter – Volume 2, September 26, 2008
UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES
The S.O.A.R. Program has scheduled a CPR and first aid training on Friday, October 10, 2008 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. There are a few spots available if any of our S.O.A.R. families would be interested in taking part in this instruction. Space is limited so please contact Debbie Fischgrabe as soon as possible at 947-3361, ext. 392 to secure your spot. There is no cost for this training.
NATIONAL LEARN AND SERVE CHALLENGE
Service-learning is a teaching method that engages young people in solving problems within their schools and communities as part of their academic studies or other type of intentional learning activity. Students master important curriculum content by making meaningful connections between what they are studying and its many applications in the world around them. It also helps young people develop a range of service skills, from acts of kindness and caring to community involvement to community action. This active learning strategy helps to improve student engagement which is a key factor in promoting academic achievement. The National Learn and Serve Challenge is a week-long series of local, state and national events designed to raise awareness and public support for service-learning. The National Learn and Serve Challenge will run from October 6-12, 2008. Through service-learning, young people can "BE A SOLUTION" to real world challenges that face our community, nation and the world. For additional information you may go to http://www.learnandservechallenge.org or check out the school’s web site for more information about this exciting challenge.
LIGHTS ON AMERICA
Please mark October 16 on your calendars. This is the national celebration for before and afterschool programs across the country. The family event will be held from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the elementary gym. Several politicians, local and state officials, and the media have been invited. There will be games, entertainment and food. We value your support and look forward to sharing this evening with you and your family. More information will be provided in the near future.
FAMILY NIGHT HALLOWEEN PARTY
A Halloween Costume Party for all S.O.A.R. students and their families has been scheduled on Thursday evening, October 30th from 6:30-8:00 p.m at McCalment Park. There will be food, treats, games and FUN FOR EVERYONE!! Please mark your calendars for this event that is guaranteed to be a fun for the whole family.
UPCOMING EVENTS
One more FAMILY STRENGTH WORKSHOPS has been scheduled for Thursday, Octobert 2, 2008, from 6:00-8:00 p.m., in the PC R-I Education Building, for all S.O.A.R. parents.
Oct. 2 - Nutrition, Food/Fitness, Setting Goals & Family Night
Though the workshop is for parents only, childcare will be provided on site by A+ high school students. I hope that each of you will plan to attend this very informative workshops.
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK
This has been a very busy week. Stephanie Fowler visited the students and gave a presentation on alliteration. The students will continue to work on this project in the next few class periods.
Mr. Godfrey gave a presentation on the basics of carpentry—measuring, choosing the right tools for a job, etc.
ACTIVITIES COMING UP NEXT WEEK
Mrs. Swiger from the Putnam County E-911 will be visiting the program on Tuesday to give a presentation on safety for the K-2 students.
Mrs. Knight, Putnam County Speech/Language Pathologist, will also be visiting the program on Tuesday to give a presentation on hearing for 3rd through 8th grade students.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
In a recent article by Nurturing Our Families I read some suggestions for parents, some “Words of Wisdom,” that we can all benefit from.
- In the heat of an intense conflict, silence is golden. Words often hurt unintentionally when emotion runs high. A squeeze of hand, a specially named hug, or a change of seating help both parent and child to cool down and regain self-control.
- Really listen to the words of your child...they will reveal so much about who they are and how they really feel, and it will make them feel so important...because they are!
- “Trust” your child to communicate their needs (whether obviously or subtly), and “trust” in your gut feelings as a parent. Believe in yourself, your ability to parent your child, and in your intuition.
- Give your children warm and loving roots so they always know you love them, but raise them and yourself, for the time they fly away...it will make them better people out into the world, and help you settle your aching heart when they go.
- Listen to your heart and go with your gut.
- Always try to look at the world through your child's eyes.
- YOU are your child's best advocate and it's important to do your best job at it (as well as being the best parent)!
- Parent by the Golden Rule: treat them as you would want to be treated...put yourself in their shoes before you make decisions etc.
- Respect them as much as you would like them to respect you.
- Accept them for who they are, not who you wish they would be.
- Always be on "their side" in some way, no matter what.
- Don't sweat the small stuff, children are born with their temperament.
- Follow your instincts ... you know your child!!!
- Always remember the age of your children and how fleeting time tends to be. All of us as parents have the ideal in our minds, what our child is going to be like...our ideal child. Many parents have to learn to let that dream go as years pass. Let him be who he is, love him for who HE IS, not for what you imagine you want him to be. Once you start doing that, you will enjoy life with him more, and appreciate him more.
- Choose your battles!
- Laughter is important. See the humor and truly laugh with your child, it eases the stress and it interrupts a stressful moment to allow you to go on more easily with the task at hand. Always remember that challenging personality traits that you see in your children today may be great strengths when your children are adults. Can you imagine Robin Williams as a child??
Our children are definitely “works in progress.” We, the S.O.A.R. staff, are excited to be a part of your child’s life and take very seriously the role that we share in your “works in progress.”
I hope that each of you enjoy the Putnam County Homecoming festivities, and have a great weekend with your family!!
Ms. Debbie, Mr. David, Mr. Michael, Ms. Nellie and Ms. Elladean
