October Newsletter
Student Council Elections
In order to get our community service projects underway, advisors Mrs. Banos and Mrs. Pattie organized this year’s Student Council Elections. Students in grades 3-5 had the opportunity to run for office by writing a speech and presenting it to their classmates. After preliminary voting, a ballot was established and 4 candidates named for each office. All grades 3-5 students listened to each finalist’s speech, then went back to their homerooms to fill out their ballots. When all had been counted, the results were as follows:
President: Zairys Robledo Montes Secretary: Grace Shapiro
Vice President: Kate Lechelt Public Relations: Richard Rebeck
Congratulations to all who ran. We are now in the process of selecting homeroom representatives, who along with the officers will take their responsibilities seriously as leaders of James Monroe.
Camp Bernie
During the week of the 25th, all 5th graders experienced their trip to Camp Bernie. Luckily, the weather cooperated and led to a wonderful outdoor learning experience for all who attended. Each student participated in four outdoor activities: Archery, Sensory Development, Low Ropes, and Stream Ecology. In addition, students learned how to interpret weather instruments, and served as waiters/waitresses at meals, working as a team to set and bus tables.
The first day extended into evening with a presentation of various wildlife animals, a campfire, and an ice cream sundae social. During their time at camp, students had the opportunity to get to know 5th graders from Ben Franklin and Lincoln Schools, who will be attending Hebert Hoover Middle School next year.
Kindergarten Fall Fun Experience
Our Kindergarten classes had a fun fall day on Tuesday, October 27th with our Pony Round Up. The children loved feeding and petting the farm animals. The petting zoo had goats, a donkey, bunnies, hens, and a sheep. They even got to take a ride on one of the ponies, named Hercules and Dakota. Pumpkin picking with their Kindergarten friends was so much fun! This was definitely a great experience.
Halloween Parade
We wrapped up the month with our Annual Halloween Parade. Last year’s established route served us well once again as we processed around the Church and into the gym so that our Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd graders had the opportunity to see the costumes of the older students. At the end of the day, parties were held in the classrooms.
Week of Respect
As mentioned in the last newsletter, we recognized Oct. 5-9th as the Week of Respect. In celebration of this event, our students were treated to an exciting presentation called The NED Show, facilitated by our Guidance Counselor, Mrs. Bennett. The NED Show was a motivational assembly that promoted positive attitudes, academic achievement and better behavior by encouraging students to do their very best every day! The presenter’s humor, audience participation, storytelling and amazing yo-yo tricks made it a truly educational experience! A big thank you to all the students who purchased yo-yos, James Monroe will now pay-it –forward and give another elementary school a NED assembly at no cost.
As the holidays approach, remember it is normal for kids to think of themselves first, despite all of our efforts to help them be more empathetic or appreciative. Here are a few suggestions for fostering thankfulness on your kids: teach gratitude by setting an example and trying not to complain about the little things, reward kids for being thankful by letting them know how much you appreciate their thankfulness, help them give to others by supporting a cause or simply by sharing and don’t forget the poser of dinner conversation!
May this holiday season be a time that your children receive from you not just the stuff they see in stores, but the gratitude-building experiences that support a lifetime of authentic happiness!
I hope to see all of you during conferences. Also, on Nov. 17th, we will be holding informational sessions on TenMarks. More information will follow. And don’t forget to “Be Our Guests” on Nov. 20th for James Monroe’s production of Beauty and the Beast. We look forward to seeing all of you there.
Happy Grateful, Thanksgiving to all!
Sincerely,
Lynda Zapoticzny