Through the Looking Glass

PLEASE take this weekend to work with your child on their part of the Through the Looking Glass play. It will take place next week and many of the students STILL don't know their parts. Here is the link to the music again....

https://sites.google.com/a/highlineacademy.org/ms-tobias-music-info/third-grade

Peace Officers Memorial Day

Fly the American Flag at Half Staff on 5/15/2013 for Peace Officers Memorial Day

Presidential Proclamation Peace Officers Memorial Day and Police Week, 2013 Day after day, police officers in every corner of America suit up, put on the badge, and carry out their sworn duty to protect and serve. They step out the door every morning without considering bravery or heroics. They stay focused on meeting their responsibilities. They concentrate on keeping their neighborhoods safe and doing right by their fellow officers. And with quiet courage, they help fulfill the demanding yet vital task of shielding our people from harm. It is work that deserves our deepest respect -- because when darkness and danger would threaten the peace, our police officers are there to step in, ready to lay down their lives to protect our own.   This week, we pay solemn tribute to men and women who did. Setting aside fear and doubt, these officers made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the rule of law and the communities they loved. They heard the call to serve and answered it; braved the line of fire; charged toward the danger. Our hearts are heavy with their loss, and on Peace Officers Memorial Day, our Nation comes together to reflect on the legacy they left us.   As we mark this occasion, let us remember that we can do no greater service to those who perished than by upholding what they fought to protect. That means doing everything we can to make our communities safer. It means putting cops back on the beat and supporting them with the tools and training they need. It means getting weapons of war off our streets and keeping guns out of the hands of criminals -- common-sense measures that would reduce gun violence and help officers do their job safely and effectively.   Together, we can accomplish those goals. So as we take this time to honor law enforcement in big cities and small towns all across our country, let us join them in pursuit of a brighter tomorrow. Our police officers serve and sacrifice on our behalf every day, and as citizens, we owe them nothing less than our full and lasting support.   By a joint resolution approved October 1, 1962, as amended (76 Stat. 676), and by Public Law 103-322, as amended (36 U.S.C. 136-137), the President has been authorized and requested to designate May 15 of each year as "Peace Officers Memorial Day" and the week in which it falls as "Police Week."   NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, do hereby proclaim May 15, 2013, as Peace Officers Memorial Day and May 12 through May 18, 2013, as Police Week. I call upon all Americans to observe these events with appropriate ceremonies and activities. I also call on Governors of the United States and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of the other territories subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, and appropriate officials of all units of government, to direct that the flag be flown at half-staff on Peace Officers Memorial Day. I further encourage all Americans to display the flag at half-staff from their homes and businesses on that day.   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand thirteen, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-seventh.     BARACK OBAMA

Love and Logic

Moms…do you ever feel like the weight of the world is resting firmly on your shoulders? Do you ever feel like it's your job…YOUR JOB… to make sure that your kids always do the right thing and turn out well? Do you ever worry that the entire neighborhood is aware and judging you when your kids sneak out of the house with mismatched socks, messy hair and less-than-polite attitudes?

 

Oftentimes, the most loving and effective mothers take the most heat from others and themselves.

 

Wonderful moms understand that kids need to make plenty of small, affordable mistakes. They know that kids must experience occasional struggles and disappointments. They also know that constant rescuing or micromanaging just creates kids who need constant rescuing and micromanaging.

 

Because of this, the best moms often feel a bit lonely and unsure of themselves. They feel lonely because our society too frequently rewards what looks good rather than what is good. They feel lonely because they rarely overhear other mothers bragging about allowing their kids to learn by forgetting a lunch, misplacing an occasional homework paper, or having to pay for a lost coat.

 

The best moms often feel a bit lonely and unsure of themselves.

 

It's easy to feel guilty or insecure when you see so many "super hover mommies" acting like pack mules, carrying all of their children's sporting equipment, back packs and other responsibilities. It's easy to lose perspective when your minivan is the only one without an "Honor Student" bumper sticker. It's tempting to waver when the parents next door are working harder completing their child's homework than their child is.

 

On this Mother's Day holiday, I hope to encourage all of the wonderful mothers who let things fall apart from time to time…who understand the wisdom of providing a rather imperfect world for their kids. When you find yourself feeling insecure or guilty, listen to our audio, Helicopters, Drill Sergeants and Consultants, and be reminded that it's far better for our kids to submit a sloppy science fair project than them seeing us hunched over the kitchen table frantically doing it for them.

 

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

 

Dr. Charles Fay

Through the Looking Glass

Here is the site to practice the songs for Through the Looking Glass.

https://sites.google.com/a/highlineacademy.org/ms-tobias-music-info/third-grade

thanks,
Ms. Tobias

 

teacher appreciation!!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful ways you all have shown us your appreciation this week!!! We are overwhelmed with gratitude. Your cards, flowers, gifts and FOOD have all been so enjoyed and treasured. THANK YOU so much for sharing your amazing children with us!!

Ms. Whalen
Ms. Wetzel
Ms. Miles

Love and Logic

Maybe you know a kid who’s mastered the art of shooting looks that kill. Maybe this "kid" is really an adult who’s maturity-challenged. Here are some tips:

 

Resist the urge to act like a child.

 

Are you like me? Do you ever find yourself tempted to reciprocate to your child’s snotty attitude with a mucus-like one of your own?

 

Resist this temptation and do your best to remain calm.

 

Give honest feedback while making the problem belong to your child.

 

Kids need to get honest feedback about how they come across to others…and the impact this is likely to have on their OWN lives. With a strong dose of empathy, experiment with saying:

 

When you stick your tongue out and say those nasty things,

you're really no fun to be around. I will always love you,

but few others will if you continue to act that way.

That would be a pretty lonely life.

 

Take good care of yourself by setting and enforcing healthy limits.

 

Becoming a doormat only teaches your child to treat others like doormats. Examples of healthy limits include:

 

I play with kids who talk nicely.

 

I cook dinner for people who express thankfulness rather than complaining about what I serve.

 

Feel free to join us when you can act sweet.

 

I enjoy providing privileges to kids who talk and act nicely.

 

Also, set firm limits over television and video game use.

 

Most television content glorifies nasty, sarcastic attitudes. Too much time spent interacting with video games makes it tougher for kids to display patience and grace with real-life people.

 

Nasty looks and nasty comments aren’t just annoying…they’re hurtful to those who deliver them. That’s why you shouldn’t feel guilty for taking a firm and loving approach to the problem. For more tips and techniques read Love and Logic Magic: When Kids Leave You Speechless.

 

Thanks for reading! Our goal is to help as many families as possible. If this is a benefit, forward it to a friend.

 

Dr. Charles Fay

 

TCAP

Phew- we made it through the first round of TCAP testing. I am hoping that some of the anxiety of this new type of testing is somewhat relieved now that your child knows what the test looks like.

Please keep in mind as we enter the 2nd and 3rd round of testing in the next few weeks that your child will need to be well rested, come to school on time, and have a nutritious breakfast.

If you are able, will you please bring in healthy snacks to feed our bodies and minds before we test? We could use go-gurts, cheese sticks, fruits- bananas cut in half, apple slices, cuties, etc...

Our next testing dates are:
Writing- Tuesday and Wednesday March 12th and 13th.

Math- Tuesday and Wednesday March 19th and 20th.

Thanks!
Ms. Whalen, Ms. Wetzel and Ms. Miles