The Graminia Express "Meet the Future: Be the Best you can be" "Committed to Excellence in Education" Phone: (780) 963-5035 [email protected]November 2015 Principal's Message Staff of Graminia School just finished their second Professional Development day for the current school year. During our work we spent a great deal of time talking about what is working well at Graminia School and answering the question, “How do we know?” We have many successes to celebrate. As part of our analysis we dug deep into our Student Learner Assessments (grade 3) and our Provincial Achievement Tests (grades 6 and 9). We dug through the data (shared below) to identify what is going well and identify areas where we have room for improvement. We each committed to an action item intended to address the areas for improvement. As the school year progresses, staff will share the results of their efforts with their colleagues. As you will see in the PAT data for grade 6 and 9, we have cause for celebration and room for improvement. This information was shared at the October School Council meeting along with steps we are taking to address the areas of concern. I am often asked what can be done at home to support the school’s efforts. The supports that implemented at home that would make a difference in each child’s educational growth would be: 1) Get engaged in conversation with your child about what is happening in the world, what they are learning about at school, interesting parts of their environment (i.e. why the moon is full, why does the dog do that?, etc.) 2) Read…….the best way to get better at reading is to read. Make it fun for your child, show them that it is a valuable skill 3) Find math in the real world and help them notice it---fractions when cooking, measurements when building, addition/subtraction when shopping, percentage when you find a discounted item, etc. ~ Ms. Linda Simmonds, Principal
Principal's Message Staff of Graminia School just finished their second Professional Development day for the current school year. During our work we spent a great deal of time talking about what is working well at Graminia School and answering the question, “How do we know?” We have many successes to celebrate. As part of our analysis we dug deep into our Student Learner Assessments (grade 3) and our Provincial Achievement Tests (grades 6 and 9). We dug through the data (shared below) to identify what is going well and identify areas where we have room for improvement. We each committed to an action item intended to address the areas for improvement. As the school year progresses, staff will share the results of their efforts with their colleagues. As you will see in the PAT data for grade 6 and 9, we have cause for celebration and room for improvement. This information was shared at the October School Council meeting along with steps we are taking to address the areas of concern. I am often asked what can be done at home to support the school’s efforts. The supports that implemented at home that would make a difference in each child’s educational growth would be:
1) Get engaged in conversation with your child about what is happening in the world, what they are learning about at school, interesting parts of their environment (i.e. why the moon is full, why does the dog do that?, etc.)
2) Read…….the best way to get better at reading is to read. Make it fun for your child, show them that it is a valuable skill
3) Find math in the real world and help them notice it---fractions when cooking, measurements when building, addition/subtraction when shopping, percentage when you find a discounted item, etc.
The Grade 3-6 classes and our band will be performing on Wednesday, December 9 at
6:30pm. There will be an afternoon dress rehearsal at 1:00pm. Guests are welcome to attend.
Christmas Tea & Concert Grade 1 & 2 Christmas concert and tea will be held on Thursday, December 10. KA will have their Christmas Celebration on Wednesday, December 16 at 1:00 KB will have their Christmas Celebration on Tuesday, December 15 at 1:00 KC will have their Christmas Celebration on Thursday, December 17 at 1:00
Please be reminded that school fees were due on September 30. If you have outstanding fees, please make cheques payable to Parkland School Division and send them to the school office or to Parkland School Division office directly.
Criminal Record Checks must to be completed once a year if you volunteer 10 or more hours at the school. Please stop by the office for the registration form. Also note the fees will be waived.
PAT Results 2014/2015 - Grade 6
Subject
School -
Standard of
Excellence
Province -
Standard of
Excellence
School -
Acceptable
Standard
Province -
Acceptable
Standard
School -
Below
Acceptable
Standard
Province -
Below
Acceptable
Standard
School - 5
year
Acceptable
Standard
Province - 5
year
Acceptable
Standard
Math 6 0% 15.30% 58.70% 80.40% 41.30% 19.60% 81.54% 81.12%
ELA 6 11.10% 21.50% 84.40% 91.30% 15.60% 8.70% 92.70% 91.08%
The Grade 6 classes will be running a cake raffle during our Christmas Concerts on December 9 and December 10. Tickets will be $2 each or 3 for $5. The cake raffle is a fundraising effort put on by the Grade 6 students, their parents and teachers in support of their spring fieldtrip to Birch Bay. Please support our fundraising effort and enjoy a delicious Christmas cake with your family and friends. If you have any questions please contact [email protected] or [email protected]
Food Bank donations for the Devon Christmas Elves will be collected from now until December 11th. Send any non-perishable food items with your child to their homeroom.
LEADERSHIP GROUP A group of Leadership Students held a bake sale on November 17, 18 and 19. They raised $250.00 which will be donated to the Stollery Children’s Hospital. Thank you to all who donated goodies and participated in this fundraiser.
Spirit Wear is now available in the office. See sample below:
Red T-Shirts $10 Red and Black Long Sleeve $20 Red and Black Hoodies $25
Term 1 ends and report cards go home on December 10. Term 2 starts Monday, December 14.
For the months of November and December, the habit Graminia School will be focusing on is
Habit 6; Synergize. People who synergize understand how to work well in groups and are able to apply this to team work situations. They
value the strengths of others and allow themselves to learn from each other. Students
who synergize understand that by working together as a team they can accomplish more
and come up with better solutions together than they could alone.
The Holes fundraiser order deadline is November 30th. Late orders cannot be accepted. Visit
http://www.holesonline.com/ If you are having trouble placing your order Michelle Bradshaw from Holes will be happy to help. You can contact her at 780 – 419 – 6814
Last day of school before Christmas break is Friday, December 18. Students will return to studies on Monday, January 4, 2015.
Hello! A BIG “Thank You” to all students, parents and staff who supported the school’s Fall Book Fair. We earned $3900.00 in book products from Scholastic so I am in the process of selecting resources for novel study, curriculum support and recreational reads across the K-9 levels. With the turn of the weather, we will all ideally be snuggled on the couch with blanket, book and a hot drink. New books are being processed every day. The avalanche of returned materials and process of “prepping” the new books for the shelves always gives opportunity for any volunteers to drop in and help your school library to keep the resources moving into the hands of students and staff. If you are interested in volunteering at the school library, please drop by or contact me at [email protected] . Whether you have an hour or three to spare, I would look forward to your assistance!
Mrs. J. Becker
UPCOMING SESSION “Children and Adolescents with Anxiety” What parents can do
This session will distinguish between normal anxiety and anxiety disorders. It will help caregivers to identify signs that a child or adolescent is experiencing problems with anxiety. Caregivers will gain strategies to assist their child/teen to manage their anxiety and improve their mental health. Resources for parents will be provided as well as e-health tools (apps) designed to help youth cope. When- December 10th 2015 6-7:30 p.m. Where- Parkland School Division Board Room 4603 48th Street Stony Plain A light supper will be provided. Please register with Sandra Goldschmidt: 780-963-8458 [email protected]
Congratulations to Cody Miller who won 2nd place for his
poem “People at War” through the Royal Canadian Legion’s Poster & Literacy contest
To find an electronic copy of this newsletter, visit: www.albertahealthservices.ca/csh.asp
Children with Food Allergies
About 1 in 13 kids have a food allergy. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overacts to a food protein (an allergen). The most common food allergens are: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, soy, seafood (fish and shellfish), wheat, eggs, milk, mustard and sulphites. Symptoms of allergic reactions can be different for everyone and may occur within minutes or hours. The most common symptoms of allergies are:
Flushed or pale face, hives, rash, itchy skin
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat or tongue
Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting
Feeling anxious, weak, dizzy or faint
Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to food can be life threatening and occur quickly and without warning. These reactions can be treated with an epinephrine auto injector; an EpiPen®. The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid contact with the foods or ingredients that cause them. As many children have food allergies, the majority of schools have adopted guidelines to help keep all students safe. Some of these guidelines may include:
1. No sharing of food or treats. 2. Washing hands with soap and water before and after eating. 3. No homemade treats for celebrations or special events. Cross-contamination is always possible. 4. Restricting the allergens from the classroom/school.
Food allergies are a serious medical condition, not a choice. Help prevent exposure to allergens by following your school’s guidelines for food allergies. Take time to explain food allergies to your child and encourage them to learn about allergies that their classmates may have. If you are unsure of what to do, talk to the other child’s parents or teacher. Students, parents, teachers and other staff all have an important role in keeping students safe, healthy and happy. To learn more about allergies, visit: www.anaphylaxis.ca or www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/securit/allerg/fa-aa/index-eng.php
Children and Video Games
Research has shown that playing video games (or “gaming”) can affect children in both good and bad ways. Playing certain video games can help children develop language, thinking and fine motor skills as well as cope with anger and stress. However, gaming can also result in lower grades and reduce time spent with friends and family. Video game play takes away from other healthy activities and some games may encourage children to act aggressively. It is up to parents to help their child learn to enjoy video games in a safe way. The following questions will help parents decide whether video games are a problem for their child:
Is he/she playing too much? Do video games interfere with important tasks like chores, school work or family time? Too much gaming can take away from sports, hobbies, sleep and other healthy activities.
Does the game fit with the household norms or values? Games that include aggression, bullying, violence and discrimination can influence a child’s developing beliefs.
Making and enforcing rules about video game play with young children will help them avoid problems with gaming in the future. Here are some ways in which parents can teach their children to play video games appropriately:
Make sure play comes AFTER important tasks like chores, school work, meals and family time.
Ensure play happens in a central location, not a bedroom, so it can be monitored.
Make sure children do not play games intended for teens or adults.
Set and enforce a time limit on play.
Play together. Playing video games as a family can be fun and allows parents to model appropriate behaviour and monitor play.
Balance video game time with other fun family activities. Invite your child to go for a walk, play a game or do a puzzle together.
Driving is
Healthy Teens Parent Newsletter
November 2015
To find an electronic copy of this newsletter, visit: www.albertahealthservices.ca/csh.asp
Teens with Allergies
About 1 in 13 teens have a food allergy. An allergic reaction occurs when the body’s immune system overreacts to a food protein (an allergen). The most common food allergens are: peanuts, tree nuts, sesame seeds, soy, seafood (fish and shellfish), wheat, eggs, milk, mustard, and sulphites. Symptoms of allergic reactions can be different for everyone and may occur within minutes or hours. The most common symptoms of allergies are:
Flushed or pale face, hives, rash, itchy skin
Swelling of the eyes, face, lips, throat or tongue
Coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath
Stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting
Feeling anxious, weak, dizzy or faint
Food allergies are not a choice. A severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), after eating a food containing allergens, can be life threatening and occur quickly and without warning. These can be treated with an epinephrine auto injector; an EpiPen®. The only way to prevent allergic reactions is to avoid contact with the foods or ingredients that cause them.
Most teenagers with allergies are aware of how to avoid the allgergen. However, as teens become more independent in social situations they may overlook possible sources of food allergens or take risks to fit in with their peers. They may not want to carry an EpiPen® or ask questions when needed. Parents of an allergic teen can help the teen to make informed choices. The parent can have the teen practice talking to others about allergies and asking questions about the foods served at restaurants, parties, and other public settings. They can talk openly with the teen about dating and the risks kissing can pose if the partner has consumed an allergen. This discussion can help the teen take charge of his allergies and give him the confidence to talk about the food allergy with his peers.
Friends and social activities are important to teens and can provide great support in managing the teen’s food allergies. If your teen is a friend of, or is dating a teen with allergies, help your teen learn about allergies, how to recognize reactions and how to treat them. Food allergies are a serious medical condition but peers can help decrease some of the risks. For more information on allergies and teens see “Why Risk It?” at: www.anaphylaxis.ca/
Youth and Video Games
Research has shown that playing video games (or “gaming”) can affect youth in both good and bad ways. Playing certain video games can help youth to develop thinking and fine motor skillsand manage anger and stress. However, gaming can also result in lower grades and reduce the time spent with family and friends. Video game play can take away time from other healthy activities and sometimes may encourage youth to act aggressively. It is up to parents to help their teen learn to enjoy video games safely and responsibly. The following questions will help parents decide whether video games are a problem for their young person:
Is your teen playing too much? Does gaming interfere with chores, school, work, family time? Too much gaming takes time away from sports, hobbies, sleep and other healthy activities.
Does the game fit with the household norms or values? Games that include aggression, bullying, violence and discrimination can influence a young person’s developing beliefs.
Here are some ways in which parents can teach their youth to play video games appropriately:
Make sure play comes AFTER important tasks like chores, school, work, meals and family time.
Ensure play happens in a central location, not a bedroom, so it can be monitored.
Set and enforce a time limit on play.
Discuss with your teen the types of games that are acceptable to you.
Play together. Playing video games as a family can be fun and allows parents to role model appropriate behaviour and monitor play.
Balance video game time with other fun family activities. Invite your teen to go for a walk or a coffee, throw a ball around, go for a bike ride, play a board game, cook a meal, watch a movie or do a puzzle together.
