HB | November Newsletter

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

HEADLINES

CHAMPIONS BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM Champions is a before and after school care program available to our Brookwood families. Please contact Champions as soon as possible to secure your spot. SPACE IS LIMITED. Champions Family Support | Phone: (800) 246-2154 ChampionsHelp@kc-education.com

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

DEAR HICKORY BEND FAMILIES,

PRINCIPAL’S CORNER

WE HAD A VERY BUSY OCTOBER!

Ronisha Dubose Principal rdubose@brookwood167.org School Hours

We had a VERY busy October, and we are looking forward to more exciting learning opportunities in November. That being said, attendance is crucial to a child’s learning experience. Not only is it important to be present daily but arriving on time and staying until the absolute end of the day is also important.

ARRIVE EARLY - DOORS OPEN AT 8:00 A.M. •

Arriving at school early daily helps a child to develop the healthy habit of being punctual and respectful of time: their time and other people’s time.

•

Early arrival helps to minimize distractions for teachers and other learners who are already in learning mode by the time late students arrive.

•

Late arrivals interfere with valuable opportunities to start the day with happy moments gained through social interactions.

Students’ school day is from 8:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m.

Students should not arrive earlier than 8:10 am.

If ever you have questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to our staff. No question is too small, and no concern is too big for us to handle as a team.

As always, we look forward to working in partnership with our families to ensure our Allstars continue to grow and succeed.

Quote of the Month “Tell me and I forget.

Teach me and I remember.

Involve me and I learn.”

-Ben Franklin

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

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INSTRUCTION ENDS AT 3:10 P.M. • If instruction ends at 3:10 p.m., our students will need a few minutes to gather their belongings.

•

Ourrstorderofdismissalisannouncedat3:15p.m.

•

Please work to ensure your child is not missing valuable instruction time due to early dismissals.

•

Early dismissals interfere with valuable opportunities to enjoy the last few moments to socialize with peers.

An occasional early dismissal…an occasional oversleep that leads to a late arrival…we understand when life happens! However, as your child’s Principal and Radical Advocate, I implore you to please work hard to ensure that your child is present every day, arrives early, and remains undisturbed through the dismissal process.

Let’s show our children and students how much we value them and their education by honoring their instructional time.

Attendance/Absences/Tardies To ensure that our students excel academically, they must attend school daily and be on time.

When students are tardy, they miss valuable

instruction, primarily in reading and language arts. Attendance will be tied into our school’s PBIS expectations in which students will be able to earn rewards and participate in fun activities.

When your child has to be absent, please inform the front office. Our absentee number is 708-757-2120.

COMMUNICATION & INFORMATION Our teachers do an excellent job of communicating with families. Here is where you can stay informed proactively: •

School and District Website - www.brookwood167.org

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All-Star News - Weekly school newsletter that will be sent home on Fridays

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ClassDojo - It is essential that you sign up for the Principal’s ClassDojo. If you have not already joined, an invitation will be sent to you during the rst week of school.

To join, you will need either your phone number or email address.

•

Aphonecalloranemailisanefcientwaytocommunicatewithyourchildisteacher.

Please remember that our teachers are with students throughout the day and will return the call/email as soon as possible. At times, this may be the next school day.

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

If a child has any symptoms listed below, they should stay home in the morning or go home if these symptoms first occur at school.

IF MY CHILD IS SICK, WHEN SHOULD I KEEP THEM HOME? Whenachildcanreturntoschoolisbasedonthespecicsymptomtheyhave.

•

Fever of 100.4 or higher

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New onset of moderate to severe headache

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Shortness of breath, new cough, sore throat

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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea

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Abdominal pain from unknown cause

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New congestion/runny nose

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New loss of sense of taste or smell

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Fatigue from unknown cause

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Muscle or body aches

If you answer “yes” to any of the above, your child MUST stay home. Please call the school to report your child’s absence (708) 708-757-2120 (Option 1.)

ANTI-BULLY PLEDGE...

We make a COMMITMENT to stand against bullying.

We will treat others with RESPECT and KINDNESS. We will have the COMPASSION to not be a bully.

We will have the COURAGE to not be a bystander.

It is our RESPONSIBILITY to help others and to report bullying.

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

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POSITIVE BEHAVIORAL INTENVENTIONS & SUPPORT (PBIS) A major focus area of learning for our K-4 students is that of behavior. Maintaining a physically and emotionally safe learning environment is a priority before we can expect our children to learn academic content. In each area of the school, we have developed expectations that we use to teach children how to Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful. This work is through PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports). For the rst few weeks of our school year, we model and practice what these expectations look like and sound like. When we observe students who struggle with following the expectations, the student is not automatically punished but is instead reminded of the expectation and given the opportunity to modify his/her behavior to demonstrate the appropriate behavior. We believe that devoting a signicant amount of time to working on expectations is benecialtoallofourstudents.

Now that we have become well acquainted with these skills, the expectation is that students demonstrate the skills in every area of the school day. When students need constant reminders or when behavior becomes disruptive, we will take the necessary steps to reteach the skills and remind students of the expectations. Our goal is to provide the support students need to signicantly decrease the number of distractions unwanted behaviors. A paper copy of our expectations was sent home in your child’s take-home folder. Please take time to review the expectations with your child(ren).

We appreciate all the support families have shown in working collaboratively toward student behavioral success.

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

November 7th - Parent/Teacher Conferences | No School November 10th - Principal Coffee & Chat | 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

November 15th - Parent University | 6:30 p.m.

November 17th - Family Music Night | 6:00 p.m.

November 18th -Fall Picture Retakes November 21st/25th - Fall Break | No School

SAVE THE DATE

POWERSCHOOL All Brookwood teachers use an online grading system called “PowerSchool” that they update every Thursday.

We encourage you to check your child’s progress regularly.Thisprogramiscondential;therefore, you will need an access username and password to see your child’s progress. If you need your username and password, please contact the school ofce at (708) 758-30. A PowerSchool app for your cellular phone makes it easy for parents to stay updated on their child’s progress.

BEDTIME STORIES Learning doesn’t

end

when

the

dismissal bell

rings!

Creating b e d t i m e routines that are inclusive of literacy activities is a sure way to maximize learning opportunities. Thanks to all who joined us for the Bedtime Stories Family Engagement Event.

TECHNOLOGY HELPLINE If your child is having any technology problems connecting to their teacher’s Google Classroom, please contact our help desk at (708) 300-3553 or email our help desk helpdesk@brookwood167.org Please leave a detailed message with your name, child’s name, phone number, and the issue you are having with the device.

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

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MISSION STATEMENT Brookwood School District 167, in partnership with parents and the community, will create a learning environment in which all students excel at becoming lifelong learners and decision-makers.

WE BELIEVE •

(amiliesshapetheirchildrenismotivation,condence,andacademicsuccessbybeinginterestedand involved in their overall development.

•

All students are unique and should be challenged to the highest level of academic and artist excellence.

•

Intheimportanceofstaffdevelopmentopportunitiesbasedonbestpracticesandeducationalr

•

In educating our children in a safe and nurturing environment with access to state-of-the-ar technology.

•

The school system should teach students to think critically enabling them to become contribut citi\ensinourglobalsociety.

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In continuous improvement in all aspects of the school system to foster a culture of exce Accountability,andintegrity.

•

Inresponsiblestewardshipofnancialandphysicalresources.

VISION STATEMENT Our overall vision is to improve the achievement of all students, regardless of race, socio-economic status, gender, or ability levels (disabilities). We share the accountability of student achievement throughout the school. We believe in using research-based practices to achieve our goals. We promote school and community involvement because we believe that these partnerships help us meet the needs of all of our students.

WE ARE COMMITTED TO 1.

Providingstudentswithhighlyqualiedteachers

2.

Providing our staff with professional development

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

PHYSICAL EDUCATION IS OUR STRONG POINT

In addition to enjoying activities of their choice (basketball, hula-hoops, and rope jumping), during the month of October, students were assessed and challenged in many areas of physical tness. The 3rd and 4th graders were challenged in the PACER test. The FitnessGram PACER Test is a multistage aerobic capacity test that progressively gets more difcult as it continu The test is used to measure a student’s aerobic capacity as part of the FitnessGram assessment. Students run back and forth as many times as they can, each lap signaled by a beep sound. The test gets progressively faster as it continues until the student reaches their max lap score. The PACER Test score is combined in the FitnessGram software with scores for muscular strength, endurance,exibility,andbodycompositiontodeterminewhetherastudent is in the “Healthy Fitness Zone” or the “Needs Improvement Zone.” Not to be outdone, Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd-grade students participated in Personal Best Challenges: Push Ups, Jumping Jacks, and Planks, to name a few. We enjoyed observing the many strengths of our students.

RESOURCEFUL TIPS...

•

Help them use different methods to find answers

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Support them when they struggle but allow THEM to work it out.

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Rather than giving answers to questions, give questions to help lead them to answers

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Ask children for their help and suggestions.

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Coach your child more often than you control your child; show that you have confidence in their ability

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

PUMPKINS FOR OUR KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS

The kindergartners had a fantastic time on their rst eld trip. They visited Windmill Acres in Beecher. While on the farm, they attended a puppet show, picked a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch, and enjoyed barrel and hayrack rides. They also got to feed animals, swing down the zipline, and play on the awesome playground and spider slide! Thank you to our parent chaperones whose participation made our trip a success.

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

RISING TO THE TOP - FROM A NEW HICKORY BEND TEACHER, MRS. VERNEATER KING What a privilege it is to be a part of a great school such as Hickory Bend.

What a privilege it is to be a part of a great school such as Hickory Bend. The principal, Ms. Dubose, and the entire staff are just wonderful. challenging, respectful, and ready to learn. My 4th- grade class is just fabulous because we are a team, and a T.E.A.M. sticks together through thick and thin: Together Everyone Achieves More. So far it has been an interesting beginning because as the students were getting familiar with me, I also was getting familiar with them and their individual personality and their educational levels. It was a good start for both of us as the students quickly excelled in their education.

My class is very talkative; however, they respect, care for, and help each other as they grow their minds.

When it is time to get their lessons done, they are serious about it and achieving a good grade. I have a set of twins in my class. Their names are Olivia Lawrence and Sophia Lawrence. I would like to acknowledge them and to their teachers. They always do their work, in school, as well as their homework. They are always on time, and willing to help the other students if needed. They are both “A-Students” and are a pleasure to have in class.

I would also like to acknowledge four other students in the class. Their names are Sophia Lawrence, Ma’Kiyah Williams, Ares Johnson, and Cameron Scott who has been invited to join the elite Tri’M Math Team at our school. They are all great students who work hard and deserve to be recognized. They are team players who also volunteer to help their peers. What a blessing, to be part of a great team of students who keep rising to the top and challenging me to be better.

INTRODUCING THE 2022-2023 SENSATIONAL SINGERS! The Hickory Bend Sensational Singers Choir has begun!!

This is our school’s volunteer third and fourth-grade choir.

We are off to a sensational start! Great job Sensational Singers!

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

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THE 2022-2023 SENSATIONAL SINGERS!

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY!!!!

If their birthday fell within the first quarter of the school year, the All-Stars shared a little birthday treat together.

Cupcakes, punch, and a new book!

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

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PBIS REWARDS

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL…ROLL IN ON THE PBIS PRIZE CART, THAT IS! Students are working hard to maintain the PBIS expectations. They are heavy with Dojo points to spend when the PBIS cart rolls into their classroom every two weeks for the PBIS Sale. Games, toys, and tickets to cool experiences like Pizza with the Principal and aeldtriptoDruryLaneTheater.LettheGoodTimesRoll88

4TH GRADE ANNOUNCERS Thank you, 4th Grade Announcers, for helping us to start the day with great energy and positive vibes!

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

HAPPIEST FIRE SAFETY BIRTHDAY!!!!

WEEK

DID YOU TURN IN YOUR E.D.I.T.H. PLAN? During National Fire Safety Week, our All-Stars created re escape plans with their families, enjoyed the annual Glenwood Fire Department Pancake Day fundraiser (complete with all-you-can-eat pancakes, a tour of the re engine, and the landing of a helicopter), and learned how to escape a smoky environment with the smoke trailer. Big Thanks to Lieutenant Phil and the Glenwood Fire Department for helping our students have fun while practicing fire safety.

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT HAPPIEST BIRTHDAY!!!!

NIGHT: HISPANIC HERITAGE FIESTA Mariachi, Latin Dance, Arts and Crafts, and Spanish Language lessons…all we needed was YOU (our wonderful community) to make the night extra special. Thanks for coming out!

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 004 / November 2022

S.T.E.A.M. TIME!

DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS

During October, S.T.E.A.M. students learned about various Hispanic traditions.

Their Art projects included geometric sombreros, tin foil “Day of the Dead” skulls, and clay sugar skulls. The students used different materials including paint,markers,yarn,andclay.Iamveryproudoftheirnishedprojects.

Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

CLASSDOJO

What is ClassDojo?

PLEASE JOIN OUR CLASSDOJO’S AND STAY INFORMED! It is important that you sign up for the Principal’s Class Dojo. I post important information such as if a bus is running late, important reminders regarding picture day, graduation information and other important topics.

PLEASE SIGN UP TODAY! ClassDojo is actively used in 90% of U.S. K-8 schools.

ClassDojo is a free app that helps build amazing classroom and school communities. Teachers give feedback to students for any skill, like “Working Hard” and “Being Curious.”

From the mobile app, parents view their child’s feedback, and can message directly with teachers and school leaders.

Please join my ClassDojo so you can stay informed on what is happening at Hickory Bend School.

If you would like to join, please accept the invitation that we emailed to you or texted you, or contact the school at (708) 758-4520, email, rdubose@brookwood167.org. All you will need to provide is your cell phone number or email address.

GET INVOLVED AND STAY INFORMED!

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Hickory Bend Newsletter / Issue 04 / November 2022

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HICKORY BEND SCHOOL VISITORS If you need to come into the school for any reason, for safety reasons, you will be required to wear a mask, and you will need to have a current Driver’s License that will be checked in our Raptor Security System.

Raptor® provides a line of sight as to who is always in our school. The system provides

school

districtwide

reporting

and for

all visitors, volunteers, and contractors that have signed in/out

of

our

buildings.

This is important for safety reasons.