It was a busy week as third and fourth graders finished state testing, learners spent lots of time outside and students in K-2 had a visit with author Sarah Dillard!
From Mrs. Daigle
The end of the year is upon us and I am preparing for our "10 for the Summer" program! I would like to gather back as many books as I can for inventory. Would you please dig deep and send back ANY library books you find in the next week or so? Once inventory is complete, I will be releasing up to 10 titles to every child for summer enjoyment! Your support is appreciated!
As always, feel free to reach out!
Music Notes: Band at CBMS!
4th Grade Families,
On Monday May 5/22 and Tuesday 5/23, Dan Liptak from Crossett Brook Middle School will be visiting during music class to talk to 4th grade students about the Band program. He will demo the different instrument choices and answer any questions that students may have. If your student is not able to attend because they are absent on the day they have music, please email Lizzy Palumbo at epalumbo@huusd.org.
May SEL Scoop - Optimistic Thinking
How's Your Day Going?
Before you keep reading, take a moment to think about some of the things that happened to you today. Even better, grab a pen and write down a few specific events.
So what did you come up with? Was it mostly positive things like: “I completed that project that I’ve been working on. I tackled that pile of laundry that I’ve been meaning to get to! I almost met my goal of drinking enough water today!” Or did your mind land on what went wrong: “I didn’t meet my goal of 10,000 steps. My employees didn’t get as much done as I had hoped. I wasn’t able to balance the checkbook. Oh look - it’s raining AGAIN!”
Optimism Is Healthy
It turns out that an optimistic attitude helps us be happier, more successful, and healthier. Optimism can protect against depression — even for people who are at risk for it. An optimistic outlook makes people more resistant to stress. Optimism may even help people live longer.
As your children continue to grow and learn, it's important to encourage them to think positively and embrace an optimistic mindset. While it may seem like a small thing, optimistic thinking can have a significant impact on your child's academic performance and overall well-being.
First and foremost, optimistic thinking helps to build resilience. When faced with challenges or setbacks, students who approach the situation with a positive attitude are more likely to persevere and find solutions. This resilience not only helps them succeed academically but also prepares them for the ups and downs of life.
In addition, an optimistic outlook can lead to increased motivation and engagement in school. When students believe that their efforts will be noticed and seen, they are more likely to put in the time and energy required to succeed. Conversely, students who approach their work with a defeatist attitude are more likely to give up quickly and miss out on the benefits of hard work and perseverance.
Finally, optimistic thinking can improve mental health and overall well-being. Research has shown that individuals who have a positive outlook on life are less likely to experience depression and anxiety, and are better able to cope with stress.
As parents and caregivers, there are many ways you can encourage your child to adopt an optimistic mindset. You can model positive thinking yourself, by focusing on the good in situations and avoiding negative self-talk. You can also praise your child's efforts and help them see the positives in even challenging situations.
By fostering optimistic thinking in your child, you are setting them up for success both in and out of the classroom. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child develop into a confident and resilient individual.
How to Be More Optimistic
If you tend toward mostly pessimistic thinking, you can get better at seeing what's good. Here are some things to try:
Notice good things as they happen. At the end of each day, take 10 minutes to run through your day and come up with things that you're grateful for. If you’d like, write them down. Go for a Gratitude Walk - as you walk, think of all the positives - even the small stuff!
Train your mind to believe you can make good things happen in your life. Get in a habit of telling yourself specific things you can do to succeed. For example: "If I study, I can get a better grade." "If I practice, I'll perform well at the audition." "If I go on that volunteer trip, I'll meet new friends."
Don't blame yourself when things go wrong. What does your inner voice say when things don't go as planned? Instead of thinking, "I failed that math test because I'm terrible at math," tell yourself: "I failed that test because I didn't study enough. I won't let that happen next time!" Instead of saying, "Grace broke up with me because I'm such a loser," think: "Now I know why people say breakups are so painful, but hanging out with my friends will help me feel better again."
When something good happens, give yourself credit. Consider the actions you took to enable a positive result. Did you prepare yourself for the exam? Dedicate yourself to practicing? Reflect on the skills you used and how that contributed to your success.
Remind yourself that setbacks are temporary. As soon as something goes wrong, remind yourself that it will pass — and come up with a plan for making that happen. For example: "My SAT results aren't what I hoped, but I can study more and take the test again."
Notice how other people talk about themselves. Are friends and family members optimistic or pessimistic? For example, does your dad say, "I burned the hot dogs, I'm just a terrible cook!"? Or does he say: "I burned the hot dogs because I got distracted watching the dog chase a squirrel around the backyard!"?
Family conversation starters for the car or dinner table
Describe an optimist. How does optimism compare to pessimism?
Do you consider yourself more of an optimistic thinker or pessimistic thinker? Would your friends agree? Explain.
What does self-confidence have to do with being optimistic?
Why do people tend to steer clear (avoid) people who are overly pessimistic?
Should an optimist also be realistic? Explain why.
Books and Resources
COMMUNITY POSTINGS
Please note that the opportunities/events listed below are not specifically endorsed or screened by school staff. As always, families should use their own standards and review processes to determine appropriate activities.
Waterbury Rapids Swim Team - The Waterbury Rapids swim team will be practicing and having meets this summer at the Waterbury Pool. Children of all ages and swim abilities are welcome! Our web site is linked below. Not sure if this is right for you? Come to practices 5:15 - 6:30 Monday June 26th and Tuesday June 27th to see what it is all about! https://waterburyrapids.com/site/page/join-us
MAKERSPHERE YOUTH SUMMER CAMPS
Summer is just around the corner! Don’t wait to register; some camps are already full!
The new Garden/Farming/Cooking camp lets kids experience growing and harvesting the garden, tending the chickens and cooking with the garden’s bounty! – Such a fun variety of activities! The Clay camp filled so quickly that we have added a second Clay Camp for Aug 7-11. The camps listed below still have spaces. Grades indicated refer to the grade the student will be entering this fall.
June 20-23 NQID Parade Float Camp for grades 5-9
July 10-14 Art & Making for grades 1-2
July 24-28 Print Making for grades 3-4
July 24-28 Gardening/Farming/Cooking for grades 4-6
July 31-Aug 4 Art & Making for grades 1-2
NEW Aug 7-11 Clay for grades 5-9
Info and register: https://maker-sphere.coursestorm.com/category/summer-camp-2023
Subscribe to the MakerSphere newsletter: https://www.makerspherevt.com/contact-us
The Waterbury Area MakerSphere Cooperative Inc is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving Waterbury and surrounding communities. Visit www.makerspherevt.com for information.
