Dear Sprague Community,
Winter Weather
Well, we’ve had our first weather delayed opening of the year and it’s not even Thanksgiving yet! With these cold temperatures and possibility of snow, it is important for students to bring snow clothes and boots to school for outdoor play. When there is snow on the ground, we do allow students to play in the snow providing they have warm, waterproof gear and boots. Our general guideline for outdoor recess is a temperature above 20 degrees (factoring wind chill in as well). Please let us know if you do not receive notices via school messenger as that is the primary means to communicate delayed openings and snow days.
Hour of Code
This year during Computer Science Education Week, December 3rd-7th, Sprague students in 1st through 4th grades will join the largest learning event in history – Hour of Code during their weekly library classes. Hour of Code began years ago as a one-hour programming challenge and has grown into a worldwide phenomenon. Hour of Code requires no previous coding experience and allows students to try out computer programming with fun modules that include Star Wars, Moana, Minecraft and Tangled. Here’s the link: https://hourofcode.com/us if you want to learn more about Hour of Code or even try out one of the programming modules yourself. Ask Ms. J if you have any questions.
National Spelling Bee
Sprague parent Vik Kapoor, has offered to coordinate a Spelling Group for interested students (Grade 3, 4, or 5). If you think your child in grade 3, 4, or 5 is interested, please let me know and I will forward your name and email to Vik. If there is interest, we may create a Sprague team.
Water option for lunch
Beginning on Tuesday, Nov. 27, students will be able to select water or milk as a drink option with school lunch or buy water alone for 75 cents (the same price as milk).
Words of Wisdom
Many of you know that I begin each morning by reading Words of Wisdom over the loudspeaker, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and any daily announcements. The Words of Wisdom come from a set of messages written to stimulate student thinking about social situations, social competencies like self-awareness, relationship skills, and decision making. A parent once suggested to me that I share some of the messages more often. Today, I am sharing two timely messages from the series about being thankful.
All Things
* Count Your Blessings (Thanksgiving)
It’s easier to pay more attention to what’s wrong in our lives than to what’s right. This lesson is about considering the importance of keeping a “gratitude attitude” even in the face of challenges.
Be present in all things and thankful for all things.
~ Maya Angelou
Ever end your day wondering where the time went? It can be easy to simply go through the motions, meeting your obligations and trouble-shooting whatever challenges come your way. In the rush of life, it’s important to stop and take it in, to be mindful and grateful even in those moments that are troublesome. After all, it is in those moments that we learn and grow. So whether you are taking in the joys or the challenges of life, being in the here and now with a grateful heart charges up compassion and patience for yourself and for those who are reacting to and learning from you.
With something to think about . . .
Remember to take care of yourself.
It’s easy to get lost in your day. Strive to be mindful of everything for which you can be grateful from running water to love shared.
The Smallest of Thanks
* Say Thanks (Veterans Day)
Americans enjoy a way of life that many around the world can only dream of. Much of that is due to the sacrifices of our courageous veterans. Veterans Day is a chance for your students to thank those citizens who have given of themselves both in wartime and in peacetime.
The smallest of thanks is always worth more than the effort it takes to give it.
~ Author unknown
Consider all the times you were grateful to someone. Did you let them know? A quick word of thanks can go a long way. It can make someone’s day feel brighter, their job feel worthwhile, and their burdens feel lighter. Whether at school or out in the world, it’s important to remember that all work is noble and worthy of our gratitude. So whether someone is serving you a hamburger or serving as a police officer, it’s important to express gratitude. When we do that on campus, we serve as an example to our students who need to learn the importance of saying thank you to those who serve them.
With something to think about . . .
Remember to take care of yourself.
It feels good to be appreciated, doesn’t it? Spread that good feeling around. Say thank you to those who serve you in both big ways and small. It will brighten their day and yours as well!
Speaking of thanks…
Ms. Flitsch wishes thank volunteers who helped with garden clean up last weekend. All that hard work will help us out in the spring when we “wake up” our garden beds.
The following students participated:
William Harrison (younger brother Hugo)
Whitney and Tyler Sullivan
Clara and George Cerio
Scott Huang
Tecumseh (and older sister Rauri) Sadasiv
Ryan Xiao
Dates to remember:
Nov. 22, 23: Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 26: No school for students—Teacher Professional Day
Dec. 7: Walk to School Day
Dec. 7: Grade 1 Play for parents
Dec. 13: PTO Meeting
Dec. 13: Cookie Walk
Dec. 14: School Gathering at 9 AM
Dec. 19: Day of Play