Friday Q & A
January 10, 2020
How are we discussing cultural and religious tolerance at school with students? In the month of February our counselors do developmentally appropriate lessons on the topic of tolerance and inclusion. Throughout the year they incorporate books into lessons and work to make sure that the books have characters with different types of backgrounds. They do not specifically discuss cultural and religious tolerance as it does not align with a specific standard, rather we teach students to demonstrate empathy, and to use leadership and teamwork skills to work effectively work in diverse teams. I think that at this age one of the most important things that we can do as adults is model the kind of behavior we want to see in our children. In February we will be introducing “Kindness Week,” look for coming details.
How are the Boosterthon and the Heart challenge related? We got both flyers sent home this week so I am confused on the difference (if there is one?). These are 2 separate events. Boosterthon is a PTA fundraiser that supports school initiatives. Healthy Heart Challenge, formerly Jump Rope for Heart, is a fundraiser for the American Heart Association. All school in Cobb County participate in the Healthy Heart Challenge.
My child was tested for gifted but was ultimately not selected, is that why he is now enrolled in the Spring Talent Development program? Is this different from the Target teachers coming to visit the whole classroom every week (first grade)? Thank you! During the first semester in first grade, the target teachers did whole group and smaller group pull out talent development because their schedule allowed for that and the classroom teachers were agreeable to it. Now that additional students have qualified for the Target program, our target teachers are only doing small group pull out Talent Development this semester.
Hi, I’m a first time parent of a 5th grader and I’m anxious to prepare my child for the transition to middle school. How does KSE help students and parents plan, prepare and be prepared for this first big transition? Thank you! Starting in two weeks Mrs. Hatcher will have a three-part lesson series on organization in order to prepare for multiple classes. She will also do a lesson on how to open locker combinations (past needs assessments have shown that this is a huge concern for kids). In the past few months she has worked with the Griffin Middle School counselor to identify some of the most challenging things that current 6th graders faced this year and we will do some lessons to cover those topics as well. Kids will take a tour of GMS during the school day (be looking for a permission form to come home for that) and the GMS counselors will come and talk to all the 5th grade classes, giving the kids a chance to ask questions. In addition we are having a cluster wide transition meeting at Campbell Middle School on January 30th. Although your child will not attend CMS this is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and start thinking about things that might not have crossed your mind!!! See information shared in the PTA newsletter. It requires registration and space is limited. Please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Hatcher if you have any other questions.
Editorial Comments:
- I would like to thank the dancing dad volunteering in morning carpool on Thursday! (Wearing the black leather jacket) he should be proud of his moves. It was a great way to start our day!
- From Boosterthon…We have a special weekend challenge for your student! If they get a $2 per lap pledge or a $60 flat donation in new pledges this weekend and this weekend ONLY, they will earn a BONUS PRIZE: The Quantum Rings. Check out this video featuring some of our amazing staff!:https://vimeo.com/383891415