with Mrs. Belak

Summer break is looming and it offers so much potential for growth in different settings. Schedules relax, new activities become available, weather invites us outside and together time is abundant. With an open mind and a  little planning this break can be both refreshing and enlightening. Check out our Helping Children Learn Newsletter for organizational tips and ideas- click on the colored picture of the newsletter on the right sidebar. For information on local camps, come by the Guidance office and check out our list. Don’t forget to ask your children for ideas for their break – they might surprise you with a new idea and getting their buy in to summer plans is key to fun for all!

definition of talent: 1.a special natural ability or aptitude 2.a capacity for achievement or success  (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/talent?s=t)

Let me just weigh in – based on both definitions, MVVS HAS GOT TALENT!! Last week, MVVS showcased many, many students in group or individual talent performances at the MVVS ‘ Got Talent Show. This event was coordinated by Student Council members who developed the event  and its publicity, hosted the event, designed and created the decorations & program & stage set up, worked back stage performers and props, and selected &  managed the fundraiser (popcorn money was dedicated to 6th grade graduation). Mr. Wickham, our Music Teacher, was at the helm behind the scenes at auditions, scheduling and coaching acts and manning multiple iPods, CDs and MP3 players for performers backstage. Mrs. Camitta, our Art Teacher, was on board with red carpet ideas and paparazzi support. WOW – the energy of the Student Council, performers and staff were truly focused on the end product of a great show for their families. It requires all types of talent to get this type of performance to the audience and MVVS did it extremely well!!!

Safety does rule in more ways than one. We have been having great discussions across all grades about personal safety. Everything from how to call 911, trusted adults, emergency contacts, technology tricks, email/text privacy, phone safety, pictures/video privacy and social networking has hit the discussion list. Technology safety has evolved to be a significant area of concern and we all have the opportunity to help the kids learn the safety along with the technology.  We have also been practicing our emergency safety drills at school (fire drills, shelter in place, and lock down)  which given the good weather are positive interruption- the students are getting very good at them. It seems so important that we set , review and practice our safety measures in all areas so if we face an emergency, we have a plan. Honestly, personal safety is an area that impacts all of us at home, work, traveling and school and one that we all should revisit regularly to stay current. There are several good websites for adults: Missing Kids is a great source of personal safety information for parent to help guide conversations with children, and  Common Sense is very current on media/movies/texting now available to children.  Two terrific websites for children  are Sparky.Org (website about fire and home safety), and PBS Kids has a section dedicated to older kids PBS kids – Its my life, and PBS kids for younger children about their lives socially, in school at home and developmentally.

Our crazy winter storm gave us chaos and challenged us about our power needs, but also gave us a common experience! I for one was thrilled to get my power back Friday night and happy to get back to a routine.  We had the opportunity to have the Souhegan High School students who are participating in the Ethics Forum come back this year for several hours. This is a great time between the kids from both schools and was designed two years ago when the High School students wanted to spend quality time with the children of Mont Vernon.  They choreographed a musical show, themed with a positive character anti-bullying message, and performed it for the whole school. Then each student and staff member received a pumpkin decorated by the Ethics students. SHS students had lunch and recess with our students and got in a few minutes in class with them also. This time is an uplift for staff and students alike!

This is my first attempt at a blog.  After seeing what our educators have been able to share, I hope this is equally helpful for our learning community!

We are in the middle of our NECAP testing and both staff and students seem to be doing well. We dedicate quite a bit of time, staff and schedule to helping all our students do their best. Each morning, the students have recieved a small snack like fruit or yogurt prior to beginning the test.  Most students will finish NECAP this week; our 5th graders will continue next week with the Writing portion of the assessment. There is actually a NECAP song that Mrs. Blair had made for us, maybe your student can hum it for you!

We had an all school assembly on the topic of Bullying yesterday and it was quite lively. Joe the Ventriloquist and his small army of puppets engaged all ages in a discussion of what bullying is and what you can do if you see it or feel it.  All classes are involved in conversations about bullying here through Guidance Curriculum now as well.

Red Ribbon Week will begin October 24, which reminds all of us about the importance of good life choices particularly with regard to Drugs and Alcohol use. You may see signs in the hall, and as our Nurse, Kim Deppen and I work through the classes with this important information, the students will recieve a token giveaway.

Small groups groups are always forming for students of all interests that can meet at lunch or recess. These groups cover  friendship, stress, changing families, military kids, anger and new kids just to name a few. If you know a student who might be interested, have them speak to either their teacher or me.

More to come…

Barbara Belak