Dear Families,
For many, the 2020 election has been yet another contributor to the rollercoaster of challenging emotions many of us have been confronted with this year.
As your child's most adored adult(s), you play an important role in helping child(ren) make sense of some of the divisive rhetoric they are undoubtedly hearing.
I know that I frequently underestimate my six-year-old's understanding of current events. He reminds me again and again however, that he is part of my world, influenced by my emotions, interested in my beliefs, and often has incomplete and/or inaccurate information that requires. my intervention.
This election has provided me with an opportunity to:
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revisit some relevant current events
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address some misconceptions and misunderstandings,
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help my son process his own emotions,
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discuss our family values,
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celebrate our country's right to vote, and
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engage in very timely conversations about civil rights and civic engagement
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★ Here is a quality resource, if you're interested ★
Life Kit has just released a 23 minute podcast:
Now is a Good Time to Talk to Your Kids about Civics.
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This link provides access to the podcast and an accompanying primer with tips for talking with kids about the election. If you don't have 23+ minutes (and I certainly understand that!), I offer a summary of some of the key points below:
Process your own emotions, and make home a safe space. Remember our children are always watching us, our response, and our reactions. Try to limit their exposure to news that can be unsettling, unless you can be available to process what they're hearing.
Ask them: "What have you heard, and how are you feeling?" Provide a safe space for your child(ren) to reflect and share. Address any misinformation and misunderstandings
Use this an an opportunity for learning and civic engagement. Learn about the election process, explore historical struggles for voting rights, and discuss the role of media and the importance of medial literacy.
Put the election in the context of history — including our "hard history." Less-than-honest versions of history can leave children feeling confused, alienated, and even betrayed when they're exposed to facts that don't fit.
Avoid demonizing the other side. We need to teach kids the fine art of respectful and tolerant disagreement. Avoid labeling the other side as "bad guys" or "evil," which can increase fear and confusion in our children. Instead, talk about empathy, compassion, and perspective-taking — and that some people may be in pain, be angry, or be making choices we disagree with.
Put civics into action. Brainstorm ways children can make their voices heard. Remind them that silence is dangerous, and teach them how to speak up when something is wrong. Here is a 30 second video: People Make Choices. Choices Make History.
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Thank you for your partnership, your engagement, and your support, as we work together to support our children in perhaps the most challenging landscape that we will encounter in our lifetime.
Stay well, stay safe, and stay engaged,
Lexie Cala
Principal
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Please note the ★ change ★ for Monday, 11.09.20 and Tuesday, 11.10.20.
We previously communicated that Monday would run as "Tuesday," and Tuesday would run as a "Wednesday."
Instead, we are going to leave Tuesday alone. Other than Wednesday being a holiday, the only change in the schedule now is that :
★ Monday, 11.09.20 will run as a "Wednesday." ★
On Monday, 11.09.20:
Cohort A will be in-person, on campus and follow their typical Wednesday schedule.
Cohort B will be virtual, but will follow their typical Wednesday schedule.
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Also, please note that Conference Week will be virtual.
Students will follow their Phase 2 "Monday" schedule for all five days.
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PICTURE DAY IS HAPPENING | NOVEMBER 19 |
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For those of us craving some normalcy (and maybe some holiday gift ideas),
Picture Day is happening November 19!
More details are coming,
but this event is for all Bel Aire students.
All families can use the sign-up link below to select an appointment time that works on November 19.
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November 19 is a Virtual Day for all students,
so parents will be able to enter campus with their child(ren)
during their selected picture appointment time.
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RUSD SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
November 9th through 20th
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Our school’s Book Fair has gone online!
Discover new books sure to keep kids reading. Every purchase supports our schools.
The site goes live THIS MONDAY November 9!
You’ll love the new option to shop directly from the interactive book list, and enjoy special online shopping features. All orders ship directly to your home!
Watch your inbox for room parent emails detailing fun activities for your kids throughout the fair weeks!
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Spirt Day | Monday, November 16
Come to your Zoom classroom dressed as your favorite book character!
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Art Contest | Win a $10 Scholastic Gift Card!
Draw the cover of your favorite book for a chance to win a $10 gift card to Scholastic! One winner from each grade will be announced in the Bel Aire news flash on Wednesday 11/18. Email contest submissions to belairebookfair@gmail.com
by Friday November 13!
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CHOICELUNCH | DID YOU KNOW?
Choicelunch is delivered directly to your student in the classroom at the end of the day.
Lunches arrive bagged, labeled with your student’s name, ready to take home to eat.
A portion of every lunch ordered supports the PTA!
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We are so grateful to all the families who are coming together to invest in our schools! Your support has never been more crucial.
Mark your calendars for our annual…
PLEDGE DAY
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For those not yet ready to donate, pledge day is a day to commit to a future donation. It helps us forecast and saves valuable volunteer hours.
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