Dear Parents,
This morning's PenPal Breakfast was the culmination to an already successful 6-week letter exchange between adults and students. What a wonderful way to show the value of
writing, and to give the boys and girls authentic reasons for writing.
Simply stupendous! Thank you to all who partici pated. A special thank you to Dahven White and Mary Roberts who coordinated the entire Pen Pal project. Two thumbs up for a job very well done! Today's photos are from this morning's event.
The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. Dr. Seuss knew exactly what he was talking about. Research shows that children who are motivated and spend lots of time reading do better in school, grow to love reading, and become lifelong readers and learners. Dr. Seuss's wisdom is honored during Read Across America on March 2, his birthday, by promoting children's reading. We at New City will also celebrate Dr. Seuss by having an all-school read-in that morning. From 8:40 - 9:00, every person in the building will be engaged in reading. Teachers will read to their students, and staff members will either join a class to hear the teacher's selection, or simply use the time to read themselves. If you are in the building on Tuesday morning, be sure to bring a good book along. We'll want you to read as well!
This past week several administrators, together with one of our parents, met to brainstorm some topics for future Parent Ed programs. Some of the topics and ideas we came up with were: how to support your beginning reader; a family math night; a parent-child book club or a schoolwide book selection and accompanying discussion, the effects of sleep deprivation and how to curb the time-to-go-to-sleep battles, how help your child deal with allergies, keeping your cool while getting your child to finish the homework, to name just a few. We'd love to hear from you, however. What topic or presenter would entice you to leave the comfort of your home on a Tuesday or Wednesday night and spend a few hours at school? Send us your ideas. In the meantime, the Family Support office is offering just such an opportunity for you. So, read on...
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An Exciting Opportunity from the Family Support Office
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NCS will present a parenting workshop on Wednesday, March 10 at 6:30-8:00 in the Library. Melba Sullivan, (sister of our own Lisa Blue!) will present: Parenting from your Center. How do you take care of yourself so that you can enjoy taking care of your child? She will discuss, among other topics, the four C's of parenting; calmness, compassion,  consistency and confidence.
Melba is a clinical psychologist with a Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. She has worked with Duke University, The Center for Talent Development at Northwestern University, and was the Director of Community Outreach for The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Childcare will be provided. Please RSVP to Debbie if you plan on attending: dnausley@newcityschool.org.
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Bring Back the Sit-Down Family Dinner
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With today's hectic lifestyles, it's sometimes hard to stay connected. For many families, eating dinner together has become a lost art -- but it actually has been proven to be a simple, effective way to raise healthier children. Recent research shows how important family meals actually are. The facts are clearly on the table: eating dinner together has a positive effect on kids' emotional and physical well-being. It's the perfect time and place to reconnect and to show your kids that they are your priority. The more often children and teens eat with their families, the less likely they are to use drugs and alcohol, feel depressed, be sexually active, or have lower grades. In addition, children and teenagers who eat dinner with their family have healthier eating habits that are likely to continue, such as eating more fr uits and vegetables and having higher intakes of foods high in calcium or other nutrients. They are also less likely to drink sugary soft drinks. Plus, even teenagers report that they enjoy eating with their family!
Stress levels can be high at the end of the day, especially if you're hurried, hungry or tired. It may be hard to imagine adding one more thing to your schedule. But with a little planning, you'll find that providing an enjoyable, healthy meal can be easier and more rewarding than you think. Here are some tips to help keep it enjoyable for everyone:
- Plan ahead. Write down a weekly dinner menu and post it on the refrigerator. Children look forward to it-especially if you make it sound good!
- Get everyone involved. For example, one family has the children set the table while mom cooks. Then dad and the children clean up.
- Establish clear expectations. Family rules may include: no phone calls during dinner; be polite to the cook; ask to be excused and clear your dishes.
- Slow down. To create a calm environment, try an occasional candlelit dinner.
- Turn off the TV! This is your time to connect.
- Don't expect too much from the cook. A balanced meal is a balanced meal-whether it was cooked from scratch or came out of a box!
The importance of regular family activities to share ideas and find out "what's happening" is a great way for a parent to be involved, discuss rules, monitor activities and friends, and simply be a good role model. The benefits of eating together will last long after your meal ends, especially if you make family mealtimes a regular activity.
What should you talk about about? Check the sidebar for some suggestions. I'd also love to hear what things your family does to make mealtimes good connection times.
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| Interactive Diversity Board, from Sheryl |
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Check out the latest interactive Diversity Board near the main office. If you were asked or required to choose one social identifier to describe yourself, which would you choose?
- Race/Ethnicity
- Religion
- Gender
- Socio-Economic Status
- Sexual Orientation/Affectional Preference
Please stop by and share your answers. There are stickers and instructions to guide you in sharing your identifiers.E
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Don't Forget...
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Have you RSVP'd for the Spring Diversity Event? There will be a showing of Chris Rock's moving, Good Hair, followed by dessert and conversation. Reservations must be received no later
than 4:00 pm on March 3rd. Don't miss out. This should be a fun and
informative evening. RSVP through our website at:
http://www.newcityschool.org/DiversityCommitteeSpringEvent_983.aspx
Call or email Debbie Nausley as soon as possible to RSVP to hear Melba Sullivan share the Four C's of Parenting, on Wednesday evening, March 10th.
Enjoy your dinner! See you on Monday.
Sincerely,
Pat
M. Patricia Nuernberger, Ph.D.
pnuernberger@newcityschool.org
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COMING EVENTS
Spring Diversity Event: Good Hair Friday, March 5th movie begins at 6:30
Family... Art Show continues in the Delano Gallery through March
Parenting from Your Center
by Melba Sullivan
Wednesday, Mar. 10th
6:30 p.m.
Childcare provided
RSVP: Debbie Nausley
5th Grade Show
Thursday, Mar. 11th
6:30 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 12th
8:40 a.m.
Spring Break Begins
Friday, March 12th
Daylight Savings Time Ends
Sunday, March 14th
2:00 a.m.
Classes Resume
Monday, March 29th
Spring Break Camp
Mar. 15 - 19
Mar. 22 - 26
NCS Auction
Saturday, Apr. 10th
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Break Camp
Spring Break is upon us. Have you thought about what you might do with the kids? Check out the funtivities we are offering and come play with us!
Camp will be from March 15-26. Please click on the link below for our calendar of events and registration forms.
Please turn in forms to Aubrey or Tobie in the Ext. Day office.
http://ncsnet.newcityschool.
org/Files/springbreak
2010.pdf
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NCS Successes
Alums Lauren Fields and Ashley Gray, both at Crossroads College Prep, have been named finalists in the National Achievement Program.
Eric Mumford, father of Anna and Sophia, and professor of architecture at Washington U, has recently had his book, The Missouri Botanical Garden Climatron: A Celebration of 50 Years published.
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What Should We Talk About?
Ask everyone to share their favorite part or biggest challenge of the day.
Exchange memories about your favorite family pastimes.
Discuss an activity that the family can do together and then put it on the calendar.
Talk with your children about a book they are reading or a movie. It might turn into a family book club or a regular movie and popcorn night.
Ask the kids about their homework, teachers, and upcoming assignments. Find out if they would like your help or want to simply discuss the project.
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Auction Volunteers Sought
If the cold weather has you down, just Get Into the Groove!! and join Leslie and Jami on Wednesday mornings (starting March 3rd) after drop-off in the Main Office conference room to talk Auction. The auction is the single biggest event fundraiser every year, so join us! We're hoping to brainstorm item ideas and other groovy ideas for the auction. Should be fun! Don't forget to mark your calendar, the auction is April 10th and will be hosted here at school!
For event details, information on how you can help, or to sign up, visit:
http://www.newcityschool.
org/2010AuctionGetIntothe
Groove_987.aspx
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