April Parent Newsletter 2019

EAGLE CLIFFS ELEMENTARY Mission: Successful Open-Minded Achieving Respectful Vision: Soar With Us Towards Lifelong Learning

PARENT NEWSLETTER APRIL 2019 April 3rd 4th 5th 8th 10th 11th

Early Release School Librarian Day 406 Day Observed-wear your Montana attire! PTA Carnival and Theme Baskets 5:00-8:30 PIR Day-No School Early Release PTA Meeting 7:00 pm

18-22 Spring Break 24th

Admin Asst Day

April Birthdays! Flynn Karsh April Ivy Gia Kate Logan Marcus Anthony Roman Rayce Dusty Clairebelle Lori Jaxon Ronin Kinley Lexus Sadie Kiyah Drew Mercedes Harper Owen Ava Jack Kailynn Connor Lilyan Avery Andrew Hayden Peyton Bradyn Scarlett Allison Jonah. Ms. Wicker Mrs. Hagen Ms. Cousins Mrs. Super

Happy Spring! With the arrival of Spring, hopefully we can look forward to some warmer days. There were some cold days the months of February and March! As the school starts to wind down, we find ourselves in a panic as there is still so much to learn and do. I love this time of year because it is enjoyable watching the growth that has occurred academically and socially from the beginning of the year to now. I look forward to seeing how students perform on our state and district assessments. With that in mind, below is some testing information. Testing Windows: 3rd-5th NWEA April 22nd-May 8th 3rd-5th SBAC May 6th-May 24th K-2 Fastbridge April 29th-May 17th Remember to be sure your child is in attendance on testing days and is well rested, well fed and well prepared. We want each to bring his/ her best to every testing session. There are many great things coming this month. Please look for the information in this newsletter as well as on the website. As always, let me know if you need anything from me. My door is always open! Mrs. Hornby

LOST AND FOUND We have a large number of items in our Lost and Found area.  Please stop by and see if there are items which belong to your child.  If they are not claimed in a week or so after school is out, we send most items to a charitable organization. Update on the PTA: Our Spring Carnival is on Friday, April 5th from 5:00-8:30 pm in the Eagle Cliffs’ gym. Remember to contribute to the classroom theme basket!

Spring Fever Week before Spring Break! 15th Mixed Up Monday-wear crazy hair, hat and/or socks 16th Team Style Tuesday-wear attire to show support for your favorite team 17th Wacky Wednesday-excessively accessorize! LUNCH CHARGES As of May 1st students will no longer be allowed charges on their lunch accounts.  Please be sure to check your child’s backpack for your notification of account balances.  If your child does not have money in their account they will be given a sunbutter sandwich, offerings from the salad bar, and milk.

Eagle Cliffs Elementary 1201 Kootenai Ave Billings, MT 59105 406.281.6210 Principal: Mrs. Julie Hornby Admin Asst.: Mrs. Tammy Crum

P.T.A. Election The Nominating Committee will be accepting nominations for the following PTA elected officers:  Vice-President and Treasurer.  There is a total of up three positions available. If you are interested in any of the positions, please contact a member of our Nominating Committee Julie Hornby, Sara Schaefer or Kristen Engenbretsen. The committee will be accepting nominations until April 9th. Elections will be held April 11th at the General Meeting.  Thank you for considering one of the positions on our P.T.A.

Bike Repair Clinic Kids in Motion will sponsor a free Bike Clinic Repair on April 4th for students in grades K-5 from 2:30-4:30 on the large playground. Bring your bike in for repairs!

Art Students

Counselor’s Corner Empowering Our Youth Solving “Big” Problems and “Small” Problems As parents and educators, how do we help to empower children to become healthy problem solvers? First, it’s important for children to understand the difference between “big problems”, that require help from an adult to and “small problems”, that they can work through on their own. “Big problems”, are problems such as a student injury, a stranger on the playground, or when a student could be in danger. A “small problem” is when there is a minor conflict between students, such as a disagreement. It’s important for students to also learn the difference between telling and tattling. When students “tattle”, they’re trying to get another student into trouble. They are going to an adult when they have a “small problem” and could have solved this on their own.  When they “tell”, they’re trying to keep another student safe, and getting help for a “big problem”. It’s beneficial as parents and educators that we empower students to become problem solvers, so as they grow, they don’t always need to rely on an adult to solve the problem for them.  Students can learn that when they’re dealing with a “small problem”, they should try at least two healthy choices before they seek help from an adult. When students have these tools and are able to resolve “small problems”, teachers have more classroom time to focus on academics, because less time is spent on solving “small problems” between students.

BPS 4th grade Art Show was at Rimrock Mall in center court until from March 12th to  April 5th. Students featured were Peyton Menefee, Brayden Pointer, Morgan St. Pierre, Sophia Aguayo, Emily Culp, Bri Buss, Logan Neese, Lilli Hauptman.   Emma Dye, Maria Murdick, Olivia Sanford and Cassie Weigum, Lily Potratz.   Mrs. Ferguson is Children can choose two of the following healthy choices to help their Art Teacher on Tuesdays and Wednesdays and was very excited to feature them work through “small problems” that arise. *Apologize when you make a mistake these 4th graders. *Walk away *Ignore the bad behavior Dress Code Just a reminder as the warm weather comes *Ask them to stop our way, students are reminded to wear *Make a deal with another student school appropriate clothing. Short-shorts, *Wait and cool off if you get angry spaghetti strap shirts (can be worn with a *Go to another game jacket or sweater), tube-tops or low-cut *Talk it out with the other student shirts are not permitted. Also, students need *Share and take turns. quality shoes for PE, so if sandals are worn, send extra shoes on PE days. If children have tried using at least two healthy choices to solve the “small” problem and the behavior continues, they PEAK We wanted to let you know at this time we can ask for help from an adult.  For example, if a student is are unable to offer PEAK track as we being teased on the playground they could choose to walk away anticipated due to scheduling conflicts and from that student and to ask that student to stop. If the teasing the Saturday meet. PEAK will start again continues, the student should then seek help from an adult since next in the fall.   he/she has tried to solve it first on his or her own.  Children benefit greatly by being able to problem solve on their own, it MOVING? Please notify your child’s teacher if you plan gives them confidence and makes them feel they have control to move over the summer.  This will assist over their situation, which results in healthy problem solvers and happier children. with placement and the transfer of your child’s records.