Silent Safety Drill
On Monday, March 26th, staff and students will conduct a silent safety drill.   Unlike a fire or earthquake drill where we have students evacuate classrooms, a silent safety drill practices what we would do if we should not leave the classroom.  This brief, ten-minute drill will include discussions with students about procedures we would use in case of “stranger danger” being on or near campus.  Teachers will conduct those discussions using age appropriate concepts (obviously, the discussion is different for 6th graders than it would be for 1st graders)  It is unfortunate that we have to conduct such drills but a silent safety drill is part of our comprehensive school safety plan.

Volunteer Reminders
We love our volunteers!  What our volunteers provide to our students is invaluable.  Whether it’s helping out with math centers, guiding a Living Classroom lesson, or helping to stuff Friday folders, your help is a huge benefit.  

This time of year brings lots of volunteer opportunities so it’s a good idea to review some guidelines when working on campus:

1. Please check into the main office before coming to the classroom. The office needs to know who is on campus in case of an emergency.
2. It is important to work will all students, not just your own child. All the students love that you are there to help them and they all want a bit of your attention.
3. Be a good listener. Encourage students with positive words and comments.
4. It is not a volunteer’s job to discipline a student, however it is acceptable to stop unsafe or unkind behavior. If you are having difficulty with any students, please inform the teacher so  they can intervene and deal with the situation.
5. Don’t compare one student to another. Accept each child as he/she is.
6. Practicing patience and kindness.  Our students look up to what you model.
7. Accept each student and encourage the best from him or her.  There is a range of abilities each classroom and it is important to understand that each student will work at a different pace and may have different understandings.
8. When helping struggling students, try to refrain from telling them the correct answers. Instead, try to guide their thinking with questions or promptings.
9. Please respect confidentiality of our students by not sharing anything (factual or opinion) with anyone other than the teacher.
10. Have fun! Kids are so fun to work with and it is very impressive to see all they know and can do, especially as the year progresses.

Parking Lot Disruption on Tuesday and Wednesday next week
In order to finish the parking lot installation, the first two rows (closest to the office) of parking spots will be fenced off on Tuesday and Wednesday.   

Thanks for all your support!
 -Wade Spenader, Covington Principal