LA CENTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL NEWSLETTER Intermediate Principal, Carol Patton Primary Principal, Scott Lincoln Elementary Office 263-2134 March 2, 2010

PRINCIPAL'S CORNER

Greetings,

I hope you and your family have enjoyed February. My family and I have been busy with such things as finishing up basketball and starting up baseball. Some days it seems odd to imagine that Spring is almost here, especially at our recent baseball tryouts. With Spring can come more outdoor activities. I thought I would give you some updates as to what is going on with recesses and the playground.

4-Square

Rumor has it that 4-Square play has been suspended until further notice. This is true and not a rumor. As I mentioned to students during morning announcements, we have had too many behavior referrals coming from 4-Square play. The main patterns appear to be stemming from students being too concerned about winning (not getting out), those waiting in line to play being the judges, and rules changing during the game. As you know, what happens at recess does impact the classroom and learning. We have worked the past couple of years to improve 4-Square play and behavior by doing such things as creating, posting, and teaching official school 4-Square rules in p.e. The number of students at our recesses combined with the number of playground teachers we have available, has made it difficult to shift playground teachers from other areas of the playground and field to solely supervise numerous 4-Square games. Students have been impressive with their creativity since the 4-Square change has been implemented. Some have started marbles games (using the 4-Square courts) and have taken on leadership roles to help others to learn to play fairly. Others started a basketball tournament. This Monday, we have students who will be presenting to our playground teachers about starting a paper airplane area. I have been impressed with their efforts. We do not want 4-Square to be gone from our playground permanently, but we do need it to be played in a safe environment for all. If you have ideas on how we can help with the concerns mentioned above, please feel free to share them with me.

Playground Games/Equipment/Toys-Approval Process

I wanted to give a reminder that we do have a process students can participate in to have games, equipment, and toys approved for our playground. This can include students bringing materials and requests for school purchases. Many students have taken us up on the opportunity. If you or someone you know is interested, anyone may pick up a document giving details (including meeting dates) on the process in my office. I believe it is quite easy. As a matter of fact, I believe all student requests have been approved, with some requiring minor adjustments for safety.

Track Grand Opening and Recess Olympics

I am happy to say that we have tentatively scheduled our Speed Zone grand opening for the afternoon of April 16th. There will be a presentation, including the unveiling of the official sign. The grand opening will also serve as the start to our Recess Olympics. We are planning for events that will take place during recesses in the weeks following and will hopefully include events of interest for all students (participation is optional). I look forward to seeing the excitement and efforts during and leading up to the Olympics.

We are always striving to provide opportunities, which will help recess to be a positive experience for all our students. Please always feel free to communicate any ideas or thoughts you feel may help us to do so.

Sincerely,

Scott Lincoln, K-3 Principal

K-3 STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to the following students that were chosen for February Student of the Month.

Kindergarten: Taylor Cross, Jordan Rehfeldt, Jace Story, Brielle Brade, Savannah Dodson, Emma Seter, Aden Vernon, Alexis Hoppa and Molly Watson.

1st Grade: Mikayla Schmeusser, Montana Fewell, Alexis Zachary, Ellie Ossenkop, Irving Alvarez, Trevor Lindberg, Olivia Puyleart, Emily Holyk, Alex Rivers, Logan Grindle, DeAnna Baher, Ashlyn Winston, Brendon Leach and Seraiah Hanson.

2nd Grade: Ashlyn Macho, Samuel Tsarenko, Eli Kissinger, Carly Taylor, Kiersten Brightbill, Kyelis Eskeli, Beau Castleberry, Ally England, Bob Tyrrell, Hailey Grotte, Lewis Wozniak and Samantha Lowery.

3rd Grade: Ashlynn Evans, Ewan Robinson, Brynna Toepper, Haily Kreger, Esme Castrejon, Hannah Moore, Kyra Rasmussen, Tanner Dalberg, Connor Meade, Laynie Erickson, Madison Osborne, Ashley Loucks, Nick Denman, Stacy Muonio, Connor Holyk, Megan Reeder and Natalie Chisholm.

K-3 BOBCAT WINNERS

Students are given Bobcat tickets when they are "caught" following our Guidelines For Success. The following students were winners in our weekly drawings: Colton Anrys, Andrew Scott, Anet Martin, Keegan Coring, Miles Bacon, Tressa Maxwell, Troy Shapovalov, Jonah Karlsen, Tristen York, Ezra Karlsen, Loren Brown, Brandon Ell, Kyelis Eskeli, Jacob McLenithan, Dillon Barboza, Hana Chamberlain, Sydney Johnson, DeAnna Baher, Hannah Ritola, Chad Hall, Connor Ober, Ethan McConeghy, Matthew Harrison, Jada Anderson, Bob Tyrrell, Samantha Lowery, Mackenzie Hallstrom and Anna Webberley. Each student picked out two prizes.

NOTES FROM PTO

The Book fair is coming this week! Set aside some time to visit the book fair on Saturday, March 6, 10:00-2:00 or Thursday, March 11, 5:00-7:00 during our family events or next week before or after your teacher conferences. Flyers will be coming home with more details.

We still need a few volunteers for Monday and Wednesday - if you are available please contact Rachel Macho 263-5424 or Machofam8@gmail.com.

We hope to see you there!

Staci Firl, Director, 263-2015
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