Announcements

News Flash

This News Flash will be used for current news and events that pertain to Waterbury Elementary School.

Parents who subscribe (using the button below) for this News Flash will be able to receive updates via email and/or cell phone text message.

-Mr. Stockhausen

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Construction

Waterbury will be under construction for the majority of Summer Break.  Please be conscientious of this when using the playground.  The Waterbury office staff will be relocated to Spring Wood for the summer.  

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Planning for next year:  

Teachers have already begun planning for next school year.  In planning class lists, we factor in as much information as we can.  If you have extenuating circumstances or particular information about your child that you believe teachers should be aware, we want to know.  While we want to be in constant communication about student concerns and progress, we have also created a form for parents.  The form is intended for parents to give pertinent information to staff when forming class lists.  It is available online or through the office. 

Parent-Input-for-K-Class-List-Form-WB-13-14.pdf 

Parent-Input-for-Class-List-Form-WB-13-14.pdf

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Upcoming events:

Summer Break Begins - 5/24

Waterbury Construction Begins - 5/24

Waterbury office staff relocated to Spring Wood for the summer - 5/28

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Flu season is upon us.  Let's keep our school healthy!  

 

The flu is a serious illness. On average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized each year because of complications from the flu. Influenza causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease.

What YOU can do:

Get vaccinated! The single best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potential severe complications is for children (and adults) to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is recommended for children aged 6 months and older.

Make healthy choices at school and at home that can help prevent the flu and spreading the flu to others.

Children, parents, and staff should take the following everyday preventive actions:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hand.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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Supports for talking to students after a tragic event:  

In the wake of the tragic events in Connecticut on 12-14-12, there are many emotions and many questions.  Every person that would come to this page has a heart that aches today.  Answers do not come easily and emotions take time to heal.  


Our first priority is always students' safety and we will provide support to students as needed.  We practice safety drills throughout the year including those for a building lock down.  We have a social worker that is available for students that need an extra person to listen to them.   
One of the most difficult questions to answer is, "What do I tell my child?"  Every child is unique, but the following quote from Fred Rogers may help.

"When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of 'disaster,' I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world." -- Mister Rogers

The following are some tips for talking about tragedies with your children from APA, PBS, and psychologist Robin Gurwitch:

  • Talk to your children
    • Find out what your child knows about the news.
    • Listen to what your child tells you.
    • Remind them you are there to keep them safe.
    • Hug them.
  • Keep home a safe place
    • Shield children under age 8 from disturbing news and avoid repeated TV viewings of the same news event.
    • Monitor older children's exposure to the news.
    • Adults need to be mindful of their conversation, since younger children eavesdrop.
    • Help make it a place where your children find the solitude or comfort they need. 
    • Plan a night where everyone participates in a favorite family activity.
  • Watch for signs of stress, fear or anxiety
    • They may experience trouble sleeping, difficulty with concentrating on school work, or changes in appetite.
    • Encourage your children to put their feelings into words by talking about them or journaling.
    • You may share some worry, but it is important to also share ideas for coping with difficult situations like this tragedy. 
More resources and tips can be found at: 

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Supports to stop bullying:  

While bullying is not a new concept, it has changed.  Schools are working hard to stop bullying and develop a caring, supportive culture among students.  Part of the challenge is that bullying is no longer just a face to face occurrence.  Bullying can be done online, via texting, or face to face.  It is very easy for a student to say hurtful things electronically in a public domain when they do not see the hurt they are causing on the other person's face.  Our students need support, guidance, and sometimes healing in order to navigate today's social landscape.  Here are some supports for school and home that may help adults to provide for our students.




 
Last Modified: Monday, May. 27, 2013
 
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