Guidance Notes by Sue Pronchik

We are still working on guidance lessons, groups, doing observations, child study and writing reports. We have also started a new group –the Italian Club –6 fourth graders and two moms. We’re learning the language, food and culture.

This week is Random Acts of Kindness Week- students and staff are encouraged to perform acts of kindness for our community. Outstanding participants will be announced on the morning news broadcast.

Art Notes by Susan DiGuiseppe

Our art student teacher, Miss Frank is in her last two weeks of teaching here at Brooke. She will head over to the high school to finish her placement. We are also looking forward to Art Goes to School in March.

Health Office by Betsy Smith

Parent phone calls were made and fourth time reminders were sent out requesting delinquent dental and physical exam forms. School dental screenings are scheduled for February 22 with Dr. Bracale. This is a mirror exam. Referrals will be made to private dentists for follow-up as needed.

Data entry continues in Skyward for yearly screening assessments, physical and dental examinations and immunizations. Skyward entry of heights, weights , BMI’s and BMI %’s is necessary for mail merging and subsequent parent BMI letters in May.

Betsy Tecco presented “Get Up and Go” and assembly from Healthy Choice for all third and fourth graders and their parents on 2/8. They learned how to keep up their ENERGY with proper foods and exercise, sleep and activities.

On Wellness Wednesday we are giving facts about the heart and dental. Did you know the heart beats about 100,000 per day and we can protect it by eating healthy food, moving and grooving and living tobacco free. First graders are receiving a lesson on the Dental Defenders – brushing, flossing and rinsing teeth and functions of the teeth – to eat, talk and smile. Each year nurses send to Proctor and Gamble for free toothbrush kits and distribute them to all first graders and dental screening children. Later this month I will be giving the dental lesson to the third graders. Toothbrushes will again be distributed to students and staff. Remember to change yours if you’ve been sick!

Physical Fitness by Nancy Kodish

In February, students in PE class were tested on their upper body strength.  The pull-up test is part of the President's Physical Fitness Test.  Kindergarten, first and second graders continue to work on ball skills.  Third and fourth graders have begun their volleyball unit. All students are doing an aerobic exercise for one minute each morning with WBRK.

Reading Report by Marilyn Nepps

After reviewing the results of the recent DIBELS benchmark testing, twelve additional students were identified as needing additional support in reading and three students were exited from remedial reading. Progress monitoring testing will continue on a regular basis to determine if we are meeting the students’ instructional needs.

Planning is underway for our annual celebration of Dr. Seuss’s birthday (March 2^nd) and Read Across America.

Media Center by Jean Novis

During the month of February, the primary classes were exposed to literature based on winter themes as well as the President’s Day theme. They also worked on the details of the book publishing process. The intermediate grades completed work on research reports.