Guidance Notes by Sue Pronchik

In December we concluded our first of two fundraisers and successfully raised over $800.00 for a sibling of a Brooke child with special needs. The money will be used to purchase equipment to assist with his daily care. The children at school had an opportunity to read and learn about the child’s life and how his illness has impacted his life. They also learned responsibility by completing chores to earn contributions.  

Our New Year is off to a busy start resuming classroom guidance lessons, groups, testing, child study and report writing. We are hosting Donuts for Dads on Jan. 24^th with Dr. Fred Fisher speaking on the importance of the father’s role in child development. We have about 270 people participating in this event.

Health Office by Betsy Smith

All heights, weights, vision and hearing screenings are completed. Third reminders were sent out requesting delinquent dental and physical exam forms along with vision referrals. Data entry continues in Skyward for yearly screening assessments, physical and dental exams and immunizations. Wellness Wednesdays this month concentrated on being a fit kid and good hand washing technique. Next month we will concentrate on dental and heart health. First and fourth grades enjoyed the poison prevention presentation which was scheduled through the Dept. of Health.

As co-chair of the Healthy Choice Community Presentation committee I scheduled an assembly for K – 2 for each elementary school with Puppets Pizzazz. These puppeteers dialoged a special healthy choice show per my request which was enjoyed by all attendees. Look for the write-up and pictures on the Healthy Choice web site.

Physical Fitness by Nancy Kodish

Students are taking their second physical fitness test…V-Sit reach test of flexibility

Finishing up basketball unit….ready to begin volleyball (gr. 3,4). Younger grades will begin ball skills.

Reading Report by Marilyn Nepps

Kindergarten and first grade teachers have just completed the second DIBELS benchmark testing. Data from this testing will be used to determine which students would benefit from additional support in reading.

The second Reading Is Fundamental (R.I.F.) book distribution for kindergarten through fourth grades is scheduled for January 31^st and February 1^st. The theme, “Exploring the Depths of Reading”, will focus on the reading comprehension skills of predicting, asking questions, making connections, visualizing and summarizing. During the week of January 28^th, one comprehension skill will be highlighted each day on the televised morning announcements.

Media Center by Jean Novis

During library classes in the month of January, Brooke’s primary classes will be exposed to literature and author appreciation through books and lessons centered on winter and snow themes. They will also experience the multicultural theme through biography books and videos about Martin Luther King Jr. and his accomplishments. During these activities, they will focus on the difference between fiction and nonfiction through the use of various stories and worksheets. The intermediate classes will begin research reports. Third Grade students will research their favorite animal and Fourth Grade students will research a state within the United States. The research for these reports will be done in the Media Center through its general and specialized online and print encyclopedias as well as nonfiction books on those subjects. The students will be required to read a nonfiction animal or state book, depending on their grade level.