As you know, teachers sent first semester progress reports home with students on Friday, February 6.  It is hoped that the combination of specific standards, performance levels achieved and teacher comments will give you a clear picture of your children's progress thus far this year.  Spring parent-teacher conferences will take place in March and April.  If you have questions interpreting information on the Progress Report, you may want to consult "The Parent Guide to the Elementary Progress Report."  This guide is on the Newton Public Schools website.  Go to www.newton.k12.ma.us.  Click on "parents" then "elementary education" then "progress reports" then "The Parent Guide to the Elementary Progress Report."

How can parents use the information on the Progress Report? 

• Look for patterns and trends.  In what areas and subjects does your child thrive?  What is challenging for him/her?
• Read the teacher's comments to understand how your child has progressed and what steps your child can take to improve.
• Share the report with your child.
• Praise the positive!  Use specific information from the reports and comments.  Congratulate your child for improvement and effective effort.
• Set goals with your child.  Discuss his/her progress.  Where would he/she like to improve?

Last call for Box Tops for Education!  Please submit your labels, in a ziploc bag or labeled envelope by this Friday, February 13th.  Anything submitted by then will count toward this year's Box Top total.  If you have questions about this program, please submit them to Box Top Coordinator Sherri Sonia at jimjack123@hotmail.com.

Massachusetts General Laws require that public schools collect height and weight measurements of students.  These measurements are used to calculate the Body Mass Index (BMI) which is a screening tool to monitor students' growth and development.
 
Your child's screening will be supervised by the school nurse and each student's privacy will be respected at all times.  Your child's height, weight, and BMI measurements are strictly confidential and the results will be recorded in your child's school health record.  If you would like these results and/or additional information and resources, please contact the school nurse at: 617-559-9364.  Please share the results of the Growth Screening with your child's healthcare provider.
 
If you choose not to have your child participate in the Growth Screening Program, you must contact the school nurse and provide written documentation of height and weight measurements taken within the past twelve months by your child's healthcare provider.
 
Simple standards for a healthy lifestyle include:

• Eating at least 5 fruits and vegetables per day
• Spending no more than 2 hours per day on "screen time" (TV, video games, computer use, etc.)
• Getting at least 1 hour of physical activity per day

February, National Children's Dental Health Month, is a great time to remember how important it is to pay attention to your teeth, gums and mouth. Children can't be healthy without good oral health. It is a critical part of lifetime overall health. Childhood dental decay can hinder kids' ability to learn and advance in school. Oral health affects people physically and psychologically by influencing how they grow, enjoy life, look, speak, chew, taste food and socialize, as well as affecting their feelings of social well-being. For great oral health, follow these watching your mouth tips:

• Drink fluoridated water and use fluoride toothpaste.
• Take care of your teeth and gums. Thoroughly brush with a soft toothbrush twice a day and floss to reduce dental plaque and prevent gingivitis.
• Visit a dental provider regularly.
• Eat wisely - avoid snacks with sugars and starches and limit the number of snacks eaten throughout the day. Also, eat the recommended five-a-day helping of fiber-rich fruits and vegetables.
• Individuals with diabetes should work to maintain control of their blood sugar; this will help prevent the complications of diabetes, including an increased risk of gum disease.

Information taken from watchyourmouth.org and www.mass.gov/dph/