Dear St. Francis Xavier Families,
How do we help our kids know that they make a difference? Agency is a term that refers to how willing one is to act on behalf of what one values. Some people are tempted to believe that they don't have value. Some people feel invisible. Some people stop acting on their own behalf.
A simple action such as greeting another person, especially if the other person has greeted you first, is a powerful step in exercising agency. I take a step to reach out to another, or to respond to another. Young children can learn this simple act of kindness early in life, and as kids mature they may need to be reminded to act on this same principle.
If children grow accustomed to being excused from greeting another, what will be reinforced is the notion that some people don't really matter. Who I am and what I do makes a difference to another. Saying "hi" or smiling in return, sharing a word, each simple gesture provides a child with a way to make an impact.
We hope to work together on greeting one another, guests on campus, and friends and family. Thank you for helping your child learn this skill and for reinforcing it. Our hope is that you will see your child grow in confidence and happiness. Even if at first these actions may seem like a chore, the responses your students will receive will enhance his or her sense of self. We can't be given self-esteem, it is simply cultivated when we act on our goals.
Blessings,
Ms. Kim Cavnar, Principal
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Pay for your tickets and sponsorships online. Visit:
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Sign Up for Fall Enrichment Classes
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The Student Family Directory is now posted on the front page of Gradelink.
We will be adding a link to the newsletter on Monday and the school calendar soon.
Gradelink is in the process of investigating either an app for mobile devices or a optimization plan for their site....more good things coming!
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Standardized Testing
Iowa and CogAT Assessments
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September 21st - October 2nd our 2nd - 8th grade students will take the Iowa and CogAT Assessments. We use data from these assessments for a variety of purposes, and we ask your help to prepare our students and to create the optimal testing environment in the following ways:
- Make sure your child arrives at school on time -- do not schedule any appointments during testing
- Ensure your child gets enough sleep
- Provide your child a good, healthy breakfast, snack and lunch
At school we will review test taking strategies. Additionally, we will institute a "Quiet Campus" to provide students the best environment to be able to concentrate and do their best. Classes will not be interrupted during testing, so students cannot be pulled out of class for appointments. We appreciate your partnership as we work to help students "show what they know" on these assessments.
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Raise Dough with Paradise Bakery !
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View school activities
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 Click on the +Google icon in the bottom right-hand corner to add the school calendar to your smart phone! Great way to keep in the loop! |
