• Elementary Playground Students Support Buddy Benches On School Playground
    Buddy Benches are popping up on playgrounds on schools across the country.  Here at NRHEG Elementary our anti-bullying committee, The PAWSitive Team, has taken on this initiative to create an inclusive school climate.  It is their hope that no student feels disconnected from their school community.  A Buddy Bench allows those students who may feel left out to be seated on the bench, thereby indicating they are looking for a friend or classmate to play with.  The expectations below will be shared with students at that time:

    • Before you sit on the Buddy Bench, think of something you would like to do. Ask someone else to play with you.
    • The bench isn’t for socializing. Only sit there if you can’t find anyone to play with.
    • While you’re sitting on the bench, look around for a game you can join.
    • If you see something you want to do, or a friend you want to talk to, get off the bench.
    • When you see someone on the bench, ask that person to play with you.
    • If you’re sitting on the bench, play with the first friend who invites you.
    • Keep playing with your new friends!

    Building Responsibility In Our Students While Home Alone~Stay in Charge When Your Children Are Home Alone
    Just because you allow your kids to stay home alone after school a few hours, doesn’t mean you give up your authority over them.  Here’s how to stay in control and keep your children safe:

    • Discuss expectations.
    • Tell your child what she is to do and when, as well as what she can’t do.
    • Have a practice run before you leave your child alone the first time.  Let your child rehearse the routine one afternoon while you’re at a friend’s house.  He can call you if he runs into a snag.
    • Tell your child you trust her and that letting her stay home alone is helping her become more responsible.
    • Warn your child-if he can’t follow the rules, he will lose the privilege of caring for himself after school.
    • Post rules on the refrigerator door.  Here are good rules to include on your list. When you get off the bus, go home and lock the door.
    • Call me at work as soon as you get home.
    • Help yourself to a snack, but absolutely no cooking.
    • Do homework first.
    • Watch no more than one hour of TV.
    • You can call friends,  but no one can visit
    • You may not leave the house.

    Get Back Into the School “Groove’ With These Tips”
    With the start of school come new routines, schedules and priorities. Make a plan for after-school activities. Schedule adequate time for homework, play, clubs, sports and practice These simple ideas will help you and your elementary students gear up for a great school year:

    • Scale back TV time.
    • Establish a family reading time.
    • Reestablish bed times for school nights.
    • a large calendar. Mark each family member’s activities in a different colored pen.
    • Start a change jar so you’ll have spare lunch money on hand.
    • Collect important phone numbers. Update doctor, work and other listings for the school office, after-school program and one or two neighbors.
    • Create a carpool. Compare schedules and determine which parents can drive kids when.
    • Have a backup plan. Find another parent who will exchange school pickup favors--in case you get sick or delayed by work or traffic.
    • Spruce up a study space for your child. Include pens, pencils, a dictionary and other needed supplies.
    • Set up a file for school papers. Place all school notices in it so you don’t misplace them.
    • Get children in the habit of getting ready the night before school. Set out clothes, pack lunch and put the backpack by the front door.