New Year, Same Mrs. P. - Welcome Back!

Welcome back! I hope that everyone had a fun-filled, action packed summer (as I know most parents don’t have as much time off), with a little bit of relaxation thrown in somewhere. My husband always jokes that back-to-school time is my favorite time of the year, and he is mostly right! I love seeing all our kids back in the building. But back-to-school also means fall, which means it cools off, and football starts… which is this weekend! I’m looking forward to watching the Jayhawks break in the new stadium! Rock Chalk!

I like to use my first Acorn article of the school year to give families a glimpse into my hopes and dreams for the 25-26 school year, and how I plan to support our students and their family. This year, my goal is to implement more small groups across all grade levels to not only reach more students on a personal level, but to help foster our sense of community within those groups. I also plan to be in the classroom more often providing whole class lessons, so that I am truly reaching every Oakhill student. Both services are beneficial, however, I love small groups because they allow students to learn different strategies on various topics such as self-esteem, anxiety, social skills, grief, etc. but not just from me… In a small group, the best part is that they are learning from their peers. Small groups allow students to have that “ah ha” moment when they realize some of the obstacles they face are the same as their friends. And that their friends may have strategies that work for them, and vice versa. Small groups allow me to get to know our students better, but it also builds a sense of belonging in a safe and fun space. So be on the lookout for information from me if your student is asked to be in a small group. Or if you feel you would like me to include your child in a specific group, please let me know! 

While I am excited to add more groups and lessons this year, there is a back-to-school activity I love more… Minute Meetings! Every year I sit down with every student - Kindergarten through 8th Grade - for (roughly) one minute. It’s my time to make sure students know who I am, I get to know who they are, and for some of our older students, I get to know them better than I did the previous year. This year’s Minute Meetings include questions like, “What is the best thing about YOU?”, “What is your most listened to song or artist?”, and “what is one thing that makes you happy?” The answers I have gotten are either heart warming or really show our kids’ self-confidence and sense of humor. I truly wish I could do Minute Meetings all year! 

As we start the new year, I want all to know that while I am here for our students on a day-to-day basis, I am also here for parents/guardians, and our staff. I truly believe relationships and connections are the best way to support one another, no matter the season of life. Be on the lookout for more Parent Education opportunities and resources to help as we navigate another school year! Thank you for sharing your child(ren) with us. They are the best part of every day! Please reach out to me if you need anything
 

Mrs. P