How long can you stand on one foot?

In today's assembly, we discussed the importance of building stamina.  We began by challenging ourselves to stand on one foot (without hopping or leaning on a friend!) for as long as we could.  After timing one try, we tried again.  Most of us discovered that we were able to hang in longer the second time.  Then we discussed what stamina means: the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort.  Just like we can improve our ability to stand on one foot for a longer duration, we can build our reading and math stamina by practicing and trying harder each time.  This is so important to our success as students! 

To celebrate building our reading stamina, we are facilitating the participation of all of our students in the St. Louis County Public Library Summer Reading program.  Our librarian, Jude Hagene, shared with all of the students during the assembly that this summer the students can earn one point for each minute they read.  As the children accumulate points, they can accumulate prizes.  Mrs. Hagene is going to aid the students in tracking this electronically in the library during our program this summer!  She will also be the person to help each child choose a book from a list of amazing titles once s/he reaches 720 points earned.  Earning points also allows students to be entered in raffles for tickets and coupons for all kinds of places, from sporting events to museums.  You can help by encouraging your children to read at home and helping them track the minutes they read.  Research shows that the best way to increase reading achievement is by reading just-right books.  After visiting the library with their class this week and working with their teachers, our students are on their way!

If you haven't returned the summer reading program registration form to school with your child, no worries.  We are including new forms in this week's newsletter, which will be mailed to your home.  The newsletter will provide you with more specific details about your child's time at Elementary Summer Academy this past week from your child's teachers.   Thank you for a fantastic first week!