Message from Mr. Porter

Dear John Tuck Community, 

We are now in full “school mode” with all systems up and running and a steadfast focus on helping our learners. Hopefully, you and your family are feeling like you have been able to find a rhythm in this new digital learning environment. As we continue to work together to raise respectful, responsible, safe young people, I want to share some tried and true parenting strategies that will support your child’s healthy development and parent/child relationships at home. 

The Importance of Parent Involvement in a Child’s Education –  I would like to share with you some research-based ways all of us as parents and educators can be the most impactful on our children’s academic and social growth. I want my daughters to be their best selves and I know you want the same for your children. I encourage you to join me in reflection and assessment of how we are doing the following in our homes and at school: 

1. Establish a daily family routine.                                                                                                   Examples: Providing time and a quiet place to study/learn, assigning responsibility for household chores, being firm about bedtime and having dinner together. 

1. Monitor out-of-school activities.
   Examples: Setting limits on TV watching, checking up on children when parents are not home, arranging for after-school activities and supervised care. 

1. Model the value of learning, self-discipline, and hard work.                                                       Examples: Communicating through questioning and conversation, demonstrating that success comes from working hard. Communicating that intelligence is not a fixed asset, but rather acquired through hard work, perseverance and a sustained focus on improvement. 

1. Express high, but realistic expectations for achievement.                                                             Examples: Setting goals and standards that are appropriate for children's age and maturity, recognizing and encouraging a child's interests, informing friends and family about successes. Display the work of the child around the home and frequently affirm the successes they have had, specifically focusing on the hard work they put in to be successful. “Success begets more success.”

1. Encourage children's development/ progress in school.                                                              Examples: Maintaining a warm and supportive home, showing interest in children's progress at school, helping with homework, discussing the value of a good education and possible career options, staying in touch with teachers and school staff. 

1. Encourage reading, writing, and discussions among family members.                                          Examples: Reading, listening to children read and talking about what is being read. 

Helping children learn and grow takes a total team effort! We appreciate all families partnering with us to support great attendance, helping children learn to follow directions, helping children learn to be respectful land helping them learn the difference between a small problem and a big problem along with how to use healthy words and dialogue  to solve them. Thanks for being great partners! Every child is worth it and every child deserves our best! 

May your November be outstanding! 

Yours in Service, 

Dusty Porter

Principal

John Tuck Elementary – Go Tornados! 

Hello John Tuck Families!

I hope this finds you all well and enjoying the changing season.

I have the privilege of being in your students' classroom once every two weeks to teach a Social Emotional Lesson. We are continuing to implement the Character Strong Curriculum through these lessons.

This month we are talking about Responsibility. One way to define Responsibility is “taking action and understanding the impact of our choices.” Taking action can mean doing the right thing or completing the tasks you have been assigned. 

Understanding the impact of our choices means that our actions matter. Positive and responsible actions can help people and irresponsible actions can hurt others. Responsibility is 1 of 3 traits we will focus on throughout the year that helps students Be Strong. 

Across grade levels students will be developing skills like focusing, organizing, and goal-setting.

Here are some ways you can review Responsibility as a family:

PURPOSEFUL PURSUIT:

As a family, think of ways in which you might make someone’s life a little easier by helping a neighbor or family friend with 1 of their Responsibilities. Could you bring the garbage to the chute or out to the curb? Could you carry things in from the grocery store? Could you invite someone over for a meal or a show?

FAMILY CONVERSATION STARTER:

Can you share or show what it means to be Responsible? 

How can we help each other practice being more Responsible?

Please reach out at any time if you have questions or would like to know more about how I can help support your student at school.

With Gratitude,

Jill Jorgensen

School Counselor

jill.jorgensen@redmondschools.org

541-923-4884 ext. 4106