Embracing Each Challenge, SOARing with Together!
As we journey through the heart of winter at Morningside STEM Elementary, the recent warmth and sunlight have reignited our energy and optimism. Even amidst the initial January chill, our community's strength and warmth never cease to amaze. For your help with this, our Eagles wish to extend our deepest gratitude for your gracious support and flexibility, particularly during the recent weather extremes. Your dedication to ensuring safety and preparedness has been instrumental in helping our Eagles flourish while at home and at school, no matter the bitter conditions outside.
The start of second semester and now the month of February also embraces our continued building focus and commitment to implement Restorative Practices as our students become values-driven Safe, On task, Act responsible, and Respectful Eagles aware of our building wide S.T.A.R. (Stop, Think, Act, Reflect) process. Since our December and January spotlight on practicing S.T.A.R. situations and conversations, we have witnessed our students and staff apply these principles in daily situations in truly heartening ways. Our staff are also committed to helping our students engage in responsible decision-making with reflection, aimed at preventing harm and fostering repair, which is also integrated within our Character Strong curriculum. Together, these initiatives are nurturing a community where respect, connection, and empathy flourish and we strive to ensure every Eagle feels heard and valued. With each acknowledgement of our S.T.A.R. process our students are making, we see growth in self- and social-awareness that we believe will impact our Eagles in far-reaching ways in and outside classrooms, strengthening from year to year.
With the view of spring on the horizon, we are excitedly preparing for an array of engaging events. A new highlight to look forward to is our Title Family Involvement event in March, which will feature a smile-enticing series of various "masked readers" with this creative activity. We promise it's an event not to be missed, and more details will be announced soon!
We also encourage our Eagle families to stay involved as the season changes and the thawing snow paves the way for our spring conferences and numerous enjoyable activities coordinated by our amazing Morningside PTA. Be on the lookout for their Glow Dance, Spring Carnival, and more as details will outline the process for current Morningside students and their Eagle family members to sign up for a night of safe, active and fun activity with fellow Eagle families.
Most of all, our Eagle teachers and staff look forward to our ongoing home and school connections through these events the second half of the year. These are wonderful opportunities for deeper connection and community building, so please keep your eye on the newsletter calendar and mark down the important dates. We’d love to see you all make it here!
Your partnership in our educational journey this 2023-24 school year has been invaluable. As we advance through the remaining months of this academic year, our excitement to nurture our community of compassionate, resilient, and thoughtful learners will only grow stronger together. Thank you so very much for helping us make this such a wonderful school year!
Here's to a fantastic February and the remarkable journey that lies ahead!
Warm regards,
Kim Krotz – Principal Morningside STEM Elementary School
