Kittredge Elementary School

Born January 2nd, 2007, 6 pounds 2 ounces, 17 inches. Baby and Mom are doing wonderfully.

Dear Kittredge families,

Happy New Year to all of you! I hope you all had a happy holiday season and an enjoyable winter vacation. Last year I printed this article, "Taming the Teaser," in the January Newslink. We have had a few bullying incidents on the playground so I thought it might be worthwhile to print it again. It was originally published on the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin website. I think it is worth sharing with you.

Sincerely,
Nancy Jukins

Most school-age children - both boys and girls - encounter teasing or bullying. Whether a victim, an aggressor or a bystander, repeated exposure to this behavior could have a significant impact on a child's self-image and ability to get along with others. Parents and caregivers should be alert to signs it is occurring and provide children the support they need to deal with these difficult situations.

Teasing and bullying are designed to hurt someone and can take a number of forms. Verbal attacks often involve taunting, name-calling or threats. Physical acts may include hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing and taking or breaking personal belongings. Some assaults are psychological or emotional, such as spreading rumors, manipulating relationships and engaging in exclusion or intimidation.

Children do not learn how to solve problems alone. They need help learning to be aware of other people's feelings, asserting themselves without being aggressive and suggesting compromises. Here are ways you can help your child with these skills:

1. Talk about teasing and bullying. Make it clear you do not approve of hurtful behaviors toward others. Discuss appropriate ways to deal with frustration and anger.
2. Explain that nobody needs to put up with attacks from other people. Say that it is wrong for other children to hurt your child physically or with words. Tell you child it is OK to stick up for himself or herself. Encourage your child to talk to you about problems and ask for help.
3. Discuss ways to prevent teasing and bullying. These might include avoiding places where problems occur, staying with friends or playing near adult supervision. Encourage your child to leave expensive toys, sports equipment or unneeded money at home.
4. Teach options for responding when teased or bullied. Sometimes it works to say," Stop, I don't like the way you are treating me." Other times, ignoring the bully and walking away does the trick. Role-play by having your child practice responses to different situations.
5. Expand your child's support network. Talk to teachers or other adults who can monitor the situations where the teasing and bullying occurs. Look for their help in dealing with persistent problems. Encourage your child to speak up on behalf of other children who are being bullied.
6. Foster self-esteem. Every day, tell your child, "I love you." Listen carefully to your child's ideas. Have your child develop a list of things he or she likes about himself or herself.

Children having trouble with bullies often will not tell anyone because they fear adult intervention will make things worse. Signs of teasing or bullying include:

1. Hiding injuries such as bruises.
2. "Losing" money.
3. Being unwilling to explain things such as torn clothing or damaged belongings.
4. Acting anxious about leaving the house or asking to stay home from school.
5. Arriving late at school or home when you know they had time to get there.
6. Eating more or less than usual.
7. Having nightmares or difficulty sleeping.
8. Having moody outbursts.
9. Acting sad, lonely or withdrawn.
10. Feeling bad about themselves.

The district will host a parent information night on Tuesday January 16th from 7-8:30pm at the Atkinson School (snow date Tuesday January 23rd 7-8:30 at Atkinson) regarding the 5th grade human growth and development unit that will be taught in fifth grades across the district in late winter/spring by the school nurses. This evening is an opportunity for parents of fifth grade students from all the elementary schools to learn about the curriculum and review the films that we use during this unit. This is a parent only evening to allow for the free discussion of this material. For more information, contact your school nurse.

In January, we will host Karen Janowski, Assistive Technology Consultant from Tech Solutions will speak on "The Basics of Assistive Technology" and how to get an Assistive Technology evaluation and services for your special needs child. Thursday, January 4th at 7:00pm at the North Andover High School Library.

Wednesday, January 17th at the Atkinson School Cafeteria, 7:00 PM. Topic will be on asthma and children. Look for specifics next week and plan on bringing your child with asthma.

Noon Attendants Still Needed - We are still in need of Noon Attendants at the Kittredge School. Noon attendants are responsible for supervising the students in the cafeteria and at recess. They work between 2 and 3 hours a day, between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The noon attendants who work 3 hours may also do some clerical work for their teachers or tutor one or two students. If you cannot work every day but are willing to work one or two days a week, we may be able to team you up with another person willing to share the week. Please contact the office if you are interested. Thank you!

Ticket sales will be held at the North Andover Middle School, January 6th and 13th from 9:00am til 12 noon. Cash or check accepted. $25.00 per couple.

Dances will be held at the Middle School!
Winter Jubilee (4th and 5th Grade Girls) January 28th
Sweetheart Dance (2nd and 3rd Grade Girls) February 10

January 19th is Friday Night Movie Night for the 5th Grade of North Andover. Come see a movie with all your 5th grade friends. Enjoy movie trivia, prizes, raffles and of course refreshments! Bring an item to donate to the Nevins Farm MSPCA. Tickets go on sale in January. The Event will be held at the Middle School.

The North Andover Youth Center is interested in starting a girls Black Knights league for High School girls for the months of January and February. Any girl interested should contact Ted Schruender at the center at +1 978 682 9000. The cost of the league will be free for Youth Center members and $75 for non-members. Visit www.nayouth.com for information about North Andover Youth Services and our activities.

Visit our Kittredge website at http://www.kittredge.northandoverpublicschools.com/.

Do you like to see outstanding performances that support your child's curriculum? The NASEC is looking for new members. Meetings are the first Thursday of every month at the Youth center Conference room at 9:00 am. Volunteers are needed to suggest performers and help monitor shows at Kittredge. Come join this great group of parents to make the arts come alive for our students! For more information, please contact Kristen Hollenbeck at +1 978 681 1894 or vinter145@aol.com.

We need a home for the Primo Pasta supplies, if anyone is even considering the chair, I have consolidated it to 3 large Tupperware boxes, but they need a home, so they will not become displaced over the summer. If anyone is willing, and has space, I can deliver them. Thanks, Meg Gross, +1 978 557 5423 or calmac@comcast.net.

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