Rocking and Raking All Day Long We were finally able to get the Skyrunner moved on the playground. That is the one piece of playground equipment that was too close to the brick wall. It was a bigger project than anticipated. There is a lot of rocks and clay in the play space. Anyone who is able to pick rocks or rake the sand would be greatly appreciated. No schedule required. Just stop by any time.

Visitor Badges Help Keep Us Safe Each day we continue to strive for safety and security in our building. We ask all family and community members to come to the office, sign in, and get a badge when visit after the start of the day. Visitor badges and staff ID that are clearly worn highlight an individual who does not have a badge. It makes them stand out. Someone looking to steal a purse or wallet does not want to stand out. Thanks for you help in signing in and getting a visitor badge.

Students Work Hard on Dinosaur Creative Writing Contest Grade 2-6 students are creating their stories and ideas of the history and name of Horace Mann’s newest residents. The winning essay will be published in the Perspectives, posted on the web, and read for announcements. In addition, there have been some prizes donated for the winner.

Steps in the Process

1. Students complete their piece by Tuesday, October 23.
2. They turn it in to their teachers.
3. Three finalists will be chosen from each classroom.
4. Their work will be judged by the Public Relations Committee.
5. The winner will be announced on Monday, November 5.

Horace Mann Halloween Party will be held on Friday, October 26, 2007 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the Horace Mann Gymnasium. There will be a Haunted House, games, a Monster Walk and food. The money raised supports the 6^th grade week-long trip to Eagle Bluff Environmental Center in the spring. The trip is the culmination of a student’s 6^th grade year and career at Horace Mann.

Parents of 5^th and 6^th grade students are asked to volunteer for this event. Any questions, contact Sarah Goulet (651-690-0516 or goule009@umn.edu) or Lynne Lindholm (698-4945 or lsl@communicationmailing.com).

Attention all parents! Game prizes needed. Ideas: Small trinkets, pencils, small notebooks, individually pre-packaged snacks, candy, Little Debbie, or other snack cakes for the Monster Walk and games. Please drop off donated items in the office by Monday, October 22, 2007.

Public Relations Committee Everyone who is interested in spreading the good news about Horace Mann, believes passionately in the school, or has ideas about generating positive press about the school is invited to this year’s first Public Relations Committee meeting. The meeting will be held on Thursday, November 1^st at 5:30 p.m. in the office. Any questions, please contact Eileen O’Connell Conzet at beconzet@msn.com or 698-4620.

It’s Easy Being Green Come join the newly forming Environmental Committee. Discussion may include school energy usage, recycling opportunities, solar power and anything else green that could help make Horace Mann a more environmentally proactive school. Parents, students and staff are welcome. First meeting tentatively scheduled for Monday, October 15 at 3 pm. Contact Kate Kysar at darklake@mac.com or Kelly Trewartha at trewartha@visi.com

Ready to Learn: Setting Up Routines Cecelia and Miley are close friends with similar abilities. Cecelia does well in school, but Miley has a hard time. She often seems worn out and does not complete her work.

Why the difference? One reason is that Cecelia’s family has created daily routines to help her do her best. Think about the routines that follow. To make your child feel more:

• Relaxed. Music can help your student stay away from the morning rush. Play a soothing CD and ask her to be dressed and ready by the time it’s over. If you really want to prepare, have you child put each day’s clothes for the coming week on hangers labeled Monday through Friday.
• Energized. A good breakfast increases the ability to focus. Offer your child healthy choices. See last week’s issue of Perspectives for ideas like whole-wheat bagel with peanut butter, orange juice blended with fruit and yogurt, and low-sugar instant oatmeal.
• Connected. Talking about the school day lets your child know you care. Ask her to share two good things that happened during the day. Prompt her with specific questions, such as “What is the funniest thing that happened today?” or “What is something that surprised you?”
• Prepared. Studying a little every day is the best way to learn new material. Help your child choose a time for homework when she is most alert—and try not to change it.
• Rested. A set bedtime helps kids fall asleep more quickly. Suggest that your child gets in bed 15 minutes early to read, make up stories, or talk quietly with you.

Excerpted from Resources for Educators 2007

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