Skano Build UP Week

The "Skano Build UP" program will take place the week of April 30, 2012.  This project supports student efforts to become more aware of the social climate at their school.  Social boundaries can create divisions and misunderstandings.  During this week all students will be exposed to the meaning of tolerance, acceptance and belonging.  Programs like "Skano Build Up" can prompt students to create environments with less conflict and fewer cases of bullying, harassment and violence.  Weekly school-wide theme days and announcements will emphasize the meaning of tolerance.  The theme days are as follows:

• Monday, April 30th - Fill a Bucket Day (Each classroom will have a bucket and teachers will drop in a marble, fuzzy, etc. every time he/she observes examples of bucket filling.  Bucket contents will be tallied at the end of the day and results announced to the whole school).
• Tuesday, May 1st - Comfortable Clothes Day (Feel comfortable being you on the inside and out).
• Wednesday, May 2nd - School Spirit Day (Together we create positive energy).
• Thursday, May 3rd - Word Day (Wear a word that describes yourself).
• Friday, May 4th - Crazy Sock Day (Express and embrace our differences).

Please encourage your children to participate in the week's activities.

No Putdowns Assembly

On Friday March 9th, we held our closing assembly for the No Putdowns program.  During the assembly students recited the No Putdowns pledge and watched a video presentation with members from our Community Action Club.  The video reviewed the five No Putdown skills as well as information about bullying.  The assembly concluded with everyone singing and doing the Macarena to the song, "I Will Not Bully."  While the lessons of the No Putdowns program have ended, the valuable skills will continue to be practiced to help create a peaceful school environment for all.

Bullying Prevention Week: October 17th - October 21st

During the week of October 17th, we hope to increase student and staff members' awareness of bullying.  We will be encouraging everyone to show support for a kinder, friendlier and safer school community by wearing a different color each day.  The schedule is as follows:

• October 17th: Golden Rule Monday - wear yellow
• October 18th: Loyal Blue Tuesday - wear blue
• October 19th: Red Wednesday Madness - wear red
• October 20th: Peaceable White Thursday - wear white
• October 21st: School Spirit Friday - wear green

On Tuesday, October 25th, all Skano students will enjoy a musical presentation by Scott & Beth.  The presentation will address the "golden rule" for students in kindergarten through second grade.  The presentation for third through fifth grade students will focus on "doing the right thing."

Throughout the month of October, Dr. Boretti and Mrs. Franchini are visiting each classroom to discuss bullying using age-appropriate books and activities.  By the end of the month, they will have visited every classroom.  Don't forget to ask your children what they have learned about bullying.

Welcome back!  We are excited to begin the school year.  There has been a change in the counseling center this fall.  We are very happy to have Mrs. Franchini back with us!  She and Dr. Boretti will be meeting with new students the week of 9/12 for lunch.  The following week we will begin meeting with students for regularly scheduled counseling sessions.  If your child mentions that he/she had lunch with one of us, it was probably because he/she was chosen as a friend to accompany one of our regular counseling students.  If you don't want your child to attend a lunch group, please call or e-mail one of us.  Otherwise, we will assume we have your permission to include them as a guest.  If you have any questions or concerns about your child, please feel free to call or e-mail us at any time.  Dr. Boretti can be reached at 881-0560 x44451.  Her e-mail address is boremich@shenet.org.  Mrs. Franchini can be reached at 881-0560 x44452.  Her e-mail address is franjacl@shenet.org.  We look forward to working with you this year!