Class pictures will be taken on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Students are to dress in school uniforms. If you wish to order a class picture, please complete the order form that will be going home with students.
Help your child move beyond negative feelings
Many families tend to dismiss their children's negative feelings. They respond to "I hate reading" with "Don't be silly." But acknowledging children's feelings can help them move on to finding solutions. Accept your child's feelings, even as you correct unacceptable behavior. "I know you're feeling frustrated, but you need to keep trying." Then ask, "Why do you feel that way? What do you think might help?"
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Many families tend to dismiss their children's negative feelings. They respond to "I hate reading" with "Don't be silly." But acknowledging children's feelings can help them move on to finding solutions. Accept your child's feelings, even as you correct unacceptable behavior. "I know you're feeling frustrated, but you need to keep trying." Then ask, "Why do you feel that way? What do you think might help?"
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📢 Check Out This Week’s Newsletter! Stay up to date with all the latest news, updates, and reminders
👉https://app.smore.com/n/qvg60
Here’s what’s inside ⬇️
- No 21st Century tutoring this week. Tutoring begins again on January 12. Full January schedule included in newsletter./
- Class pictures will be taken on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Students are to wear their school uniforms for pictures. Order forms going home with students.
- We did not meet our attendance goal, but we can do it this week! Let’s make sure students arrive on time and stay for the entire school day — every minute counts! 🙌
👉https://app.smore.com/n/qvg60
Here’s what’s inside ⬇️
- No 21st Century tutoring this week. Tutoring begins again on January 12. Full January schedule included in newsletter./
- Class pictures will be taken on Thursday, January 8, 2026. Students are to wear their school uniforms for pictures. Order forms going home with students.
- We did not meet our attendance goal, but we can do it this week! Let’s make sure students arrive on time and stay for the entire school day — every minute counts! 🙌
Add a little excitement to math practice
Math skills improve with repetition. One way to make math practice fun for your child is to glue a picture onto each of 10 large index cards. Then, cut the cards in half, mix them up and put them in a container. Set a timer for five minutes and give your child math problems one by one. Each correct answer earns your child a chance to draw a card. How many complete pictures can your student make before the timer runs out?
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Math skills improve with repetition. One way to make math practice fun for your child is to glue a picture onto each of 10 large index cards. Then, cut the cards in half, mix them up and put them in a container. Set a timer for five minutes and give your child math problems one by one. Each correct answer earns your child a chance to draw a card. How many complete pictures can your student make before the timer runs out?
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Link your child's interests to possible careers
Exploring careers is fun for elementary schoolers, and it helps them link learning to life. You can help by noticing your child's interests and encouraging discovery of related careers. Give an animal lover a book about a veterinarian. A budding astronaut might like to try out a telescope. Your child's choices may differ from yours, but who knows? With your support, your little inventor may just build a better mousetrap.
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Exploring careers is fun for elementary schoolers, and it helps them link learning to life. You can help by noticing your child's interests and encouraging discovery of related careers. Give an animal lover a book about a veterinarian. A budding astronaut might like to try out a telescope. Your child's choices may differ from yours, but who knows? With your support, your little inventor may just build a better mousetrap.
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We look forward to welcoming back our PBE Lil Red Hots on Tuesday, January 6th!
We miss our kiddos!!
Let your child know that you expect great things
Children care how their families view them. Your expectations for your child can motivate your elementary schooler to work hard and succeed in school. Make a list of high, realistic expectations for your child, such as putting effort into schoolwork, continuing to try when something is challenging, etc. Discuss them together, then uphold them consistently. Help your child take pride in progress and believe "I am a student who can succeed."
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Children care how their families view them. Your expectations for your child can motivate your elementary schooler to work hard and succeed in school. Make a list of high, realistic expectations for your child, such as putting effort into schoolwork, continuing to try when something is challenging, etc. Discuss them together, then uphold them consistently. Help your child take pride in progress and believe "I am a student who can succeed."
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Watch for the signs of school struggles
Low grades aren't the only signal that your child may be struggling in school. A child who suddenly doesn't want to go to school, for example, may have a problem with a classmate or a teacher. A child who starts blaming others for making it hard to learn, or says things like, "I knew I'd never be good in school," may be afraid of failing. If you see these signs, discuss them with your child, the teacher or a school counselor.
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Low grades aren't the only signal that your child may be struggling in school. A child who suddenly doesn't want to go to school, for example, may have a problem with a classmate or a teacher. A child who starts blaming others for making it hard to learn, or says things like, "I knew I'd never be good in school," may be afraid of failing. If you see these signs, discuss them with your child, the teacher or a school counselor.
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What comes after gift-giving? Thank-you notes
After a gift-giving occasion, help your child develop gratitude and writing skills by having a family thank-you note party. Set out lots of pens, paper, notecards and stamps. Provide a snack and let your child put on some music. Then, get writing! Encourage your child to write two or three heartfelt sentences and mention the gift by name. Set an example by writing your own notes.
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After a gift-giving occasion, help your child develop gratitude and writing skills by having a family thank-you note party. Set out lots of pens, paper, notecards and stamps. Provide a snack and let your child put on some music. Then, get writing! Encourage your child to write two or three heartfelt sentences and mention the gift by name. Set an example by writing your own notes.
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Help grandparents be reading buddies
Grandparents love listening to their grandchildren read aloud, and it helps the children improve their reading skills. But often, distance gets in the way. If in-person visits won't work, consider sending grandparents a copy of a book your child is reading. Then, when they call or video chat, they will be able to share reading time with your child.
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Grandparents love listening to their grandchildren read aloud, and it helps the children improve their reading skills. But often, distance gets in the way. If in-person visits won't work, consider sending grandparents a copy of a book your child is reading. Then, when they call or video chat, they will be able to share reading time with your child.
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A treasure hunt makes following directions fun
To improve your child's ability to follow verbal instructions, play a treasure hunt game: Hide a small toy or coin and tell your child exactly how to find it. Start by giving only two or three instructions. Help your child visualize carrying out the steps. Then, ask your child to repeat the directions and follow them. You can increase the complexity of your instructions as your child's skill improves.
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To improve your child's ability to follow verbal instructions, play a treasure hunt game: Hide a small toy or coin and tell your child exactly how to find it. Start by giving only two or three instructions. Help your child visualize carrying out the steps. Then, ask your child to repeat the directions and follow them. You can increase the complexity of your instructions as your child's skill improves.
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Anger has no place in discipline
Kids are great at pushing families' buttons. But reacting to misbehavior with anger isn’t effective. When you stay calm and under control, you deal from a position of strength. So, when your child's behavior is frustrating, take a deep breath and explain the behavior you want to see instead. Remind your child of the consequences of the misbehavior. Then, offer a choice: Your child can change behavior or accept the consequences.
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Kids are great at pushing families' buttons. But reacting to misbehavior with anger isn’t effective. When you stay calm and under control, you deal from a position of strength. So, when your child's behavior is frustrating, take a deep breath and explain the behavior you want to see instead. Remind your child of the consequences of the misbehavior. Then, offer a choice: Your child can change behavior or accept the consequences.
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You don't need a lab to sharpen scientific thinking
Many of the skills students need for success in science are things you can help your child practice at home. To sharpen powers of observation, ask questions that invite your child to notice small details. Demonstrate how to classify by sorting things into groups based on their characteristics. You can also encourage your child to make and test predictions about how the world works: "How fast do you think an ice cube will melt on the counter?"
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Many of the skills students need for success in science are things you can help your child practice at home. To sharpen powers of observation, ask questions that invite your child to notice small details. Demonstrate how to classify by sorting things into groups based on their characteristics. You can also encourage your child to make and test predictions about how the world works: "How fast do you think an ice cube will melt on the counter?"
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When you can't be together, connect in writing
If a hectic work schedule is making it hard to stay connected with your child, try using a notebook to aid communication. Every day, write your child a note. Write about special things that happened during your day. Remind your child of tasks that need doing and things that are coming up. Then, leave the notebook for your child to read. Ask your child to write you back and fill you in about the events of the day.
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If a hectic work schedule is making it hard to stay connected with your child, try using a notebook to aid communication. Every day, write your child a note. Write about special things that happened during your day. Remind your child of tasks that need doing and things that are coming up. Then, leave the notebook for your child to read. Ask your child to write you back and fill you in about the events of the day.
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Choose gifts that promote creativity and interaction
Your time and attention are the best gifts you can give your child. But when considering material gifts, think about screen-free items that encourage creativity and interaction. Gifts like hand puppets, balls, crafts, jump ropes and table games are great for children ages five to nine. For older children, gifts related to hobbies and scientific activities are ideal. And books are always a great option for children of all ages.
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Your time and attention are the best gifts you can give your child. But when considering material gifts, think about screen-free items that encourage creativity and interaction. Gifts like hand puppets, balls, crafts, jump ropes and table games are great for children ages five to nine. For older children, gifts related to hobbies and scientific activities are ideal. And books are always a great option for children of all ages.
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Strike back at the 'fourth-grade reading slump'
It's common for kids to hit a reading slump around fourth grade. Reading assignments are more challenging and some students' concentration decreases. To ensure that your child keeps reading, continue to read together. Your involvement shows that reading is important. Look for reading materials that match your child's interests. Then, limit recreational screen time. Being bored sometimes may encourage your child to pick up a book.
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It's common for kids to hit a reading slump around fourth grade. Reading assignments are more challenging and some students' concentration decreases. To ensure that your child keeps reading, continue to read together. Your involvement shows that reading is important. Look for reading materials that match your child's interests. Then, limit recreational screen time. Being bored sometimes may encourage your child to pick up a book.
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PBES Bus notice: Bus 564 Mrs. Kelly and Bus L206 Mrs. Kim will NOT be running tomorrow (Friday, December 19). Please make arrangements to drop off and pick up your students. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Tomorrow, Friday, December 19, 2025, will be an early dismissal day for staff professional development. Bus riders will begin boarding at 12:05 pm and car riders will follow once buses leave the campus around 12:10 pm. All students should be picked up before 12:30 pm to allow for staff to attend professional development. We appreciate your understanding.
🎄Reminder: The Ginger-Math Man is coming to town! Run, run, as fast as you can, come solve problems with the Ginger-Math Man! Then, stay for our class celebrations in honor of the holiday season!
Join us this today Thursday, December 18th, from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm for math activities and class parties. Don't miss out on the fun! Bring your thinking caps and your holiday cheer!
Join us this today Thursday, December 18th, from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm for math activities and class parties. Don't miss out on the fun! Bring your thinking caps and your holiday cheer!
