Dear BRS Community,
We recently hung up a Gratitude Graffiti wall at Beecher so that the students could share what they are grateful for. About an hour after it was hung up it was already almost completely full. Students wrote things like "I am grateful for my dad and mom", "I am grateful for reading", "Stay positive!", "I am grateful for my family and friends", "I am grateful for food." As for me, I am grateful, every single day, that I am a part of this community. It is a privilege to work at Beecher and I appreciate all of you! Have a wonderful few days off, and if you are celebrating please enjoy your Thanksgiving!
A note on multiplication facts
Research has shown that long-term success in mathematics is closely tied to strong number sense, including fluency with basic facts. The sooner your child becomes fluent with their multiplication facts from 1-12, the better!
Why is fact fluency important for your child?
- Math facts form the building blocks for higher-level math concepts. Having automatic recall of facts will make it easier for students to tackle long multiplication and division as well as more complex word problems.
- If a child is spending a lot of time solving basic facts within a more complex problem, they are not only going to be inefficient in solving the problem, but are also more likely to make errors.
- Without fact fluency, the focus will be on the basic calculation instead of the higher-level concept that is involved in solving the problem.
How can you help your child with math facts?
- Spend just a few minutes each day or a few days a week practicing, rather than long practice sessions.
- Play games with the facts. Try to find ways to make practice fun, including card games, silly rhymes, songs, or memory tricks.
- Use time that is usually "wasted" (waiting in line, sitting in traffic) to drill facts.
- Identify the most challenging facts for your child, and spend the most time on those.
News from the PTO
PTO is running a Boon Supply fundraiser (ends 11/30) where 40% of your purchase goes directly to the PTO. Go to www.boonsupply.com/178476 to explore a variety of eco-friendly options and support Beecher PTO.
PTO is excited to bring back the Fall Scholastic book fair for our curious readers. Book Fair runs from 11/28-12/2 with a Family Night on 11/30 from 5:30-7:30 pm in the North Gymnasium. If you do not wish to send in cash with your child, visit https://www.scholastic.com/bf/beecherroadschool to set up your child's e-wallets (cash free wallet). Students will be visiting the fair with their classrooms during assigned timings.
Halloween Hoot came back on Beecher grounds after 2 years and PTO wants to thank all the volunteers and the broader Beecher community to make it a success. We raised a little over $20000 in net and all the money will be allocated towards school needs for this year. Please contact us at brsptoinfo@gmail.com if you have any questions.
News from the Wellness Team
What To Do When Your Child Wants To Quit
Letting our kids quit an activity (music or dance lessons, sports, learning a language...) can be complicated. We want them to know how to stick with things even when they become difficult or when they don't always enjoy them. But we also don't want to pressure them into things they don't enjoy - sometimes it is more about us than them, perhaps living vicariously through our children to pursue a long-lost interest or forsaken dream of our own. We want to teach our children skills of resilience and persistence, however, we also want them to learn to self-advocate and to be assertive about their own boundaries and passions.
So, the next time your child tells you they want to quit an activity, slow down before responding - think before reacting. Don't just tell them "I will not allow you to be a quitter!" Ask your child why they want to quit and listen openly to their reasons. Observe their behavior, and try to figure out why they want to stop. Ask yourself if this is a new request or if they have been expressing their desire to quit this specific activity for a while. Is this a pattern of behavior whenever something gets challenging? Are they having peer issues or do they dislike the coach/instructor? Are they over scheduled and would prefer to be doing another activity (i.e. play a different instrument or sport, take an art class or dance lessons, have time to play with friends, etc.)? Once you understand the reasons for your child's desire to quit, you will be able to find better solutions to support your child. The "right" solution might involve them sticking it out to complete X more classes/or the season, or it may be allowing them to take a needed break from this activity and positively recognizing their abilities to advocate for themselves.
Youth Services News
Call 203-389-3429 or email npfund@woodbridgect.org or youthone@woodbridgect.org for information or to sign up for programs. Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/WoodbridgeYouthServices.CT
Jami Joy Gibson - New Program Coordinator
Please welcome our new Youth Program Coordinator Jami Joy Gibson. She is a New Haven, CT native who has her bachelor's degree in psychological science from Vassar College and is presently working towards her master's in social work at SCSU. She spent her last two years working as a math teacher for a middle school. Jami Joy loves to spend time with her family watching movies and cooking. She also loves to sing in her spare time and is excited to work on programming for youth in the community. Please feel free to call 203-389-3449 or email Youthone@woodbridgect.org to welcome her and share your thoughts for the future of youth services and its programs.
Toys 4 Kids
Youth Services is collecting toys for the TEAM Toys 4 Kids program which benefits several families in our area. Collection boxes are in the Woodbridge Public Library and by the Woodbridge Center Gym. Call Youth Services with questions. Toys are due by 12/7 and will certainly bring some smiles to kids for the holidays. To donate to TEAM directly follow the link: www.teaminc.org/toys-4-kids-2022/
To apply for toys: Follow the link to the TEAM website: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/T7K3M6M
Applications are due by December 9.