THE TRUMAN TIMES
OCTOBER 2023
By Lisa Blake, Principal
SAFETY & CHARACTER EDUCATION
On Thursday, September 28, 2023, your child participated in an Emergency Safety Assembly and Bucket Filler Awards ceremony. School Resource Officer Keith Kwiatkowski led the Safety aspect of the assembly. Officer K’s message of “Be prepared, not scared!” was clearly communicated to all students and we took full advantage of the opportunity to praise the students for how well they responded to our first Fire Drill on September 14 and our Shelter in Place Drill on Friday, September 22. We will continue to plan age-appropriate assemblies with a focus on safety with Officer Kwiatkowski as we hone our safety practices and procedures at Truman Elementary School to promote a safe, positive, and supportive learning environment for all students.
During the assembly specific students nominated by their classroom teacher were honored with a Bucket Filler Award. It is a big deal to earn the Bucket Filler Award at Truman! Students are selected for the award based on their ability to use kind words, keep a calm body, make choices they can be proud of and listening to their teachers and bus drivers. If the students have been exemplifying these behaviors we like to say, “Boom, they are being a Bucket Filler!” Parents, when your child is selected as a Bucket Filler for the month you will be invited to participate in the joyous event.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS
We certainly packed in a lot of back-to-school fun into as our goal was to kick off the school year with as many memorable moments as possible. During this time, your child’s teachers were also working very hard to establish classroom routines and expectations in order to make for a fulfilling school day for your child. Below is a recap of the fun filled activities your children have participated in thus far including but not limited to the following:
Thursday, September 7, 2023
Truman’s Open House & Scholastic Book Fair
Friday, September 15, 2022
Performer Glenn Colton facilitated a Bucket Filler Musical Concert
Friday, September 22, 2023
Truman Hop-a-Thon/ Walk-a-Thon
Friday, September 29, 2023
Martial Arts/ Karate Guest Instructors in PE classes
A NEW PLAYGROUND
In previous newsletters I’ve written about the importance of a well-rounded educational program. Play is an essential part of the program at Truman and its importance cannot be overstated. Erika Christakis’s book, The Importance of Being Little is a great read for more research supporting the benefits of play for students in the primary grades. Moreover, free choice play, brain breaks, and physical activity have been proven to boost attention and increase learning! have a brand-new playground to enjoy. Together with the support of the Lackawanna Board of Education, Superintendents Mr. Lewis, Ms. Nashir, Mr. Grant and the wisdom and insights of the Truman Faculty a new inclusive playground is being added to our school grounds. Plans for a ribbon cutting ceremony and celebration are underway. We will update you soon!
COMMUNICATION
Beginning this month your child’s classroom teachers are going to send home weekly newsletters. This communication will keep you abreast of the academic focus in your child’s classroom on a week-to-week basis. If you have any questions about your child’s learning and/or progress towards meeting grade level expectations, please contact your child’s teacher. Similarly, if you have any questions about any aspect of your child’s school day, please reach out to your child’s teacher. We are always willing to speak with you.
TIMELY REMINDERS
8:40 am Student arrival: Doors open for students to enter cafeteria for breakfast and/or a book.
8:50 am Student arrival continues. Breakfast
9:00 am Morning announcements. Students arriving after 9:00 am sign in late to school at the Main Office.
9:05 am Class begins.
3:15 pm - 3:20 pm Student dismissal by Parent Pick up at Door 14 and cafeteria.
3:20 pm - 3:34 pm Student dismissal by Bus at Door 1.