Elementary School Newsbite: October 14th, 2024

Posted Date: 10/14/24 (2:45 PM)

Preschool Family Unit

Preschool Instructional Coach and Intervention/Referral Specialist Dawn Rhodes shares more the South Hunterdon preschool experience.

All preschool classrooms have begun the theme of "Family" in their classrooms. Over the next few weeks, teachers and students will be creating props and materials to add to their centers to reflect this unit. Centers are transformed into "rooms" in a house and students are encouraged to plan and role play various family activities such as making dinner, doing laundry and giving a baby a bath.

Prior to entering their play, students create a "play plan" as part of building executive function skills. Students draw their plan and work with a teacher to create a message for their plan. Students are at all different levels of this task. Some returning students are able to do this independently as well.

Why is "Make Believe Play" so important to preschoolers?

Dawn Rhodes: In preschool, we use the standard-based curriculum, Tools of the Mind. One crucial component of the curriculum is the ‘Make-Believe Play Block’. This draws heavily on Vygotsky's research, which emphasizes the importance of play for cognitive development, especially in pretend play, to advance children's thinking abilities.

Providing young children with a natural environment to develop and practice self-regulation skills, manage their emotions, follow rules and cooperate with others while playing a role works on so many important skills. Cognitive functions such as planning, problem solving and demonstrating flexibility while engaging with their peers is the foundation for academic success as they grow.

By taking on roles in different play scenarios, children learn to follow rules, wait their turn and interact socially with their peers. Practicing communication, conflict resolution skills and cooperation are skills that also evolve through these play experiences.

What is the purpose of the family unit? How does it help shape young minds?

Dawn Rhodes: The Family theme is the first of several that are incorporated into the classroom. Family theme is meant to provide a connection between home and school. It allows the children to share their home traditions, rituals and experiences with their teachers and peers. Connections are made and mirrored in various areas of the classroom. Children work with classmates and teachers to create props and reenact scerinos in a safe, nurturing environment. Role playing is encouraged to develop their cognitive skills and imagination.

How does the preschool expansion benefit South Hunterdon families?

Dawn Rhodes: There are so many wonderful benefits to the preschool expansion in South Hunterdon. The preschool program provides young children their first educational experience in a safe and developmentally appropriate environment. This gives our youngest scholars the opportunity to engage with peers, develop social skills, establish relationships, formulate executive function skills and foster their cognitive development while learning through play. These skills will be necessary for future learning experiences and academic progress.

Bullying Prevention Assembly

Camfel Productions presented the assembly, "Trust Me!", which explored many themes, including how students can embrace honesty, accountability, and working to navigate peer relationships with responsibility.

Create a positive and supportive environment where students can academically and personally thrive.
Navigate the complexities of trust and integrity amidst challenges.
Recognize the vital role of honesty and trust in personal growth.
Strengthen resilience and authenticity against external pressures.
Cultivate cohesive communities through trust-building practices.

The Week of Respect

Hosted by our Preschool-6th grade school counselors Mrs. Cortina and Ms. Arcieri, The Week of Respect (October 7th-11th) is dedicated to promote kindness, inclusivity, and understanding within our school community. Together, it's possible to create a positive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and supported.

Throughout the week, students participated in various activities and workshops designed to foster respect for one another, celebrate diversity, and empower individuals to stand against bullying.

At the Elementary school, students had their first All School Meeting, led by our 4th grade students. These meetings create a sense of unity and help students feel more connected to their peers. The meeting was followed by a buddy activity to wrap up the Week of Respect. Our buddy activities promote a culture of inclusion where our younger students and older students are paired together to work on a fun activity such as a craft. Our students had a wonderful week focusing on value of treating others with respect, fairness and consideration.

Hispanic Heritage Month

Guest Readers Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Samantha Iraca from the Hunterdon County Prosecutor's Office stopped by South Elementary with two officers on Friday, October 4th. The officers joined her to read stories in celebration of Hispanic Heritage month.