Port Barre Elementary School

Support your student when learning is a struggle If your child has difficulty learning, you may worry about the effects on your child's self-image. Explain that everyone struggles to learn things at times. You might share examples from your own life. Be honest but optimistic about learning issues your child may have, and praise and develop your student's strengths. Then, work with the teacher and the school to find ways to support and motivate your child. https://tpitip.com/?15dU17376

Some screen activities can be a positive thing Here are a few ways you can use the internet and other digital media to promote learning: You and your child can "visit" exciting world destinations. You can help your child find videos, apps and websites that show how to make things, and work on projects together. Or, look for sites that introduce new ideas, and then discuss them. You can even strengthen family ties by going online to explore your heritage together. https://tpitip.com/?15dT17376

Show your child what listening looks like Research shows that in order to retain what they hear, students need to focus their attention, then review important information. Be a listening role model for your child. For example, encourage your student to talk about the school day. Then, show you are paying attention by making eye contact and listening patiently. Restate the important points your child makes to confirm your understanding. https://tpitip.com/?15dS17376

Don't let perfectionism interfere with learning Children who spend all their time trying to be perfect may actually end up hurting their ability to learn. Show that you value who your child is, not what your child does. Help your student decide what work is important and what isn't (researching the report is; coloring the cover for hours probably isn't). Encourage your child to take appropriate risks, and make it clear that it's OK to make mistakes. https://tpitip.com/?15dR17376

Kindergarten students were able to investigate the life cycle of a butterfly! They watched as the caterpillars became a chrysalis and finally a butterfly!

Please come out and support!

Kindergarten had a blast on their Easter egg hunt!

Beautiful Butterflies

Kindergarteners enjoyed learning about the life cycle of a butterfly.

📢 Easter/Spring Break Announcement Easter/Spring Break will take place from Friday, April 18 through Friday, April 25, 2025. Students will return to school on Monday, April 28, 2025. We wish everyone a safe and relaxing break!

Help your child learn decision-making from experience The best way to learn to make good decisions is by making lots of them. Give your child plenty of chances to make choices and learn from the results. A young child can decide between two lunch options. An older child can decide which assignment to tackle first. Just be sure to maintain the boundaries; deciding not to do schoolwork at all isn't an option. Then, help your child connect the choices made with their outcomes. https://tpitip.com/?15dQ17376

Help your child feel secure when the news is scary When the stories in the news are scary, the way you talk to your child about them matters. Start by finding out about your child's fears, which may be different from reality. Explain that you and other adults are working to keep your child safe. Then, like Mr. Rogers suggested, help your child look for the helpers during difficult times. https://tpitip.com/?15dP17376

The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus Thursday, April 17, 2025. Find those refillable cups and put them in your bookbag. Prices range from $3 - $7. Please send money with your child in the morning.

This is the last week of 21st Century Tutoring. Tomorrow, April 16 will be the last day for tutoring. If you have any questions, please contact the office.

Constructive criticism starts with positive comments Your child shows you a draft of a report for school, and the first thing you see is a misspelled word. Instead of just pointing it out, think PNP (positive-negative-positive). Start with a positive comment: "You have such an interesting first sentence." Then, mention the misspelling. Follow up with something positive: "I think this is a great start." Your child may be more willing to ask for your feedback again! https://tpitip.com/?15dO17376

The Kona Ice Truck will be on campus Thursday, April 17, 2025. Find those refillable cups and put them in your bookbag. Prices range from $3 - $7. Please send money with your child in the morning.

Reminder: Fun day shirt order and money are due no later than April 16. The cost is $15 per shirt.

Congratulations to last week's Positive Office Referrals!!

Inspire the courage that leads to success Many activities in school, such as reading aloud or expressing thoughts in front of others, can take courage. Explain to your child that courage isn't about being physically strong, it's about having inner strength. Make it clear that it is OK to express feelings and fears, and praise your child's everyday acts of bravery. Encourage your student to try new activities and not to worry about failing. https://tpitip.com/?15dN17376

🌟 Staff Appreciation Week is almost here! 🌟 We’ll be celebrating our amazing staff May 12–16 and we need your help to make it extra special! 🙌💙 Let’s come together to show our incredible team just how much we value all the love, energy, and dedication they pour into our students every single day. Whether it’s a kind note, a small treat, or a thoughtful gesture — every little bit counts and means the world! If you own a business or know of a business that would like to donate to our staff for this upcoming appreciation week, please have them contact the school. We’d love to partner with our community to make this celebration unforgettable! Thank you in advance for your support and generosity!