Positive Discipline Can Help Your Child Learn and Grow

The first thing many people think of when they hear the word discipline is punishment. But discipline actually means to teach. And it’s most effective when it’s delivered in a positive, calm and loving way. When disciplining, focus on your:

• Words. Tell your child exactly what you expect. For example, “It’s time to do your homework,” is better than, “Aren’t you supposed to be doing your homework?”
• Tone of voice. It’s important not to sound too stern or too unsure. Try to find a happy medium, a tone that says, “I’m confident you will do as I say.”
• Facial expression. A calm look will encourage your child to cooperate. You don’t need to look angry or upset.
• Body language. If possible, face your child and look her in the eye. Avoid intimidating gestures such as shaking a finger or putting your hands on your hips.

Reprinted with permission from the February 2020 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2020 The Parent Institute®, a division of PaperClip Media, Inc.

Third Grade Cardboard Arcade

The Global Cardboard Challenge is an annual event started in 2012, inspired by the response to the Caine’s Arcade film. Kids from around the world are invited to design and build something awesome using cardboard, recycled material, and imagination. They are then invited to ask their community to play-in this case the rest of our school. Watch the clips below to learn more about the history of the cardboard challenge and how it began as Caine's Arcade.

It’s February…JUST ASK!

Sponsored by Husky PALS: Parents of Alternative Learners

Upcoming Calendar of Events

• Wednesday, February 5 - Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal at 12:39 PM)
• Monday, February 17 - Tuesday, February 18 - No School / Mid-Winter Break
• Wednesday, February 26 - Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal at 12:39 PM)
• Friday, March 6 - No School for Students / End of the 2nd Marking Period
• Thursday, March 12 - Hill Community Night - Unselfie Book Club (LGI 7 PM)
• Friday, March 13 - Hill Variety Show & Art Show (6 PM)
• Thursday, March 19 - Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Tuesday, March 24 - PTO Meeting (Media Center 7 PM)
• Wednesday, March 25 - Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal at 12:39 PM)
• Thursday, April 2-10 - Spring Break - No School
• Thursday, April 16 - Kindergarten Information Night (6:30-7:30 PM)
• Tuesday, April 21 - 5th Grade Band Concert at Athens HS (7:00 PM)
• Wednesday, April 22 - Larson MS Transition Night for 5th Grade Parents
• Thursday, April 23 - Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal at 12:39 PM)
• Tuesday, April 28 - 5th Grade Orchestra Concert at Athens HS (7:00 PM)
• Thursday, April 30 - Hill Community Night - Table Talk (LGI 7 PM)
• Monday, May 4 - Troy School District Art Show at the Troy Community Center (5:30-7:30 PM)
• Wednesday, May 13 - Early Release Day for Students (Dismissal at 12:39 PM)
• Wednesday, May 13 - Red Cross Blood Drive
• Friday, May 29 - Family Fun Fair (6 PM)
• Monday, June 1 - Field Day
• Monday, June 8 - Field Day -Rain Date
• Tuesday, June 9-11 - Half Days of School (Dismissal at 12:29 PM)
• Thursday, June 11 - Last Day of School

TSD Outdoor Weather Policy

The Troy School District outdoor recess policy has been aligned with research by the National Weather Service. We use the The Weather Channel app to make this decision. We will still use the 15 degree threshold for outdoor lineup decisions in the morning.

Outdoor Recess Policy - Troy School District Elementary Schools access weather.com to determine if students have indoor or outdoor recess. If it "Feels Like" 10 degrees or warmer, recess is held outside. If it feels like 9 degrees or colder, recess is held inside.

Food Service Employment Opportunities

The Troy Schools Food Service Department, which is contracted by the Chartwells K-12, is gearing up to expand our Food Service Staff by seeking friendly people willing to fill various vacancies that are responsible for providing lunches to the students of the Troy School District. Not to worry if you haven’t had previous experience, as “on the job” training will be provided!

Depending on the school, the hours would primarily be during the middle of the day and would range from 3 to 4 hours a day. And you would be earning some extra money while your students are in school! We are especially seeking elementary cooks, which does have more hours. So, come join our team by calling 248-823-5089, or email Nicole Gervais at ngervais@troy.k12.mi.us, or come into the office at the Service Center, 4420 Livernois, Troy 48098 for more information. I look forward to hearing from you!

Gayle M. Moran - Food Service Liaison - Troy School District

Opportunities for Parents of Children with Special Needs

Troy School District Special Education Department has established a partnership with Celebrate Hope, LLC (celebratehopellc.com) to provide an enrichment series open to parents of children with an active IEP or 504 diagnosis. The upcoming events include:

• Celebrate Hope facilitated Parent Support Gatherings (Feb. 26th 6:30-8pm) to discuss topics relevant to caring for a child with special and unique needs. This event will be held at TSD Services Building, 4420 Livernois.
• Celebrate Hope facilitated Parent Social (Mar. 18th 6:30-8pm) providing an opportunity for you to make time for yourself as well as connect with others who are caring for children with special and unique needs in a relaxed atmosphere. This event will be held at Joe Kools, 1835 E. Big Beaver Rd.

Shari Pawlus - Principal - Hill Elementary