Are we indoors or outdoors for recess today???

This is a question that the children ask us often.  Mrs. Seaman has the unenviable task of determining if it is appropriate for the children to go outdoors for arrival and recess or not.  Our goal is to get the children outdoors EVERY day as long as it is safe and appropriate to do so.

When it is raining hard, it is an easy call that the children need to have indoor recess.  However, the snow, ice, and cold temperatures often make the call more challenging.  Typically, our maintenance staff are able to get the ice and snow cleared off the blacktop.  The standard for temperature that has been used for years in MERSD has been 20 degree windchill.  If the windchill is 20 degrees or higher, the children go outdoors.  If it is 19 degrees or lower, the children have indoor recess.

The school council will be re-examining the temperature guidelines to decide if we should change the threshold for indoor/outdoor recess.  If you have thoughts, ideas, etc. please feel free to communicate that to your school council representatives.  As the father of an active second-grade boy, I know very well how important it is for them to get outdoors as much as possible...let's hope for a January/February thaw!

Parenting Your Shy or Introverted Child...

MMPTO Presents….

Parenting Your Shy or

Introverted Child

Thurs., Jan. 30, 7-8:30pm

MMES Auditorium

Do you have a quiet child, one who is slow to warm up to other people, if at all? Would your child rather be alone in his bedroom than play ball outside?  Do sudden transitions cause your child to meltdown? Does your child cling or hover in large groups?  For many parents, the shy or introverted child presents a particular challenge.

In this interactive seminar and Q&A, we will discuss:

·       the nature of introversion as a normal and healthy personality trait

·       the challenges and the joys of raising a shy or introverted child

·       the strengths and gifts hidden in your child’s introversion

·       how to help our kids develop healthy self-esteem as well as effective social skills

Psychotherapist Jason E. Smith will discuss how understanding your child’s introverted nature can help you and your child find greater enjoyment and satisfaction in their growth and development.