"Buddy" Beginnings

In an effort to build community and an appreciation for others, last Friday marked the beginning of a new program at Sibley.  Our 6th and 1st grade teachers and students, lead be our music, phy-ed, and art teachers, have started to develop a "Buddy" program.  For their first activity together, 6th grade students were paired with a 1st grade student and together they ate lunch.  Prior to this event, staff at Sibley had talked about developing a program that would allow our older students to be leaders and role models to our younger students  and we were thrilled to say that it was a success.  Older students spent time visiting and getting to know their new "buddies" and we will continue to develop and devote an activity a month to this new endeavor.  First grade students were thrilled to be able to have an older student to visit with and look out for them.  Older students were great in that they saw the importance of being a good role model and making their younger peers feel less vulnerable and anxious when around older students.  Further ideas will continue to foster a system that is supportive of others and puts our older students into roles that require them to "do the right thing" and get all students caring for the other.  We are excited to see this grow.

Wizard of OZ

After a week long of practice, Sibley 3-6th graders gave two wonderfully entertaining performances of The Wizard of Oz on Friday and Saturday night.  Southwest Little Theater was packed for both, and it was a thrill to see the students have such a great opportunity to become engaged in theater and all that it is has to offer them.  It certainly isn't easy to put yourself on stage and in "character", so congratulations to all 75+ students that expressed such enthusiasm.  Another noticeable benefit of this experience is that it enables students to get to know others on a different level.  Like any activity, participation brings everyone TOGETHER for a common goal.  It was neat to see older students help in getting their younger team members in place, remembering their parts, and supporting others they wouldn't normally hang out with.  It is a bonding time for our kids and it can be certainly seen even after the show is over.  Students, regardless of age/grade, are more apt to visit with each other, say "hi" in the hallway, or even mingle more together before and after school.  Their "experience" pulls them together.  It is pretty cool. We can't wait until next year!

Praire Fire Theater comes to Sibley - Wizard of Oz

Tonight, begins the first official practice of the 2011 production of Wizard of Oz.  For the last several years, the Prairie Theater Company, has provided us two directors and a week long of fun for students grades 3-6 as they try out for, practice into the evenings, and finally perform two shows as a culmination of their foray into the world of theater.  This is by far one of the best opportunities that we have to offer our students and we are thrilled that through funding from the Perpich Center for the Arts and our own PTO-SHARE, we continue to be able to host this event.  This Friday, January 14th at 7pm and January 15th at 10:30am will be dates and times you won't want to miss.  The performances will be done at our middle school with the cost being $4 and $2 for adults and students respectively.  "Catch the Fire."

3rd Time is the Charm!!

Well, after two prior attempts at hosting our K-3 Winter concert, we finally did on our third attempt on January 6th.  As usual, the kids did a great job and it was a thrill for us and them to have so many in attendance.  We continue to enjoy being able to host our programs at the high school as it is such a great venue with a 750 seat capacity that we never have a hard time reaching.  We did film the concert as well and have every intention of running it on our cable access channel in the very near future.  If you missed my surprise assignment and entrance, don't worry, you'll be able to laugh it up with your kids over and over again.  I know the kindergartners were a bit shocked to see me on stage instead of Mr. Blong.  Again, thanks for bearing with us through three dates and lots of snow, but it was once again a success.  Special thanks to Teresa Bergene(music), Mark Blong(art), and Dyann Baumann(phy ed.) for all the preparation and practice work that went into the event.  See you next year.

Stories for Cousin Bear

Prior to our winter break, students were informed that they had an opportunity to do some creative writing over break for Cousin Bear.  He can be found in our library.  These stories have been collected as the deadline to submit was Jan 3-7. One story from each grade level will eventually be displayed with the bear. Cousin Bear has been loaned to the school from Steve Bottleson. He created the 6-foot 2-inch bear, which was modeled after the Berenstain Bears books.  Linda Bottleson, Minnesota Reading Corp Volunteer Coordinator at Sibley, came up with the idea as a way to promote literacy over the Holiday break.  For many, it was a fun activity to participate in as family members helped brainstorm ideas.  See a picture of Cousin Bear and learn more about Reading Corps and what it provides our community and school.

Pick up and Drop off concerns

Over the last month, I have noticed and it has been brought to my attention, that drop-off in the morning in front of the school is becoming a bit challenging.  One of the things that I have noticed is that cars are stopping at the middle walkway leaving about 4-5 more car lengths in front of them.  We want to try and maintain a steady flow if at all possible.  If you happen to have room in front of you to drop, please move forward which will allow other cars behind you a bit more additional space to drop and still easily access our sidewalks.  Stopping the car to get out and then "let out" really slows things.  I would strongly encourage you to encourage your child to let themselves out of the car instead of having you let them out.  If there are times that you need to do this, please be aware of the car stream behind you or maybe select another dropping off point near the playground would better suit your needs.  Lastly, please do not come up the one way as we continue to have concerns about accidents.  The signs are clearly marked as to when the one way traffic begins and ends.  Thank you.

Third Time is the Charm?

Regarding Sibley's K-3 program, we sure hope so. Yes, we are going to look at trying yet again for our winter program.  The weather has caused us a lot of headache lately but safety is really our first priority.  At this time, we are looking to reschedule the program sometime during the week after our Winter Holiday break in January. Stay tuned for an InstantAlert message with the details.  With that, please enjoy your time with family and friends and I look forward to seeing everyone in 2011.

Empathy and Parent Persistence Solves Problems

Last week, I was interviewed about the topic of bullying.  Like all things in life, being acutely aware of any issue and educating yourself about them, can provide you with ways to deal positively with the topic.  Bullying and teasing is no different.  As a principal and a father of two, ages 11 and 7, I want children to have the ability to recognize the power of one's words and actions.  They can heal as much as hurt.  Kids need to be taught how to work with their peers when they have differences and empathy is something that we all need a hefty dose of at times.  I am reminded of the great lesson on empathy that Atticus Finch teaches his daughter Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird when he says, "First of all, if you can learn a simple trick Scout, you'll get along a lot better with all kinds of folks. You never understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." [34]. "One time he [Atticus] said you never really know a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them." [282]

Like Atticus did for Scout,  it is our direct, constant, and consistent modeling of "how to" resolve conflicts positively that will have the largest impact on them.  Getting them to "see" from different perspectives is a skill to be learned and quite effective for combating problems.  If we swear when we are angry, or yell at someone when things don't go as we would like . . . . . . children learn and will repeat these behaviors.  Children need to be taught to seek positive resolutions and to do so requires them to realize that at times it is just as OK to walk away and ignore, as it is to come to an agreed understanding.  Yes, walking away after you have been able to share your frustrations, is a skill.  Part of this whole process is building the self-confidence to communicate when you have been wronged, but also to move on from that without feeling badly about yourself.  Until that occurs, we continue to help children by mediating and teaching empathy; how to have it and why it reduces conflicts.

Technology also presents another layer for dealing with conflict.  As a parent, you better know the involvement your children are having online through social networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, or self created blogs.  Cell phones and texting is another culprit for engaging in less that empathetic behavior.  It is a lot easier to say something badly about someone when you don't have to look them in the eye to do so.  We should encourage and allow the use of these tools.  However, as adults, we need to model for them appropriate use and teach them how to handle situations they encounter.  Know your children's friends and the technology used to communicate. Without knowing we can't help and technology requires us to be more available.