Hello there. What a great show of school spirit today! Check out all those crazy socks!!! We surely did sock it to drugs today. Tomorrow is Don't Get Tied Up in Drugs! Kids need to wear some kind of necktie, bowtie, or bolo tie tomorrow.
In CC meeting this morning we watched the above video about Red Ribbon week and the man behind it. We only watched the first 6 minutes and then the last bit about Red Ribbon Day. The in between stuff is just news and information that is important, but not really understandable by 10 year olds. We talked about what a drug is today and took a look at some of the drugs out there. We talked about the fact that there is and always will be drugs around us, but we are so lucky to have the DEA agents out there combating it. Drugs are in our neighborhoods...ALL neighborhoods, even these kids' neighborhoods. We talked about what neighborhoods in Billings are "drug" ones. They were shocked that even theirs were! (They said they were only downtown and on south side). We talked about how they will be going to middle school in 2 short years and that there is and will be drugs at Will James and at West High. It is just a fact. However, the main point today was that if they prepare now, and get their character under control it will be easy to say NO and not put themselves in danger. We talked about avoiding parties and how drugs and alcohol are usually there, sometimes masked in food or punch. We talked about playing alone at parks or playgrounds without parents and how strangers look for that, and even mask drugs with candies. Two short years ago, drug dealers were found giving our lollypops laced with meth to kids. Yikes! We also talked about the difference between legal, illegal, and medical drugs. Parents are different then kids. There are different rules (age 18 and 21). We talked about that. Lastly, I ended the meeting by assuring kids that they were ready for all the information they would get this year to help prepare them for the path ahead, and that they should absolutely talk about anything that bothers them or questions them with you at home. They will get more in the 5th grade, and even more in the 6th grade. We talked about how this is not scary, but real. We also talked about how it is even more scary for parents to know that their kids are learning these things. I know it is for me!!! Ask your child about the CC Meeting today. What does character today have with the future selves???? If they can tell you that it matters now to make good choices to be ready for the future then they are on track. Write DRUGS in the planner for $20. If you watch the video yourself, write KIKI in the planner for $50! It is just that important!!!! :0) Remember, if you want to join us for DEA Agent Dunlap's presentation tomorrow will begin at 9:30 am.
Halloween is approaching! I would love to put pictures of your kiddos' with their Jack-o-lanterns on the blog. If you email me a picture, I will put them on display! :0) ericksont@billingsschools.org.
Off to the right is a new typing program called Typing Club. Please do NOT use this at home. They may continue to use the Dance Mat one, but NOT this one. Thanks.
Homework tonight is: Spelling page 60, 1-20 Types of Sentences and Page 61, 21-34. They know how to do this, and should NOT need help. Both the alternate and book words are off to the right for study purposes. I am so wowed that over half the class is wanting to be challenged and study the alternate list. Make sure kids know the difference between lose and loose. :0)
Lastly, Nolan is having a Halloween Party and Costume Contest. He has invited all students to attend. All students came home with an invitation. Due to sensitive information, I can't publish it on here, but it sounds and looks like a spooky good time!!! :0)
Have a wonderful night!!!
Ms. Erickson
