September 28: Blue Jay Bulletin

Blue Jay Bulletin

September 28, 2017

Barton Creek Elementary

MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL TIFFANY PHELPS

Yesterday, Dr. Leonard tweeted a picture of a quote he saw on the wall of Gallup headquarters: "What would happen if we studied what is right with people versus what is wrong with people?" I thought about this quote throughout the day; what would it be like if we took as much time to acknowledge positive things as we do the negative things? For example, I recently received a ridiculously high water bill. I spent over 45 minutes of my day arguing with the utility company, insisting there was a mistake. I was frustrated, deflated, and at times irrational.

That very day, I had to swing by the grocery store. The cashier was fabulous: conversational, friendly to my kids, and maintained a smile throughout the entire transaction. Something about her stood out from my typical grocery store experience. Did I stop and take the time to tell her how wonderful she was? Did I stop to tell her manager about her exceptional service? Nope. I was "too busy" and just wanted to get home. Now, I pause to reflect. I managed to find the time to complain about my water bill, but I couldn't take less than a minute to give praise? What an "a-ha" moment! I missed an opportunity to make someone's day. I'm going to attempt to not let these opportunities slip by anymore. I'm hoping you will partner with me in this initiative by taking a moment to recognize a BCE staff member. Is there someone that you would like to praise? I would love to hear about it. Here's a link to simplify the process: BCE Staff Shout-Out I will make sure that the deserving staff member receives your positive message. Thank you for joining me in creating a culture of positivity at BCE.

Book Study Session #3: Oct. 2nd immediately following the morning assembly in the iLab.

Nuggets of Knowledge from Chapter 3 and 4

"In order to raise competent, capable adults, I have to love them enough to put their learning before my happiness." (p.46)
"The more independent you allow your children to be, the more independent they will become." (p.49)
"Limit setting is a key element of autonomy-supportive parenting....Limits make kids feel safe and cared for." (p.50)
Praise for effort, not inherent qualities. Instead of "Great job on that test! You are so smart!" try "Great job on that test! What did you do this time in preparation that worked so well?" (p. 68)
"Do not offer to rescue your child from the consequences of their mistakes. Your offer implies that you don't believe they have the ability to find a solution themselves. The real learning happens when kids begin to understand how to pick through the wreckage, find the pieces that still work for them, and devise a strategy for future success." (p. 70)

The next time you enter the front doors of BCE, be sure to check out the photos and student art work that are on our TV display. A huge "THANK YOU" goes out to BCE Educational Technologist, Ashley Pampe, and BCE Art Teacher, Hallie Shafer, for making this happen.

SCHOOL NEWS

No Hassle Fundraiser

SEL Highlights Relationship Skills

Trustees ask voters to consider Penny Swap & Drop

Approval will lower District's total tax rate by 1.25 cents and increase amount of local tax revenue that stays in the community

BCE INFORMATION

Click the image above to find out what's for sale in the BCE Spirit Store!

It is time to sign up for S.T.E.A.M. DAY!

On Friday, October 20th, 8 am-12:30 pm, Barton Creek will transform into a S.T.E.A.M. showcase with experts presenting old favorites like BUBBLEOLOGY, CRAZY KITCHEN CHEMISTRY, and GLOW IN THE DARK, plus EXCITING NEW PRESENTATIONS!

We will need each student's LUNCH CHOICES and special requests.

Volunteer at http://signup.com/go/HWcLWqw

It will take 80+ PARENT VOLUNTEERS to make this amazing event run smoothly. You will have fun, we promise!

Click on the picture below for more information on Teacher Parties:

UPCOMING BCE EVENTS

5th Grade Live Oak Adventure

When: Nov. 1 - 3, 2016

Where: Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center

What: The Live Oak Adventure is a district program for all Fifth Grade Eanes ISD students. The 2 1/2 days are full of fun and educational experiences. All the challenges and learning activities are linked to standards and goals for our Fifth Graders. And what a great way to learn! It is always one of the best memories from the Fifth-Grade year. The packet including all the information about the experience and necessary forms will be emailed Monday, Oct. 2. Please read over the entire packet carefully, then plan to attend the Live Oak Parent Information Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 3rd, 5 – 6:00 pm with any questions you might have.

The cost for Live Oak is $145.00. This includes all food, transportation, lodging, and activities. Please send a check made out to BCE to your homeroom teacher or pay on your online account by October 7.

Live Oak Parent Meeting

When: Tuesday, Oct. 3, 5 – 6:00 pm

Where: BCE Library

What: Information meeting with representatives from Highland Lake Camp and Conference Center, Mrs. Sansom, our nurse, and Fifth Grade Teachers.