Hello everyone,

I hope you are having a great weekend!  I am bracing myself for the cold on Monday.  Yuck!

Below is the news for the week!  I hope it is a great one for you and your family.

Marie


The Positivity Project (P2): Prudence
This week students will be studying the character strength of Prudence

What Does Prudence Mean?
You plan for the future and achieve your
goals by making careful everyday choices.

Why Does It Matter?
Prudence supports effective individual self-management.
Whether aspiring for an athletic record, academic grade, or
purchasing a car, foresight and planning are necessary.
However, long-term goals – even with a plan – can only be
obtained by overcoming those impulses and desires that
steer you away from your goals.

On a group level, prudence is crucial – especially today, as
shortsightedness has crept into many parts of life. Prudent
individuals will produce a prudent society. And, as always,
we need leaders who can think long-term and create the
world we want our descendants to inherit.

Monday: No School
There is no school on Monday to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's holiday!   Wee you back at school on Tuesday.

Wednesday:   Swift Creek Night at City Barbeque on Kildaire Farm Road in Cary
When you show the flyer, Swift Creek will receive 25% of your sales.  Flyers are available online and will be sent home in Tuesday folders (which might go home Wednesday since we have no school on Monday).

Invite your family, friends, neighbors and take the night off from cooking!


Friday: Next International Night Planning Meeting is Friday at 8am
If you are interested in helping with International Night on March 21, our next meet is Friday, Jan 25 at 8am.  Please RSVP to this email if you plan to attend.

Reminders:
Registration Period for Magnet or Year Round School Is Now Through Jan 30

The WCPSS registration period for applying to a magnet school (or year round school) is through Jan 30.  For more information, see the Wake County Web site.

RSVP and Volunteers for the Father / Daughter Dance
The Father / Daughter Dance will be Friday, Feb 22.  RSVPs are due no later than Friday, Feb 15.

We are still looking for volunteers and especially food donations.  We need these items:
fruit trays
mini sandwiches
pizza ?
Chick-Fil-A nuggets?
Hershey's kisses wrapped in silver or purple foil


Sign up today at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DA8AF2CA6FE3-father
Advocacy Update:  A Showing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope, Thursday, Jan 31 6-8pm
Remember to turn in your RSVPs for the viewing of this special film.  We have children at the Creek who would greatly benefit from our knowledge and support in this area.  The more WE know as a community, the more we can help these children succeed and as a result our own children succeed.

Everyone in our community (not just current Swift Creek families) are welcome to view this film. So bring your friends, neighbors, family!  The film runs for 45 minutes and then there will be a brief discussion led by Public Schools First.


This film is for adult viewing only.  Childcare WILL be provided!  If you plan to attend, please RSVP ASAP.


Mark Your Calendars:

• Thursday, Jan 31 6-8pm: Viewing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and Science of Hope
• Friday, Feb 1 
  • Spirit Day
  • 9:30 Coffee and Conversation with Mr. Propst
  • Celebrations of Brilliance.  Parents will receive an invite if their child is being recognized.

Join Us at the Food Shuttle Garden Gallop 5K on March 16
The Interfaith Food Shuttle (who is helping us with our school garden) invites us  to the Inter-Faith Food Shuttle's annual Garden Gallop 5K! This is the only fundraiser we host to fund our Urban Agriculture Education program here at the Food Shuttle, and we would love to see our school partners  (Swift Creek is one of these partners and directly benefits from this program) join us on this day. This is why we are sharing this promo code for discounted entry to the Garden Gallop 5K. Partner school families can use the code before for 25% off cost of entry. Please help us spread the word for this event, but please do not share the promo code outside of your school network. 


Promo Code: Urban Ag


Kids 12 and under run / walk for free! Bring the whole family, which of course includes dogs. 


Register or donate at tinyurl.com/gardengallop19.

We made it!  Our first full week back was a success!  I know we had a lot of tired kiddos, teachers, and parents!  Hopefully everyone has gotten some good rest this weekend.

Thankfully, this week is pretty quiet.  Just remember that Friday is a regular school day to make up for the December snow.  (Thank goodness we didn't have snow this weekend!)

Have a great week!  If you need anything, please just ask.

Marie

The Positivity Project (P2): Hope
This week students will be studying the character strength of Hope/Optimism.

What Does Hope Mean?
You expect the best from the future and work to achieve it.

What Does It Matter?
For individuals, optimism is correlated with success in work and play, mental and physical health, and strong social relationships. Optimistic people are planners and goal
setters. Due to their future oriented mindset, they are often hard working, conscientious, and able to overcome obstacles.

On a group level, optimism is crucial to group success. Optimists are strong leaders. They find meaning in hardship and can create a vision for the future. They look
at potential obstacles as opportunities, rather than threats. Without hope and optimism, we would not be able to overcome hardships.

Tuesday, Jan 15: Newsletters Go Home in Tuesday Folders
The January edition of the Swift Creek Current will be sent home.  You can get a sneak peek at http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/2/2/24227387/jan152019_english.pdf

Friday, Jan 18:   Regular School Day
Friday was a Teacher Work Day but now it is a regular school day to make up for the December snow.

Reminders:
Watch DOGS: We need you!
Dads, older brothers, uncles, cousins, grandfathers, did you make a new year's resolution to get more involved in your child's school?

We'd love to have you as a Watch DOG for the day.  You will get to visit every grade level and have a chance to hang out with your child during the school day.  

Sign up today at https://tinyurl.com/scesDogs1819
Registration Period for Magnet or Year Round School Is Now Through Jan 30
The WCPSS registration period for applying to a magnet school (or year round school) is through Jan 30.  For more information, see the Wake County Web site.

RSVP and Volunteers for the Father / Daughter Dance
The Father / Daughter Dance will be Friday, Feb 22.  RSVPs are due no later than Friday, Feb 15.

We are still looking for volunteers and especially food donations.  We need these items:
veggie trays
fruit trays
mini sandwiches
pizza ?
Chick-Fil-A nuggets?
Hershey's kisses wrapped in silver or purple foil


Sign up today at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DA8AF2CA6FE3-father
Advocacy Update:  A Showing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope, Thursday, Jan 31 6-8pm
Remember to turn in your RSVPs for the viewing of this special film.  We have children at the Creek who would greatly benefit from our knowledge and support in this area.  The more WE know as a community, the more we can help these children succeed and as a result our own children succeed.

Everyone in our community (not just current Swift Creek families) are welcome to view this film. So bring your friends, neighbors, family!  The film runs for 45 minutes and then there will be a brief discussion led by Public Schools First.


This film is for adult viewing only.  Childcare WILL be provided!  If you plan to attend, please RSVP ASAP.


Mark Your Calendars:

• Monday, Jan 21 -- No School.  Martin Luther King Jr holiday.
• Wednesday, Jan 23 -- Swift Creek Night at City BBQ in Cary. Take note of the information and flyer in this week's newsletter.
• Thursday, Jan 31 6-8pm: A showing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope
• Friday, Feb 1 
  • Spirit Day!
  • 9:30 Coffee and Conversation with Mr. Propst
  • Celebrations of Brilliance.  Parents will receive an invite if their child is being recognized.

Activate your girl's limitless potential
Register online now to sign your 3rd-5th grade girl for our Swift Creek Elementary Girls on the Run team. The spring season runs the weeks of Feb. 4 to April 22, with an end-of-season 5k on Sat., April 27. Our team will meet on Tuesday and Thursday from 4-5:15 p.m. If you prefer a paper application in English or Spanish, please contact your GOTR Site Liaison, Alyssa Miller, at amiller5@wcpss.net.
Why should I sign her up?

“This program builds girls up, it empowers them, encourages them, and best of all shows them what amazing human beings they already are.” –Coach Nora
 

• Over the course of the 10-week program, trained coaches lead girls in grades 3-8 in lessons to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one-of-a-kind.
• Your girl learns to set goals, resolve conflict, help others, manage emotions and make intentional decisions to boost their well-being and confidence. 
• Girls don't need to be runners or even like running. Teams include girls of all physical abilities and fitness levels.
• Girls on the Run has had proven, long-term positive pact on the lives of girls across the Triangle for 18 years, setting it apart from other youth development programs. 

 
How much does it cost?
 
Girls on the Run is a nonprofit, and charges a $205 program fee to partially cover the cost of our curricula and accompanying coach and parent guides, t-shirts and water bottles for the girls and volunteer coaches, celebratory 5k registration, and materials used during the lessons. That’s only $10.25 per session for your girl.
 
We’re committed to offering the program to all girls regardless of their ability to pay. A limited number of scholarships are available based on financial need. Please contact your GOTR Site Liaison, Alyssa Miller, at amiller5@wcpss.net.with questions regarding financial assistance.
 
To register go to: https://www.gotrtriangle.org/Program-Registration
Program Registration - GOTR Triangle
www.gotrtriangle.org
PROGRAM POLICIES. Attendance Policy. Girls are expected to attend all practice sessions and remain for the entire session. Parents/guardians should not register their daughters for the program if there is a known conflict, including arriving late or leaving early on a regular basis.



97 percent of GOTR girls say they've learned critical life skills including resolving conflict, helping others and making intentional decisions.  Register today!



Alyssa Miller
Second Grade Teacher
Swift Creek Elementary School

I've heard last week described as the longest short week ever!   This week is going to be a challenge, I'm sure, but it going to be great to get back into the routine.

Check your child's Tuesday folder this week for many upcoming events and RSVPs.

Also, the PTA meeting has been moved to Thursday night at 6:00 (right before the awards ceremony for the Science Fair at 6:30).  Our agenda will be brief.  

Have a great week!

Marie

The Positivity Project (P2): Perseverance
This week, we get back into the Positivity Project routine and study the character strength of Perseverance (my own #1 character strength.  Never give up! :0)

What Does Perseverance Mean?
You complete what you start despite obstacles. You never give up.

What Does It Matter?
For individuals, persistence can be directly connected to an individual's ability to be successful throughout their life.

On a group level, perseverance can be contagious!  A single group member's ability or willingness to persevere can have a substantial impact on those working with him/her and the team.  Groups that show high levels of perseverance are able to achieve goals they may not have believed possible.

Positivity Project Thoughts
I want to share this little side story about the success we are seeing at the school with the Positivity Project.

At the Winter Glow dance, students had the option of creating cards for troop members who couldn't be home for Christmas.  With the ever popular DJ Burkhalter running the dance, we didn't expect many students to be interested in making cards.

Boy, were we wrong!  The students flooded the card making tables, and we ended up with two buckets of cards.  In fact, we had so many cards that we were able to send them to two different groups.  The students are really understanding that Other People Matter!

http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/winter-glow.html


And one more note . . . Did your child come home talking about getting his or her hand painted on Friday?  We created an Other People Matter mural in the west stairwell (the stairwell between 2nd and 3rd grade).  Every staff member and every student is being asked to add this hand print to this mural.  Then whenever we walk through the stairwell, we are reminded that EVERYONE at Swift Creek matters.

http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/p2-at-swift-creek.html


Monday, Jan 7: Kindergarten Registration Opens

Well technically registration started Oct 15 now that the county has an online system.  But Jan 7 is the big kickoff for incoming kindergartners.  You can register your child at school from 10-2.  For information about the documents required, see the school website.  https://www.wcpss.net/swiftcreekes

Tell your friends how wonderful our school is.  Have them call the office to schedule a tour with Mr. Propst or Mrs. Smith.

Tuesday, Jan 8: Science Fair forms are due
If your 3rd, 4th, or 5th grader is planning to participate in the Science Fair, registration forms are due TUESDAY.

For the registration form and project ideas, see the PTA website:  http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/science-fair.html

There is NO PTA meeting on TUESDAY night.  It has been moved to Thursday.

Thursday, Jan 10:

• Deadline for Girls on the Run registration -- This program is open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.  The deadline for registering is THURSDAY.  You can register at http://www.gotrtraingle.org.

For more information about the program, see the flyer or contact Ms. Miller amiller5@wcpss.net if you have questions. 
 

• PTA Meeting at 6:00 in the media center -- Our meeting will be brief.  Here is the agenda:
  • Update from PTA on upcoming events -- Showing of Resilience (Jan 31), Swift Creek night at City Barbeque (Jan 23), Father / Daughter Dance (Feb 22)
  • Presentation from Mr. Propst about what being a Title 1 school means.  Swift Creek is identified a Title 1 school because 43% of students qualify for free or reduced lunches.  This number is determined by the county in March for the next school year.
• Science Fair! -- This program is sponsored by the PTA and is open to 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders.
  • Students must turn in their projects before the 9:15 bell.  Projects should be brought directly to the cafeteria.
  • The awards and recognition ceremony will begin at 6:30pm.  Everyone is encouraged to come support our winners and be WOW'ed by science!
  • For the registration form and project ideas, see the PTA website:  http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/science-fair.html  

Friday, Jan 11:   Are You Interested in Helping with International Night?
The first planning meeting for International Night (March 21) will be Friday at 8:00am in the office conference room.  If you cannot attend but are interested in helping (we are looking for families to share their heritage with us), simply reply to this email.

Our December Super Snippers are . . .  Mr. Krauter's 2nd grade class!
They raised $6.50 for the school!  Mr. Krauter and his class will receive a small prize on Monday.

The next Box top collection date is Jan 31.  Remember we also collect Coke Bottle Tops!

You can see your class standings at http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/painless-fundraisers.html

Our January Spirit Winner is . . . Mrs. Fallon's 4th Grade Class!
Wow!  Mrs. Fallon's class had 70% participation this month!  That is fantastic.  And we had many classes this time with participation over 50%.  I think this might have been our best month yet.

The next spirit day is Friday, Feb 1.

Reminders:
Registration Period for Magnet or Year Round School Is Now Through Jan 30
The WCPSS registration period for applying to a magnet school (or year round school) is through Jan 30.  For more information, see the Wake County Web site.


Advocacy Update:  A Showing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope, Thursday, Jan 31 6-7pm
As the new documentary Resilience reveals, toxic stress can trigger hormones that wreak havoc on the brains and bodies of children, putting them at greater risk of disease, homelessness, prison time, and early death. While the broader impacts of poverty worsen the risk, all children can be negatively impacted.

Resilience, however, also chronicles the dawn of a movement that is determined to fight back. Trailblazers in pediatrics, education, and social welfare are using cutting edge science and field- tested therapies to protect children from the effects 
of toxic stress - and the legacy of a childhood no one would choose .

I have heard from many, many people how powerful this documentary is and that everyone should watch it.  We have a rare opportunity to show this at our school.  Everyone in our community (not just current Swift Creek families) are welcome to view this film.  The film runs for 45 minutes and then there will be a brief discussion led by Public Schools First.

This film is for adult viewing only.  Childcare WILL be provided!  If you plan to attend, please RSVP ASAP.

Need Help with the Father / Daughter Dance
The Father / Daughter Dance will be Friday, Feb 22.  Look for RSVPs in the next Tuesday folder.

Can you help make this night a success?  We are looking for volunteers, decorations (if you like to be crafty), and food.

Sign up today at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F4DA8AF2CA6FE3-father


Mark Your Calendars:

• Monday, Jan 21 -- No School.  Martin Luther King Jr holiday.
• Wednesday, Jan 23 -- Swift Creek Night at City BBQ in Cary. More details to come.
• Thursday, Jan 31 6-7pm: A showing of Resilience: The Biology of Stress and the Science of Hope