Congratulations to Swift Creek's Teacher of the Year, Mrs Monica Coles! Mrs Coles is the rock of 5th grade. She teaches math and is so passionate about science. (One of my favorite experiments is the solar powered pizza oven.) She has such love for all her students. Despite her heavy workload, she also takes the time to mentor student teachers and keeps the future bright for so many.
Congratulations, Mrs Coles. You are an inspiration to so many!

Congratulations to Swift Creek's Instructional Assistant of the year, Mrs Ashley Hunt. Mrs Hunt works with our CCK students and is so patient and kind. You can also find her running the before school and after school programs.
Congratulations, Mrs Hunt!

Thank you to everyone who attended STEM night on Thursday!  We had a full house and it looked like everyone had a fabulous time!  Thank you to all the amazing volunteers who made this event run so smoothly.  


An extra special shout out to Ashley Elliott, Science Fair and STEM chair, and Lauren Nicholls.  They planned and organized this impressive event for us!

We hope everyone has a brilliant week!


Positivity Project: Gratitude
For the next two weeks, students will be learning about the character strength of gratitude.

What Does Gratitude Mean? 
You are aware of and thankful for good things that happen. 

Why Does It Matter? 
Out of all 24 character strengths, gratitude is the single best predictor of individual well-being. It is correlated with increased energy, empathy, happiness and optimism. And, the great thing about gratitude is that it can be intentionally cultivated. Numerous studies have concluded that gratitude is like a muscle. The more you practice it, the stronger it gets – and the more you’re able to reap its benefits.  


Monday: Absolute LAST DAY for Original Works Orders
If you are interested in ordering your child's art work on an item for a holiday gift, Monday is the very last day that you can turn in these orders.

If you have questions, contact Laura Monaghan at lauramonaghan812@gmail.com.


Tuesday: Free Showing of Resilience on PBSAre you interested in seeing "Resilience"? The Swift Creek PTA had a showing of this important film last winter, but we know many parents were unable to attend. This powerful film discusses the impact of childhood trauma. Even if you think this doesn't apply to your child, you will be blown away by this important film.
PBS will be showing Resilience Tuesday night at 8pm.


https://www.unctv.org/about/pressroom/resilience/?fbclid=IwAR2b5DlT8rRH2AEqzPkEzwPbUzIfOkEGZWiGJVFHC3CQk642YKUTCyQ-lbM   


If you have questions about advocacy at the Creek, contact Advocacy chair, Lisa Kropliak at lmd0925@aol.com.

Wednesday: Celebration of Brilliance
Wednesday will be our first of three Celebrations of Brilliance this year.  During this time, students will gather by grade level in the gym and be recognized in front of their peers for these P2 character strengths.

• The Other People Matter Mindset
• Curiosity
• Teamwork
• Open-Mindnesses
• Being Present and Giving Others My Attention
• Integrity
• Perspective
• Creativity
• Bravery
• Knowing My Words and Actions Affect Others

If your child is being recognized, you should have received an invitation along with you child's report card.  If you didn't receive an invitation this time, don't worry.  We have two more celebrations this year and every student will be recognized during one of these. 


Can You Help with the Winter Glow Dance?On Dec 19, we will have our annual Winter Glow Dance and we are looking for parent volunteers to help!
Sign up at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e094eafae2ca64-winter2
  


Are You Working on Your Thanks and Planks from Ms. Graves?
How is your family doing with your Thanks and Planks calendar from Ms. Graves?  Keep up the great work!  Be sure to share a picture with Ms. Graves (sgraves@wcpss.net) so she can see your progress.

http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/2/2/24227387/30-days-of-thanks-and-planks.pdf 
 


Registration for Next School Year Is Now Open!
Do you have an incoming Swifty next year? Did you know that you can register them for school NOW and online? For more information, see https://tinyurl.com/wcpssEnroll  


Leave Us a Review!  It Matters!
It is the time of year when families are researching schools for next year.  And we want everyone to know how wonderful the Creek is.  You can leave us a review at:

• Great Schools
• School Digger

Mark Your Calendars:

• Nov 27-29: Thanksgiving Holiday
• Dec 5 5-8pm: McTeacher's Night at McDonalds on Walnut Street.  20% of sales (both dine in and drive thru) during this time period will go to Swift Creek.  No flyer needed!  Hope you can join us.
• Dec 6: Spirit Day.
• Dec 19: Winter Glow Dance
• Dec 20: Regular School Day.  Make up day for Hurricane Dorian
• Dec 23 - Jan 3: Winter Break

It Might Be Cold Outside . . . But Summer Will Be Here Before You Know It
 Camp Invention Will Elevate Your Summer to a New Heights: June 22 – June 26 

Camp Invention® is a nationally acclaimed summer program where STEM concepts come to life. Led by local teachers, this program has tapped into kids' natural curiosity since 1990, giving them the opportunity to become innovators through teamwork and immersive, hands-on creative problem-solving. 

Mrs. Monica Coles, 5th grade teacher, has directed the camp for the past few years. Because of her work and the work of several other Swifty staff members, this camp has been an AWESOME experience for our students. 

Registration for this year’s camp is already open. Register today at https://tinyurl.com/scesCamp2020  


Check out these discounts:

• Save $25 if you sign up by March 31, 2020. Promo code ELEVATE25
• Save $15 if you sign up between April 1 and May 12. Promo code ELEVATE15
• Save $25 when you register 2 or more siblings. Promo code SIBLOVE25

​Its the most wonderful time of the year!  It's Book Fair Week!  We hope everyone finds a great read this week.


Positivity Project: Knowing My Words and Actions Affect Others
This week, students will learn about another component of the Other People Matter mindset -- Knowing How My Words and Actions Affect Others.
On an individual level, our words and actions impact our relationships with other people. They have the power to lift others up or tear them down. But, our words and actions also impact ourselves. If I am consistently speaking or acting with an entitled, arrogant, or mean attitude, I’m going to find it tougher to tap into and exemplify the character strengths of gratitude, humility, and kindness.
When a group is comprised of individuals who are thoughtful about their words and actions; individuals who show respect and consideration for the people around them – we’re likely to have a happier and healthier culture.


Book Fair Week!  Join our Arctic Adventure


You should have received your child's schedule in last week's Tuesday folders.  You can also view the schedule online in the November newsletter.  See page 5 at http://swiftcreekeswcpssnetptahtml.weebly.com/uploads/2/4/2/2/24227387/nov5_2019_english.pdf

Don't want to send money in with your child?  Scholastic now has the option to create an eWallet.  For more information, go to Swift Creek's online book fair page at http://scholastic.com/fair

If you have questions about the book fair, contact Book Fair committee chairs, Heather Chapman at wilsonreadingteacher@gmail.com and Kristen Sherman at kmartaz73@gmail.com.



Monday: Veteran's Day. No School
Monday is Veteran's Day, so there is no school.  Thank you to all our families who have served our country.


Tuesday: Original Works Order are Due; Report Cards Come Home

This year Swift Creek is partnering with Original Works to turn students’ artwork into usable goods like tote bags, magnets, aprons, and more. Mrs. McIntyre and her students have been working hard on their creations!  



Products will be delivered in time for the holidays. Any questions can be directed to Laura Monaghan at lauramonaghan812@gmail.com  


Thursday: Family Night at the Book Fair and STEM Night


Join us for Family Night at the Book Fair and STEM Night. When you arrive, remember to pick up your STEM passport in the front hall.  You won't want to miss a single thing!

Here is the schedule for the evening:

•  5:30-7:45pm Book Fair is open.  
• 5:30-6:30pm Pizza in the cafeteria (while supplies last)
• 5:30-7:30pm STEM Experiments in classrooms throughout the school. We have 10 new experiments this year and with some of them you can win prizes!
• 7:45pm Time to go home and get some rest! We have school tomorrow!  

For more information about STEM night, contact Ashley Elliott at digsgeology@gmail.com


Friday: Teacher Snack Cart
Sarah Wohldmann, our Hospitality Chair, will be visiting the staff on Friday, Nov 15 with the Teacher Snack Cart. To donate items, sign up at https://tinyurl.com/scesCart19  


Saturday: Fall Landscaping Work Day

If you enjoy the outdoors and yard work - we need YOU! Consider being a part of the SCES Landscaping Committee. Be a part of our team and share your ideas. Together we can keep our school looking great! 

Sign up at https://tinyurl.com/FallWorkDayNov16 

We will concentrate on the area of the school sign/road and front of the school:

•  pruning
• weeding
• yard waste removal 

DON'T FORGET the wheelbarrows, rakes, shovels, clippers & trimmers. HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

If you have questions, contact Landscaping Chair, Tracey McCloud at (919) 500-9753 (call or text) or email at mccloud1228@yahoo.com  



Dads! Be a Watch DOG!

 If you would like the opportunity to make a lasting memory with your child and a positive impact on the Swift Creek community, please follow the link below (or e-mail me directly) and pick a day that fits your schedule. 

I realize an entire day sounds like a large commitment, but it moves quickly and the impact you make is invaluable. https://tinyurl.com/scesDOGS1920 
Sam Allen sfallenprc@gmail.com sfallen@ncsu.edu  


Application Period for Magnet and Year-Round Schools is Open
 Are you exploring middle school options for next year? Many magnet schools are having Open House and Tours this fall. For more information about how to apply to a magnet school, see the application process at https://www.wcpss.net/Page/189  

Mark Your Calendars:

• Nov 17-26: P2 Gratitude
• Nov 20: Celebration of Brilliance. If your child is being recognized, you will receive an invitation in your Tuesday folder.
• Dec 5 5-8pm: McTeachers Night at McDonalds on Crossroads
• Dec 6: Spirit Day!