Trailblazer Parents,
In my excitement to share that the Talent Show is this Thursday and begins at 6:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. for seats. Students participating in Banks Boomers and all students who are in the Talent Show should be here at 5:45 p.m.
It's going to be an exciting night! Please call the school with any questions you may have. Mrs. Graf
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
School Messenger: May 28th
Good afternoon Trailblazers,
Just a reminder that tonight is our Meet the Teacher session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for all rising first through fifth grade students on track 1. Please remember that tonight is not Meet the Teacher for Kindergarten Track 1. The Kindergarten MTT session is scheduled for the Friday during Staggered Entry Week.
Also, Track 1 parents this week is so special for you. Many of you will be joining us for classroom celebrations. Please remember to sign in at the office and obtain a badge.
5th Grade Track 1 parents we will begin our 5th grade celebration promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the Multi-purpose room on Friday morning.
The Talent Show is Thursday evening. Please join us this Thursday evening at 6:00p.m. (doors open at 6:00-show begins at 6:30 p.m.)for a night of star-studded talent!
And last but not least, our Family Fancy Dance was a HUGE success this past Friday evening. I want to thank all of you who came out and joined us for a night of fun and celebration. Our students have worked so hard and I am so glad that we were able to come together as a community and celebrate our year.
If you have any questions, please call the school at 919-890-7333. Thank you.
Just a reminder that tonight is our Meet the Teacher session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. for all rising first through fifth grade students on track 1. Please remember that tonight is not Meet the Teacher for Kindergarten Track 1. The Kindergarten MTT session is scheduled for the Friday during Staggered Entry Week.
Also, Track 1 parents this week is so special for you. Many of you will be joining us for classroom celebrations. Please remember to sign in at the office and obtain a badge.
5th Grade Track 1 parents we will begin our 5th grade celebration promptly at 10:00 a.m. in the Multi-purpose room on Friday morning.
The Talent Show is Thursday evening. Please join us this Thursday evening at 6:00p.m. (doors open at 6:00-show begins at 6:30 p.m.)for a night of star-studded talent!
And last but not least, our Family Fancy Dance was a HUGE success this past Friday evening. I want to thank all of you who came out and joined us for a night of fun and celebration. Our students have worked so hard and I am so glad that we were able to come together as a community and celebrate our year.
If you have any questions, please call the school at 919-890-7333. Thank you.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Track 1 Meet the Teacher
Don't forget Track 1 Meet the Teacher is this coming Tuesday, May 28th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Class lists will be posted at the entrance of each hall. We are so excited to get ready for you and the new school year!
Track 1 Field Day...A Beautiful Day for All!
Today was a beautiful day for Field Day. Students participated in many activities that required physical exercise, strategic planning and determination. A big thank you goes out to our PE teachers Ms. Williford and Mr. Lundgren for their planning and preparation for this event. Thank you to all of the parents who volunteered at stations, kept the water buckets full, manned the water station, and cheered for all of the students to do their best!
Here are some photos of today's events. So much fun for all!
Here are some photos of today's events. So much fun for all!
Thursday, May 23, 2013
School Messenger 5/23
Good evening Trailblazers,
Happy Wednesday to you! This is Mrs. Graf with a few reminders:
First I want to thank all of my track 1 3-5 families and students for coming to school and putting first their best effort on the end of grade assessments. All of the students did a great job and we are so proud of them for showing what they know over the past 2 and 3 days.
Family Fancy Dance is tomorrow from 5:45-7:45 p.m. We have received over 400 RSVP's and we are so excited to have you join us in celebrating this school year. You can dress up if you choose, but don't let that stop you from attending. Also, I need to remind everyone that parking may be an issue. Please carpool with families if you can. Please do not block the driveway of our neighbors on Chambers Drive. We are also to honor the Town of FV by not parking on the soccer fields. Students and families should enter through the PE/GYM doors only. Please look for and follow all of the signs posted to guide you to the Family Fancy Dance.
One of the most beloved days of elementary school is Field Day. Tomorrow, weather permitting is Field Day for all students on Track 1. Students will be participating in some activities involving water, so please send in a complete extra change of clothes. Also, the temperature is supposed to be in the 70's, so please apply sunscreen before coming to school. The rain date for Track 1 field day is May 30th.
Next week, get ready for Meet the Teacher for first grade through 5th grade Track 1 students on Tuesday, May 28th. Please join us at school from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Class lists will be posted at each hallway. This is such an exciting time of year!
Also, next week is Spirit Week for all track 1 students. Here is a list of events for the week:
Happy Wednesday to you! This is Mrs. Graf with a few reminders:
First I want to thank all of my track 1 3-5 families and students for coming to school and putting first their best effort on the end of grade assessments. All of the students did a great job and we are so proud of them for showing what they know over the past 2 and 3 days.
Family Fancy Dance is tomorrow from 5:45-7:45 p.m. We have received over 400 RSVP's and we are so excited to have you join us in celebrating this school year. You can dress up if you choose, but don't let that stop you from attending. Also, I need to remind everyone that parking may be an issue. Please carpool with families if you can. Please do not block the driveway of our neighbors on Chambers Drive. We are also to honor the Town of FV by not parking on the soccer fields. Students and families should enter through the PE/GYM doors only. Please look for and follow all of the signs posted to guide you to the Family Fancy Dance.
One of the most beloved days of elementary school is Field Day. Tomorrow, weather permitting is Field Day for all students on Track 1. Students will be participating in some activities involving water, so please send in a complete extra change of clothes. Also, the temperature is supposed to be in the 70's, so please apply sunscreen before coming to school. The rain date for Track 1 field day is May 30th.
Next week, get ready for Meet the Teacher for first grade through 5th grade Track 1 students on Tuesday, May 28th. Please join us at school from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Class lists will be posted at each hallway. This is such an exciting time of year!
Also, next week is Spirit Week for all track 1 students. Here is a list of events for the week:
Monday: No School! Holiday: Memorial Day
Tuesday: Backwards Day (wear your clothes backwards)
Wednesday: Wacky Tacky Day (it's up to you!)
Thursday: Hawaiian Day (break out the appropriate Hawaiian outfit)
Friday: School Spirit-wear blue and green! 5th grade Clap Out! (K-4 Students will line the halls and clap in honor of our 5th grade track 1 students completion of elementary school!)
Friday is the big day for our 5th graders and their families. At 10:00 a.m. we will begin our awards ceremony for our fifth grade students and their families.
Please call the school if you have any questions about these event. Make it a great evening Trailblazers! Mrs. Graf
Friday is the big day for our 5th graders and their families. At 10:00 a.m. we will begin our awards ceremony for our fifth grade students and their families.
Please call the school if you have any questions about these event. Make it a great evening Trailblazers! Mrs. Graf
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Track 1 Spirit Week is NEXT WEEK!
Next week will be our first end of the year celebration for all the students and fifth graders on Track 1! Here is how it will look!
Monday: No School!
Tuesday: Backwards Day (wear your clothes backwards)
Wednesday: Wacky Tacky Day (it's up to you!)
Thursday: Hawaiian Day (break out the appropriate Hawaiian outfit)
Friday: School Spirit-wear blue and green! 5th grade Clap Out! (K-4 Students will line the halls and clap in honor of our 5th grade track 1 students completion of elementary school!)
We will repeat these activities on the last week of school for Tracks 2-4!
Questions? Call the school or email mbraydich@wcpss.net.
Monday, May 20, 2013
School Messenger May 20, 2013
Good evening Trailblazers! Happy Monday!
It’s a busy week here at BRES and I want you to have a few reminders:
First things first-Tomorrow, Tuesday, May 21st all third through 5th grade students on Track 1 begin the EOG testing window. Students will test on Tuesday, Wednesday and 5th grade students will test on Thursday as well.
Friday brings fun to Banks with Field Day for Track 1 students. Field day is scheduled from 9:30-11:00. Students should come to school with sunscreen already applied and an extra change of clothes.
Friday is also our very first Family Fancy Dance. We have received over 400 RSVP’s for this special event! All Trailblazer families can come dance the night away from 5:45-7:45 p.m. in our multipurpose room. Remember to wear your Sunday best because there will be an opportunity for you to have your family picture taken.
Looking ahead to next week, next Monday, May 27th we will NOT have school to celebrate Memorial Day. We welcome back our students on Tuesday, May 28th.
Thursday, May 30th we will host our annual Talent Show! It is a night filled with entertainment from whistlers, to dancers, to band and individual acts. We also have some surprises in store for you!
5th grade track 4 students will be heading off to the Poe Health Center by 9:15 on Friday, May 31st for their final field trip.
Join us for Friday, May 31st at 10:00 we will celebrate the accomplishments of our Fifth grade students at our 5th Grade Awards Ceremony and Celebration. The PTA, our fifth grade teachers and administration cannot wait to recognize these students for the hard work they have accomplished!
Please call the school with any questions regarding this message. Have a great evening! Mrs. Graf
Friday, May 17, 2013
Another georgous day for a field trip!
It was definitely a beautiful day here in Raleigh and we could not have asked for a better day for the 4th grade field trip (tracks 3 & 4) to Kure Beach. Students participated in many science based activities that were FUN! Ms. Stover, Ms. Harrower and Ms. Penny and their students pulled out at 6:03 a.m. and spent the day exploring and learning. Check out the pictures of the trip they sent to my phone!
Teachers having some fun! The students loved it!
Family Fancy Dance Countdown!
Hey everyone,
Family Dance is 1 week away! Come on out and celebrate a great school year with us! Wear your Sunday best and dance the night away! Want to help out with our first Family Dance? See below:
Family Fancy Dance Volunteer Sign Up 2013:
Find your boogie shoes and your Fancy Dance finest - we're a week away from the Family Fancy Dance! We are still in need of volunteers to help us with set-up, clean-up and throughout the evening in various places.
Don't worry about missing out on the fun - all our volunteer stations (welcome table, bathroom/hallways, refreshment table) will be near the action, and you can dance your heart out while you help.
Please consider signing up to come a little early or stay a little late to help us set up and clean up. The more people we have, the quicker things will go.
Thank you for joining us and for being willing to help. It's going to be a GREAT night!
Boogie on,
Your Family Fance Dance committee
To view the sign up, go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090E4CAEA62FA02-family/3466731
Family Dance is 1 week away! Come on out and celebrate a great school year with us! Wear your Sunday best and dance the night away! Want to help out with our first Family Dance? See below:
Family Fancy Dance Volunteer Sign Up 2013:
Find your boogie shoes and your Fancy Dance finest - we're a week away from the Family Fancy Dance! We are still in need of volunteers to help us with set-up, clean-up and throughout the evening in various places.
Don't worry about missing out on the fun - all our volunteer stations (welcome table, bathroom/hallways, refreshment table) will be near the action, and you can dance your heart out while you help.
Please consider signing up to come a little early or stay a little late to help us set up and clean up. The more people we have, the quicker things will go.
Thank you for joining us and for being willing to help. It's going to be a GREAT night!
Boogie on,
Your Family Fance Dance committee
To view the sign up, go to:
www.SignUpGenius.com/go/4090E4CAEA62FA02-family/3466731
Thursday, May 16, 2013
2013-14 Dates: Repost
Trailblazer Families,
Here is a repost of upcoming dates for the new school year!!!!
We thoughtfully have set dates for the new school year and I want to share them with you so that you can plan accordingly. Please call the school at 919-890-7333 should you have any questions. Thank you.
Here is a repost of upcoming dates for the new school year!!!!
We thoughtfully have set dates for the new school year and I want to share them with you so that you can plan accordingly. Please call the school at 919-890-7333 should you have any questions. Thank you.
- 2013-14 Meet the Teacher: Track 1- May 28th 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Tracks 2, 3 & 4- June 25th 5:30-7:00 p.m.
- 2013-14 Open House: Thursday, August 15th- Tracks 1 & 3: 5:30-6:30 p.m. and Tracks 2 & 4: 7:00-8:00 p.m.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Trailblazer Parents,
We need your input! Here is short 10 question survey for you to take to give our Tier II/Intervention program information for planning for new school year. Please follow the link and share your thoughts with us! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RLV3PG2 Please let me know if you have any questions.
We need your input! Here is short 10 question survey for you to take to give our Tier II/Intervention program information for planning for new school year. Please follow the link and share your thoughts with us! http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/RLV3PG2 Please let me know if you have any questions.
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
1st Family Dance
The BRES 1st Family Fancy Dance will be held Friday, May 24th from 5:45-7:45 p.m. All Banks Road students are invited to attend with their families to this free event. Come in your Sunday best to the Multi-Purpose Room and dance with your BRES family to celebrate another successful school year. There will be an opportunity for families to have their pictures taken, request songs to dance to and just have some fun! It is sure to be a wonderful evening!
Community Lockdown Information
May 8, 2013
Dear Parents and Community of Banks Road Elementary School,
Because we want to keep you informed, I would like you to be aware of an incident in our community today.
At approximately 1:50 p.m., we received word from the Fuquay-Varina Police Department that the school should go into a community lockdown while they investigated a report of the sound of shots in the area. The lockdown lasted about 10 minutes.
In a community lockdown, exterior doors of the school are locked and no one is allowed to enter or exit the building until an all-clear announcement is received from police. The school operates “business as usual,” with the exception of no outside activities.
These steps are taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of our students and staff. Once law enforcement officials gave us the all-clear, the lockdown was lifted.
We greatly appreciate the relationship we have with law enforcement and WCPSS Security in responding to such situations. They work closely with us to ensure the safety of our students every day.
If you have any questions or concerns, call the office at (919) 890-7333. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
Sincerely,
Carmen Graf, Principal
Banks Road Elementary School
Just sharing information from our WCPSS page regarding School Psychologists :)
For parents: How can a school psychologist help my child?
May 5-11 is National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week and an opportunity to inform parents on the valuable services school psychologists provide to students at every grade level.
WCPSS employs more than 90 school psychologists who work as part of a team of student services professionals available in every school. Together with counselors, social workers and other staff, school psychologists help shape a school’s climate to help create a healthy learning environment, says Sarah Greene, lead school psychologist for WCPSS.
“Our main goal is to address students and put interventions in place so they can maximize the learning environment,” Greene says. “The services school psychologists provide all drive back to the mission and the purpose of the system, which is helping students be successful in school.”
What does a school psychologist do?
School psychologists provide regular training for teachers and staff on how to support students with emotional challenges, such as losing a loved one or coping with divorce. They play a critical role in responding to emergencies that affect school, such as the death of a fellow student or teacher. Psychologists also help develop a positive school-wide culture and systems for encouraging positive behavior, such as incentive programs and anti-bullying campaigns.
A lot of a school psychologist’s time is also spent working on one-on-one with students, Greene says. According to national statistics, as many as 1 in 5 students need mental health support throughout their educational careers.
“Our schools are a microcosm of society,” Greene says, “so students may be coping with a range of issues, such as depression and anxiety. It’s important for parents to know that we are here to help students have the best chance of success in school, and if we need to help them find additional resources outside of school, we can help with that, too.”
How do I get help for my child?
Support is available for any student from pre-K all the way up through grade 12. A parent’s first contact should be with the school counselor, who can help bring in additional resources as necessary, Greene says.
Helpful Resources
Tips from the National Association of School Psychologists
The role of school psychologists
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/sbmhservices.pdf
A primer for parents – how to identify depression in children and adolescents
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/principals/nasp_depreng.pdf
Our school psychologist is Lisa Occhipinti. She can be reached at locchipinti@wcpss.net or my calling 919-890-7333.
WCPSS employs more than 90 school psychologists who work as part of a team of student services professionals available in every school. Together with counselors, social workers and other staff, school psychologists help shape a school’s climate to help create a healthy learning environment, says Sarah Greene, lead school psychologist for WCPSS.
“Our main goal is to address students and put interventions in place so they can maximize the learning environment,” Greene says. “The services school psychologists provide all drive back to the mission and the purpose of the system, which is helping students be successful in school.”
What does a school psychologist do?
School psychologists provide regular training for teachers and staff on how to support students with emotional challenges, such as losing a loved one or coping with divorce. They play a critical role in responding to emergencies that affect school, such as the death of a fellow student or teacher. Psychologists also help develop a positive school-wide culture and systems for encouraging positive behavior, such as incentive programs and anti-bullying campaigns.
A lot of a school psychologist’s time is also spent working on one-on-one with students, Greene says. According to national statistics, as many as 1 in 5 students need mental health support throughout their educational careers.
“Our schools are a microcosm of society,” Greene says, “so students may be coping with a range of issues, such as depression and anxiety. It’s important for parents to know that we are here to help students have the best chance of success in school, and if we need to help them find additional resources outside of school, we can help with that, too.”
How do I get help for my child?
Support is available for any student from pre-K all the way up through grade 12. A parent’s first contact should be with the school counselor, who can help bring in additional resources as necessary, Greene says.
Helpful Resources
Tips from the National Association of School Psychologists
The role of school psychologists
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/handouts/sbmhservices.pdf
A primer for parents – how to identify depression in children and adolescents
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/principals/nasp_depreng.pdf
Our school psychologist is Lisa Occhipinti. She can be reached at locchipinti@wcpss.net or my calling 919-890-7333.
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Just a reminder...
Don't forget this Thursday, May 9th is our Kindergarten Orientation Parent Session from 6:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. This session is for all parents of rising Kindergarten students for the 2013-2014 school year. We will share information about a typical day in a kindergarten classroom, curriculum information and basic information about BRES. You will also have an opportunity to meet our PTA officers. We will meet in the multipurpose room.
Friday, May 10th is our last Early Release day. We will begin dismissal at 1:15 p.m. If you plan to change your child's mode of transportation, please send in a note with your child or call the school at 919-890-7333.
Friday, May 10th is our last Early Release day. We will begin dismissal at 1:15 p.m. If you plan to change your child's mode of transportation, please send in a note with your child or call the school at 919-890-7333.
Monday, May 6, 2013
Letterland is coming to Kindergarten and First Grade in 2013-2014!
Letterland will be the new literacy program used by Kindergarten and First Grade teachers in the upcoming school year. Over the next two months our teachers will attend trainings, collaborate with other teachers from the district along with curriculum literacy leaders to ensure a deep understanding of the program and how it will support our youngest Trailblazers in building a solid foundation of literacy skills.
Mr. Gordon, track 2 Kindergarten teacher and I were able to attend a special session with the creator of the Letterland program this evening, Lyn Wendon. We traveled to Timber Drive Elementary where the developer had spent the day visiting classrooms and talking with students.
Mr. Gordon and I were thrilled to have an opportunity to speak with Ms. Wendon and ask questions. Check out the picture of Mr. Gordon and me with Ms. Wendon!
Want to learn more about the program? Follow this link to the official Letterland website parent page: http://www.letterland.com/parents. ~ Mrs. Graf
Mr. Gordon, track 2 Kindergarten teacher and I were able to attend a special session with the creator of the Letterland program this evening, Lyn Wendon. We traveled to Timber Drive Elementary where the developer had spent the day visiting classrooms and talking with students.
Mr. Gordon and I were thrilled to have an opportunity to speak with Ms. Wendon and ask questions. Check out the picture of Mr. Gordon and me with Ms. Wendon!
Want to learn more about the program? Follow this link to the official Letterland website parent page: http://www.letterland.com/parents. ~ Mrs. Graf
Spirit Week is Coming Sponsored by the Student Council!
Our Student Council is hard at work. They have planned a celebratory week for all students beginning with Track 1. Please see below for important dates and events to celebrate a wonderful year or learning and growing!
Track 1 ONLY: May 28th- May 31st
Tuesday: Backwards Day
Wednesday: Wacky Tacky Day
Thursday: Hawaiian Day
Friday: School Spirit (5th grade Clap Out)
Track 2, 3, & 4: June 24th- 28th
Monday: Black & White Day
Tuesday: Backwards Day
Wednesday: Wacky Tacky Day
Thursday: Hawaiian Day
Friday: School Spirit (5th grade Clap Out)
Banks Boomers Reminder
No Talent Show practice this week.
Banks Boomers Chorus practice is scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow) this week at 8:00 a.m.
Please email lloftin@wcpss.net. Thanks!
Banks Boomers Chorus practice is scheduled for Tuesday (tomorrow) this week at 8:00 a.m.
Please email lloftin@wcpss.net. Thanks!
Lemonade Day Success!
Our YMCA Before and Aftercare Program conducted it's 2nd Annual Lemonade Day Contest this past Friday. Students who participate in the program worked with counselors to plan a lemonade stand, lemonade recipes, and a sales/business plan. The students worked in teams, practiced 21st century skills and "opened up for business" on Friday evening to teachers and parents of the Y program. Check out the awesome picture below for a glimpse at the Y students gathered for a group picture!
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