September 21, 2018!!Hello Warren!I decided that this week I would take some time to reflect on some of the many positive things that have been happening with our students so far this year at school. One of my goals for this year is to foster a positive thinking mindset and building a sense of community in our school with both teachers and students. The first step to realizing this is to actually take the time to acknowledge the positive that is all around us. As people, for whatever reason, our brains are wired to look for what is wrong with things and to become enwrapped in the negativity around us. This blinds us from all of the great things going on and prevents us from seeing our own progress. We get so caught up in the emotion of the moment and tunnel vision on what we perceive to be the cause of that emotion that we forget to be truly present and thankful for the good in that moment. Today I would like to share two student stories that I hope to see and hear more of as our year progresses. I want our students connected to one another and with their school community at large. In my first story, names will be kept anonymous as there is some confidential information involved: !I received an email from a parent over the weekend who was relaying an idea her son had expressed to her. His classroom has two students on the autism spectrum and over the course of the last three weeks he has noticed that sometimes they struggle and get frustrated. In those moments, the adults working with these kiddos aren’t always able to get through to the student(s) as they try to figure out what the student(s) needs to calm down. This young man, out of concern, suggested to his mom that perhaps we set up some student helpers in the class who could talk to these struggling students when they are frustrated. His rationale is that perhaps a kid their own age would have an easier time connecting with the students over an adult and having extra support is always a good thing! My second story is about a young lady at our school named McKenzie Felter. She worked hard this summer running a lemonade stand to make some money. When she sat down with her money contemplating how and who to help, she decided to buy some school supplies to donate to WCS for some kids who may be in need. I was blown away by this level of care and empathy expressed by our students for each other! This sense of community and connection is critical to fostering healthy, happy, and confident students which, in my opinion, is the recipe for success and achievement. When people (not just students) feel safe, respected, confident, understood, and comfortable, their minds can be opened to learning, risk taking (trying without fear of failure), and they are more likely to take part in contributing to a positive community and culture. I hope we can all take some time this weekend to reflect on some things we are grateful for. It is easy to allow the negative to overwhelm and consume us but there is a lot of positive around in this world as well. Lets start giving it some attention. Sincerely, Mr. Kangas

Warren Community School 117 Eastern Road

Warren, Maine 04864 207-273-2001 !

Justin Kangas, Principal Jessica Berry, Asst. Principal Sue Overlock & Niki Willis, Administrative Assistants

!Sept.25th- Open House/Book Fair Grades 3-6 6:00-7:00pm !Sept.27th- Open House/Book Fair Grades Pk-2 6:00-7:00pm !Sept. 27th- Field Trip Grades 1, 2, 3, & 4 !Sept.28th- Square 1 Art Due !Oct.2nd- 6th Grade Field Trip !Oct.4th-School Picture Day !Oct.5th- No School- Teacher’s Workshop !Oct.8th- No School- Columbus Day

Lunch Sign-up

Students Name:__________________________________ Teacher:____________________________Date: 09/24 - 9/28 ! Choice A/B Alternate Milk Breakfast

Monday ________ ________ ________ ________ !Tuesday ________ ________ ________ ________ !Wednesday ________ ________ ________ ________ !Thursday ________ ________ ________ ________ !

Friday _______ ________ ________ ________ Breakfast: Full price-$1.50/ Reduced price-$ Free Lunch: Full price-$2.80/ Reduced price-$.40 Just Milk: $0.50

Reminder: Please send weekly lunch money in on Monday if possible.

!!!!!!If you’re looking for information on after school activities or community happenings,

please be sure to check out our community bulletin board in the front lobby! We have info for Basketball, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, YMCA, Arts & Crafts Club, Gymnastics, PTF events,

and MORE!!!

Fall in Love with Learning with RSU 40 Adult and Community Education! !Are you looking for a great way to get active and exercise? Look no further! Come and join us at RSU 40 Adult Education for a fun night of fitness! Friday Night Fitness with Katie is Fitness fun for all levels! Participate in

this 6 week program and enjoy a combination class of cardio, strength, core, and stretch. Please bring a mat and dumb bells to class (and plenty of water)! Katie Deabler is an Ace-certified Group Fitness Instructor and

teaches group fitness classes in Waldoboro. She works in Adult Education, but also has a passion for health and fitness within the community. Classes start on Friday September 21 at 6:30pm! Location is at Medomak Valley

The students and staff of Warren Community School would like to send out a HUGE THANK YOU to the following:!!

Damariscotta Bank & Trust’s employees and customers for their generous donation of school supplies, backpacks, and lunch boxes!!!!

Mckenzie Felter for her generous donation of school supplies to kids in need from proceeds of her lemonade stand!!!!!

Without such caring, generous, thoughtful people, we wouldn’t be Warren COMMUNITY School!!!

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