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Respect is more than obedience, it is an attitude

The Vision for the Marblehead Lower Elementary Schools has been prepared collegially, as a draft work. This Vision has now been reviewed by our staff (Faculty Council), as well as our Site-based Management Team, so that the unique Vision of each school can be incorporated into our draft. Vision for the Bell Elementary School The Marblehead Lower Elementary Schools (PK-3) share a vision and goals, reflecting the policies and direction of the Marblehead Public Schools. We share a unity of purpose and a consensus on values, and balance that with the unique needs and values of each neighborhood school. Our shared values include curriculum guidelines that have a positive impact on the progress of students. Based on a model of collegiality and collaboration, we strive to balance a consistency of practice and the unique needs and values of the neighborhood schools, for the purpose of educating the whole child. *Shared Guiding Beliefs* We believe in the blending of diverse talents of students, educators, parents, and the community of partners working together for the education of all learners. We believe students reach their full potential through high expectations, application of various learning styles, and being actively engaged in the learning process. We believe students have a civic responsibility to become responsible citizens by respecting the feelings, rights and properties of others, and celebrating the diversity of others by working within our shared beliefs and values. We believe students receive a strong foundation of continuous learning by being actively involved in solving problems demonstrating critical thinking skills, and producing quality work through cooperative learning skills and responsibility. We believe quality assessment is necessary to evaluate students’ understanding, teacher effectiveness, and future plans. Additional Guiding Belief at Bell We believe that a diverse academic and cultural population enriches the educational and social experience for all members of our school community.
FROM THE SCHOOL COUNSELOR Talking about difficult topics such as safety with young children can be intimidating. Parents worry about possibly saying the wrong thing. It doesn’t need to be. With some thought, adults can help children feel safe and in control of their feelings. Here are a few key things to remember: Use simple language No matter the topic, be it a lockdown drill, a tragedy on the news, or a notice about a sexual offender, much of the language one uses to talk with children is the same. It’s important to keep all your language and explanations developmentally appropriate. Keep it simple, and keep it short. You don’t want to overwhelm with details. Let children know they are safe Brief explanations that let children know that adults are taking care of them and that it’s not their responsibility to makes situations safe are best. Examples include, “Adults are working hard to keep you safe.” “Your principal’s job is to make sure everyone at school is safe and knows what to do in an emergency.” Listen and observe Children will let you know when they need more information. Making yourself available for further conversation will allow you to assess whether your child requires more information or explanation. Be available in quiet times and allow for open ended conversations so children feel comfortable bringing up concerns if they need to do so. Be open to these times. Routine If your family is affected in some way by some sort of violent of concerning event, it’s important to keep up a regular routine so that the rest of the child’s life remains as typical as possible. This allows children to keep their minds on their own lives and focus on developmentally appropriate activities. Limit exposure If the concerning event is televised, limit exposure as much as possible. It’s also important to try and keep children from overhearing adult conversations about the event as much as possible. Continued exposure to a traumatic event can cause difficulty for a child, and overhearing adult conversations that are not appropriate for children can scare them and cause confusion. Try not to dwell on the worst case scenario Adult anxiety can affect children’s anxiety. Remember, that in general, we are vey safe and that it is unlikely that a violent event will occur. Remind yourself, and you do your children, that people are taking care of safety issues and that safety precautions are in place. Getting Assistance If you do feel that your child is becoming negatively affected by a concerning event or fear, look out for changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns. Changes may indicate an increased stress level. Give your child some outlets for expression such as drawing, reading picture books, and talking. If you feel that your child is exhibiting increased stress, you may consider seeking out professional help for your child.
To contact Mrs. Louisos, please email her at: louisos.gayle@marbleheadschools.org	To contact me, email me at: medeiros.steve@marbleheadschools.org
When The Rain Comes One of the most frequently asked questions by new parents is how we open school in the event of inclement weather (heavy rain, extreme cold and/or snowing conditions). Students assigned to Lower Bell will meet their teachers in the Lower Bell Gym/Auditorium. Students at Upper Bell in Kindergarten and Grade 1 should meet under the canopy in front of the Main Entrance, while second and third grade students can line up in the stairway and should enter under the 42 at the side door. Students arriving after 8:05 will come directly into the building and will go directly to class without the usual line up. We will use this same process throughout the winter. We do advise that on inclement weather days, you refrain from dropping your child off too early.