Principal Newsletter October 11, 2018
Dear Sheffield families,
- There is a School Council meeting on Monday, October 15th from 3:30-4:30 in my office.
- There is a Friends of Sheffield (FOS) meeting at the Rendezvous from 6:00-7:30 on Wednesday, October 17th.
- Sheffield’s 3rd Annual Pumpkin Carving Party will take place in our cafeteria on Friday, October 19 starting at 6:00 pm.
The Counselor's Corner by Kevin White
The “Always Ask First Rule” for Children…and Adults!
In Keeping Kids Safe (a personal safety curriculum taught by school counselors in K-3rd grades), students learn about the “Always Ask First Rule”. Always get permission from your grown-up in charge first—before you go anywhere (alone or with others) or accept things from others. We discuss various scenarios using people who are familiar and unfamiliar as examples. Always check with your grown-up in charge before going to a friend’s house—even if you go there every day! Always check with your grown-up in charge before accepting something from someone else—even if it is something you really, really want! The “Always Ask First Rule” applies everywhere—home, school, dance, baseball, the Y, etc. We also review the Safety Steps to use in dangerous situations. Say words that mean “No”, get away, & tell a trusted grown-up right away! For example, never approach an unknown person in a car or go anywhere with someone you don’t know—get away and tell a trusted grown-up right away! Please talk to your child about the importance of the “Always Ask First Rule” and make sure they know who their trusted grown-ups are!
Just like we encourage your child to use the “Always Ask First Rule”, we also encourage you—their trusted grown-ups—to use the “Always Ask First Rule” to learn more about the homes and programs your child might visit by visiting and talking to the grown-ups there before your child visits or attends.
Important safety questions to always ask first about other homes your child might visit:
● Who will supervise your child—will an adult always be present?
- Will they play inside, outside, or both? If outside—where?
- Will there be older children and/or other adults present?
- Will the others who might also be present include just family members or non-family members, too?
- Are there guns or other weapons in the home?
- What are the rules about video games, computer use/access, and watching other media?
- What types of food might your child eat while visiting? Any allergy concerns?
- Are there working smoke/carbon monoxide detectors and a safety plan for emergencies?
- Can you call your child in an emergency or just to check in? Can s/he call you?
Important safety questions to always ask first about programs your child might attend:
- Who will supervise your child? Will an adult always be present?
- How many adults? How many children?
- Are participants similar in age to your child or are there also much older children/teens?
- What types of food might your child eat? Any allergy concerns?
- Is there potential for contact with non-program participants (older children or adults)?
- Are there safety plans in place for emergencies? Working smoke detectors? Clearly marked exits?
- Are procedures in place to ensure children are only released to a parent, guardian, or designee?
- Can you call your child in an emergency or just to check in? Can s/he call you?
- Is there a nurse or are staff members and/or volunteers trained in first aid and CPR?
With Sheffield Pride,
Melissa Pitrat