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Chávez Elementary School

Cheetah Chat for 1/10/25 - Community Resource Fair TOMORROW, Counselor Corner and More!

Posted Date: 1/11/25 (2:15 AM)

Cheetah Chat for January 10, 2025

Dear Chávez Families,

We have had a fantastic return to school this week, following winter break.  Staff and students worked together to review and re-commit to our collaboratively build classroom agreements and expectations for our whole learning community.  With the sunny but cold weather this week, we were able to work hard in the classroom and play hard on the playground. 


I am grateful for our Chávez community and the way we come together to support our kiddos. Thanks for getting them here each day and for helping them to treat one another with kindness and respect. 

Read on for more news you can use and dont miss the information about the community resource fain happening tomorrow.

With gratitude,

Principal Kevin

K - 2nd Grade Families - Learn About the Traveling Backpack Program

We want to ensure that all students have every opportunity to pursue their future hopes and dreams. We believe that having the ability to read is the key to all future learning and can open up opportunities for students to pursue all of their dreams. We are committed to making sure every student at Chávez receives the very best reading instruction as possible, but reading instruction at school isn't always enough. Any adult in a child's life can make a real difference in their reading outcomes by simply reading with them on a regular basis.


Please join us on Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 6:00-7:00 to learn about our Traveling Backpack Program which provides books for families to read at home.


This program is only available for K-2 families at this time, and you must attend the information session to participate in the program.


Look for a pink flyer in your child's backpack with details and an RSVP form that needs to be returned by Friday, Jan. 17.


Dinner and childcare will be provided. 

Spanish interpretation will be available.


Counseling Corner with Ms. Shannon

Happy New Year, families! I've updated my digital Caregiver Corner with lots of linked resources. On the lower right 'sticky note' labeled "Chávez counseling updates," you will find information about what we're exploring in different grade levels. I plan to update it monthly and will pop this same link into our school's family newsletter each month.

As we move into 2025, many of us are reflecting and goal-setting, and I wanted to take a moment to promote the importance of caregiver play with your elementary-aged children.
Play is often thought of as just a fun activity for children, but for elementary-aged children (typically ages 5-11), the role of caregivers in play is essential for their overall development. The benefits of engaging in play together extend beyond just having fun—they contribute to emotional, social, cognitive, and physical growth.

1. Emotional Development and Bonding

Caregiver involvement in play strengthens the emotional connection between the child and their parent or caregiver. When caregivers actively participate in their child's play, children feel supported, safe, and understood. This emotional connection promotes secure attachment, a foundation for self-confidence and emotional resilience. For example, through cooperative games, caregivers can model appropriate emotional responses to winning or losing, helping children regulate their emotions and handle frustrations.

2. Social Skills and Communication

Play allows children to practice and develop essential social skills such as sharing, taking turns, listening, and understanding social cues. Caregivers can guide these experiences by encouraging positive behaviors, reflecting and highlighting positives they're seeing, and creating opportunities for the child to communicate clearly. Whether it’s playing board games or role-playing activities, the interactions help children learn to negotiate, cooperate, and resolve conflicts—skills that are vital in school and later in life.


3. Cognitive and Problem-Solving Skills

Engaging in play provides children with opportunities to develop problem-solving skills and creativity. Activities like puzzles, board games, or building projects help children think critically, plan ahead, and apply logic. These cognitive skills transfer to other areas, such as schoolwork, where problem-solving, memory, and concentration are key to academic success. Caregivers can help children by asking open-ended questions during play or guiding them through challenges in a way that "scaffolds" the child's skills.


4. Physical Development

While elementary-aged children are refining their fine and gross motor skills, active play with caregivers—like outdoor games, biking, or ball games—helps to develop physical coordination, strength, and balance. Play involving physical movement promotes overall health and well-being, teaching children the importance of physical activity for long-term wellness. It also allows children to practice body control and coordination in a playful setting, which builds confidence.


5. Creativity and Imagination

Caregiver involvement in imaginative play—whether through storytelling, pretend play, or creating art—stimulates creativity and encourages children to explore their imagination. This type of play is essential not only for fun but also for cognitive flexibility, which allows children to think in innovative ways. Engaging in activities like building with blocks or creating stories together fosters their ability to think outside the box, an important skill in problem-solving and creative expression.


6. Stress Reduction and Well-Being

Both children and caregivers experience stress in their daily lives, and play serves as a natural way to relax and de-stress. Whether it's through physical activity, laughter, or simply engaging in a fun, carefree activity, play promotes emotional well-being by releasing endorphins—natural mood-boosting chemicals. By setting aside time for playful interactions, caregivers and children alike can reduce anxiety, improve mood, and improve overall mental health.


Practical Tips for Caregivers:

  • Set Aside Time for Play: In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget how important dedicated playtime is. Even 15 minutes each day can make a world of difference! If that doesn't feel doable, I encourage you to start smaller. Could you make time at least once or twice a week? Could you set a reminder on your phone?
  • Participate in Their Interests: Whether it’s building with Legos, board games, sports, imaginative play, or something else, following your child's lead and showing interest encourages them to feel valued and supported, which strengthens your connection. (Bonus: stronger connections are often foundational to increased cooperation!)
  • Consider Incorporating Problem-Solving: You can use games and challenges to stimulate your child’s thinking. Ask questions like, “How could we do this differently?” or “What do you think will happen if…?”
  • Model Positive Social Behavior: Demonstrate patience, undivided attention (phone or other distractions away!), turn-taking, generosity, and being a good sport during play to support your child in developing these important social skills.

The days are long, but the years are short is a phrase I often think of with parenting. Offering our full presence to our child is really one of the greatest gifts we can give. It helps us make the most of our time together and supports their development and well-being. Feel free to drop me a line and let me know how it's going or if I can offer any support!


Wishing you well,


Ms. Shannon

Shannon Sell, LCSW (she/her – why pronouns matter)
School Social Worker  I  Chávez Elementary School
Eugene School District 4J
sell_s@4j.lane.edu  I  541.790.5323

Resources for Families. This Event it Saturday, January 11th!