Hello Hawk Families,

How are you doing?  It is good to check in on each other. So often we answer, “I’m fine” or “it’s all good” when it may not be our reality.  Here’s to being real and connecting with those that you can share your truth with, because it isn’t always fine or all good, and that is ok and normal.  Your children are learning how to recognize when they aren’t feeling regulated, you need to allow yourself the same.  When do you feel your best? Do more of that.  When do you not feel your best?  Recognize it, allow yourself some grace, and refer to previous question. Do more of what makes you happy.

Students receiving additional support recognizing their emotions is possible due to PTO fundraising - specifically, The FunRun!  It is our one and only fundraiser of the year and is essential to providing what our students need - playground/sports equipment, scholarships for field trips, teacher professional development, weekly social emotional lessons, the freedom of poetry, and so much more.  Thank you for contributing what you can, every contribution counts for your child, and for our community.

This week we’ve been learning about Banned Books Week,  launched in 1982 in response to a sudden surge in the number of challenges to books in schools, bookstores, and libraries. Typically held during the last week of September, it highlights the value of free and open access to information.  Students are introduced to book titles that have been controversial over time and learned to ask the most essential question, Why? Why was the book banned? Did you know that many children’s books have been banned, including "Charlotte's Web," by E.B. White in 2006, because "talking animals are blasphemous and unnatural." Some versions of William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" were banned in South Carolina because themes were believed to be too mature. And, more closely, Dr. Seuss' environmental kid's book The Lorax was banned in 1989 in a California school because it was believed to portray logging in a poor light and would turn children against the foresting industry.  

One of the many goals in our school library is to foster open-mindedness, which gives students the ability to: embrace different points of view, listen to and consider the perspectives of others before making a decision, and understand new ideas and experiences to broaden their mind and challenge their thinking.  

Thank you for continuing conversations at home that support open-mindedness and inclusivity.  If you aren’t yet familiar with our RVSD Equity Mission Statement, take time to review.  Our goal is for everyone to be included and thrive in our community.