EC Principal Letter
Dear ANCS Elementary Families,
This week our focus at morning meeting is the importance of having a growth mindset. This connects with our focus from last week, which was practicing positive self talk. The strategy we are teaching students is instead of saying, “I can’t do that.” Say, I can’t do that yet.” This trains our brain to have a growth mindset and through practice and positive self-talk, goals can be reached. Please emphasize this point and encourage a growth mindset with your child in your home environment as well.
October is a busy month in the U.S. and it’s just right around the corner! We have a lot going on here at school, too. Here is just a taste of what is being celebrated this month.
We are still celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. This celebration is from September 15th through October 15. The Latin American countries of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico and Chile all became independent of colonial rule between September 15-18. At 60.6 million, people of Hispanic origin are the largest ethnic or racial minority in the U.S. Georgia is one of 12 states that has a population of over 1 million Hispanic residents in 2020.
This October, we are celebrating Global Diversity Awareness Month and paying tribute to the diverse minds and beliefs held by all cultures around the world. We live in a multicultural society and embracing the values of various cultures only strengthens our understanding and appreciation of the world. Open your mind to new views and ideas, appreciate cultural differences, and enjoy a fresh perspective you may have been missing. It helps you become a true citizen of the world.
October is LGBT History Month In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high school teacher, believed a month should be dedicated to the celebration of gay and lesbian history, and gathered other teachers and community leaders to support this. They selected October because of existing traditions, such as Coming Out Day (October 11) that occur during the month. If you are interested, the Atlanta Pride Festival is October 14 & 15 in Piedmont Park (typically held the weekend prior to or after National Coming Out Day).
October is also Digital Citizenship Month. We have a lot planned here at school and I will update you in an upcoming courier. Also, stay on the lookout for the date for our next Parent University. The topic is digital citizenship and safety and it will be led by our instructional technology specialist, Kisha Rogers, our counselor, Leslie Jo Tottenham, and our teacher librarian, Jessica Shelley.
As always, I am happy to answer any questions you have. I hope you have an amazing rest of your week and a safe fall break.
Lara
Lara Zelski
Lara Zelski began working at ANCS in 2007. Previously, she worked at the Howard School and taught art, Spanish, reading and math. She taught 6th, 4th, and 2nd in DeKalb County. She taught 4th and 5th grade in Decatur and then moved to Title One reading and math instruction for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. She taught 5th grade at the ANCS elementary campus for two years.
