Building Blocks: Have You Thanked a Teacher Today?

Appreciating Teachers

The first five years have so much to do with how the next 80 turn out. - Bill Gates, Sr.

Teacher Appreciation Week is May 7-11, 2018

Teachers, this is YOUR time! You make such a difference in the lives of the students you teach, even if they can't express it themselves at the time. This year for Teacher Appreciation Week, we want you to know your work matters!

Perk alert! Check out this list of deals, discounts, and freebies just for teachers!

Stores that offer discounts to teachers
National Teacher Appreciation Week deals (check for daily updates)
Check WRAL's SmartShopper page for local deals

The level of employee engagement is a direct indicator of overall organizational success at any workplace, and managers have been shown to be responsible for up to 70% of this investment. Administrators, what can you do to support your classroom teachers?

Be real! Praise from the heart and give honest feedback.
Acknowledge positivity! Add shout outs to staff meetings, personal emails, or a bulletin board to show appreciation for your staff's impact.
Let your community know! Hold an awards reception, share on social media, or ask a local business to provide discounts to your teachers.

Besides your students, what relationships do you have that support your work in the classroom? Are you connecting with your co-teachers?

Check in daily, whether over a shared coffee break or a conversation as you're cleaning up from snack time. Make sure you are both on the same page!
Give sincere, positive feedback that you would like to hear yourself. Use active listening to understand where your colleague is coming from.
Set up positive rituals or create a "mental recovery zone" that both teachers and students can benefit from if they are feeling stressed.

Parent-Teacher Confidence

A parent is their child's first teacher, whether you've had training or not. Your child is learning as soon as they are born.

You set the tone for how your child sees school by how you connect with their teachers:

Share accurate contact information and let them know you want to be involved however you can.
Join your center's parent group and sign up to volunteer or attend events when possible.
Encourage friendships outside of school between your child and their classmates. Take the time to get to know your fellow parents as well.

If you celebrate learning at home, your child will feel more comfortable learning in the classroom as well. Being on the same team as your child's teacher gives them support to succeed.

Most importantly, take time to THANK your teachers for their care and attention! It can be hard work raising a child!

Wake Pre-K Application Events Ongoing!

Will your child turn 4 by August 31, 2018? Register for Pre-K now! WCSS hosts events at our office every Thursday from 2 - 4pm to walk you through the application process. One application allows your child to be considered for NC Pre-K and Head Start, which are both FREE and prepare children for Kindergarten in a high quality classroom setting.

Click here to print the application and for more information.

Readers' Corner

Featured Book: Teachers Rock!

Written & Illustrated by: Todd Parr

Highlights: A celebration of the ways in which teachers change the world, from encouraging creativity, to making students laugh, to helping them form friendships, always wanting everyone to succeed.

Best for: Pre-K, ages 3-5

Links: Wake County Public Libraries' Annual Book Sale will be held May 3-6 at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds!

Literacy Tip: Read beyond text by talking about what is happening in pictures. Discussion of illustrations and text together increases comprehension.