Dear Green Valley Parents and families,

I have been thinking about the importance of practicing and promoting both emotional and physical healthy choices for several reasons lately: 1) Red Ribbon Week 2) I threw my back out climbing up Mount Tam on my road bike 3) The Primo’s Run 3) The new district food policy 4) H1N1 precautions 5)October Read Aloud

            Red Ribbon Week October 19^th- 23^rd

                        Although Red Ribbon Week tends to focus on tobacco/drug/alcohol use prevention, we are going to promote the broader idea of making “healthy choices.” Specifically, we will target the importance of standing up for one’s self, problem solving and making good social decisions.  The idea is to ensure healthy emotional well being of our students.  We will kick things off with an anti-bullying and teasing assembly (Thursday, October 13th) and help build skills to prevent, cope with and understand teasing. Teachers will continue to have these discussions in class with students. 

            The Primo’s Run October 11^th

                        This is not just a fundraiser for the San Ramon Valley Education Foundation, but an opportunity to spend quality time with our Green Valley families AND encourage our kids to exercise.  I believe it is so important that our kids have the understanding that physical activity is a vital component of a healthy lifestyle.  We also want to make sure our kids know how fun it can be!  I can’t wait for the event, and I hope you will join me!  I will also be out running/walking with the kids at lunch on Wednesday September 30^th to get them excited about the 5K J

            The new district food policy

                        It is amazing how well kids are adapting to the idea of focusing parties and celebrations around somehting other than sweets!  The alternatives to sweets/class parties with treats have been creative, fun and enriching!  Thanks to all of the parents and families who have helped support this effort.  I think we are  sending a great message to our kids. 

            H1N1 precautions

                        As a district we are taking extra precautions this year to prevent the spread of any flu virus.  Please make sure to keep children home for 24 hours fever free (without the use of Tylenol or other fever reducer) before sending kids back to school.  Not only do we want to keep kids healthy, but teachers too!  Remember, if a teacher is ill, they too are being asked to stay home until they are well.

            October School Wide Read-Aloud

                        Our School Wide Read Aloud this month is not a book, but a Poem!  That’s right, a poem!  The Poem is called Just Me and focuses on the idea of a person being happy and comfortable in his own skin.  I want my students to be strong, confident and happy with who they are as individuals.  This really is an essential piece to raising and educating healthy kids!  Please read the poem at home with your student and have discussions on this topic J

Just Me

Nobody sees what I can see,

For back of my eyes is only me.

And nobody knows how my thoughts begin,

For there’s only myself inside my skin.

Isn’t it strange how everyone owns

Just enough skin to cover his bones?

My father’s would be too big to fit—

I’d be all wrinkled inside of it.

And my baby brother’s is much too small—

It just wouldn’t cover me up at all.

But I feel just right in the skin I wear,

And there is nobody like me anywhere.

By: Margaret Hillert

Thanks too all for your ongoing support!  I am looking forward to fantastic fall! 

Tasha Anestos

Principal