 Ms. Dowling and 3rd graders present several of the "Window and Mirror" books!
Dear Floris Families -
We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday filled with family, friends and fun. Students arrived back this week well rested and ready to get back to learning.
This week, we highlight experiences in our library. Students have been learning about “mirror and window books.” Mirror books help children see themselves in characters’ stories and help them value themselves. Window books give readers the opportunity to see life experiences very differently from their own. These types of books truly show the power of literature as many students are able to make connections to their own lives or build empathy for others.
Here at Floris, we are fortunate to have students from a variety of backgrounds and abilities. Children practice different religions, eat different foods, speak different languages, and celebrate different holidays. For the past few years, Mrs. Dowling, our school librarian, has used Book Fair funds to build our window and mirror collections. Recently, students read the book, The Day You Begin, which tells the story of children who feel different because of their cultural backgrounds. It begins, “There will be times when you walk into a room and no one there is quite like you.” How very true this is for all of us. Students were tasked with finding multiple texts in the library that told their story or reflected their lives. They then discussed the connections they made to the text. The final line states, “This is the day you begin to find the places inside your laughter and lunches… where every new friend has something a little like you – and something else so fabulously not quite like you at all.” While the book celebrated differences, it also inspired students to celebrate cultures other than their own.
Students were then given the opportunity to draw or write about their connections. Students wrote about their hijabs, their accents, how they are still learning English, the celebration of Hanukah, eating dumplings at lunch, and perhaps not excelling at sports. Upon sharing with one another, children made connections to other students in their own classroom, thus creating new bonds and understanding. It was evident that students enjoyed the unit and have discovered some new favorites.
Have a wonderful and warm weekend!
Sincerely,
Gail Porter, Principal and Dave Gerstner, Assistant Principal
REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS
On December 3 and 4, the Floris PTA will offer students in select grades an opportunity to take part in an awareness program called Walk in My Shoes. The purpose of the program is to give students a broader understanding of the daily situations faced by some of their friends with developmental challenges. The program fosters empathy for others and get students thinking about how they might be able to help when they see a friend experiencing difficulties. Students will participate in activities that challenge fine motor, sensory integration, attention, vision, communication, reading, visual motor integration, and other skills.
Volunteers are a key part of this event! We especially need parents and teachers who can model supportive attitudes toward students with special challenges and are available during the school day.
Sign up here! http://florispta.org/walk-in-my-shoes/
Thank you!
Floris Administration and Special Education Teachers, and the Floris PTA
 Student's in Ms. McMonigle's 5th grade class are focused on math!
The following is sent from & reflects the views of the Floris PTA
PTA News and Upcoming Events
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Amazon Smile + Holiday Shopping = Free Money for Floris PTA
Remember to link to Amazon Smile for all your holiday shopping! This is the easiest way to raise money to support our kids! Click the link. Shop on Amazon. Done! Bookmark it and use it for all your Amazon purchases.
Walk in My Shoes – Monday & Tuesday, December 3rd & 4th
Walk in My Shoes is an interactive program for 3rd – 5th grade students, which fosters and environment where differences are respected by providing students with the opportunity to see the world from the viewpoints of others. The goal is for every child to feel welcome, safe and included in the Floris community. Read more about it on our website and please sign up here if you are interested in helping out. Thanks!
Helping Hands – December 13th 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Looking for ways to help your teacher? Please join us! We meet once a month from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Green Workroom. Any time you can spare is always appreciated! Read more about it on our website. Sign up now!
PTA Membership Meeting – Wednesday, January 16th
You are invited to attend our next PTA meeting on Wednesday, January 16th at 6 p.m. in the Little Theater. Enjoy free pizza and child care! Check out the full schedule on our website. Now is a great time to Join PTA! Please note: there will be no meeting in December due to the compressed schedule with the holidays.
Harris Teeter – Together in Education
Harris Teeter's Together in Education program gives schools a chance to earn funds when you link your VIC card and shop Harris Teeter brands. Harris Teeter has donated over $27.4 million to Together in Education schools since 1998! When you shop Harris Teeter brands, a percentage of your purchase is donated to your school. There are NO LIMITS to how much a school can earn. Link your card now online or in the store by mentioning Floris Elementary School PTA or code 5921. Thank you!
Giant – A+ School Rewards
Giant’s A+ School Rewards is an easy way to earn money for Floris! Link your Giant Card by logging in or registering online. Once you are logged into your account, you may select Floris Elementary as your school. This money does not come through the PTA, but goes directly to the school.
Volunteer – Your Gift to the Floris Community
There are so many opportunities here at Floris to get involved and to support your kids. Learn more about what is happening right now. Sign up for future opportunities.
Message from our PTA President
  Student's in Ms. Geis' class take a moment from their math work to send us smiles!
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