Rockenbaugh Believes...

All children have a distinctive sparkle, and we need to help them find it. Each child can succeed at high levels in all areas: academic/mind, body/physical health, and emotional/social health. Teachers must engage students in new and unique ways to help them fine their shine. Today’s learners prefer to learn digitally, with others, online, in their own time, and in their own way. I am seeing more kids than not, interact with digital devices.

21^st Century Skills

While we need to certainly stay focused on the core content and what has been referred to as the three R’s (reading, writing, and arithmetic), we must also embed the teaching of critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, communication, and compassionate service. These skills are essential in being successful in today’s highly global economy. This is the world in which our students live. Reaching them where they are and engaging them is essential to their current and future successes.

We also focus on the social/emotional development of each child. Carroll ISD’s core values include the following: excellence, relationships, character & integrity, innovation, open & honest communication and compassionate service. Our counselor, Mrs. Coffman, will be coordinating many different initiatives and programs where students can develop and show these core values, including focusing on these during our Dragon Tale News. Ethics and values are essential in future success. We teach our RES Conflict Resolution Wheel and ask that you support us at home by discussing the different components and options to solve conflict. We always stress that the goal of conflict is to resolve and maintain the friendship.

RES Accomplishments

Rockenbaugh has moved forward in the area of creating an engaging, digital learning environment. A dedicated group of parents and staff members served on our 21^st Century Learning Committee that wrote a three-year plan of which we are moving into the third year of implementation. Thanks to our PTO and parent donations, we have five iPads in each grade-level classroom! Our teachers have attended a year-long iPad Academy training on how to effectively use iPads in the classroom. We have initiated a digital citizenship program including an Internet safety program using the NetSmartz curriculum to teach about the “web outlaws” to our students. We also have begun including STEM/STEAM (see http://www.ed.gov/stem, http://stemtosteam.org, http://steamedu.com, for more information) learning into our day. Mrs. Green has created a Makerspace in our Media Center where students can go to create, collaborate and innovate. Again, our generous PTO and parents donated items for STEM carts for our teachers to check out and use. This year we are forging ahead with a continued focus on STEM/STEAM and engagement with digital learning. 

We invite you to become involved in our vision! Please join us in our efforts!

To the greatest of days,

Mrs. Young

Experiencing the "Lasts"

This time of year I grow tired of the heat! Just the idea of a cool front gives a pep to my step. According to DFW Airport, today on September 10, 2014, we experienced a record warm low of only 79 degrees and a record high of 101 degrees. I think I heard our family favorite weather guy, Pete Delkus, say this will be the last 100 degree of 2014. Whew! Bring on the cooler weather!

This reminds me of life.

Pete brought up something that usually we don't notice... the last. These moments slowly slip away. You will be scrubbing your child's hair in the bath one night and from that day on they will want to do it alone. They will reach up for your hand as you walk to school; then, one day you will extend your hand only to be told with a shake of the head not to hold hands. They will snuggle into you as you read together in the glow of the living room light. Then the cuddle part seems to stop.

When Braden was a small boy, he would yell from his cold bed, "Mommmmm.... come warm me up!" Then, that yell trailed off. I don't remember the day that was the last. I remember Brantley crying and hugging me when I would leave on a trip or for a conference. Then, the crying stopped.

The thing is... I don't remember the lasts. Those special times just ended. Right now I have a senior in high school. Experiencing "lasts" is what this year is about. After almost 18 years with my baby boy, I am savoring these last times.

So, wherever you are in your parenting journey, cherish those moments that will forever slip away into the "lasts." You will wish for one day back, just like I do. "Mommmmmm... come warm me up!" I promise, your children will turn out great! You will be pleasantly surprised at who they become. So, I encourage you to enjoy these days more and don't fret. Love these lasts!

To the greatest of days,

Mrs. Young

School is Over...Now What?

1. Clean out work and papers from the year. With your child, pick the items from the school year that both of you would like to preserve and throw the rest in the trash. I recommend keeping those things that show creativity and thinking. Worksheets do not accomplish that. 

2. Revisit goals from the beginning of the year. Have your child take ownership. Ask them, "How did you do on your goal? Did you meet it? Why or why not? What could I have done to help you? What are your goals for the next school year? What do you want to accomplish this summer? How will we get there?

3. Decide together on the plan for summer reading. Read. Read more. Build time into your daily routine for reading. Allow your child to read books that are on his/her reading level or easier. They will build fluency and confidence. Click on Mrs. Green's webpage for more ideas: http://res.southlakecarroll.edu/pages/Rockenbaugh_Elementary/Classes/GreenJulie 

4. Spend one minute a day to review math facts. This is easy.  First, master all addition facts. Then, move to subtractions facts, then multiplication and division facts. This can be done while brushing your teeth in the morning, driving to baseball practice, or while making lunch. One minute. Easy Peezy.

5. Teach your child about digital citizenship and internet safety. Put a time limit on the use of digital devices in your household. Kids and adults need time to unplug and be with one another. Carefully monitor and watch what your kids are doing on their devices. Follow the Making Sense blog: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog .

6. Play! Go outside. Last summer I invited you to join the staff and me in reading Play by Stuart Brown, M.D. We are continuing our efforts in focusing upon development of our Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics learning. I hope this summer will provide you the opportunity to play with your children. Build, explore, construct, make, and investigate together. Play contributes significantly to brain growth and development. Another recommendation to read is Last Child in the Woods, by RichardLouv. This book describes what he calls Nature Deficit Disorder and the positive benefits of outdoor exploration on children’s physical and emotional health. Louv states, "The future will belong to the nature-smart—those individuals, families, businesses, and political leaders who develop a deeper understanding of the transformative power of the natural world and who balance the virtual with the real. The more high-tech we become, the more nature we need.”

7. Be happy. I see overachieving parents constantly putting themselves last. Science shows that in order to raise happy children, we must first be happy parents. Find something enjoyable for you. Read about how to raise happy kids: TIME Magazine article. "Ten-year-olds who are taught how to think and interpret the world optimistically are half as prone to depression when they later go through puberty."

Have a wonderful summer full of fun, wonder, exploration and play!

To the greatest of days,

Mrs. Young

A Message to Busy Moms

Rockenbaugh had our first ever Mother & Son Evening thanks to our wonderful Dads' Club and PTO! Moms and sons painted pottery, played games, ran in the gym, watched a movie, and had snacks. Many special memories were created last night. Rockenbaugh has the best families!

On the bottom right hand corner in the picture above of Mother and Son evening, you will find me along with my youngest son. He came and spent the evening at Rockenbaugh. As we went around talking with the boys and their moms, he and I discussed what good memories we had when he was little.  He did not remember the clothes that I did not get washed, the dishes that needed washing, or the other very long list of house duties that always seemed to call for my attention. My son remembered the crafts we made together, playing games with me, licking the frosting off the cake I made for the family, having his friends over to play soccer in the yard with half time snacks provided by me. He remembers those times we spent together doing the things that I thought were less important than my duties as a home manager. Your children will too. 

Braden in 4th grade with me  

Reflecting back, I remember at times feeling "how-will-i-make-it-to-the-end-of-the-day-with-this-to-do-list" popping up in my head way more than I wanted. I yelled when I didn't mean to. I spent too much time on the computer returning emails. I didn't schedule the dentist appointments every 6 months either. But, having the privledge to stand proudly with my son (he's actually a man now) on Friday night and reflect both verbally and mentally.......I wish I could go back and say to myself,  "Lisa, this lil' boy is only here for what will seem like a fleeting moment 17 years from now, go love on him and not only show him with words, go show that lil' boy with actions that he is a wonderful person. Tell him he will grow up to be a great man!"

Because he will!

Braden in 11th grade at RES with me

We moms serve in a rare club.....the mom club!
Push through.
Breathe in and out.
You will mess up. We all do. I did.
Say your sorry.
Hug more.
Laugh more.
Be present more.

It will all pay off! They will turn out better than you could have wanted or imagined......and maybe just maybe, even for a brief fleeting moment they will remember all of those special times together! I can assure you that 17 years from now, when that boy is a man, he will reach down to hug you and you won't want to let go. He will soothe your tender heart when he says "Thanks, Momma, for the time you gave me." Just like I experienced Friday night.

To the greatest of days,

Mrs. Young

Welcome back!

What a great time to refocus our efforts and energy after each of us has had time during this holiday season to hopefully rest and refresh. My favorite part of the holiday season is being provided the opportunity to sit back, take a deep breath, and reenergize myself for the upcoming second half of the school year.

I often ask myself a few questions and want to encourage you to do the same:

#1 What went well for me this past fall, be it professionally and personally?

#2 What areas can I improve upon?

#3 What is my greatest strength as a person? What is one thing I can do to improve upon my strength.

#4 What is my greatest weakness as a person? What is one thing I can do to improve upon my weakness.

#5 When summer starts, please fill in this sentence, "It is June, and I                                                   .

#6 In one year from now, what will be different for me and how will I make that happen?

Have a great start to the new year! Remember, kids matter. Elementary school days are the greatest of days. Take time to make them great!

Your friend,

Lisa Young

The Power of A Sussy

When I reflect on sweet memories of my childhood, I think of the big events. Holidays, vacations, and special dinners come to mind. However, it is the small things that meant the most to me. One of the most special memories of childhood for me is the giving and receiving of a sussy. My parents defined it in our home as a small surprise or trinket given for no special reason, just to say, “I love you.” In the study of love languages, the giving of a gift is a universal way to show someone how you feel about them. The gift itself is a symbol and a visual reminder of how you feel. Many years ago I had a neighbor from Mississippi, and she called it a “happy.” No matter the term you choose, it is powerful.

At Rockenbaugh I have tried to incorporate the idea of a sussy by distributing Dragon Warm Fuzzies. A Dragon Warm Fuzzy is a very small fluffy green ball given to students to show that I care about them. Just because. I have heard from some of you about the power of a warm fuzzy! One of our RES dads had a three-week trial in California and took the warm fuzzy that belonged to his daughter. He photographed the fuzzy and showed his daughter, which cured a bit of homesickness for him and his daughter, and brought him some luck on his case, he said!

What warm fuzzy would your child appreciate? Allow a sussy to say, “I love you. You are important. You are special. I am glad you are my child.” Even as adults, it can mean a great deal to us when someone takes a minute out of his/her day to perform their own version of a warm fuzzy by granting a random act of kindness. To each of the parents, the staff, and the administration, please know I hold for you in my office a green Dragon Warm Fuzzy; I appreciate you and am thankful I have the opportunity to serve at Rockenbaugh and in Carroll ISD!

Wishing you the warmest of fuzzies,

Mrs. Young

Dragon Warm Fuzzy in Court

First Day of School Memories and Traditions

This short-lived time in your family's life will soon be gone. Elementary school days are fun and then done, just like that.

Yesterday I moved my oldest son to college for his freshman year. I did okay, until I got back home and his room was empty. Thoughts are lingering in my mind like, “Did I do okay as a mom? What should I have done more? What should I have not done?” I find myself reminiscing about the good old days when he was a child. So, I thought I would share some of the things we did to treasure the first few days of school.

I encourage you to take time to create memories that will fill your child's heart with love, mind with confidence, and soul with contentment.

1. Plan a candlelight fancy dinner using the china, crystal, and silver.

My young sons loved the times we got the nice china and had a candlelight dinner. There is something almost mystical about a few flickering lights in the dark. We would sit and talk longer than usual on those candlelit nights. They even asked for it the night before my oldest left. We sat in the low light Saturday night eating steak and potatoes and laughing about past memories.

2. Take a first day of school photograph.

You will love looking back over the years at the first day of school pictures. These photos say so much and will bring back a flood of memories. We laugh at the clothes, hair styles (or lack thereof,) cheesy smiles, and new big backpacks.

3. Have your kids write their names and draw a self-portrait.

Kids move from grade to grade quickly. Often times we as parents hound them about what they need to do better. This special little activity highlights the growth and maturity of each child. It is a visual reminder, to you and to them, how they have developed and are actually making progress.

4. At dinner, have each family member share High, Medium, and Low/s of the day. (We try this at each dinner meal we have. It actually works, even with teenage boys.) This is a tradition we started long ago. The question that always got just an answer of “fine,” was “How was your day?” But, the High, Medium, Low, would go on and on and on. Sometimes one would say, “Wait, I have two highs and three lows.” I found out more about their lives during this then any other time.

5. A nod to Steven Covey… Begin with the end in mind. 

We spend a lot of time getting ready and discussing the beginning of school with our children: new clothes, supplies, shoes, new teacher, and classmates. Carve time to talk about what you want the end of the school year to look like. Ask your child some of the following:

• What grades do you want to receive?
• What do we need to put in place to make sure you receive the grades you want?
• What kind of character trait do you most want to develop by the end of the school year?
• How could we develop that trait? Paste a definition on the fridge? Receive a reward when we see it in action? What else?
• What kind of friend do you want to be by the end of school? teammate? sister? brother?
• What chore at home do you want to take on and master by the end of school? 

Please share your ideas in the comments section! What traditions and activities do you do to commemorate the first days of school with your children?

Every parent, no matter what the journey has been like thus far, can remember when he or she first looked into their child’s eyes in the delivery room. From birth to the first day of school until the time you send them off into the world as an adult, may seem like forever. Having just experienced it, it seems as only a few days have passed since my college boy (ahem… college man) was a newborn. As my husband and I returned home yesterday, the memories flooded back as I looked at my oldest son’s empty room. I can honestly say, I would relive those memories again. If I could, in my own way, I would slow down the clock! Play more. Make more memories happen. However, I can’t. So……I cherish each and every high, medium, and low!

To the greatest of days,

Mrs. Young