We miss our kiddos!!
Let your child know that you expect great things
Children care how their families view them. Your expectations for your child can motivate your elementary schooler to work hard and succeed in school. Make a list of high, realistic expectations for your child, such as putting effort into schoolwork, continuing to try when something is challenging, etc. Discuss them together, then uphold them consistently. Help your child take pride in progress and believe "I am a student who can succeed."
https://tpitip.com/?15lb17376
Children care how their families view them. Your expectations for your child can motivate your elementary schooler to work hard and succeed in school. Make a list of high, realistic expectations for your child, such as putting effort into schoolwork, continuing to try when something is challenging, etc. Discuss them together, then uphold them consistently. Help your child take pride in progress and believe "I am a student who can succeed."
https://tpitip.com/?15lb17376
Watch for the signs of school struggles
Low grades aren't the only signal that your child may be struggling in school. A child who suddenly doesn't want to go to school, for example, may have a problem with a classmate or a teacher. A child who starts blaming others for making it hard to learn, or says things like, "I knew I'd never be good in school," may be afraid of failing. If you see these signs, discuss them with your child, the teacher or a school counselor.
https://tpitip.com/?15la17376
Low grades aren't the only signal that your child may be struggling in school. A child who suddenly doesn't want to go to school, for example, may have a problem with a classmate or a teacher. A child who starts blaming others for making it hard to learn, or says things like, "I knew I'd never be good in school," may be afraid of failing. If you see these signs, discuss them with your child, the teacher or a school counselor.
https://tpitip.com/?15la17376
What comes after gift-giving? Thank-you notes
After a gift-giving occasion, help your child develop gratitude and writing skills by having a family thank-you note party. Set out lots of pens, paper, notecards and stamps. Provide a snack and let your child put on some music. Then, get writing! Encourage your child to write two or three heartfelt sentences and mention the gift by name. Set an example by writing your own notes.
https://tpitip.com/?15lZ17376
After a gift-giving occasion, help your child develop gratitude and writing skills by having a family thank-you note party. Set out lots of pens, paper, notecards and stamps. Provide a snack and let your child put on some music. Then, get writing! Encourage your child to write two or three heartfelt sentences and mention the gift by name. Set an example by writing your own notes.
https://tpitip.com/?15lZ17376
Help grandparents be reading buddies
Grandparents love listening to their grandchildren read aloud, and it helps the children improve their reading skills. But often, distance gets in the way. If in-person visits won't work, consider sending grandparents a copy of a book your child is reading. Then, when they call or video chat, they will be able to share reading time with your child.
https://tpitip.com/?15lY17376
Grandparents love listening to their grandchildren read aloud, and it helps the children improve their reading skills. But often, distance gets in the way. If in-person visits won't work, consider sending grandparents a copy of a book your child is reading. Then, when they call or video chat, they will be able to share reading time with your child.
https://tpitip.com/?15lY17376
A treasure hunt makes following directions fun
To improve your child's ability to follow verbal instructions, play a treasure hunt game: Hide a small toy or coin and tell your child exactly how to find it. Start by giving only two or three instructions. Help your child visualize carrying out the steps. Then, ask your child to repeat the directions and follow them. You can increase the complexity of your instructions as your child's skill improves.
https://tpitip.com/?15lX17376
To improve your child's ability to follow verbal instructions, play a treasure hunt game: Hide a small toy or coin and tell your child exactly how to find it. Start by giving only two or three instructions. Help your child visualize carrying out the steps. Then, ask your child to repeat the directions and follow them. You can increase the complexity of your instructions as your child's skill improves.
https://tpitip.com/?15lX17376
Anger has no place in discipline
Kids are great at pushing families' buttons. But reacting to misbehavior with anger isn’t effective. When you stay calm and under control, you deal from a position of strength. So, when your child's behavior is frustrating, take a deep breath and explain the behavior you want to see instead. Remind your child of the consequences of the misbehavior. Then, offer a choice: Your child can change behavior or accept the consequences.
https://tpitip.com/?15lW17376
Kids are great at pushing families' buttons. But reacting to misbehavior with anger isn’t effective. When you stay calm and under control, you deal from a position of strength. So, when your child's behavior is frustrating, take a deep breath and explain the behavior you want to see instead. Remind your child of the consequences of the misbehavior. Then, offer a choice: Your child can change behavior or accept the consequences.
https://tpitip.com/?15lW17376
You don't need a lab to sharpen scientific thinking
Many of the skills students need for success in science are things you can help your child practice at home. To sharpen powers of observation, ask questions that invite your child to notice small details. Demonstrate how to classify by sorting things into groups based on their characteristics. You can also encourage your child to make and test predictions about how the world works: "How fast do you think an ice cube will melt on the counter?"
https://tpitip.com/?15lV17376
Many of the skills students need for success in science are things you can help your child practice at home. To sharpen powers of observation, ask questions that invite your child to notice small details. Demonstrate how to classify by sorting things into groups based on their characteristics. You can also encourage your child to make and test predictions about how the world works: "How fast do you think an ice cube will melt on the counter?"
https://tpitip.com/?15lV17376
When you can't be together, connect in writing
If a hectic work schedule is making it hard to stay connected with your child, try using a notebook to aid communication. Every day, write your child a note. Write about special things that happened during your day. Remind your child of tasks that need doing and things that are coming up. Then, leave the notebook for your child to read. Ask your child to write you back and fill you in about the events of the day.
https://tpitip.com/?15lU17376
If a hectic work schedule is making it hard to stay connected with your child, try using a notebook to aid communication. Every day, write your child a note. Write about special things that happened during your day. Remind your child of tasks that need doing and things that are coming up. Then, leave the notebook for your child to read. Ask your child to write you back and fill you in about the events of the day.
https://tpitip.com/?15lU17376
Choose gifts that promote creativity and interaction
Your time and attention are the best gifts you can give your child. But when considering material gifts, think about screen-free items that encourage creativity and interaction. Gifts like hand puppets, balls, crafts, jump ropes and table games are great for children ages five to nine. For older children, gifts related to hobbies and scientific activities are ideal. And books are always a great option for children of all ages.
https://tpitip.com/?15lT17376
Your time and attention are the best gifts you can give your child. But when considering material gifts, think about screen-free items that encourage creativity and interaction. Gifts like hand puppets, balls, crafts, jump ropes and table games are great for children ages five to nine. For older children, gifts related to hobbies and scientific activities are ideal. And books are always a great option for children of all ages.
https://tpitip.com/?15lT17376
Strike back at the 'fourth-grade reading slump'
It's common for kids to hit a reading slump around fourth grade. Reading assignments are more challenging and some students' concentration decreases. To ensure that your child keeps reading, continue to read together. Your involvement shows that reading is important. Look for reading materials that match your child's interests. Then, limit recreational screen time. Being bored sometimes may encourage your child to pick up a book.
https://tpitip.com/?15lS17376
It's common for kids to hit a reading slump around fourth grade. Reading assignments are more challenging and some students' concentration decreases. To ensure that your child keeps reading, continue to read together. Your involvement shows that reading is important. Look for reading materials that match your child's interests. Then, limit recreational screen time. Being bored sometimes may encourage your child to pick up a book.
https://tpitip.com/?15lS17376
PBES Bus notice: Bus 564 Mrs. Kelly and Bus L206 Mrs. Kim will NOT be running tomorrow (Friday, December 19). Please make arrangements to drop off and pick up your students. We are sorry for any inconvenience.
Tomorrow, Friday, December 19, 2025, will be an early dismissal day for staff professional development. Bus riders will begin boarding at 12:05 pm and car riders will follow once buses leave the campus around 12:10 pm. All students should be picked up before 12:30 pm to allow for staff to attend professional development. We appreciate your understanding.
🎄Reminder: The Ginger-Math Man is coming to town! Run, run, as fast as you can, come solve problems with the Ginger-Math Man! Then, stay for our class celebrations in honor of the holiday season!
Join us this today Thursday, December 18th, from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm for math activities and class parties. Don't miss out on the fun! Bring your thinking caps and your holiday cheer!
Join us this today Thursday, December 18th, from 1:15 pm to 2:45 pm for math activities and class parties. Don't miss out on the fun! Bring your thinking caps and your holiday cheer!
Why your child's attendance matters
Studies continually show how important school attendance really is. Absenteeism in kindergarten can influence whether a child gets held back in third grade. Frequent absences later on increase the chances a student will drop out of school altogether. Absenteeism is reversible, so make sure your child starts school on time, every day.
https://tpitip.com/?15lR17376
Studies continually show how important school attendance really is. Absenteeism in kindergarten can influence whether a child gets held back in third grade. Frequent absences later on increase the chances a student will drop out of school altogether. Absenteeism is reversible, so make sure your child starts school on time, every day.
https://tpitip.com/?15lR17376
🔥🕶️ Lil Red Hot Staff Went Undercover! 🕶️🔥
Last week, the Port Barre Elementary Lil Red Hot staff put their disguises on and brought the fun with Undercover Dress Days! From secret agents to sneaky styles, our staff showed up in full undercover mode—and our students loved every minute of it!
Thanks for always being such great sports and making school a fun place to be. You never know who might be undercover next! 😎❤️🌶️
#LilRedHots #UndercoverDressDay #PBEPride #StaffFun #RedHotStrong
Give your child these priceless gifts
As you think about giving your child gifts, remember that there are some only you can give. One is the gift of your time, spent listening, reading, helping and having fun together. Another is the gift of understanding. If your child makes a mistake, listen before you scold. Confidence is another precious gift. When you show you believe your child can succeed, you help your child believe it, too.
https://tpitip.com/?15lQ17376
As you think about giving your child gifts, remember that there are some only you can give. One is the gift of your time, spent listening, reading, helping and having fun together. Another is the gift of understanding. If your child makes a mistake, listen before you scold. Confidence is another precious gift. When you show you believe your child can succeed, you help your child believe it, too.
https://tpitip.com/?15lQ17376
These four outstanding Port Barre Elementary Talented Visual Arts students placed in the statewide visual arts contest, put on by the Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs. The students created art pieces to help spread the awareness of advocacy for people with disabilities. Our students used their unique artisic talents to convey what advocacy means to them. The Governor’s Office of Disability Affairs hosted the 2025 Inclusive Art Awards Program, on December 10th, at the Old State Capital in Baton Rouge. A medal and special recognition, from Governor Jeff Landry, was presented to the winners.
1st - 2nd grade:
• Honorable Mention – Sophia M.
3rd Grade:
• 2nd Place – Emma M.
• 3rd Place - Henley M.
4th Grade:
• 2nd Place – Victoria B.
1st - 2nd grade:
• Honorable Mention – Sophia M.
3rd Grade:
• 2nd Place – Emma M.
• 3rd Place - Henley M.
4th Grade:
• 2nd Place – Victoria B.
Teach key ways to get along with others
The ability to get along with people is a social skill that helps children throughout their school careers. To build this skill, teach your child the importance of being polite. Explain that when friends are talking and your child wants to join in, it's polite to enter the ongoing conversation rather than change the subject. Encourage your child to ask others what they would like to do. Emphasize the need to consider other people's feelings and show them respect even when disagreeing.
https://tpitip.com/?15lP17376
The ability to get along with people is a social skill that helps children throughout their school careers. To build this skill, teach your child the importance of being polite. Explain that when friends are talking and your child wants to join in, it's polite to enter the ongoing conversation rather than change the subject. Encourage your child to ask others what they would like to do. Emphasize the need to consider other people's feelings and show them respect even when disagreeing.
https://tpitip.com/?15lP17376
Keep your child's brain active over break
Winter break is a time for fun. But that doesn't mean your child can't also continue learning. Encourage your student to read for pleasure. You can help find books by authors your child likes or suggest rereading old favorites. If your child receives holiday gifts, schedule time to write thank-you notes. Board games are another fun way to learn. Play games with your child that require math or higher-level thinking skills.
https://tpitip.com/?15lO17376
Winter break is a time for fun. But that doesn't mean your child can't also continue learning. Encourage your student to read for pleasure. You can help find books by authors your child likes or suggest rereading old favorites. If your child receives holiday gifts, schedule time to write thank-you notes. Board games are another fun way to learn. Play games with your child that require math or higher-level thinking skills.
https://tpitip.com/?15lO17376