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Edison Language Academy – Together Through Two Languages (310) 828-0335 www.edison.smmusd.org
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK:
ANNOUNCEMENTS
PROCESSING GRIEF OVER KOBE’S DEATH
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Theater Informances Start This Week -After a semester of theater instruction with our PS Arts Teaching Artist Martha Ramirez, students in Preschool- 2nd grade are beginning “informances” to share the work they’ve been doing in with their families. 3rd, 4th, and 5th grades perform plays. As each class concludes its presentation, their PS Arts classes shift to visual arts. We hope that you will be able to join us for your chlid’s class presentation. Come sign in with the office staff, let them know you’re headed to Room 107, and pick up a pass. Library News – Thank you to our amazing parent volunteers who have allowed us to keep the library open while we search for a new Library Coordinator: Marlene Almeida, Eric Burke, Mina Hong, Brian ONeil, Ruben Marquez, Jennifer Valladares and super-volunteer Alexis Negele. We’re happy to share that our former Library Coordinator Carol Garcia Ramirez will be returning on part-time basis while we continue the search for a permanent Library Coordinator. The search is still open! Valentines Dance Next Friday, February 7 from 5:30-8:00 pm. Put on your dancing shoes and join us for one of our favorite family evenings. There will be a DJ to keep us moving, crafts, games, a photo booth and the famous Edison Loteria games. All that and a Silent Auction and delicious dinner prepared by 5th grade families for sale! PTA is seeking volunteers to make this fun event happen. Please sign up on the bulletin board near the Virginia Avenue entance. Do you have something to donate for the Silent Auction (goods or services)? Room Representatives are also soliciting donations for the themed basket prepared by each class as Lotería prizes. So, sign up to help for an hour or two and bring the family for a fun evening. On Time and In Line – Please make sure that TK-2 grade students are lined up by 8:10 am and 3rd 5th grade students are in line by 8:25 am.
Thursday, January 30, 1:00 pm. Teatro Informance, Ms Newman
On Monday, I had barely stepped on to campus before students bombarded me with questions about Kobe Bryant and wanting to share their feelings about his death. Several had written in the dew on the cafeteria windows “RIP Kobe” and they asked if their tribute could remain. Various teachers reported students needing to talk about the death and sharing that they felt sad and “down.” Some classes held class meetings to help the students sort out their feelings. Although Kobe was not a personal friend or family member, he was a celebrity well known in LA and in the world of sports. You can go to youtube and pull up footage of his games or interviews. There are books in the library and pictures of him all over the internet and the television. Even if many of our students were too young to have an independent recollection of Kobe, the news is now flooded with celebrity tributes, and they hear the adults in their lives processing their own shock over the loss. What makes this death even more threatening for children is that it was unexpected and Kobe’s daughter Gianna also died. They were doing something that was routine for them -- attending her basketball game. While our students don’t take helicopters to their games, the activity of going to a game with a parent is something that is familiar to many and the circumstances can be a trigger for sad and anxious feelings. The loss of a celebrity and the grief that follows from their admirers is both natural and common. The depth of the sadness depends on the closeness of children’s perceived connection and the extent to which this loss triggers someone’s feelings about other losses in their lives. Common symptoms of grieving in children might include shock or feeling numb, fatigue or trouble sleeping, appetite changes, anger or resentment, feeling sad, lonely, despairing, or physical symptoms like an upset stomach, irritability or headaches. If you notice these symptoms in your child, please be aware that it’s normal. Allowing children a little time and support to mourn is healthy. They can make a poster about what they admired about Kobe, write a sympathy card to his family, mention Kobe and Gianna in their prayers if that is a routine activity for them, etc. Help them stay away from the non-stop news and tributes on line and maintain their normal routine. If sadness and grief persist, you may want to check in with our School Psychlogist Yesenia Arriaran or our Counselor Cynthia Lua for assistance.
Saturday, February 1 – 9:30 am Prospective TK-K Orientation
Wednesday, February 5, 6:00 pm. PTA Executive Board
Friday, February 7 Valentines Dance