April 15 2020

Week of 04.15.20

Westlake Parents and Guardians:

I hope you and your family are doing well and staying healthy.  I know the state-wide stay at home order has provided each of our families lots of time together which is good….and probably has caused patience with each other to run a bit thin.  Cultures of Dignity published an interesting article around how to navigate the family dynamics during quarantine….I hope you find it helpful!  Take care of yourselves and stay healthy!

YOU HATE EACH OTHER… NOW WHAT?
Navigating household dynamics during quarantine

We need to keep healthy, safe, and connected to each other. But the everyday moments of living together can be seriously challenging. Even in the best of times, the ability to regulate yourself and have a high level of social and relationship skills has always been the most important skills a person needs to function and thrive. Now, it is critical to you and everyone you’re living with.

Let’s keep in mind:

  • Conflict is always inevitable. In this situation it’s even more likely.

  • Conflicts are usually about two things: the actual thing people disagree about and how we are talking to each other about the problem.

  • It’s up to us to try our best to be easy on people, hard on ideas.

  • No matter what happens, we still have to interact with each other. We aren’t going anywhere, so it’s in everyone’s best interest to get to a better place. That means really listening; being prepared to be changed by what you hear.  Beware the temptation to wait for someone to stop talking so we can tell them why they’re wrong and we’re right.

  • Everyone is going to have to change at least one thing about what they’re doing to make the problem better and get us closer to where we want to be.

Before talking to the person you’re frustrated with go to a quiet place and write your responses to the following questions:

  1. What are the three things you want to accomplish in this meeting?
  2. Are your three goals realistic?
  3. What is one thing you want to hold yourself accountable during this meeting?

During the conversation, it is important to aks “curious” questions instead of a “why would you ever think X question” is. Try using these sentence stems:

Can you tell me more about…

Help me understand why…

What’s success look like here?
Maybe it didn’t go perfectly. That’s OK. It’s unrealistic to expect that one meeting will solve the conflict. So have a short check the next day. And don’t worry, you’ll have more opportunities to practice.

Whether you’re cooped up at home or not, you can use this strategy anytime you’re in conflict with other people.

News from the Library

Have you taken a look at the reading resources on the Westlake Library homepage?  During this time of remote learning across the state and country, publishers have increased access to digital books for students and families.  These are available along with the titles already a part of the Westlake Library. Two of the resources (Sora and MackinVia) provide access to both eBooks and digital audiobooks.  Two other links offer access to LightBox Interactive books. These titles have embedded quizzes, games, and activities as well as titles in multiple languages. The Audible link also includes titles in six different languages along with two additional audiobook resources focused on YA literature.  Instructions for accessing each resource are linked as well.

Now might be a great time to revisit the Harry Potter series (through the Audible).  Start a family book club at the dinner table. Learn new science facts while taking care of the laundry.  Reading is beneficial for all aspects of children’s lives. Of course it improves academic skills like literacy, but it also increases imagination, expands world views, and builds compassion.  Take a look at the Westlake Library page has to offer. If you would like a book recommendation, just answer the questions on this link: https://forms.gle/MUFxv8kuWtrFdKxt5

For even more options, don’t forget to visit your public library’s site.  They have many more digital titles available and a digital library card if you need one! 

 

Info for 8th Graders Interested in Color Guard at Legacy HS

Are you interested in getting more information about the Legacy Color Guard?  If you are fill out this form by clicking HERE.

 

 

WEB Leader Application is now available!

We are excited to inform our current 7th grade students and families that the W.E.B. Leader application for the 2020-2021 school year is now open.  Please click HERE for information and the application.

Staff Member of the Year Nominations Extended!

If you would like to nominate a staff member for our new recognition program you still have time.  Click HERE to submit your nomination today!

Dr. Heide, Principal Westlake Middle School

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Posted April 15, 2020 by wlmsad12 in category Weekly Blog Posts