In this episode, we have a conversation to help our families and school community know more about our priorities this year.

Goal #1: Increased Student Achievement
Indiana Department of Education
The Science of Reading - Indiana Department of Education

Goal #2: Student Wellbeing & Belonging
School Counseling and Guidance - Indiana Department of Education

Goal #3: Family Partnerships & Engagement

Family Engagement, Learning for Justice

Family Engagement Defined, NAFSCE (National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement)

Impact of Family Engagement, youth.GOV

ABCs of Family Engagement, WIDA (Wisconsin Center for Education Research

In this episode:

Heather Gorgas, Principal - HMGorgas@avon-schools.org
Karmesha Molton, Assistant Principal - KSMolton@avon-schools.org
Kyle Kopke, Counselor - KEKopke@avon-schools.org
Dawn Alexander, Instructional Coach - DMAlexander@avon-schools.org

In this episode, we have a conversation to help our families and school community know more about how we cultivate student self-awareness, positive self-esteem, and how to navigate friendships.

We center our dialogue around four questions:

• Social Skills: what are they and why are they important in an elementary school?
• What are important skills all children need to know and master to develop and maintain positive peer relationships?
• How do we help students resolve conflict with peers?
• How do we teach, practice, and reinforce self management of emotions like anger, frustration, or sadness?

To learn more about the content shared in this episode, click the links below:

1. Growth Mindset
2. Emotion Regulation
3. Self-Efficacy
4. Self-Management
5. Social Awareness
6. Structured Play

Heather Gorgas, Principal - HMGorgas@avon-schools.org
Kyle Kopke, Counselor - KEKopke@avon-schools.org
Jessica Perkins, Social Worker - JLPerkins@avon-schools.org

In this episode, we'll share more about the following:

• Heather Gorgas, Principal, defines family engagement
• Benefits of being a part of your child's school community
• Ways to serve and volunteer that fit within your schedule.
• The River Birch PTO
• Vision for a united school community together for a commone purpose

To learn more about the content shared in this episode, click the links below:

Family Engagement, Learning for Justice

Family Engagement Defined, NAFSCE (National Association for Family, School, and Community Engagement)

Impact of Family Engagement, youth.GOV

ABCs of Family Engagement, WIDA (Wisconsin Center for Education Research)

Contact Information for episode guests:

Mrs. Heather Gorgas, Principal - HMGorgas@avon-schools.org

Mrs. Rachel Pierce, PTO President (current) - RiverBirchPTOPresident@gmail.com

Mrs. Lindsay Thrine, PTO Events Chair (current) - llthrine@yahoo.com

In this episode, we'll share more about the following:

• History of Kindness Week at River Birch Elementary
• Benefits of emotional safety
• Self awareness, confidence, connection at school
• Effects of bullying behavior
• Empathy & Self Esteem

To learn more about the content shared in this episode, click the links below:

Institute of Child Psychology

Teaching Young Kids to Be Kind is Important

River Birch Elementary

Contact Information for episode guests:

Mrs. Heather Gorgas, Principal - HMGorgas@avon-schools.org

Ms. Kyle Kopke, Counselor - KEKopke@avon-schools.org

Mrs. Kristin Prewitt, Kindergarten Teacher - KMPrewitt@avon-schools.org

Mr. Bobby Coppadge, 4th Grade Teacher - RACoppadge@avon-schools.org

Mrs. Jessica Perkins, Social Worker - JLPerkins@avon-schools.org

In this episode, we'll share more about the following:

• Inclusive efforts for diverse learners
• Multi-lingual Learners
• Special Education Services
• Integrating families into our school community

To learn more about our programs and services, click the links below.

Multi-lingual Learners in Avon Schools

Special Education in Avon Schools

River Birch Elementary

Contact Information for episode guests:

Mrs. Heather Gorgas, Principal - HMGorgas@avon-schools.org

Mrs. Karmesha Molton, Assistant Principal - KSMolton@avon-schools.org

Ms. Samantha Smith, ML Teacher - SJSmith@avon-schools.org

Mrs. Kristin Pappas, 3rd Grade Teacher - KEPappas@avon-schools.org

Miss Sarah Hornback, STRIVE Teacher - SEHornback@avon-schools.org