ColumbiaSplash M a r c h 2 0 1 7

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another perspective. By doing this, you are not only teaching your child how to see life through different lenses, but also building her capacity for empathy and understanding.• that she should provide other children with that much space when interacting with them. Remind her that when she gets too close to another person or touches them, they might react negatively. You can also use stuffed animals or action figures to act out what’s appropriate and what is not.

Whole-Hearted Parenting by Josh Freedman on Parenting with Emotional Intelligence Offers Help for Parents to Create More Connection and Peace in their FamiliesThe Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing MindDaniel J. Siegel

The flu, a respiratory infection, runs from October through May, with most cases occurring between late December and early March. The state Department of Health (DOH) has indicated that we have reached an epidemic level in the state and cases of influenza are rising in Whatcom County.

The DOH indicates that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. Please see your health care provider for information regarding this. A link for some good information regarding the flu is:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

GREAT JOB, Columbia! We collected 1,470 pounds of food for the Bellingham FOOD Bank.

Columbia’s Salmon Tank is hosting another batch of young salmon, and we need volunteers for twice weekly water changes! The commitment involves watching a brief (8 minute) instructional video and about an hour on either a Monday or Thursday afternoon. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly Booker at 920-8811 orkelly@kellybooker.com

Salmon Water Tank Volunteers are needed for: March 2, 6, 9, 16, 20, 23, 27, 30

...but in this dark world, every once in a while there's a spark; and that spark catches, and spreads until it's a blazing thing of beauty. Peace is inside all of us. It's everywhere: In our hearts, minds, and words; it's just waiting for that one person to let it out, to make that spark, to spread the peace and joy, waiting for a leader.

By Nick Laughlin

Peace...

Kindergarten Registration Begins March 1st!

Our first annual contra dance was a huge success! Thank you to Meredith Jarvis for putting this together! Thank you to the band, Wild Ginger for bringing the music! We hope to make this an annual event! The history of contra dancing is rich. It is a folk dance made up of long lines of partners. It has mixed origins from English, Scottish and French dance styles with strong African influence from Appalachia.

A reminder that students in grades 3-8 and high school will be taking Smarter Balanced and Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) state assessments this spring to measure English language arts (ELA), mathematics and science proficiency. Please see Columbia’s testing schedule at: 2017 Spring Assessment Calendar.docx As with any day of important learning, a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast are an essential part of every school day. We recommend parents and guardians talk to their child about their learning and school day and keep things in perspective (and not overemphasize the test).

Annual Spring Assessments

Early Dismissal March 9 and March 10Bellingham Public Schools will be on an early dismissal schedule for elementary and middle schools on Thursday, March 9. Middle schools dismiss at 12:15 p.m. and elementary schools dismiss at 1:15 p.m. Friday, March 10 is an early dismissal day for all students. High schools dismiss at 11:15 a.m., middle schools dismiss at 12:15 p.m. and elementary schools dismiss at 1:15 p.m.

This year was Columbia's first year participating in the Math Olympiad at Blaine High School and the kids were AWESOME! There were 42 teams of 4th graders. Team 2 (Rylan, Soren, Elliot, Kai) placed 6th and Team 1 (Chloe, Moose, Calvin, Josiah) placed 24th. Our individual podium winners are Rylan Neem who placed 5th; and Soren Vanyo who placed 10th. There were 3 additional members (Aviva, Ellen W. Izabella) who were unable to compete, but who have also worked hard and contributed to the great learning and the fun. There were 46 teams of 5th graders. Our teams placed 14th, 18th and 19th.

MATH OLYMPIAD

Team 13 (Quinn, Nate, Gabe) placed 14th. This team was just three total answers out of the podium and excelled on the Geometry team test. Team 7 (Ava, Evan, Will) placed 18th. Team 11 (Louise, Gavin, Jesse) placed 19th. These were the best math students in Whatcom County who chose to spend their Saturday competing. CONGRATULATIONS to all.