Loup City Elementary School
“Finding the Groove”
Principal’s Message to Parents & Guardians
April 17th, 2026
LCES Families,
As we continue “Finding the Groove” together this school year, we are paying close attention to how our students interact with one another through their words and actions. A strong school community isn’t just about academics—it’s also about how we treat others. Through our shared commitment to “Empowering Continual Success,” we know that developing kindness, respect, and empathy is essential to every child’s growth.
Recently, we have seen an increase in students struggling to consistently use kind and respectful language with their peers. Finding the groove socially means understanding that words carry weight. At school, we are actively teaching and reinforcing expectations around speaking with kindness, even during moments of frustration.
At home, you can support this by talking with your child about how their words impact others. Practicing simple phrases like “Can I have a turn?” or “I didn’t like that, please stop” helps students build a positive communication toolkit.
In addition to words, we are working with students on making thoughtful choices with their actions—keeping hands to themselves, including others, and resolving conflicts appropriately. These are learned skills, and like anything else, they take practice and reinforcement.
You can help your child find their groove by discussing real-life situations:
What could you do if someone isn’t playing fairly?
How can you include someone who feels left out?
These conversations help children prepare for real social situations they encounter each day. Part of empowering continual success is helping students recognize how their choices affect others and taking responsibility when mistakes happen. We are encouraging students to reflect, make things right, and grow from these moments.
At home, reinforcing empathy—asking “How do you think they felt?”—and guiding your child to take ownership of their actions can make a significant difference.
Sometimes unkind behaviors can extend beyond the school day through texting, gaming, or other online interactions. While these may happen at home, they often carry into the school environment. Staying aware of your child’s digital interactions and reinforcing respectful behavior in all settings helps maintain a positive rhythm across environments.
We are committed to teaching, modeling, and reinforcing positive behavior at school, and your partnership is essential. When students receive consistent messages at home and at school, they are far more likely to internalize these expectations and carry them forward.
Thank you for your continued involvement and support. Together, we are making Loup City Elementary a place where students thrive, grow, and succeed every day! If you ever need to contact me, don’t hesitate to do so at paul.barker@lcpublic.org or through the main office at 308-745-0603.
Warm regards,
Mr. Paul Barker, M.Ed
Principal, Loup City Elementary School
“Finding the Groove” – One Step at a Time