December
December 2012
Principal's Message
December is here and the New Year is right around the corner. We are well into the routines of school with the first trimester in the rear-view mirror. One of the most important things that you can do to help your child find success in school for the rest of this school year and the rest of his/her life is to give your child the opportunity to read more.
Students are graded on independent home reading by trimester based on the following criteria:
K- Reading and logging 40 books per month
1st - Reading 4 nights per week for 20 minutes and logging in the books read
Students in Grades 2-5 receive a grade for independent reading based on the AR quizzes passed on books read. Students are given individual reading goals based on reading level. Books have point values based on the number of words in the book. Quizzes passed ensure the student understands the reading. The grading breaks down this way on the report card:
2nd - 85% - 100% of goal = O
84% - 25% = S
24% and below = N
3rd - 5th - 85% - 100% of goal = O
84%-70% = S
69 and below = N
Log in to the Home Connect feature on our website to see how your child is progressing toward his/her reading goals in grades 2-5.
Cozy up to some good books and let the spirit of love and hope bless your lives this holiday season!
Mrs. Spencer
Principal
STUDENT SAFETY FIRST PRIORITY!
The safety of the students is the most important goal during drop-off and pick-up. In addition, we need to keep traffic moving to facilitate student arrival and dismissal in a timely way. It is imperative that the following rules are observed:
ü The white-curbed area in front of the school is for drop off and pick-up only. Do not leave your vehicle and keep moving forward as cars in front of you leave.
ü Do not stop at red curbs. Doing so creates unsafe conditions for others (pedestrians, buses, other cars).
ü Children should cross the street only at the crosswalks at the 3-way STOP intersection. It is unsafe to cross anywhere else.
ü Do not pull into the Staff Lot to drop off students. There is no safe zone to walk.
ü If you would like to walk your child to class, park on one of the side streets or in the Little League parking lot.
ü If dropping off in the Little League lot, please pull as far forward as possible to alleviate other cars blocking traffic in the street.
ü Do not make U-turns anywhere on Holly Oak. Go to a side street, if you need to turn around.
ü Do not park next to another vehicle (double-parking) and do not let your child run between cars. Other drivers may not see your child.
ü Be patient! You are training your child(ren) on how to follow rules and laws by the example you set.
We all have the responsibility to see that every child is safe coming to and going home from school.
SANTA AND PAJAMAS
The PTA will host "Santa and Pajamas" Pajamas" on Friday, Dec. 14th at 6:30 and 7:30 PM.
Children can come in their pajamas and bring blankets on which to sit as they listen to Santa's elf read a story and then tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Parents can take pictures of their children with Santa. It is recommended that students in Pre-K-2nd grades come at 6:30 and students in grades 3-5 come at 7:15. Siblings not attending GM and pre-schoolers may also attend the event.
Parents with children in both groups may choose which time to come. Hot chocolate, milk and cookies will be served. Although this is not a fund-raising event for the school, we recognize that there are needs within our community that we would like to meet. Therefore, we would like to request a donation of $10 gift cards to local supermarkets. Gift cards will be attached to "The Giving Tree" to help families in need at this special time of the year.
SPRING KINDERGARTEN
BUSD will hold a Spring Kindergarten program for all students who will turn 5 years old by Feb. 13, 2013 but who did not enroll in kindergarten this school year. Students who enroll in the spring program will continue in the full-year kindergarten program for the 2013-14 school year. Enrollment packets can be picked up at the school office and must be returned to Allen Ave. Elementary, where the class will be held. Enrollment is based on a first-come, first -served basis. The kindergarten class will run from Jan. 7 - June 6 from 8:15 - 11:15 AM each school day. See the office for more information.
Box Tops and Soup Labels
Collection Connection!
Please keep your eyes peeled for the bright pink Box Top symbols on many products, (such as Kleenex ) and go out of your way to purchase those items. And, keep collecting the Campbell's Soup labels. The next collection period is now underway.
Also, continue sending in your Fresh and Easy receipts as we will receive $1 back for each $20 receipt! Receipts must be dated prior to Dec. 31st, and must be turned in by Jan. 15th. FREE MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOL!
Holiday Reading
We've raised the bar for reading this year, and one of our main areas of focus is getting students to read more books than ever before at their appropriate reading levels. Please consider making reading time an integral part of your holiday happenings, and give books as gifts! Students who read a lot become better readers and students. It makes sense!
