September
September 2012
PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2012-13 school year! I look forward to each new school year with promise and determination - to make an already great school even better! We are challenged each year to analyze every aspect of our instructional program and ensure that we are providing a high quality education for all students within a culture of respect and support. This year is no exception. Here are some NEW things of which you need to be aware:
· New Salad Bar - thanks to your support of PTA last year!
· Incorporation of Accelerated Reader into our Reading Fever Program to boost independent reading comprehension
· Common Core State Standards to be implemented in K-1 in Language Arts and Math
· Wellness Program introduced by BUSD to promote healthy food choices at home and at school
· New Dress Code Regulations - requires all students to wear closed-toed shoes
· INFOSNAP Online Registration in lieu of multiple pages to fill out in the registration packet the first week of school
· Full implementation of Houghton Mifflin ELA program - moving curriculum down a grade level to promote more rigorous reading
Read all about new programs and changes when you go to our website. Check out our website for continually updated information. Also, check your child's folder and backpack every day. Come to Parent Orientation at Back-to-School Night to learn the procedures of your child's class. Stay in the loop! We need to work together to help students meet the high educational expectations that we have for your child this year. Together, we can do more than any of us can do alone!
Mrs. Spencer, Principal
Attendance Note:
Attendance at school is extremely important to your child's success in school. Coming in late causes a child to arrive already stressed, anxious and unfocused, plus he/she misses out on opening routines and important information. Plan ahead! Be a few minutes early rather than a few minutes late. Supervision is available on the playground as early as 7:50. Breakfast is available at 7:30.
If your child must be absent, please call the school office by 9:00 AM, just as you would call your own work if you were not going to be there. Call (909) 971-8206 ext. 1
"Accountability Concepts" Behavior Program
Taking responsibility for behavior and reaping the benefits of responsible behavior is the goal of "Accountability Concepts." This program is replacing our STAR program from previous years. "Accountability Concepts" is based on the six pillars of good character and is incorporated at school and at home in order to promote learning about and being able to act consistently on the following characteristics: RESPONSIBILITY, SELF-CONTROL, SELFLESSNESS, WORK ETHIC, ATTITUDE, and TRUST.
The concept is to teach children correct principles and then hold them accountable to behave the right way. It is a positive approach that gives the responsibility to children to respond correctly to situations utilizing the outlined principles. If they do it, they are rewarded with fun; if they don't, they watch others participate in the fun.
The classrooms have Accountability Pyramids for each student. The program will be explained to parents at Back-to-School Night. Incorporating this into our PeaceBuilders program helps us to have a safe, nurturing, bully-free environment at school. Please read our Discipline Policy in the school handbook for more information.
What can a parent do to raise a child who is a good reader and who loves to read? Schools do a good job of teaching reading, but helping a child 'want' to read takes both home and school. Here are some suggestions that will make a difference:
1. Read aloud to your child - fun, engaging books.
2. Have plenty of books in the house.
3. Model by being a reader yourself.
4. Let your child select his/her own books to read.
The more they read, the better they'll read. You are the key!
EDULINK MESSAGE ALERT!!!
Communication with the home is vital to the success of our
schools in Bonita Unified School District.
You will, on occasion, receive an automated message from the teacher,
the principal, and District Office personnel, including the superintendent. Please listen to these messages, as they
contain important updates.
Keeping Connected to School
All of the teachers at Grace Miller Elementary are connected to the internet. Many have grades and assignments posted online, and many have websites. These teachers will let you know during Back-to-School Night which sites they are using. Also, if you have questions or would like to relay some information to your child's teacher, you can email teachers directly. The email addresses are listed on the "Staff Page". Please keep in mind that if it is urgent, you may want to call the school and leave a message. You can email the PTA at gracemillerpta (at) yahoo.com
