We are in the midst of our best weather of the year and summer vacation is just around the corner. Though the school year is coming to a close, we wanted to remind parents that attendance in these last few weeks are just as important as it is at the beginning of the year.
AIMS – yes, it’s that time of year again. Even though this is the last year that AIMS tests will be given in our schools, students still need to be fully prepared. One of the best things you can do is make sure your student is well-rested and has a good breakfast on testing days.
It’s hard to believe that March is already here, with spring officially just around the corner. For schools, that means testing season! In about a month, we will be giving AIMS tests to our students for the last time. Next school year, a new test will be given that’s designed to show how well students have learned new “Career and Career Ready Standards,” which used to be called “Common Core.”
This month, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming members of our community, community leaders and personalities as well as family members for “Love of Reading Week.” It’s always a thrill to see a student connect with a book reader and discover a whole new world. But what about that “second R” in the “Reading, ’Riting and ’Rithmetic” – writing?
You may already know that I’m a big believer in mentoring. A few years ago, I took a dynamic woman under my wing as her mentor and now, Jackie Trujillo-Watins is our superintendent. It has been a thrill watching her growth in the administration of our schools over the years. I am convinced that through coaching, modeling and mentoring, everyone becomes more invested in creating a united team. At some point as a mentor, you allow your “students” to stretch their wings, take risks and try new things. Along the way, you’re there to advise them as they explore their new world.
We’ve all dealt with children who are alternately too sleepy or too restless to pay attention, whether it’s in the classroom, out in public or at home. Who’d have thought that modern technology and a misunderstanding about how it affects us that could be causing both?
We know all about resolutions – I have my favorites that I make every year! But setting bite-sized goals and guiding them to fulfillment is key to helping children progress. Doing this as a family turns it into a fun activity that everyone has to participate in and be accountable for.
With Christmas here, some children may ask you to get them new computers, better internet at home, maybe e-readers or other electronic gadgets. If your family budget can accommodate them, these can be a huge help for your child in school, keeping students excited about learning outside the classroom, or motivating them to hit a specific goal such as perfect attendance or a B in math.
Our schools and our families are preparing for the Thanksgiving. Holiday food and toy drives are popping up everywhere to help prepare baskets for needy families over the winter.
This year, our two Heritage Elementary Schools will have slightly different celebrations. Heritage Williams will have Harvest Fest on Oct. 25, while Heritage Glendale will hold a Fall Parade and partner with Turning Leaf Community Church for Halloween Extreme.
September is National Hunger Month, as well as National Childhood Obesity Month. The non-profit group Feeding America has released numbers for child hunger and food insecurity in each of the 50 states.
Besides back to school, fall also means sports. (Ask any football fan!) Some of our schools have teams for tackle football, volleyball, and basketball, while other campuses have soccer, cheer, flag football and even a chess team – mental athletics count, too.
