November 2009 Calendar

* November 5: last day to turn in PTA Fundraising Orders

* November 5: PTA Meeting

* November 11: No School Veteran’s Day

* November 13: Assembly, the Froggy Report

* November 16: SELAC Meeting

* November 19, 20: Early dismissal at 1:05

* November 23-27: No School, Thanksgiving Break

* November 30: School Site Council

* December 4: Report Cards Go Home

Principal’s message

Our Parent Involvement Evening, A Success Plan for our Students, was a great success.  Many parents attended to hear the words of our speaker, Dr. Ammar Saheli, Director of Student Services for San Lorenzo Unified School District.  Here are some important points:

* It’s not about adults, its about the students.

* Students need consistent role models on all levels.

* Students need cultivated family and caregiver time in the home.

* Students need to experience play from adults in the home.

* Parental interaction with children in the home is one of the greatest predictors of education

* Students need to learn in  an educational atmosphere that is culturally relevant.

* Students need to know that who they are in home and community can be safely expressed in the school

* Students need deep parental involvement in their school.

* Students need exposure to multiple social settings and experience.

Please take some time to think about these words and what they mean for your child and their educational success.

Attendance

We were able to recognize 150 students that had perfect attendance for the time between September 18th and October 16.  There  names are posted in recognition in the front lobby.  In order to help your student feel comfortable and successful at school, he/she needs to be in school every day on time. 

Homework policy

Time devoted to study is a key part of mastering a skill or completing a learning task.  Homework is an assigned learning activity that must be completed by the student.  In San Lorenzo Unified School District, primary grades have a minimum of 15 minutes of homework daily and intermediate grades have a minimum of 30 minutes of homework.  In order to help your child with homework:

* Find a quiet place to study and stay focused

* Allow more study time for more difficult subjects

* Remember to get assignments from the teacher when your child is absent.

* Read aloud to others

* Check to see if your child understands by retelling the story to others. 

* Share your expectation about homework and let your child know that you expect them to do their best and turn in all their homework.

Hillside headstart

On October 5th, Hillside School celebrating the opening of Headstart Preschool in Room 13.  We have two classes with 20 students in each class.  Every day, children come to school to learn about letters, numbers, playing together and taking turns.  This is a wonderful addition to the many community services available at Hillside School.

Community awards

Congratulations to the students in Rooms 1, 10, 11, 14, 16, and 24.  These classrooms have received ten Community Awards for good  behavior during lunchtime,  music, or P.E. and for having the best attendance for the week.  They have worked together to make Hillside School a great place to be! 

Thank you!

We would like to thank the parents who volunteer each week to help in the garden, at lunchtime, preparing homework and in the classroom.  Without you we would lose valuable opportunities for helping our students to be successful.

Also, thanks to parents who participate in or attend  PTA meetings, School Site Council or Site English Learner Advisory Council.  As one parent told me: “Otherwise, I would just be sitting at home!”

REMEMBER: 

THANKSGIVING BREAK

IS FROM

NOVEMBER  23-27

SCHOOL RESUMES NOVEMBER 30