A note from our principal…
From our December 2009 Newsletter:
Teachers and students are working very hard to keep up with the tremendous amount of work required to meet the curriculum needs for each grade level. Make sure your children are completing their homework and reading every night. Take the time to go over the homework with your child. I can not stress how necessary it is that your children read. Speaking of reading, this year we are participating in RIF(Reading Is Fundamental). Students in all grade levels will be getting 3 new books throughout the year. Our first distribution is on Friday, December 18th.
The first trimester testing data is looking promising. As you know, we improved 20 performance points on the API (Academic Performance Index) in 2008-09, and I am confident we will see gains again this year as well. There is a strong focus this year on math instruction using strategies from “Project G”. Schools that used this instructional model last year saw tremendous growth in student learning, and we will do the same. It is also very important that your child is coming to school on time everyday and ready to learn. Children need to get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast in order to be prepared for the school day.
Our library is ready for students and we will be marking this occasion with a Grand Opening on January 6th at 2pm. The support from everyone in the community has been tremendous. The students can’t wait!
PTA is busy planning many events in the coming months and can definitely use your help. Just by paying your PTA membership you will help to pay for field trips and assemblies. We will look forward to Astronomy Night, skate nights, family movie night, and the always fun Spring Carnival.
New Student Recognition Program
There will be some changes to our awards programs. These changes are being made in order to better recognize all those students who are working hard at meeting grade level standards. Students will be recognized in the following areas:
Students who are proficient or advanced on the trimester benchmark tests in language arts and/or math. After school popcorn party on January 13th.
Students who have all 3’s and 4’s on their report card (Honor Roll). After school popcorn party on January 13th.
Students who are progressing at least one performance band each trimester (example: went from basic to proficient)
Students who have perfect attendance for the trimester.
Look for more information coming home with your child, or check out our website for more info
From our June 2009 Newsletter:
Well here we are already in June! This time of year has me living in two different states of mind. I cannot help but reflect back on the year and the experiences that have made many fond memories. On the other hand I am busy planning for the future challenges that the 2009-2010 school year has in store for us. Both of these thoughts fill me with satisfaction and excitement. The end of the school year also provides lots of opportunities to celebrate a year of hard work.
State Testing for second through sixth grade went well and I am sure we will be celebrating those successes in the fall. Thank you for making sure your child came to school prepared and on time every day! Sixth grade students are preparing for the transition to middle school while remaining focused on the work that still needs to be done this year. There are many end of the year activities including promotion on June 17th that sixth grade students are looking forward to. More information will be coming home soon. Please remind your child that in order to participate, they must continue to follow school rules…that goes for everyone. Let’s make sure we end this year on a high note.
I am excited to be a part of Faylane’s future. There is a strong tradition of educational excellence, parent involvement, teacher commitment, and high student achievement that will ensure we are able to handle all the challenges ahead of us. I look forward to seeing more parent involvement with PTA next year as well. This is a strong partnership here at Faylane and does so much more than you can imagine! On august 21st you may see a lot of people here on campus. We are fortunate to be working with the Give and Grow Program through C and D Zodiac Engineering. They will be giving our campus a complete makeover, including murals and a new playground set in kindergarten.
Just a couple of closing items:
*Students do not bring backpacks to school on the last day.
*Please drive safely when dropping off and picking up your child…plan ahead for time.
*Class lists for next year will be posted in front of the office on Tuesday, September 8th.
-No mailing sent home-
Have a wonderful summer!
From our Spring 2009 Newsletter:
Here we are at the end of 2008! As I look forward to the New Year, I can’t help but look back at all that has transpired this past school year so far. It has been a pleasure getting to know the fabulous students and families that make up Faylane Elementary. I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to work with such a dedicated staff, enthusiastic students, and supportive families. Teachers and students are working very hard to keep up with the tremendous amount of work required to meet the curriculum needs for each grade level. Make sure your children are completing their homework and are reading every night. Take the time to go over the homework with your child. I can not stress how necessary it is that your children read and practice their math facts. It is also very important that your child is coming to school on time everyday ready to learn. Children need to get a good night’s sleep and a healthy breakfast in order to be prepared for the school day.
Being new to the school I have come to realize that there is much more going on here than meets the eye. We have the NFL (Noon Falcon League) where teachers take time from their own lunch to give students the opportunity to do supervised sports, arts & crafts, service learning, book clubs, drama, card & board games, and needlework. Students have participated in the Young Politicians’ Club and will be participating in National History Day. Parents participated in the Parenting 10 commandments classes which led a trip to the UCLA campus and got to attend a college football game at the Rose Bowl with their students. Our Boys and Girls Club after school program continues to provide a great place for students after school. The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads Of Great Students) is in full swing and continues to provide opportunities to spend a day at school working with students. We were visited by some of our Nation’s Veterans on Veteran’s Day for an informative question and answer assembly. Student Council is a driving force behind numerous spirit activities and most recently is organizing a school-wide recycling program. The list would stop here if it wasn’t for the PTA. The Faylane PTA works tirelessly organizing the fundraisers, family nights, teacher appreciation lunches, art reflections, holiday concerts, pancake breakfast, etc. This is a great group and is always looking for eager people to help out.
I, like many of you, am constantly amazed at how fast each year seems to go by. It would be my hope that you make some time in the coming weeks to sit down with your child and find out more about their world through their eyes. You may find it interesting to find out what their favorite game is at recess, who they sit next to in class, what their favorite book is, what they talk about with their friends, what they worry about, etc. Your time is valuable and makes a huge difference. In the words of the late Anne Frank: “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”
Mr. Hegberg, Principal
Faylane Elementary