Elementary Report

“The community of the Republic School District, in an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust, shall empower every student to achieve the highest level of knowledge, skills, and attitude in order to pursue personal success and productive citizenship.”

Title I Program

On Wednesday, November 14th, Mrs. Mensik, a reading specialist from Tonasket, met with a few of our Title I paraprofessionals for a question and answer session on the continued improvement of our Read Naturally program. Feedback from the session indicated a need for a second, more detailed session for all paraprofessionals. The administration will work with Tonasket to try and schedule a date for a follow-up meeting.

Science Strategic Plan Implementation

Several classrooms are implementing their first quarter life science FOSS kits as well as attending FOSS in-services for their up-and-coming physical science kits. Most teachers have been impressed with the quality of the in-services received by ESD 101 and are looking forward to their next sessions.

The students in 4th grade, including Mrs. Starr’s classroom, are investigating the amazing Crayfish, better known by some as the “crawdad”. The classrooms were alive with the excitement of authentic hands-on learning that was inquiry based. It was equally impressive to see the quality of their science journal writing.

Elementary Parent Teacher Conferences

Parent teacher conferences were very successful this year with parent participation close to 90%. I’m always impressed with the staff and the accommodations they make in order to meet with parents and guardians at times that are most convenient to fit parent schedules. The district is very lucky to have such professional and dedicate elementary staff and parents who care about education.

New Communication Folders

In an effort to improve our commitment to the effective education of all students in the elementary, the staff has planned, designed, and purchased new Republic Elementary communication folders for all students. The folders are “Republic Orange” and were designed with inside folder slots for papers to be signed and returned to school, and papers to be kept at home. In the back, there is a place to keep track of whom the folder belongs to and a communication log with a place for parent signatures. The entire school will be sending important information home in the folders on Thursdays, so if your child doesn’t bring one home you need to be asking questions. Mike McRae was instrumental in the planning and designing of the folders.

Cold Weather Behaviors

Wow, it seems like the cold weather just sneaks up on us. Please make sure that you send your children with clothing appropriate for the cold weather. Boots, hats, gloves and a warm coat are essential. Remember, it is common for students to be outside in weather that is above 10 degrees. Too cold to not have warm clothing.

Vocabulary

Last week, I read an article on the importance of vocabulary knowledge and its relationship to reading and writing. To sum up the article, the more words students know and can recognize or use, the better they are able to read. This is really easy to help students with at home, in the car on trips, in town when shopping, when outside playing, while working on projects, visiting relative, and etc. You just need verbal communication between you and your child. Children love to interact with their parents and play games. Try asking questions like what is another word for that color of red? Or, do you know what that tool is called? Magazines and books are also great tools to introduce new vocabulary. Have fun! The goal should be to build a large vocabulary so that when students encounter words in the context of reading they will recognize the word and comprehend the meaning of the text.

Winter Break

Students will be on Winter Break from December 21, 2007 – January 1, 2008. Have a fun and safe Winter Break.