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Principal Pflueger Press |
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December 17, 2011 |
By Principal Gary Pflueger
Valley View Elementary
As we quickly move to the end of 2011, many
thoughts come to mind!
First and foremost is my appreciation to serve
the citizens of Boundary County and their
children at Valley View Elementary School. I am
impressed with the supportive environment that
has been established and the care that is
offered to the children. From the Superintendent
and School Board to the teachers, support staff,
volunteers and parents, everyone has the best
interests of the children in mind. I am proud to
assist in the strengthening of our elementary
program. It is GREAT to be back in Idaho!
When you work with kids, you learn quickly how
resilient they are. If you fill them with
confidence they can do just about anything.
I have talked about raising the bar at Valley
View and developing a more rigorous academic
program.
Unless an action plan follows, these are just
words!
Strong academic programs are rooted around the 3
Rs: reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic! Math is a
difficult subject area. There is much debate and
many theories about the proper way to teach
math. The adoption of new curriculum runs on a
cycle—this year it is math’s turn.
I truly believe we can find a better math
program that is mastery-based and focused on the
national standards. Currently we have a group of
experts looking into the best programs
available.
Now, as far as reading, we currently have a
strong curriculum. Our test scores have
continued to improve, though much still is
needed. I am confident the scores will show much
improvement over the next few years, and here is
the secret…….we will strengthen our writing
program.
Obviously, the more we read the greater our
vocabulary becomes. Let’s look at this another
way….the greater vocabulary we build the easier
it is to read and comprehend. The written word
is the basis of language development. So simply
said, if we make a child’s environment “word
rich” reading and writing will both improve.
Writing is a little more labor intensive but
look at the strength of the ‘written word.'
There are many techniques to increase vocabulary
of the written word: flash cards, listing the
names of items in the home, writing letters or
even texting (but not the way high school kids
do—OMG!), re-write famous poems or quotes,
playing word games challenging others to say the
same sentence using different words
Between the now and the end of the school year,
Valley View will increase writing in each grade
level. Please help us to help your child
increase their vocabulary; there is so much to
write about and so many people to write to. By
the way, a thesaurus makes an awesome Christmas
gift.
Notes and Needs to finish with……
Needs:
• a wood worker to finish name plates to hang above teacher doors.
We need about 6 names cut, burned or carved on a
wood placard. The school will supply the wood.
• A microwave for student use in the cafeteria. If you get a new
one for Christmas, we will take your old one.
Notes:
• The PTO Christmas Tree Sale was a GREAT SUCCESS! Special thanks
to the Dinning Family and the many staff and
teacher volunteers. The event raised $1800+.
Also, we gained a few new members for the PTO at
the last meeting. Thank you parents! We could
still use more parental involvement.
• Beginning the new year student absences will be listed as excused
or unexcused. This has not been done in the
past. Please make sure you keep in contact with
the school office if your child will be absent.
Please review the attendance policy in the
District Policy Manual.
• The P.E. ski field trip dates (subject to weather and ski
conditions) are, for 4th grade, Wednesday
January 18, and Thursday, March 1. For fifth
graders, the dates are Wednesday, February 8,
and Thursday, March 8. Prior to the first
scheduled school ski date, students will receive
a packet of information, forms to complete, and
a request for payment. Because of the aluminum
can drive and Uncle Jerry's fundraisers, prices
are already reduced by $12 for each child, for
each field trip. Payment will be due one week
prior to each trip. Contact Mr. Beck for more
information.
• The VVES Winter Carnival will be held. Stay tuned for the
upcoming date to be arranged.
Upcoming Events:
12/19-1/2 Christmas Vacation and Holiday Break
1/3 1st School Day of 2012!
1/26 End of the 1st Semester/2nd Quarter of
School
Over Christmas Break: READ, READ, READ and READ
some more! Read together, take turns reading,
play games with words. Write letters and e-mails
to family members, military personnel, police
and firemen. Spend time playing math games.
Have fun remaining SAFE, CIVIL AND PRODUCTIVE! |
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