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Summer doesn't mean learning stops

June 5, 2013
By Principal Gary Pfleuger
Valley View Elementary

Before we close our doors for the summer, I need to let you know of a few changes for next year. The biggest change will be in the fifth grade program. As I have done in two previous schools, we are “departmentalizing” the fifth grade.

All students will have all fifth grade teachers. Each student will be given a homeroom teacher; this teacher will also teach reading to the homeroom class. Following reading class, the teachers will specialize in a curricular area: Mrs. Weymer will teach math, Mrs. Warren will teach written language and Mrs. Schulte science and social studies.

The strength of this set up is that the students get an introduction to their future in secondary school.

Another perk, the teachers can “dig in” to their selected curricula.

In addition, all fourth and fifth grade students will enjoy the skills of David Carpenter for music and drama twice a week.

These changes are implemented in many high achieving schools. I anticipate great success at VVES!

Another change is the implementation of a split level third/fourth grade class with Mrs. Beck.

Doreen Beck is one of the strongest content instructors I have had the pleasure to work with. The students selected for this experience will excel. I guarantee a strong academic and developmental program with a successful outcome for all students.

On Thursday, June 6, the school year will end at 12:30 p.m.

BUT LEARNING DOES NOT END!

This summer, please do the best you can to keep the written word in front of your children. Have your child read daily. Math games and writing activities will keep all of our students on an even keel.

Like any body part, the brain will atrophy without exercise. Give your child the challenge they need to keep up with their peers or even move beyond. If you have Internet access, the following websites are fun, challenging and free:

abcya.com -- all grades, all subjects
starfall.com -- beginning letters/reading lower elementary grades
coolmath4kids.com -- second on up, all topics in math
multipication.com -- third grade up, math
bbc.co.uk/schools/typing -- Dance Mat Typing third grade on up
learninggamesforkids.com -- all subjects, all grades
spellingcity.com -- spelling and language first grade on up
funbrain.com -- all grades
www.natgeokids -- all grades, natural science
www.funschool.com -- all grades, all subjects
www.brainpop.com -- all grades, all subjects
www.kidssite.com -- all grades, all subjects
sciencekids.co.nz -- all grades, science

If you do not have the Internet, the public library is at your disposal. The Boundary County Public Library is a special place!

Speaking of the Public Library:
Story Time continues to be the first and secondnd Wednesdays of each month at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. All ages are welcome.
2013 Summer Reading Program, “Reading is a Treasure” will run from June 19 to August 9.
The School Bus Safety Program will take place in August (time and date tba).

Three notes to finish up with:

Continue to collect BoxTops and Lite House lids/labels over the summer. They make a large financial contribution to our school!

The class lists for 2013-2014 will be posted on June 13.

Kids Fishing Day June 8 10:00-12:00 Snow Creek Lions Pond!

On behalf of the staff, I would like to thank you for an overwhelmingly positive school year. We at VVES are looking forward to another great school year.

Challenges make us stronger! I sincerely appreciate the trust this community has offered me. I look forward to leading this program deep into the 21st Century.

P.S. READ, READ & READ some more! Write letters and poems! Play math games! Play together, love each other, and stay positive! Stay healthy, exercise and eat well! Success begins in the home! Occasionally stop, hug your child and take a quick look for head lice (they really never go away).


Have a Great Summer! And remember ...
The more you read, the more you know,
The more you know, the smarter you grow,
The smarter you grow, the stronger your voice,
When speaking your mind or making a choice!

Perfect Attendance for 2012/2013 School Year — Great Job Students!
1. Christine Abraham
2. Avery Bayer
3. Braylyn Bayer
4. Zowie Black
5. Anna Bliss
6. Isaac Bliss
7. Jacob Bliss
8. Levi Bonnell
9. Elizabeth Bourassa
10. Hannah Garcia
11. Savannah Garcia
12. Tianna Keller
13. Amanda Maggi
14. Zachry Miller
15. Sydney Nelson
16. Lilly Owens
17. Joseph Sullivan
18. Grace Villelli
19. Michael Youngwirth
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