Kids at VV reading to see a shave |
| October 16, 2012 |
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By Principal Paul Pfleuger One of the goals for all Valley View Elementary staff and students is to improve our written language skills. The first school-wide writing prompt was given on October 13. The staff will use a writing rubric to determine if each writing is: 1) significantly below standard, 2) below standard, 3) meets standard or 4) exceeds standard for their grade level. Two more formal writing prompts will be given, one in February and another in May. In addition, proper written language emphasis will remain a focus in all subject areas. The writing samples will not only be used to measure student growth but also the effectiveness of our teaching skills. Accountability goes both ways! Debbie Pauls, with the Idaho Reads Project, is continuing to work with all grade levels to increase reading; and yes, the rumor is true. As incentive, I have offered a challenge to the student. I will shave off my mustache in front of the students, if a LARGE percentage meet their reading goal. I am pretty sure I can keep a steady hand with 375 students watching! I hope to celebrate with the students in March. This is an “I Love to Read” project designed to get students to read more at home. Until then—READ, READ, READ! A new Volunteer Handbook has been created and is in the hands of the School Board for approval. This document will help our volunteers with procedures and routine, as well as, continue to maintain a safe environment for our children. One of my favorite sayings is, “It takes a whole village to raise a child." The school cannot effectively do the important work of education without parental support and volunteer involvement. The next big school event has begun: the VVES Book Fair will run through the week of October 15-18. We encourage you to give the "gift of literature." What better gift is there than literacy! This Fair is sponsored by our PTO, our school librarians, Idaho Reads, and AmeriCorps. Proceeds will go toward books for classroom libraries. The Book Fair will open to the public at 7:30 a.m. on Thursday, October 18. Storytelling will be held at 5:30 p.m. with a FREE Spaghetti Supper at 6 p.m. The event ends at 7:30. Special thanks go to Angela Hittle, our AmeriCorps member and PTO President! Student Council Elections will be held on Tuesday November 6. Speeches will be held in the cafeteria beginning at 8:30 a.m. All 3rd, 4th and 5th graders will vote before the end of the day. A President, VP and Treasurer will be voted in from the 5th grade student body. Class Reps will be selected from each 4th and 5th grade class. Unlike the grownups, no negative campaign ads, bribes or false promises will be allowed! Upcoming Events: October 16 VVES Faculty Meeting October 15-18 VVES Book Fair – purchase “The Gift of Literature!” October 18 6:00 Spaghetti Dinner--free October 18 10:18 The Great Idaho Shake Out—Earthquake Drill. Drop, cover & hold on! November 4 Daylight Savings Time ends—move your clock back one hour November 6 Election Day—Student Council November 6 Picture Retakes |