Prestwick STEM Academy
Prestwick Profile - Community Vol. 14 Oct. 29
Prestwick LEarns - Why spend time Reading?
The article elaborates that reading a few minutes daily with your child has the benefits of enriching vocabulary, builds early reading skills, spurs cognitive development and provides a bonding experience between us. Often time we refer to the early reading skills in our conferences with parents but what do those really mean. Here are those skills and the definition of them (The importance of Reading to Your Child):
- Phonemic awareness – Being able to hear, identify, and play with individual sounds in spoken words.
- Phonics – Being able to connect the letters of written language with the sounds of spoken language.
- Vocabulary – The words kids need to know to communicate effectively.
- Reading comprehension – Being able to understand and get meaning from what has been read.
- Fluency (oral reading) – Being able to read text accurately and quickly.
Often times we find a child has a deficit in one or more of these areas which causes Reading to be very difficult for them. The one sure way we know to help them grow in these areas is to read with them daily to build these skills just like we would build a muscle in need of growing. It is important to note that reading is a developmental skill that has a range of time to develop- not all children will crack the code of reading at the exact same time so we aim to support them right where they are.
It is also wonderful for your child to listen to you read. When you read to your child at any age they hear good models for how to sound fluid and read like we speak, add vocalization that mimics the story line and they practice their listening comprehension as they create a picture in their mind of what you are reading. Lastly it shows them that you read for fun and learning as well.
We respond swiftly to reading challenges because it will be the backbone to all learning. Children will read math problems, digest Science and Social Studies vocabulary and write using the vocabulary they have learned in each of these areas. More importantly we hope that our readers will enjoy the experience of reading and being able to travel to places when they read. We thank you for joining us in supporting your reader. A few minute each day is all it takes to build confident readers and writers. Ready, Set ....... Let's READ!
Reference used for this weeks Prestwick LEarns may be found at: https://www.all4kids.org/2017/03/03/importance-reading-children/
Canned Food Drive
Veteran's Day Celebration
Prestwick STEM Academy will be honoring Veteran’s Day on Monday, November 5, 2018. We would like to invite our community Veterans to our campus, to be recognized for the exceptionally meritorious service, commitment and loyalty to the United States of America. We will serve a light appreciation breakfast from 7:50am - 8:05am in our café. Afterwards, Veterans are invited to our K-5 classrooms from 8:30am - 9:00am to visit and share a few words about their military service.
For our middle school students (6th-8th), we are currently working to provide a unique experience. Middle school students will be provided the opportunity to sign-up to hear from guest speakers from various military branches during their respected lunch times. Middle school lunches are from 12:05pm - 12:35pm and 12:40pm - 1:10pm.
Students model combining integers in 6th grade math.
Student Work Matters
Lobo Loot Store Needs Volunteers - Every Week - We can't do it without your help!!
Staff Spotlight
This week our spotlight is on one of our awesome 3rd grade teachers, Mrs. Kim. Third grade is a crucial year for many student as they transition into becoming more independent and mature learners. Here is what Mrs. Kim says about her experience as a third grade teacher and where she gets her motivation to serve her students:
“Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier,” stated Mother Teresa, a Nobel Peace Prize winner, who dedicated her entire life serving others. She is one of the my favorite people who I am truly inspired by when I teach children everyday. As an educator, delivering information and serving students daily, I feel the need to permeate love and promote trust. Happy teachers create cheerful students. I believe that if my students know that I sincerely care about them, they for sure care about you as a teacher in return. So where do I receive my love and happiness from? Of course, from my dedicated family! My husband, Aram, one profound pianist, introduces my life with beautiful music as a fresh mint to refocus and find serenity in the midst of my hectic world. With my great passion for music, he fills my missing gaps so that I may enjoy life even more. As for my three precious daughters, Abigail, Ava and Aaliyah, they are the reasons why I am a faithful mother, passionate believer and strong achiever. Most importantly, “I can do all things through Him who gives me strength!” I feel extremely blessed and thankful to be who I am now! :)
Scientist of the Week
Red Ribbon Week
Red Ribbon Week
Important Dates
November 5 Homecoming Parade Make-Up Date
November 7 Chart Your Course for the High School (current 8-11 graders)
November 14 Chart Your Course @ Prestwick from 6-8 (current 5-7th graders)
Counselor's Corner
During the month of October, our elementary students had critical age-appropriate conversations about saying "NO" to drugsand being solution-focused for their future. Students had the chance to sign a Drug-Free pledge, and dress up on different theme days. Middle schoolers got the opportunity to see a DEA Agent, and learn about the dangers of illegal drugs.
On Unity Day, our students got the opportunity to dress in orange, talk about kind words and actions (after viewing a video), and sign a pledge. Middle School students viewed videos from Pacer.org and were able to talk about saying "NO" to bullying. We are unified against Bullying! Stay tuned for a report about our Counseling program in the future.
Chart Your Course 2018
Chart Your Course for the High School (current 8th-11th grade)
Chart Your Course for the Middle School (current 5th-7th grade)
Wednesday, November 14 from 6:00-8:00 p.m.