Principal's Perspective
Vol. 13 4-25-16 twitter@SkylineIB
Dear Skyline Family,
Staffing
The district has provided FTE to fund our core K-8 program. We were able to maintain all teachers and support staff at the same levels as this year. Yesterday, I met with PTA and Foundation members to discuss extra funding to support our IB Program requirements and additional learning opportunities.
Here are some changes to be aware of for next year:
- Our music program K-5 is presently funded by the Arts Tax. In order to provide music to 6-8 graders, we will need additional foundation funds. All 6-8 students will have music as an elective for one Quarter. Next year, our Band program will shift to being an after school program. We will also offer Choir and Art classes after school. Scholarships will be available.
- Spanish classes are required by PPS for 7th and 8th graders. IB requires us to also offer Spanish exposure to grades 2-6. Next year, we will continue to offer Spanish to grades 2-8, and are working on a way to also provide Spanish to K/1.
- We will be offering a Gardening Program for students K-8. More info to come!
- Study Skills classes will be offered to all Middle School students. Students will learn organization, time management, approaches to learning, and have time to start working on their homework.
- Student intervention: We will provide more support for reading and math for students in grades K-5.
Thank you for your active fund-raising support! Because of your generosity, students will have more opportunities for art, music, innovation technology, and academic support!
Spoons and Forks
The cafeteria desperately needs stainless steel spoons and forks. In an effort to be more green, we have discontinued the use of plastic utensils. However, some of the utensils donated in the past have disappeared. A great place to pick up a few spoons and forks is Goodwill! Please have your student bring donations to the office to ensure that they get to Angie in the kitchen. Thank you for your support!
Staff Appreciation Week, May 2-6
Next week is Staff Appreciation Week. This is the time for us to show our gratitude to our hard working and passionate staff! Our teachers, secretaries, bus drivers, support teachers, cafeteria staff, and custodians, all work together to make Skyline a safe place to learn and thrive. We look forward to spending this week showing gratitude and appreciation for all they do!
Happy Mother's Day, May 8
We wish all mothers and guardians a wonderful Mother's Day! You deserve to be honored and appreciated for all you do. Enjoy your special day!
Makerspace Project, May 23-24
Our 7th graders, along with other 7th graders in PPS, will be embark on a creative opportunity to participate in a Makerspace Project called "The Art of STEM." Students will be encouraged to think outside the box to build, innovate, tinker, problem solve and invent their own creations. We need chaperones to accompany our students on this innovative field trip. Please email Jet Griffith if you are available to go! mailto:jgriffith@pps.net
For more info about Makerspace, please see link below:
http://renovatedlearning.com/2015/04/02/defining-makerspaces-part-1/
Here are some visual examples:http://www.brit.co/15-maker-spaces/
Next year, our technology teacher, Ms. Griffith, plans to create some opportunities for students in grades K-8 to experience a Makerspace here at Skyline. How exciting!
Move for the Arts, May 25
Our visual arts program at Skyline is amazing. I'm not sure if you are aware that a large majority of our funding for visual art projects come from your donations to Move for the Arts. Next year, we plan an even more robust art program for K-8. Projects will be directly connected to IB Lessons, and students will show their learning and understanding through art. Art provides students the freedom to express themselves and show creativity using a different lens. We want to encourage different perspectives through offering even more opportunities for students to connect with their inner artists.
If you can, join us for the Move for the Arts Event on May 25 to volunteer and see how our K-8 students build community while working as a team to raise money for art at Skyline. Thank you for continually supporting art at Skyline IB!
Middle School Band Concert, May 26
Our fabulous Middle School Band will play twice on May 26. There will be a 2:00pm matinee concert, and a 6:00pm concert. All MS band students are expected to arrive for the evening concert by 5:45pm. Since it is a spring concert, dressing in light spring colors is encouraged for those performing. Join us for this musical delight!
Final Middle School Dance, May 27
Our final dance of the year will be on May 27. The theme is 70's summer! Get out your Tie-Dye and Wayfarer sunglasses for this retro 70's summer bash. Parent chaperones and volunteers are needed!
Hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Thank you for sending such amazing students to school everyday!
Sarah Zabel
Principal
Skyline May/June Events Calendar
May 10-Kindergarten Open House (for new kindergartners)
May 18-Late opening/Cohort lunches
May 19-PTA/Foundation Meeting
May 23-27-Spirit Week
May 25-Move for the Arts
May 27-MS Dance
May 30-Memorial Day- No School
June 3-Skyline Carnival
June 9-Last Day of School K-8