Vista Views
January 9, 2019
News & Information @ Alta Vista
As we kick off the new year, we are welcoming Mrs. Jane Threet back into the Alta Vista classrooms. This month, Mrs. Threet will begin teaching our Music classes. She did a terrific job with our Chorus program during the fall, so we look forward to some wonderful music and movement experiences in the upcoming months.
INCOMING KINDERGARTEN PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT
On January 23rd, we will be offering an informational meeting for parents of incoming kindergarteners. Beginning at 5:30, parents will hear about the registration process, learn about kindergarten curriculum, and meet the teachers. The meeting will be held in the Alta Vista cafeteria. If you have a neighbor with a child that will be attending kindergarten in the fall, please share the flyer attached to this newsletter. Online registration begins on February 1st.
ALTA VISTA DRAMA CLUB PRESENTS MARY POPPINS JR.
Alta Vista's budding actors, actresses, and stage crew are working hard to put the finishing touches on this year's production of Mary Poppins Jr. There will be six performances, beginning on January 30th and running through February 2nd. Tickets go on sale at 8:00pm on Monday, January 14th. Tickets can only be purchased through the Alta Vista Drama Club website. Tickets always sell out quickly, so don't miss your chance to see this fun musical.
UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT INFORMATION
SECURITY CAMERAS
Based on an initial pilot of security cameras at four schools to promote safety and deter vandalism and theft on our campuses, we are in the process of installing additional security cameras across the district. For a copy of Alta Vista's comprehensive safety plan, please contact our district office. We want to highlight several key points in the policy:
Camera Locations: Security cameras may be located in public areas of both interior and exterior parts of the buildings. Security Cameras shall not be used in locations where individuals have a reasonable expectation of privacy, including the interior of any restroom, toilet, bathroom, washroom, shower, locker room, changing area, or lavatory.
Viewing of Recordings: Security cameras will not be actively monitored. Access to live and archived recordings will be restricted to authorized school and district personnel and may be released as required by law.
Police Involvement: Matters captured by the security cameras may be referred to local law enforcement, as appropriate.
Please feel free to contact your principal if you have any questions or need additional information.
BECOME A SUBSTITUTE TEACHER
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of students? Then substitute teaching may be the right job for you! Union School District is seeking kind and compassionate people to join our team of substitute teachers. As a substitute, you can set your own schedule, gain valuable classroom experience, and enjoy a great source of supplemental income. If you would like to learn more about becoming a substitute teacher, please contact Lenette Solis at the District Office (solisl@unionsd.org or 408-377-8010).
JANUARY PARENT EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES
Shifts in Social Studies Instruction
Tuesday, January 15th
6:30-7:30 p.m. - Union Middle School Library
For more information, to register and to access the livestream, please go to: bit.ly/USDSocSt.
Parenting in the Age of Technology - for Elementary School parents
Wednesday, January 23rd
6:30-8:00 p.m. - Carlton Elementary School Cafeteria
For more information, to register and to access the livestream, please go to: bit.ly/USDElemDig
FUTURE CHEFS COMPETITION
Calling all "future chefs" for Union School District's annual culinary competition. We're looking for your favorite healthy Mexican recipe. You can pick up entry forms from the cafeteria, school office, by visiting the Food Services website, or downloading the recipe card at the bottom of this newsletter. All entries are due to the school office by January 18th. Finalists will compete in a cook-off on March 12th at Union Middle School. Good luck and happy cooking!
Cornerstone Corner
The goals of the classroom lesson include:
- Identify caring adults who provide support and positive communication.
- Teach students how to tell and make a report.
- Use positive self-talk to boost personal power in interpersonal relationships.
- Role model UPstander responses to support each other.
- Create a caring, safe school environment for all by teaching adults on school campuses how to respond to student reporting.
- Generate ways to be UPstanders when faced with cyberbullying.
There are many things you can do to reinforce this lesson at home. Be the one your child can come to when they need to be heard. Listen and be aware of situations that need further attention. Remember to stay calm and gather information by asking questions. In most instances, you can help your child identify and state the problem. “So Jack is picking on you at recess. What are some things you/we might do?” Help your child see their personal power is in how they choose to react. Discuss the potential consequences of the chosen strategy. “If you go to the teacher what would happen?” Look at 2 or 3 strategies and consequences and have your child choose one. Reassure your child. Thank them for sharing their worries and tell them that you will be “there” when they need help. Check back later to see if the strategy is working. If you are not sure what to say or do, reassure your child you will find a way to help and get back to them. Follow through on your promises. When you “catch” kids modeling positive behaviors... Notice it, Name it, and Celebrate it!
SMART RESTART MOMENTS - JANUARY 7TH
Alta Vista Coming Events
1/15 - Parent Education Night: Shifts in Social Studies Instruction 6:30-7:30 @ UMS Library
1/17 - Third Grade Field Trip to Monterey Bay
1/17 - Fourth Grade Field Trip to San Juan Bautista
1/18 - NO SCHOOL (STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY)
1/21 - NO SCHOOL (MARTIN LUTHER KING DAY)
FIFTH GRADE SCIENCE CAMP @ WALDEN WEST JANUARY 22- 25
1/22 - Second Grade Field Trip to The Tech Museum
1/23 - Parent Education Night: Incoming (2019-2020) Kindergarten Information Night 5:30-6:15 @ Alta Vista Cafeteria
1/23 - Parent Education Night: Parenting in the Digital Age 6:30-8:00 @ Carlton
Alta Vista School
Email: baileyc@unionsd.org
Website: https://altavista.unionsd.org/
Location: 200 Blossom Valley Drive, LG
Phone: 408.356.6146
Twitter: @TeamAltaVista