The Cat's Connection
September
Welcome Back!
Though we still have a few days left to enjoy our summer with families, our staff is busily at work getting ready to begin what we believe will be another great year. I am excited about this school year and to be a part of our students' learning through the challenges that await them. School, by and large, is academically focused, which it should be, but our staff understands this very important stage in our kids' lives and takes extra care to help them build skills to navigate this interesting time of life. We have been looking at ways to redesign the first day of school experience in order to kick our kids' school year off the right way. We will have a special schedule on the first day to accommodate this and will have an early release at 2:35.
Over the course of the year, we'll be sending our Cat's Connection in hopes of keeping families up to date on the great things and important events going on at LaCreole.
Something to note: Our open house will be a little later in the Fall, October 25th. This will help our teachers and students get to know each other a little better and will also provide time in our classes to put together learning projects to exhibit for what we hope will make projects more authentic and meaningful for students in the process. More information will be coming out when we get closer.
Early Release Schedule on the First Day: 2:35
First Day - Wildcat Welcome Back BBQ
Part of the day will be a welcome back bbq which is a part of the activities. We are treating our kids to lunch so there is no need to pack a lunch the first day! If students prefer to bring their own, please feel free to do so:)
We are excited about the year ahead, glad you're here!
We Welcome Our New Staff!
Ms. Hughes
Mr. Heally
Mr. Bradley
Ms. Webb
Ms. Redford
6th Grade Band - It's not too late!
6th Graders – Now is your chance to join the band! It’s not too late to change your schedule and learn how to play an instrument. Come join one of the most awesome, fun, and music filled classes at school! Just let our counselor, Kayce Lilley, know that you would like to join the band. You can also talk with our band director, Mr. Hettwer, if you have any questions about it.
Instruments that you can play in band are: flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, French horn, trombone, tuba, and percussion. Mr. Hettwer can tell you the best ways to get an instrument to help you get started. E-mail him at: mike.hettwer@dsd2.org.
Adapting In the Age of Technology
Technology for Learning
Once again this year at LaCreole, you will notice a focus on learning using different technologies. Students will use computers and mobile devices to research, connect with their teachers, collaborate with others on projects, as well as to create various products. Students have learned that technology can be used as a powerful tool for learning, not just a toy.
Technology Safety
Student safety is our priority. While students are at school and accessing our Internet, a heavy duty filter system is in place to protect them and the work they produce. We understand that when we think of the worst case scenarios, whether it be student disengagement, cyberbullying, or visiting inappropriate sites, technology use can be somewhat of a scary endeavor. We believe it is our responsibility to help students learn important skills and prepare them for their futures through thinking and collaborative exercises, just as we do as adults on a daily basis. We are very purposeful when it comes to student use of technology here at school. We provide a curriculum that focuses on what it means to be a good digital citizen. We want our students to be smart and safe when it comes to technology use.
Bring Your Own Device
Though we have increased the number of devices we have at school, the majority of which are Chromebooks, we are not able to provide all students with the technology needed all of the time. We encourage students who have and use personal devices at home to feel free to bring them and use them at school. Having familiarity and continuous access to their device helps them stay organized and proficient on the tools they use here at school as well as at home. We refer this as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and this helps all students gain access needed.
Technology Resources
We have utilized many resources, like Common Sense Media, an online resource for parents, students, and teachers. If you would like to learn more about digital citizenship and increase your own digital literacy, check out the link below. Throughout this school year we will be sharing tips and strategies of positive use and discussions with kids.
Get Your Wildcat Spirit Wear!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events at a Glance - September
September 13th - Picture Day
September 21st - Activity Night - 7:00 - 8:30 pm
September 28th - 6th Grade Tree to Tree Adventure ( more information to come)
Picture Day
Picture Day is Coming, September 13th!
Smile! We will have school pictures next week on Thursday, September 13th.
Activity Night Friday, September 21st
Our first activity night of the year is planned for this Friday, September 21, from 7 - 8:30 p.m. Activity Nights are a fun way for our kids to get together and have fun in a safe environment. Students may choose to participate in karaoke, bingo, or various games in the gym. Doc Titus, DJ extraordinaire, will be here! Parents interested in chaperoning may contact our main office at 503-623-6662.
We ask students to please remember:
- Only current LaCreole students may attend.
- There is a $5 entrance fee.
- Dress according to school dress code as this is a school function.
- Bring $$ for snacks, if desired. The Cat's Den will be open for business!
- Students must stay in the building, with supervision, during the entire event.
- Early leavers must sign out with an administrator and be picked up by a parent/guardian. Students will not be sent out the door to meet a parent/guardian at another location. Students will not be allowed to walk home or to another location prior to 8:30 p.m. when the activity is over. No re-admittance.
- Follow school rules. Students with poor behavior will be asked to leave, and a parent/guardian will be contacted to pick up the student.
- Make prior arrangements to be picked up by 8:30 p.m.
- Students with behavior referrals will not be allowed to attend Activity Night. Students who need to make up lunch and after-school detentions will not be allowed to attend Activity Night.
BE READY! BE RESPONSIBLE! BE RESPECTFUL!
Parents: If you would like to volunteer at one of our activity nights, please contact our office at 503-623-6662. We need volunteers!
SEE YOU THERE!