University Elementary
November Newsletter
Walk-a-thon
We had a great Walk-a-Thon day this past Tuesday. The students wore crazy socks and crazy hair. I have to say it was the BEST Walk-a-Thon to date. The students were quite serious about getting their laps but they did so in a responsible manner. I am very proud of all of them. Students must now make sure to get their Walk-a-Thon money turned in by this Friday to be eligible for prizes. Funds generated will be put into the General Fund which in turn supports our library, assemblies, garden supplies, teacher stipends and so much more! Remember that your input counts when we gather at PTA meetings and approve expenditures.
Direct Interactive Instruction
Our teachers will be continuing with their training in direct interactive instruction this month. This format ensures student engagement, explicit front-loading of what the focus and goal of the lesson is, multiple check ins throughout the lesson, and student accountability for their learning. This format highly supports our project based learning and the student responsibility necessary to work well in a collaborative group.
Reflections
The artwork in all mediums have been received and judged. Please join us in celebrating our budding artist on Thursday, November 9th at 6:00 pm. The theme will be Hollywood Awards Night; the attire will be formal. We look forward to the announcement of the winners in each category. Appetizers will be served.
Attendance
During a schoolwide assembly this month, we discussed the importance of coming to school on time. The first bell rings at 8:18 am - classes begin at 8:20 am. A student is tardy if he/she is not in the classroom at 8:20 am. In running our school attendance report, we learned the following about our 225 students:
• 35 students have been tardy 1 time.
• 13 students have been tardy 2 times.
• 8 students have been tardy 3 times.
• 13 students have been tardy 4 times.
• 5 students have been tardy 5 times.
• 8 students that have been tardy between 8 and 15 times.
State law mandates that students need to be at school on time. Students that are tardy a number of times will be required to meet with the Director of Student Services and myself. We like to make every minute count here at University Elementary, and interruptions are very distracting when the teacher is talking. We also have Walk-to-Read for our first and second grade students immediately in the morning. We are asking that parents make a greater effort to get their students to school on time. We would rather you drop off early than late. Parents may drop students off beginning at 8:10 am. For those of you who routinely get your student to school on time, we thank you for your strong commitment to your child’s education and your deep understanding of how every minute counts. Educating our students is a team effort.
Talent Show
University Elementary School’s Talent Show will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 15th. Students are rehearsing weekly to fine tune their talents. The evening will begin at 6:00pm.
School Garden
Our hands-on garden classes are hugely successful! The garden supports the science curriculum taught throughout the grades. Ask any teacher or student and you will quickly understand how engaging these lessons are. Currently, this program is being run by Alisa Norstrom with support from a handful of parent volunteers. Because Alisa spends a minimum of one day a week prepping and another two days a week teaching, we are working hard writing grants to supplement funds to pay her for the two days a week. Grants are not granted until later in the year so the Garden Committee has decided to do a fundraiser totally devoted to fund our highly valued Garden Coordinator, Alisa Norstrom. We will be selling Tupperware upon returning from Thanksgiving Break. Our school will earn 40% of the sales that will go directly to our Garden Coordinator stipend. Orders will be taken for two weeks and then filled before Winter Break.
See's Candy Sales
Be on the lookout for See’s Candy forms coming home. This is the next PTA sponsored fundraiser for our school. These forms will be due back no later than Tuesday, Nov. 28th. The candy orders will be delivered to school and available for pick on Dec. 7th and 8th.
Smencils
Smencils will continue to be available on Tuesday mornings and afternoons. Holiday Smencils will be available soon. All proceeds go to purchasing books for our library.
Botanical Cards
A variety of botanical cards have been donated by a local artist and all proceeds will benefit our University Elementary School garden program. The cards will be sold for $2 per card after school, by the office on Fridays.
meet the masters
Our art docent program taught us about Vincent Van Gogh, a Dutch painter who is among the most influential artists in the history of Western art. This month we will be learning about Claude Monet (1840-1926) Your student artists will discover the techniques of the Impressionists while learning about the struggle Claude Monet experienced in gaining acceptance in the art world. His beautiful, vibrant use of color was emphasized as the students themselves painted in the Impressionistic style.
School Site Council
The School Site council meeting was rescheduled to Monday, November 6th at 3:30pm in Room B3. We will be reviewing the comprehensive School Safety Plan for input towards goals. Everyone is welcome to join us however, voting rights are held by elected parent representatives only.
University Elementary at La Fiesta
Email: charlotte_straub@crpusd.org
Website: www.crpusd.org/uelf
Location: 8511 Liman Way, Rohnert Park, CA, United States
Phone: 707-792-4840
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/University-Elementary-School-at-La-Fiesta-1628724350766801/
Twitter: @UELFSeawolves