Camp Pioneer Trail
December 2018 Parent Newsletter
PRINCIPAL'S VIEW
Dear Pioneer Trail Families,
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Hard to believe it is 2019! I remember when everyone's goal was to make sure everything in their house did not crash when the calendar rolled over to 2000 and now here we are almost 20 years later!!!
Speaking of goals, I recently came across an article that talked about how encouraging goal setting with children and having them work toward those goals can really help teach them how to be responsible and how to stay focused on the end results. The article suggested that instead of focusing solely on today or tomorrow or next week, help your chid think of something they would like to accomplish over the next month or six weeks. They can learn that is not just about reaching the goal, but the required steps to get there. Have your child set a short term goal and then help him/her map out how he/she will work toward that goal. It could be academic or other skills involving sports or playing an instrument, for example. At the end of the time period, check with your child. Did he/she accomplish their goal? If not, was improvement made? Share your own goals with your child and how you plan to accomplish them. The article said that by showing children that we also have goals and ways to meet them, it will help them understand goal-setting strategies.
As always, my goal is to help make our school the absolute best that it can be for all of our families and staff members. I am very proud of each of you and look forward to a great second semester!
Sincerely,
Scott Salmons
CHARACTER PLUS
Motivation & Hard Working are our character traits for January. Please discuss with your child the importance of working hard and being motivated to reach his or her goals.
Reading at Home - Make it a Goal with Your Child
NEW FACES AT P.T.
Madison Cooper
Welcome to Fifth Grade! This is my first year at Pioneer Trail Elementary and I am excited to work with all my wonderful students!
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I have one brother who is currently serving in the Navy and both my parents are veterans as well. My first career was a ballet dancer. I traveled all over the country training and performing. My love of dance led me to teaching. I began teaching ballet and fell in love working with students of all ages! Once I "retired" from ballet, I perused my Bachelors' degree from the University of Houston - Clear Lake. Something I am very passionate about is animals and conservation of our environment. While living in Houston, I was a volunteer with the Houston Zoo education department. I had a blast not only working with animals but also educating people about them!
In my classroom, I strive for an environment where students' ideas, thoughts and actions are valued and respected. Each student brings something unique and special to the classroom that I can't wait to be shared with others.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Jan. 4...Grade Cards Go Home
Jan. 7...PTO Meeting @ 6:30 pm
Jan. 7...5th Grade Math iReady Testing
Jan. 8...Kindergarten Math iReady Testing
Jan. 9...1st Grade Math iReady Testing
Jan. 10..2nd Grade Math iReady Testing
Jan. 11..3rd Grade Math iReady Testing
Jan. 14..Board of Education Meeting @ 6:00 pm
Jan. 18..No School - PD Day
Jan. 21..No School - MLK Day
Feb. 1...Awards Assembly 8:30 am
HELPFUL HINTS FROM THE OFFICE
- BBBRRRRRR.....cold weather is here!! Students will go outside each day that the "feels like" temperature is 20 degrees or above, so please make sure they come to school with their coats, hats, and gloves. Thanks so much!!!
- To ensure the safety of our students, we will always follow the set routine for your child to go home from Pioneer Trail unless we have a note or phone call from you. Please call no later than 2:30 pm.
- If your child will be absent, please notify the office as soon as possible at 632-3400.
- When dropping your child off in the morning, please remain in your vehicle. If you need to exit your vehicle, please pull into a parking space so that the flow of traffic is not disrupted.
- If you are dropping your child off after 8:15, please walk them inside and sign them in.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR HELP!!
PIONEER TRAIL MISSION STATEMENT
PIONEER TRAIL VISION STATEMENT
Pioneer Trail Elementary will foster a community of students, parents, and staff dedicated to the development of every individual’s ability to learn. Staff and parents will expect each student to achieve at his or her maximum potential, both academically and behaviorally. As a community, we promote a safe, supportive environment that encourages curiosity, inquiry, and a life-long passion for learning.
We Believe that learning is a continuous process that builds from year to year with a rigorous curriculum that focuses on state standards.
We Believe that students should be engaged in the learning process and be accountable for their learning.
We Believe that character traits should be an important focus and help support a cheerful, productive, and safe school environment.
We Believe that collaboration among all stakeholders is vital to helping students achieve success.