Vista Views
October 3, 2018
Principal's Message
The Importance of Table Talk
Talking with your child about his/her experiences during the school day provides you with a glimpse into the classroom and their relationships with friends. Although parents often feel that immediately after school is the best time to get the conversation started, many experts feel that children need some "down time" before sharing the highlights and challenges of their day. A conversation around the dinner table is the perfect opportunity to talk about the day's events. I like to call this "Table Talk".
In her article "Tips to Get Your Child to Talk About Her School Day", Sherry Artemenko offers suggestions to help get the conversation started. A few of her ideas include asking open-ended questions and modeling conversation by talking about your own day. PBS Parents offers additional insights, especially around the issue of problems at school. Rather than trying to immediately "fix" an issue for your child, encourage him/her to find a solution with questions such as, "What do you think you want to do about this?" This helps empower your child to work through difficult situations, while still giving you with the opportunity to provide guidance.
If you're looking for some fun ideas to the the conversation started, you might want to create a "Table Talk Bowl". Visit TheFamilyDinnerProject.org and select a handful of topics. Write each one on a separate slip of paper and place them in a bowl. As you sit down to dinner, choose a topic (no peeking) to discuss.
I hope these ideas help get some "table talk" started at your house.
NEWS & INFO @ ALTA VISTA
We Need You!
Substitute Teachers - California is facing a significant teacher shortage and this is impacting the availability of substitute teachers. If you have a college degree, the process for earning a substitute credential only requires passing the CBEST exam and a background check. We would love to add some community members to our pool of substitute teachers! For more information, explore the following websites or reach out to Mrs. Bailey.
Overview of Credential Requirements
Yard Duty - We are also in significant need of lunch time yard duty supervisors. We need help between noon and 1:00. You can sign up for as little as one day a week or as many as five days per week. We would love the extra help in keeping our students safe as they play. If you are interested, please contact Vicki in the front office.
ALTA VISTA STEAM NIGHT
Spirit Week
Monday - Mustache Day
Tuesday - Color Day
Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day
Thursday - Look-a-Like Day (Find a friend and dress alike)
Friday - Alta Vista Spirit Day (Don't forget your school colors or spirit wear)
ALTA VISTA HOME & SCHOOL CLUB NEWS
Scholastic Book Fair - The Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our school October 11th-17th! The book fair is a fun celebration of reading that provides families the opportunity to get involved in a universal mission: Encouraging kids to read every day! Scholastic brings a wonderful selection of popular, engaging, and affordable books for kids of all ages. In addition, purchases will benefit our school library.
The book fair is also an easy way for you to become involved as a volunteer. Time commitments are minimal and no experience is needed. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090945adac2fa02-alta1
Visit the Alta Vista Home and School Club web page for additional book fair information, including open hours https://altavistahsc.weebly.com/
Golfland - Join us on Tuesday, October 23rd from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Golfland!! What better way to spend Family Night (no homework night) than mini golfing with your family and friends! 50% of the fees for all rounds of golf purchased by Alta Vista families and friends will be donated back to the school. Save the date and keep a lookout for more details!
MOMENTS @ ALTA VISTA
KINDER
First
Second
How do you count and bundle over 1,000 straws? You find some friends. It's much more fun and quicker when you work together!
THIRD
FOURTH
FIFTH
Coming Events
10/8 THROUGH 10/12 - SPIRIT WEEK
Monday - Mustache Day
Tuesday - Color Day
Wednesday - Crazy Hair Day
Thursday - Dress Alike Day
Friday - Alta Vista Spirit Day
10/9 - PM Kindergarten & First Grade Field Trips (Campbell Heritage Theater)
10/9 - Home & School Club Meeting @ 6:30
10/10 - AM Kindergarten Field Trip (Campbell Heritage Theater)
10/12 - Fifth Grade Field Trip (Lawrence Hall of Science)
10/18 - Picture Make Up Day
10/19 - Staff Development Day (No School)
10/23 - Alta Vista Family Night @ Golfland
10/31 - HALLOWEEN PARADE @ 10:00 AM
Alta Vista School
Email: baileyc@unionsd.org
Website: https://altavista.unionsd.org/
Location: 200 Blossom Valley Drive, LG
Phone: 408.356.6146
Twitter: @TeamAltaVista