The following statement is from Principal, Jeff Friedenberg, with regards to the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas.

Dear Falcon Families,

It is with a bruised heart that I am appealing directly to you this week. Typically this space is reserved for celebrations and projections of hope for upcoming joy. In the shadow of unspeakable carnage cast over our country once again this week, none of those sentiments feel right. Our flags are at half mast, and the weight of Tuesday's tragedy hangs in the air like the dense morning fog that clouds our school on early September mornings. It's thick and cold and uncomfortable.

This morning I hugged my two sons, daughter, and wife a little longer and a little closer than usual before walking out the door into the uncontrollable world. What if the unthinkable were to happen at Fletcher? At my sons and daughter's school? It is every parent and caregiver's worst nightmare. And yet, we must persist.

It is easy to be fearful when we're bombarded on social media, tv, internet, etc. with images, accounts, and commentary about the slaughter of 21 innocents. The hard part is pushing past the pain and processing the fact that while although these events are devastating, relatively speaking, they are rare.

This community has trusted Fletcher Elementary school with their children for almost 60 years. I feel so confident in the safety of this school that I would enroll my own kids here except for the fact that I doubt they'd appreciate hanging around for hours after school in my office. Also, I don't want them hanging around after school in my office.

All kidding aside, the safety of your children is our number one priority every day. Our campus is secured on both sides by automatically closing gates that are only accessible with a key card. One of the benefits of being a small school is everyone knows everyone. When we see an unfamiliar car pulling into the lot on our security feed, it becomes an immediate point of attention. Our office has a radio with a direct connection to the SDUSD School Police. This bypasses potential wait time on hold with 9-1-1. We routinely practice safety drills, and we're frequently consulting with law enforcement on best practices for securing campus on a moment's notice. Our new security perimeter will take things one step further, providing an added layer of protection. And on and on. If you still have questions, please do not hesitate to email me and we can set up a call.

We are united in our grief (to paraphrase the Kendrick Lamar song title) this week. Lean on each other, lean on us for support. The Fletcher Community is stronger together.

We are a small school and a big family.

All my best,

Jeff Friedenberg
Proud Principal
Fletcher Elementary School

“Tragedy should be utilized

as a source of strength.

No matter what sort of difficulties,

how painful experience is

if we lose our hope,

that's our real disaster."

- HH Dalai Lama XIV

This week's Student of the Week is Sonshine in Mrs. Duncan's class! She is our sunshine on campus with a giant smile and a big hug for everyone. Sonshine has progressed in her reading by eight levels to be at grade level. She loves reading buddies and helping others read. Sonshine is also a great scientist. She delves deep into our topics and likes to share her thoughts.

Congratulations, Sonshine! Thank you for being a phenomenal falcon!

Paraeducator Independence Facilitators, also known as a PIF, are incredibly important members of the Special Education staff on school campus. They support students with specific learning needs reach their goals by being in class and in small group settings. It's an incredibly rewarding position with a competitive salary + benefits. Salary starts at $19.40/hour with benefits.

Apply here: https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/sandi

May

27 - NO SCHOOL

30 - NO SCHOOL - Memorial Day

June

1 - Minimum Day - Report Card Prep

8 - Minimum Day - Report Card Prep

14 - Minimum Day - Last Day of School

14 - 5th Grade Promotion - 11AM

15 - Teacher/Staff Check out

*Dates subject to change due to shifts in the academic programming

Interested in joining the PTA Board? We currently have several opportunities for families to get involved in this essential partnership. Email our ESA, Sarah Myers at smyers1@sandi.net for more information.

Why join?

1. Support Students - Research shows that participating in your child's school helps them perform better academically.
2. Benefit the School - PTA performs support for teachers, staff, and students which creates a positive and caring atmosphere in the school.
3. Make Connections - Get to know the teachers and staff better. Make life-long friends with other parents at the school.
4. It's Good for You - Socializing with other parents and volunteering to do good for your child's school is fun, healthy, and rewarding.

Even if you don't have the time available to join our PTA Board, you can join the organization by clicking HERE: Fletcher Elementary PTA Sign-Up

Although we want students to be in school each day for class, we know that absences will happen. It is important that parents report their student's absence within 24 hours. Absences can be reported via our online form, phone or email. Please let us know if you have any questions and thank you for your support.

Click HERE for a link to the Online Absence Reporting Form

San Diego Unified School District now has a new testing site for all students and staff. If your student is showing symptoms at home or at school, this new resource will provide a quick and easy way to get test results so they can return to school as soon as possible. Testing will now be available at the Education Center located at 4100 Normal Street, 92103. It's only FIVE MILES away from Fletcher!

The site is open from 7:00AM - 7:00PM MONDAY through FRIDAY and 8:00AM - 5:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. No appointments necessary! Prior to testing, if your student isn't already registered to receive weekly testing on site, families will need to register for a Primary Health Portal account. https://my.primary.health/l/sdusd_testing.

Click HERE for a link to the flyer with a map.

Email: communications@sandi.net
Website: https://fletcher.sandiegounified.org/
Location: 7666 Bobolink Way, San Diego, CA, USA
Phone: (619)605-4600
Facebook: facebook.com/FletcherSDUSD
Twitter: @FletcherSDUSD