July Newsletter
Reflecting on the Past....
Engaged in Learning and Contributing to Community: Every student! Every Family! Everyday!
Reflecting on the Past to Build for the Future
I love summer for many reasons. One is that it gives me a chance to reflect on the previous year. And it's this time of year when I think about last year's 8th grade class.
I learn something from every graduating class and this year's class was no exception. I learned that young people can embrace differences, despite what the media tells us. I learned that young people care about one another, despite what the media tells us. I learned that young people can be given responsibilities, follow through on them, and be proud of their successes, despite what the media tells us. I learned that our young people have a voice and need to be heard.
This community is raising strong, spirited young adults, and Lake School is proud to be part of it. As I reflect on last year, I wish our 2022 Graduates a great start to their new year as a high school freshman. I can't help but think about them as they prepare for their first day of high school. The excitement of being at a different school, meeting new friends, and learning new things is almost unbearable!
I get those same feelings as I begin a new year - excited, anxious, worried, thrilled! Every year brings new learnings, new relationships, and new insights into the world of education. We are so happy that you and your children will be a part of another great year at Lake Elementary.
Good Things to Know
First Day of School is Thursday, August 11, 2022. It is a full day. Gates will open at 7:45 a.m. Dismissal time is 2:55 p.m. SPARK will be in normal operation from 2:55 - 6:00 p.m.
Open House
We had so much fun at last year's Open House, we want to do it again. All parents are invited to attend the Open House on the first day of school, August 11. Breakfast will be served from 7:45 - 8:30 a.m. Classrooms will be open from 8:00 - 8:45 a.m. Parents can use this time to tour the campus and stop in and meet teachers. Teachers will once again be sharing Back to School videos that will be uploaded to our website the week school starts. I will notify all parents when the videos are ready to view.
- Kindergarten Open House will be held Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 5:30 p.m. Stay tuned for more information from Mrs. Story, our kindergarten teacher.
New Staff
We are excited to welcome Teri Lely to our staff. Teri will be providing music and art to students in grades K-2. Our new fifth grade teacher, Mr. James Gomez, was introduced in a previous newsletter. Mr. Gomez will be taking the place of Mr. Sonberg as Mr. Sonberg is stepping into the role of TOSA - Teacher on Special Assignment. He will be teaching PE as well as helping in the office with student discipline. Some of you may remember Mrs. Morgan Alexander. Ms. Morgan, as the kids called her, has accepted the Education Specialist position at Walden Academy in Willows. We are so excited for her and wish her the best. We do not know at this time who will replace her in the Learning Center.
Classroom Supply List
If you haven't already done your school shopping, classroom supply lists are here!
School Handbook and Calendar
The 2022-23 School Handbook and Calendar will be provided on the first day of school. We are very proud of the handbook as not only does it provide you with some great information, it doubles as a school calendar. Inside the handbook you will also find this year’s one-page school calendar. The calendar and handbook may also be found on our school’s website, along with a monthly, interactive calendar. Remember, except for the first and last Wednesday of the school year, every Wednesday is a minimum day with dismissal at 12:15 p.m.
Volunteers
Pursuant to Administrative Regulation 1240, classroom volunteers need to be fingerprinted and obtain a clear tuberculosis risk assessment. For those of you who may want to volunteer in the classroom on a consistent basis, I encourage you to contact the school office to start the process as we will walk you through the steps. (Our definition of consistent basis applies to those parents/grandparents who volunteer weekly. This regulation does not apply to classroom parties, monthly assemblies, and other “once in a while” activities.)
Parent Portal
To decrease the amount of paperwork sent home, we transitioned to the Parent Portal a few years ago. Please take a moment to login to the portal and provide the needed information. The portal can be found here or always on our website. New Parents: You might receive this newsletter before we get your activation codes for the portal. Mrs. M (Gianna) is working on getting the activation codes to you via email. Please be patient and wait for the codes. In the meantime, we wanted everyone to have access to the information in this newsletter - thank you!
- Field Trip Chaperones (including drivers): Like classroom volunteers, field trip chaperones must be fingerprinted, pass a tuberculosis screening, and be at least 21 years of age. Should you anticipate wanting to drive for a school field trip, please complete the Field Trip by Private Vehicle section of the Parent Portal. We strongly encourage this for our junior high parents as we utilize parent drivers more so in junior high than in lower grades.
Cafeteria Menu
Beginning this year, California will become the first state to implement a statewide Universal Meals Program for school children. California’s Universal Meals Program is designed to build on the foundations of the federal National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). Simply put, this means that all students will eat for free. Menus are provided on our website and smartphone app under Dining.
SPARK - After School Program
We are fortunate to be able to continue to offer our expanded academic learning program known as SPARK – Supporting Participation in Academics and Recreation for Kids, for students in grades 1-8 (and kinder siblings). Letters have been sent home to families regarding the status of the application. Some families were placed on a waiting list as the program filled quickly this year. The waiting list is monitored frequently; families will be notified if/when space becomes available.
In closing, thank you for helping prepare your child for the new school year. Your commitment to insuring that Lake Elementary remains a celebrated and successful school is appreciated. We look forward to greeting students and families again on August 11. It remains an honor and privilege to serve as your superintendent/principal. Together, I know we will make this school year one of great growth and achievement for all children.
Summer Camp 2022
A great big thank you to all who sent your students to Summer Camp. Another great camp full of learning and fun!