Estrada's E-Notes
March 2023 Edition
Principal's Post
Wow! There are so many good things happening in the Newport El community. There's a lot to cover in this issue - I hope that you will read through it and reference as needed because there's quite a few reminders and resources.
In February we had a great turnout at Family STEAM Night. One of the highlights for me was seeing families create a family charter with the help of Mr. Cook, our school counselor. See below for more info about charters and some pictures from the event.
This week we've been celebrating the love of reading with Read Across America Week. For Hometown Hero Thursday, Newport Beach Lifeguards read books about courage in each classroom and NMUSD Superintendent Smith came to visit. At flag deck on Friday, we will have a special guest speaker from the John Wayne Foundation and our kindergarten students will be performing patriotic songs for Famous American Friday. Thanks to our PTA for organizing a fun week filled with reading.
It's hard to believe that the 2nd trimester is wrapping up. March 13-17 is Conference Week, which is a terrific opportunity to meet with your student's teacher to discuss their progress. There's so much more to say than what is on the report card. Our teachers do an amazing job of getting to know their students, and I know they have lots to share with you.
This time of year is always exciting for me as a principal as we are working hard to finish the year strong while simultaneously planning for next school year. Enrollment for new students for the 2023-2024 school year is now open. We are hosting an informational meeting for incoming families on March 21st. It's designed primarily for the parents of TK and Kindergarten students, but all are welcome. Please help spread the word to your friends and neighbors who want to join our "best on the beach" school!
Keep being awesome!
Principal Estrada
#growwithgratitude
NBLG Team
Students dressed up as Heroes
Stories about Courage
What is a Charter?
Here's how you can create a family charter like participant did at our Family STEAM Night:
- Brainstorm emotion words for how you want to feel in your family and in your home. Some ideas could be: respected, safe, trusted, valued, joyful.
- Decide on 3-5 that you agree upon and will commit to.
- Make a visual and display it. Having a visual is a good reminder of the commitment that you've made.
- Reference the charter often and be specific. You can use it to praise... "Thank you for making that choice. It makes me feel _________." Or to correct... "Your behavior isn't in line with our charter, and I don't feel __________. Let's talk about how we can do things differently."
Mr. Cook Explaining Charters
Supplies and Examples
Newport El Charter
Spotlight on Safety
- Always use the crosswalk and wait for them to signal you.
- Students should only be entering/exiting vehicles in the "valet line" along the white curb in front of school.
- U-turns at 13th street are illegal.
- Vehicles waiting in the "valet line", do not block the crosswalk at 14th Street.
Please review our arrival/dismissal procedures and remind any caregivers, grandparents, etc. who may not be aware.
Drop off:
Staff supervision begins at 7:45.
The valet curb is for dropping off only. Do not park or exit your vehicle.
All walkers and bikers should enter campus from the boardwalk gates.
Pick up:
When school is dismissed, students exit through the MPR doors or the boardwalk gates.
The valet curb is for picking up only. Do not park or exit your vehicle. Students should not enter vehicles until the vehicle pulls up past the MPR stairs.
All walkers should exit through the boardwalk gate closest to the beach playground and bikers should exit campus through the boardwalk gate closest to the basketball courts.
Adults, if you are parking your car or walking to campus, please meet your student at the boardwalk gate. It makes it difficult to safely get students in and out of cars when the sidewalk is congested with pedestrians. All foot traffic should be on the boardwalk side of campus. The curb in front of school is for loading/unloading from vehicles only.
Shout Out for Kindergarten
We sure are 100 Days Smarter in Kindergarten! On February 1st we celebrated the 100th Day of School with many math activities. First, we found 100 objects to bring to school to share. We told why we chose our items and how we counted them. During our centers we counted out 100 dots or stickers on a hat that we wore home. Next, we were building with 100 cups to see who could make the tallest structure. We also estimated and counted how many times we could complete different activities in 100 seconds. Throughout the day we sang songs, read poems, and read books related to 100. And of course, we practiced counting to 100 by 10s, 5s, and 1s!
Important March Dates
March 2 - Read Across America Day - Guest readers from NBLG
March 3 - Flag Deck @ 8:15March 3 - Foundation Meeting after Flag Deck
March 13 - Conference Week - Dismissal at 1pm
March 14 - Conference Week - Dismissal at 1pm
March 15 - Conference Week - No School for Students
March 16 - Conference Week - Dismissal at 1pm
March 17 - Conference Week - Dismissal at 1pm
March 17 - Flag Deck @ 8:15
March 20-22 - 6th Grade Science Camp
March 21 - TK and Kindergarten Info Meeting for Incoming Families @ 9am
March 23 - Battle of the Books Competition
April 6 - Open House
NESF's Spring Fundraiser
FYI
- Office staff and myself can text parent's cell phones. We have found this especially handy when a VM box isn't set up or is full.
- When you call the main line 949-515-6965, you will hear a recording. You can press 4 to reach either Debbie or Susi. You don't have to wait for the recording to finish.
- The caller ID issue has been fixed. You should see "Newport El" when any phone on our campus calls.
School Volunteers
All interested volunteers are asked to complete these 3 steps annually:
- Read through the Newport El Volunteer Orientation slide deck.
- Complete the Newport El Volunteer Agreement.
- Complete the district's volunteer approval process.
As always, every teacher utilizes volunteers in different ways. Teachers will be communicating with the approved volunteers from their class about their need for volunteers and scheduling.
Our Office Staff is Here to Help
Main Line: 949-515-6965
Absence Line: 949-515-6832
Attendance and enrollment questions:
Debbie Kandel - dkandel@nmusd.us
Health, medications, and immunizations questions:
Dana Hansen - dhansen@nmusd.us and
Nurse Sarah Hacker - shacker@nmusd.us
All Other Inquiries:
Susi Mendoza - ajimenezmendoza@nmusd.us
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