What's New at Walnut?
November 2, 2015
Principal's Message
Our new superintendent, Dr. Ann Bonitatibus, recently asked principals what we are promising the stakeholders on our campuses. As I've reflected on her question, I keep coming back to my own experience at Walnut Elementary. When I come to school, I feel safe. I know there are systems in place to protect physical safety, and emotional safety stays front and center as we teach and practice positive behavior and character development. Because I am not distracted by worries about physical or emotional safety, I can focus on the tasks at hand. Every day I feel challenged, but these challenges are not beyond my ability. In fact, they are exciting and cause me to grow. If I need help, it is available. Walnut's collaborative approach sparks new ideas as I discuss issues with others, and I never feel isolated. As a result, I am excited about the future and look forward to coming to work every day. My promise to students, staff, and parents is that I will work tirelessly to ensure that each of you experience Walnut the way I do. My goal is that everyone feels physically and emotionally safe, is appropriately challenged, accesses support systems when needed, experiences growth, looks forward to coming to school, and feels excited about the future. If you have ideas about how I can best keep this promise, please contact me personally or share your insights at the next School Site Council, ELAC, or PTA meeting.
Parenting Class
As part of our Parent Outreach program, we will be offering a class in Spanish during the month of November. The course, "Parents Raising Kids in a Safe Environment," begins November 2nd and runs every Monday and Friday through November 30th. Topics include handling conflicts, mass media, positive discipline, and how to handle anger. Classes will be held in Room 25 from 8:30-10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to Mrs. Blasi in person or email at ablasi@conejousd.org.
Parent LCAP Survey
Let your voice by heard! Our Superintendent, Dr. Ann Bonitatibus, is collecting information from staff members, parents, students, and community members to help shape the District's goals. Walnut students in grades 4 and 5 have already taken the survey in the computer lab, and we would like every staff member and parent to participate as well. A link to the survey in English and Spanish can be found on Walnut's website and the CVUSD website. Mrs. Wall will share the results at future School Site Council and English Language Advisory Council meetings. You may also access the survey here: http://www.surveygizmo.com/s3/2381146/2015-Parent-LCAP-Email-link
Red Ribbon Week
Walnut is participating in Red Ribbon Week during the first week of November. The week will kick off with a blacktop gathering and pledge as a study body. Students are encouraged to wear their wristbands every day, wear red on Wednesday, and wear sports jerseys on Thursday. We will have a friendly visit from law enforcement and fire personnel on Wednesday at lunch. The week's activities will culminate with a BMX Assembly on Friday afternoon. We pledge to be drug-free!
PTA NEWS
- Join us at the PTA Meeting on Thursday, November 12th, at 6:30 p.m. in Room 21.
- Plans are in motion for this year's Holiday Shop. The Holiday Shop provides an opportunity for students to purchase inexpensive, handmade gifts for the holidays. We need volunteers to help set up and staff the store, and we are also taking donations of handmade items. If you can help, please contact Jill Frazier at jjjfrazier@verizon.net. The Holiday Shop will be open on December 10th and 11th from 1:30-4:00 p.m.
Meet a Walnut Staff Member--Mrs. Blasi
Ana Blasi is new to the Walnut staff this year, and we are thrilled to have her as our first Parent Outreach Specialist. Mrs. Blasi grew up in Mexico City. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and worked for a computer consulting company. When she got married, she moved to the United States. Mrs. Blasi has two boys who attend middle school in CVUSD. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, doing yoga, and spending time working with technology. She is enjoying the challenge of helping Walnut families feel more connected with the school and helping them to find resources in the community at large. If you would like to meet with Mrs. Blasi or just stop by to say hello, she is in the Walnut office every day from 8-11 a.m.
Email: ablasi@conejousd.org
Phone: (805) 498-3608
Important Dates
November 2nd-6th--Red Ribbon Week
November 4th--The Power of One, anti-bullying assemblies
November 5th--School Site Council, 3:00 p.m., Room 22
November 12th--PTA Meeting, 6:30 p.m., Room 21
November 20th--English Language Advisory Council (ELAC), 8:15 a.m., MPR
November 21st--End of Trimester 1
November 25th-27th--No School, Thanksgiving Break
Walnut Elementary School
Walnut is a little elementary school with a BIG heart, where every student is valued and encouraged to develop a lifelong love of learning. We believe in developing the whole child, so we invest in the visual and performing arts, technology, and physical fitness in addition to traditional academics. Walnut has an active PTA, School Site Council, and English Language Advisory Council. Each of these groups of parents and community members would LOVE to have YOU join them in making sure Walnut provides the best possible learning environment for students and families. Please contact us if you'd like to know more. --Mrs. Wall, Principal
Email: awall@conejousd.org
Website: conejousd.org/walnut
Location: 851 Dena Drive, Newbury Park, CA
Phone: (805) 498-3608
Facebook: facebook.com/WalnutBEAT
Twitter: @WalnutAWall