Watch this.

Almond teachers have been working together all week this week (thank you PTA) to design instructional units with focus.

First we ask, “What do we want our students to know?”

Then we craft around that intention.

We simplify, perfect, and sometimes start over.

It is our mission to “Empower our students to own their learning in a collaborative community.”

We do not simply value WHAT they learn.  We value HOW they learn it and WHY they learn it.

Our vision embodies this.  We will foster engaged learners who are able to:

1. Explore interests, pursue passions, and develop their voice.
2. Build confidence through a growth mindset.
3. Work together to solve problems and think creatively.
4. Celebrate successes!!!

Our entire staff has committed to:

• Put the needs of students first.
• Make students feel safe and welcome so they may thrive.
• Think school-wide.  We are Almond teachers, not teachers of certain grades or classes.
• Collaborate by sharing ideas and resources to best support each other.
• Use instructional strategies to work towards personalized learning goals.
• Assess regularly with common assessments and use the data to drive student learning.
• Stay positive, professional, and respectful.
• Have a growth mindset by being flexible and learning together.
• Challenge ALL students.

We look forward to an incredible year with your children, our students.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - NEW

HOMEROOM PLACEMENT LETTERS

Will be emailed tomorrow, Friday, 8/12.  If you happen to pop by campus next week for a visit, please keep in mind that teachers are diligently working to prepare classrooms and instruction for our students’ arrival.  Thank you for respecting this time by allowing them to focus on this effort.

EARLY RELEASE AFTER SCHOOL CARE SUPPORT QUESTIONNAIRE

• When we incorporated the early release day into our schedule to promote furthering our work around personalizing learning for ALL children, we made a commitment to supporting families for whom after school care may pose an insurmountable financial burden on Thursdays.

• In addition, we want to also support families who will utilize after school program options that will not start until 8/25, 9/1, or 9/8.

• Please complete THIS survey if you need support.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES

If you weren’t able to purchase the SchoolPak supplies that are arriving this week for distribution to classrooms, please check out THIS list of supplies that are requested by grade level.  Thank you.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

• We are excited to share the Aftercare program options for the Fall.  We have many of the old favourite programs returning as well as several new programs such as a Guitar group, Art in Math and a drama program.

• THIS website has a listing of what is available.  The week view is very helpful to see what is available by date.

• We have all new bell times this year so programs have shifted to accommodate the later times on most days and the new early Thursdays.  We are offering “two shifts” of classes on Thursdays so you can sign up your kids for one or both of the options to take them through to around 4:30pm.

• We will also have flyers up about other programs in the neighbourhood such a new offering at Hidden Villa.

• Lastly, a call for a few volunteer parents to help Almond offer the program called  Girls on the Run Program.  We need three coaches only to get this program at our School.  Please contact Kylie Owen or Jennel Massey if you are interested to learn more.

HOT LUNCH WILL BE SERVED ON FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

Registration and ordering is open at this link [http://pastamarket.orderlunches.com]. The school password is “AES181”. The first ordering deadline will be midnight on Sunday, 8/14.

PTA COMMITTEE CHAIRS NEEDED

Yay!  Almost every committee has a leader.  We’re looking for two more volunteers.

• Bookwave - This involves someone to manage the packets that get distributed early in the year and to organize the Bookwave evening event.

• Almond Website Editor - This involves posting Mrs. Benadom’s spectacular (yup, it’s me again crafting this message) principal messages on a weekly basis and upon occasion updating other elements of the website.

SBAC STUDENT REPORTS MAILED HOME FOR CURRENT 4TH - 6TH GRADERS

Last spring, students in grades 3-6 took the statewide standardized test known as the SBAC.  Our district mailed home the student reports last Thursday.  As a parent (this is Mrs. Benadom typing :-)) I received the reports at home for my own children.  Please keep in mind that we do value data, aka information about student learning.  We also value multiple measures to ensure we get a clear picture of the whole child.  We have grade level and school wide results and we are very proud of the growth that we made this year.  When this data is available to the public, we will share those results and you will hear my reflections on them.  As you review your individual child’s progress on this single test, please keep in mind it is one micro slice of what they were able to show they know.  As a staff we will strive to ensure ALL student learn at high levels and that they are able to demonstrate this learning on this measure.  We will reflect on how to best support ALL students, including those who “Did not meet,” or who “Almost met” standards.  It may be necessary for us to provide some intervention to address some learning needs, or it might also be appropriate to support the child in gaining skills to demonstrate mastery on a digital assessment that checks in on learning in a particular way.  We will continue to work hard as a staff to personalize the learning for ALL of our students.

PTA & SCHOOL ANNOUNCEMENTS - REPEATED

SCHOOL START and END TIMES

HERE is the detailed schedule that you can download and print.

Transitional Kinder, M/T/W/F = 8:45am – 2:25pm*, Th = 8:45am - 1:10pm*

Kindergarten, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:25pm*, Th = 8:30am - 1:10pm*

Grades 1 & 2, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:35pm*, Th = 8:30am - 1:20pm

Grades 3 thru 6, M/T/W/F = 8:30am – 2:55pm*, Th = 8:30am - 1:40pm

*From 8/17 – 9/9, TK and Kinder will dismiss at 12pm to allow students a transition period to full day as well as an opportunity for teachers to assess students and collaborate with team members to ensure your child’s success.

-Note that Grades K-6 start at 8:30am EVERYDAY.  There was a typo on the last newsletter.  My apologies.

PTA BACK TO SCHOOL SYSTEM IS ONLINE!

Complete your family’s registration in the back to