John F. Kennedy Parent Newsletter John F. Kennedy Math Science Magnet School
Message from the Principal “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Dr. Seuss All of us at Kennedy Elementary work hard to educate your child in all curriculum areas, especially reading and math. As a school community, we are committed to providing a well rounded education. Let me share with you a few of the highlights:
We had Read Across America on March 2, 2016 with guest readers honoring Dr. Seuss. A big thank you to PTO for decorating and Adrienne Perez for coordinating the event.
Our Science Fair was also a success this year. According to Coordinator Diana Miller, this year’s projects were the best ones yet!
Saturday School continues to do well. 100 students participated on Feb. 27. Mrs. Sherman taught 4th and 5th grade students to quilt and sew and they loved it!
Our staff continues to grow! Miss Jennifer Perlini has joined the Kennedy Coyote family. We were able to eliminate a ⅔ combination class. This allowed us to bring class size down in grades 2 and 3!
March 2016
sessments are in English language arts and mathematics . The paper-pencil assessments include the science assessments—the California Standards Tests (CSTs) for Science, The staff is preparing students for the CAASPP through many learning opportunities using their Chromebooks. The staff is also teaching students how to use a Thinking Map to organize their thoughts as needed for the written response section on the exam, Additionally, we are giving students ample opportunities to practice their understand of the standards on Stride, a computer program, accessible at home and at school. As you can see, many combined efforts are being implemented to provide a strong academic program with enrichment opportunities for your child. We thank you for your support and assistance as we know together we achieve more!
Principal
Desert Sands Unified School District
ONE MORE THING
March is LISTEN TO LEARN month. Kennedy School will be having meetings on the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan) on March 9 at 8:30 am in Rm 13, March 16 at 3 pm in the Computer Lab and on March 22 in the MPR at 6pm. The Desert Sands Unified School District values the input of parents, students, staff, and community members in identifying priorities to guide the district’s future. You’re invited to join the dialogue as DSUSD updates the LCAP (Local Control Accountability Plan). The LCAP is an important planning tool that provides direction on how the district will address state and local priorities for all students. With your help, we can strategically align the district’s resources and services to meet the unique needs of our students. All members of the community are encouraged to review DSUSD’s “LCAP Fast Facts” and provide your feedback through our on-line survey. The survey will be available through March 25, 2016, via the following link:http://www.dsusd.us/content/ listening-learn A paper copy of the survey is available in each school’s office for those who prefer to share their thoughts in writing. I If you have any questions, please contact: (760) 771-8504.
Spring Break There will be no school during the week of March 28 through April 1. School resumes on Monday, April 4.
The state test, California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) is scheduled for May 2-26, 2016. The assessments is comprised of computerbased and paper-pencil assessments. The computer-based asWe celebrated one hundred days of school!
Read Across America Day at Kennedy Read Across America was celebrated on March 2, as that is Dr. Theodore Seuss’ birthday. He was a famous children’s book author who wrote such childhood classics as “The Cat in the Hat” and “Oh, the Places You’ll Go.” Children have loved his books with nonsensical rhymes and made-up words for decades. We invited members of the community to school that day to read Dr. Seuss books to the children, and some staff members wore Dr. Seuss costumes, all of which made for a very fun day for everyone. Some guest readers this year included a lawyer, an artist, and people from the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs.
ulations on how that money is spent, so therefore it can be put to use in an area or project that is underfunded or just can’t get off the ground. We also have a reward system in place for the kids so have your child bring in any Box Tops you can find with the name on the back! Thank you!
Earth Day Earth Day is Friday, April 22, and we will be celebrating it in several ways. The PTO will be revamping the school garden area and planting seeds, hoping to have something for the students to eat out of the garden by this date. If you are interested in helping with the garden, please contact the PTO or Mr. Valentino, our Science Specialist.
Spotlight on our Staff–
Mrs. Debbie Geyer
Box Tops This may seem like an annoying reminder, but every Box Top really does count. The school receives 10₵ for each Box Top in the form of a check. That may not sound like much to you, but when we all work together, it adds up. This money is also very convenient for the school as there are no stip-
I’ve been an elementary school teacher for over 20 years and an intervention specialist for 12 years. I get excited when kids get excited about learning! Our class (2nd grade, Room 16) recently received an award for our Science project on magnetism called, “Stick To It!” I love hiking with my husband and hanging out with our three grandchildren, Kaia, age 8, Haven, age 5 and Connor, age 3. We like using their favorite toy to make them smile. It makes noise- want to guess what it is? Mrs. Geyer’s challenge– her kids are looking for some parents to go to the garden outside of their room, work it and
Our cafeteria ladies on Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
pull weeds to get it ready to plant seeds… and the kids thank you in advance!
Safety Concerns We have had a couple of dangerous incidents during drop off time in the morning. Parents have reported vehicles being left unattended or cars left with a person or child in the back seat. Neither one is acceptable. Also, parents are dropping off their children in the middle of the lanes because other cars are parked and making no movement whatsoever. This is a concern for the children and also creates the potential for car accidents and more dangerous situations. Please follow our drop off procedures so we can keep everyone safe and happy.
Fashion Show Due to overwhelming response, Kennedy Elementary School will be once again host a Fashion Show on April 30. Besides the charming students modeling beautiful outfits, each classroom has been asked to donate a basket which will be raffled off the day of the show. The baskets may be themed around any of the following: Coffee Time, Tea Time, Bath Indulgence, Chocolate Lover, Movie Time, Sports and more! If you as a parent would like to donate a basket, perhaps based on your business or hobby, please contact Mr. Leaver at the school for guidelines and we appreciate your support!
Velásquez, explaining their interest in serving in this manner. Our team members possess the following student characteristics: Knowledge of school rules, good attendance, hard worker and academically sound, earns Super You’s, and is polite, courteous and respectful. They each serve as recess monitor 1-2 days out of the week and assist during special events like assemblies or important school functions. They meet weekly with Mrs. Velásquez to let her know of behavior trends in the student body. By participating in this program, they learn to be leaders and make a positive differences
Vocabulary Boosters
Kennedy School Peacemakers
There is a team of students who work to reduce conflicts between their peers and set positive examples. These students had to apply by writing a letter to our counselor, Mrs.
A large vocabulary can turn your child into a better reader and writer. Try these everyday ways to help him learn new words. Keep your ears open. When you and your youngster go places, point out words that people use. Maybe a waiter describes an entrée or the dentist talks about molars. Encourage your child to figure out what they mean by the way they’re used. Go beyond nouns. Help your youngster add verbs and
adjective to her vocabulary. Sports and games offer opportunities to use action words. Let your child hear you comment on the softball that soars or the runner who sprints. When she sends thank-you notes or greeting cards, suggest descriptive words (a polka -dot shirt, a fantastic birthday).
Hope for the Future Angel Light Academy’s 18th Annual Youth Leadership “KickOff” Conference will take place at Van Buren School on March 12 and 13 from 9 am to 3 pm. Registration begins at 8 am. This special conference teaches leadership traits, communication skills, teamwork and problem solving skills. Students solve everyday problems, build self-confidence, and become role models. Skits, games music, role-playing and workbooks keep students engaged. Bilingual materials and instruction are available. There is a $75 donation requested, but scholarships are available.
