MONTEREY RIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Message sent - 8/31/2009
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Life’s challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they’re supposed to help
you discover who you are.
~Bernice Johnson Reagon
BIG GAINS FOR MRES ON STATE TESTS
I am thrilled to share that the STAR test (state standardized tests) results
showed MRES made huge academic gains in EVERY grade level and in EVERY
content area. The number of proficient and advanced students also grew
tremendously, doubling in some grades. We far exceeded the SMART goal we set
as a staff. Simply put, we are quite proud of the results. While the state
has postponed release of the API sores until late September, I wanted to
take a moment to say thanks for partnering with us and helping us be such a
high performing school. As you know, our teachers are incredibly talented
and second to none. Your partnership and support allows us to ensure each
child reaches her/his potential. Onward and upward!
HOT WEATHER
In an effort to ensure the safety of our students during exceptionally hot
days we will continue to keep students inside the MPR after eating their
lunch rather than play in the heat.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT
Mark your calendars for Thursday, September 3. The schedule is as follows:
5:15 – 5:45 Student Council Meeting
5:45 – 6:30 Grades K,3,4,5
6:30 – 7:00 PTA Meeting
7:00 – 7:45 Grades 1,2
This is one of those truly rare evenings at school that is for ADULTS only.
Child care will not be provided on site.
THE VISION AND MISSION OF MRES
Now that the year is underway, I hope you will take a moment to review our
mission and vision. We take pride in the fact that we focus on putting
students front and center while ensuring high expectations. As I reflect on
last year and look towards the future of our school I am filled with hope
and determination to ensure that each and every child succeeds. To be
successful, truly successful, we need your support and engagement. Our
ambitious plan for ensuring that all children reach their potential will
occur only if we work together as PARTNERS in education.
PARENT EDUCATION SERIES
In the first of many occasions to build a strong connection between home and
school and to develop a common language we can all use, I will once again be
hosting a Book Club. To ensure that parents have many opportunities to
attend this year I will alternate between day and evening meetings. Our
first book will be How to Talk So Kids Will Listen, and Listen So Kids Will
Talk, by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish. All that is required to participate
in the book club series is to bring an open mind to the meeting and being
willing to engage in an open dialogue designed to build to a strong
connection between home and school. More information will be forthcoming
shortly.
PTA
International Fall Festival is coning soon – September 25
Join the fun at the International Fall Festival on September 25 from 4:30 -
7:00 - watch for more information coming home with your child.
Membership
Don't miss the PTA table where we'll have more information about upcoming
events and our first General Association Meeting of the school year. On
September 11 we will hold an informational meeting for all room parents
(there should be more than one per classroom) in the MPR following Friday
Flag. Please be sure to return your Volunteer Interest Form and Membership
Envelope. There will be a prize for the class with the most members.
Running Club
On September 8 our PTA sponsored Running Club will once again get underway.
Be on the track beginning at 8:30. We look forward to seeing many of our
runners and walkers out there.
Ice Cream Sales
Ice Cream Sales will begin Wednesday, September 9, after school at the lunch
tables. Ice Cream is $1 this year and there will be many varieties. All
proceeds go to the PTA to help fund many school programs!
FOUNDATION
Reducing Class Sizes with IMPACT teachers
As you know, class sizes have risen this year. In an effort to provide more
targeted support and enrichment for our students, one of the areas our
Foundation will be focusing on is raising funds to support the hiring of
IMPACT teachers. We are looking to be able to bring back two of our very own
teachers, Karen Stokes and Greg Burrows. Please support our Foundation’s
efforts to help us raise funds to make this a reality.
Recycling
Start saving your plastic bottles and cans. On Thursday September 10, the
MREF will be hosting the first monthly recycling day of the school year.
Bring your bags of cans and bottles to the flagpole. Butterfly catches will
be awarded to those students who bring bags full of recyclable bottles and
aluminum cans. Please try to separate your bottles and cans into separate
bags. Please no milk cartons this year.
Dr. Rich Newman.