Vale Elementary News

                                                                                                                                            March 17, 2008  

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

At Vale we are always asking ourselves four important questions about the children.  Our questions are:

                1.  What should they be learning?

                2.  How do we know if they are learning?

                3.  What do we do if they are not learning?

                4.  What do we do if they are?

These four questions guide our daily lessons, our unit planning, the assessments we give, interventions and our enrichment activities.  Recently we had our building Science Fair and it was a wonderful opportunity to see all four questions in action.  Science is a subject area that incorporates science content, reading, writing, and often mathematics. The Science Fair projects required for fourth grade and optional for the other grades, were outstanding demonstrations of what your children know and are able to do.  We understand these projects are a true school family partnership.  The conversations you had, the guidance you provided, the time you gave, and perhaps the stress you experienced is greatly appreciated.  

 

As you know, getting your children to school on time every day and avoiding absences has a strong and positive impact on student achievement.  As a mom of three children who went through the public schools, I understand that sometimes appointments, illness (we have certainly had our fair share of the flu), and family emergencies require children to miss school. However, I am continuing to need your support to improve daily attendance.  We would like to see our attendance at 95% and our data is telling us that we are not going to hit this target this year.   Please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions.

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

March 21-Report cards home

March 24-28 Mexican Storybook Week-Story time in the library daily 8:00-8:20 am

March 25-Title I Read-In 6-7 p.m.

March 28-Math is Cool Competition

 

NEWS FROM THE MUSIC ROOM

Plan Ahead!

3rd Annual Camp Fire and Sing-Along!

What:  Camp-out, camp-fire, sing-along, s’mores, etc.

Where:  Lincoln Rock State Park

When:  Camping—May 16-18, Sing-along May 17 at 6:00 p.m.

Why:  Because it’s fun and the kids know lots of great camp-fire songs!

Cost:  Camping: $22/night, Day use: FREE

Who:  All Vale families and friends

RSVP:  No.  But if you want to reserve a campsite get one now—there aren’t very many left for that weekend!  Go to http://www.parks.wa.gov or call 888-226-7688.

 

Plan ahead!  The 3rd annual Camp-out, campfire, and sing-along will be held again at Lincoln Rock State Park the weekend before Memorial Day.  Last year we had quite a few families (which meant lots of kids!) camping for the weekend, and about 80 participants for the campfire and sing-along.  You can come for the weekend or just for the day/sing-along.  Parents will be responsible for their children.  If you come just for the day, it’s free!  Questions?  Ask Mrs. Umbarger-Keene. 

DVDs Available!

If you are interested in obtaining DVDs of the Vale productions 2007 Veterans Day Assembly (4th grade), December Traditions (2nd Grade Christmas program), or the 2008 Dance Extravaganza, see Mrs. Umbarger-Keene or email her at kristinumk@yahoo.com. 

 

PTO News

The Yearbook is in need of pictures of Vale kids in school activities and field trips.  If you want your child in the yearbook bring duplicate pictures or photo discs to the Vale office for the PTO box.  We cannot return pictures, only photo discs. Please label photos. Call Amy Flynn @782-2399 for questions.