Principal's Message
Dear Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion families,
I hope everyone is well. We have had a successful first month of school. We will be going over our expectations with parents for the school year at our annual Back to School Night this Thursday, September 14th from 6:00-7:30pm. For Back to School Night, the Parents/Guardians should report directly to the teacher's classrooms at 6:00PM(we prefer that you do not bring your children if at all possible). Pati and I will be doing a short Introduction/Welcoming that the teachers will show on the TV Monitors to parents in the classrooms. The teachers will then present their Back To School expectations where they will explain important aspects of what and how they will be teaching and how you can help your child succeed. A reminder to parents that Back to School Night is not a time for individual parent teacher conferences about specific needs for your child, but rather an overview of curricula, homework, rules and expectations for the year, and volunteer opportunities. If you have more specific questions about how to help your child, please email your teacher(s).
A big change district wide this year is that Parent Teacher Conferences will be earlier (October 23-27) which is prior to the end of the first Trimester and before Report Cards are sent home. The plan is for students to be more actively involved and reflective at the student led conferences. The expectation is that we help students construct knowledge about their individual strengths and how to use those skills to tackle areas of growth and challenges. We want to empower students to take ownership of their learning. We want to encourage students to collaborate and communicate with teachers and parents about their academic and social growth.
I want to bring parents attention to the importance of students attending school daily and on time. We know that regular attendance is crucial so that students can achieve to their maximum potential and especially in two languages. Our school has a goal to improve attendance and we want to decrease the number or percentage of students that are considered "chronically absent". Our district considers any student "chronically absent" if they have 9 or more absences(excused or unexcused) in a school year. So it is critical that parents and families plan family vacations around the school calendar and only keep their children home from school when they are sick. If students have doctor or dentist appointments, they still should attend school. Independent Study is for students that will be absent 5 or more consecutive days and the contract needs to be approved at least 2 weeks prior to the absences. Parents must come to the office to get the Independent Study Contract and it then needs to be approved beforehand so that teachers have time to put together all of the work students are expected to complete upon return to school. Thank you for your attention to this important matter and bringing your child(ren) to school every day and on time!
Enrichment Schedules for Trimester 1
We are fortunate to have a high quality Spanish Immersion program where students are learning in two languages, but were you aware that our students also participate in a robust Enrichment program? The Enrichment Classes rotate by Trimester:
- Modern Dance with Danny Giray(Danny G): Our 4th and 5th graders started last week with Danny G and the Dance Class. The weekly Dance Classes will do a special culminating night performance at Carrington Hall on the Sequoia High School campus. The students will have the experience of performing on a real stage in front of an audience full of family and friends.
- Music The vocal music enrichment began last week for TK, K, 1st grade classrooms with Maestra Gabrielle Kitchen. As per Maestra Gabrielle: "The students had a blast last week in their first week of music classes! TK-1 will be exploring different musical contrasts such as high and low, slow and fast, and loud and soft. We are also learning how to feel the beat!"
- STEAM: STEAM classes with Maestro David Hopper began last week for the 2nd/3rd grade classrooms. Students will engage in a variety of hands on activities throughout the trimester, but will primarily focus on programming the SPIKE Lego robots.
Additionally, all classes will be going to the School Garden monthly with Maestra Susan Forker. Our classroom teachers will be planning and coordinating with Maestra Susan for additional times depending on the Integrated Unit of Study in Science or Social Studies.
Finally, we want to make sure that everyone is aware that your donations to Unidos PTO directly fund Enrichment at Adelante Selby for Dance, Garden, as well as supporting field trips and supplies for classrooms.
i-Ready Testing in Grades 1st-5th
Last week we began assessing(testing) students in Grades 2nd-5th grades using a diagnostic test called i-Ready. Students in Grades 1st-5th are assessed in Math in Spanish using i-Ready and Grades 2nd-5th are assessed in Reading in English using i-Ready. The i-Ready Diagnostic is given three times over the school year (Fall, Winter, Spring) district wide. The assessment information will help teachers plan and design instruction and also help to group students. The diagnostic will also tailor and differentiate i-Ready lessons for students based on the results. Students may access the i-Ready lessons via Clever. It is recommended that students complete 60-100 minutes weekly of the i-Ready lessons. Here is a short video from Curriculum Associates for parents: iReady video for parents.
Take Home Reading Program K-3rd Grades
Families in Kindergarten through 3rd grade: Keep an eye out in the coming weeks for a Take Home Reading bag to come home with your students. Each student will receive 4 books per week to read at home, and will receive a prize each time they read 20 books. If you want to volunteer to help with the book bags for your classroom, please sign up with your teacher during Back to School Night.
School Site Council 2023/24
We need your help as we have three vacancies for parent representatives on our School Site Council this school year. The School Site Council is comprised of five elected parent representatives, three teacher representatives, one classified representative, and the school principal. The School Site Council's main responsibility is to oversee the development and monitor the progress of the School Plan for Student Achievement (SPSA)which includes the budget. The School Site Council meets monthly on Wednesdays from 3:00-5:00pm. If you are interested in being on the School Site Council this year, please email Director Warren ASAP: wsedar@rcsdk8.net. Our first School Site Council Meeting is next Wednesday, September 20th at 3:00pm.
Unidos PTO Direct Drive Fundraiser Is On!
Our Annual “Direct Drive” Campaign starts NOW English Link Spanish Link. Although we have many fundraisers throughout the year (such as the walk-a-thon, book fair, raffle, etc.), MOST of our funding comes from direct donations from you, the friends and family of Adelante Selby. We understand that challenging economic times still persist, but let's begin the year with a healthy financial kickstart! If you are in a position to donate, please visit our donation page (UnidosPTO.org) and fill in any amount that fits your budget. No donation is too small or too big; every bit helps. Unidos PTO will spend over $250,000 this year in support of our children's school and for programs such as Dance with Danny G, Garden Class and Clubs, Art, stipends for teacher spending, Field Trips, and community-building events and festivities! This costs approximately $400 per child enrolled at Adelante Selby which is the suggested donation amount. If your employer offers donation matching, please consider maximizing your benefit. Donations are tax deductible.
You can also pay by check using the PTO lock box next to the front desk, or mailing a check to Unidos, 170 Selby Lane, Atherton, CA 94027. Thank you!
Unidos PTO Membership Toolkit, Spirit wear Information, Volunteer Info
If you have not done so already, please sign up to be a member of Unidos using this link: Unidos Membership Toolkit
We sold a LOT of spirit wear at MAZE day, but you can order online using this link: https://www.unidospto.org/spiritwear.
Unidos will be recruiting parent volunteers at Back To School Night on September 14th! District Volunteer Requirements must be completed prior to volunteering at school or on field trips:https://www.rcsdk8.net/careers/volunteer
Adelante Selby School Play/Musical: Annie,Kids
Adelante Selby Spanish Immersion School is once again teaming up with San Carlos Children's Theater to produce this year's school play/ musical! Third through fifth graders will make up the main cast, while Kindergartners, first & second graders will make up the chorus. The chorus will perform at the beginning of the show so as not to be kept out too late or too long. All actors will be cast that have completed registration.
Annie, Kids: With equal measures of pluck and positivity, little orphan Annie charms everyone's hearts despite a next-to-nothing start in1930s New York City. .
Director/Vocal Director - Caitlin Berka, Choreographer - Danny Giray, Chorus Director - Lidia Orduña-Ruiz
Sign Up online at: https://sancarloschildrenstheater.com/adelante-selby-school-annie-registration/
Remember to check the dates of the rehearsals and the shows so there is not a conflict.
Please note registration closes on Sept. 15th. Rehearsals begin on September 20th.
Preguntas//Questions: Contact Maestra Nell Douglas: ndouglas@rcsdk8.net
Child Nutrition Services: September Breakfast and Lunch Menus
A healthy body fosters a healthy and focused mind. Well-rounded meals served in RCSD school cafeterias are created using USDA nutrition guidelines as well as “kid-approved” recipes. Whole grains, milk, fresh produce, protein, and healthy fats containing Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are the stars of the breakfast and lunch menu items. Studies show that good eating habits and healthy behaviors are connected to academic achievement. Meals provided by Child Nutrition Services help to shape lifelong healthy habits. All students have the opportunity to eat breakfast and lunch for free again this year through our Child Nutrition Services.
Here are the menus for August(you can use the same links for the September Menu which is not available yet):
BIRTHDAYS
Our district works hard to create balanced lunches that include whole grains, protein, fruits and vegetables. As such, please do not bring sugary treats to school to celebrate your child's birthday(e.g, cupcakes). You are welcome to send healthy alternatives or non-edible items such as pencils, erasers or fidget toys. Typically, teachers will take the last Friday of the month to celebrate students birthdays for the entire month.
Sequoia Healthcare District and the Parent Venture Education Workshops
Parents/caregivers, educators, mental health professionals, and community members welcome! Free admission. Simultaneous Spanish interpretation will be available.
Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Success Beyond Grades and College Admission
Ana Homayoun, Author, Erasing the Finish Line
Wednesday, September 20, 2023, 5:30pm – 6:30pm PT, Online Event (Live)
Register: https://anahomayoun2023suhsd.eventbrite.com
Erasing the Finish Line: The New Blueprint for Student Success Beyond Grades and College Admission highlights the essential skills students need to move beyond a prescribed path and truly thrive in school and life.
Reflecting on over two decades of working with students around the world, local academic advisor and early career development expert Ana Homayoun has written the book we desperately need.
Lost and Found
We already have quite a bit of Lost and Found items in the large wooden box and clothing stand by the office. Please stop by and claim any lost item: sweaters, sweatshirts, lunch boxes, and water bottles. Parents another reminder that it is very helpful to label/put your child's name on your child's lunch box, water bottle, and sweaters/jackets as students sometimes forget and leave them outside.
COVID-19 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:
Parents are to complete a self-reporting form when a student tests positive for COVID-19 (link below). Our office staff is happy to assist you in filling out the form if help is needed. Once you complete the reporting form, you will receive an automatic response with the isolation guidelines. We do ask that you continue calling the school office to report your child's absences.
Self-Reporting Form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjT9TpUXTf0y3VMe5wQVsniMkUB4MWDkd2NlAQJ-BqWYKhPQ/viewform
Office Hours
Our school office hours are 8:00-4:00pm. All visitors to our school during school hours (not for Drop Off or Pick Up times) must come through and sign in at the school office.
Please visit our school website , Adelante Selby Facebook Page and our PTO/Unidos webpage and social media accounts: unidospto.org, Facebook and Instagram for more information.
Regards,
Director Warren
