Crescent Cougar News

Parent Conferences are right around the corner on October 7th-11th. Here are some helpful tips for parents/ guardians to ensure a productive and positive parent-teacher conference:

1. Be Prepared: Review Your Child’s Progress- Look at recent report cards, completed assignments, or teacher notes so you have an understanding of how your child has been doing academically and behaviorally.
2. Approach with an Open Mind: Be Open to Feedback- Remember that the teacher's goal is to help your child succeed, so be open to hearing both positive feedback and areas for improvement. Stay Calm and Positive: Even if there are concerns, approach the conversation with a calm and positive attitude. Collaboration is key to resolving any issues effectively.
3. Ask Specific Questions: Inquire About Strengths and Challenges- Ask the teacher about both your child's strengths and areas that need improvement.
4. Focus on Solutions: Collaborate on Action Plans-Work together with the teacher to come up with strategies to help your child improve. Whether it’s academic support, behavior management, or social development, ask the teacher for specific ways you can reinforce learning or behavior at home.
5. Follow Up: Maintain Communication- Ask the teacher how you can stay updated on your child’s progress. Establish a clear line of communication (email, phone, or check-ins) to monitor improvements or address any concerns that arise after the conference.

English Learner Program

In California, a student is identified as an English Learner (EL) when they require additional support to develop proficiency in English. The process involves several steps to determine if a student qualifies as an English Learner and requires specialized instruction. Here’s how it works:

Home Language Survey (HLS)

• Completed During Enrollment: When a student first enrolls in a California school, parents or guardians complete a Home Language Survey (HLS). This survey asks questions about the languages spoken at home and the student’s primary language.
• Determination of Need for Assessment: If the survey indicates that a language other than English is spoken at home, the student is flagged for further language assessment to determine their English proficiency level.

Initial English Language Proficiency Assessment:Taking the ELPAC (English Language Proficiency Assessments for California): Students identified through the Home Language Survey are assessed using the Initial ELPAC, a state-mandated test that measures a student’s ability in four key areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing in English.

Placement in an English Language Development (ELD) Program

Students classified as English Learners are placed into an English Language Development (ELD) program, where they receive specialized instruction to help them improve their English language skills while continuing to learn grade-level content.

Ongoing English Language Support

English Learners are assessed annually using the Summative ELPAC to measure their progress in learning English. This test tracks improvement in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.

Reclassification as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP)

Criteria for Reclassification: Once an English Learner demonstrates sufficient proficiency in English, they can be reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP).

If you have any questions regarding your child's English Learner status, please contact the front office.

This year Halloween falls on Thursday, October 31. Students can dress up with a costume for halloween as long as they follow our costume guidelines:

• Do's: Make sure the costume is safe for your child to wear. Leave all props at home.
• Don'ts: No costume masks. No heels. No scary, vulgar costumes. No weapons. No inappropriate adult-like attire. No blood or gore.

We’re getting ready for this year’s Trunk or Treat event, and we need your help to make it a sweet success! 🍭 We’re collecting candy donations to ensure that every kid has a fun and memorable experience. If you’d like to contribute, here’s how you can help:

• Drop off bags of individually wrapped candy at our Candy Monster Cans (Front dismissal gate and TK/Kinder gate)
• Any amount is appreciated, and every little bit helps!
  

Let’s come together and make this event spook-tacular for all of our cougars!

We are in need of parent volunteers for our monthly student store. If you are available to help, please sign up with sign up genius: Click here.

Please note, you must be on our pre-approved volunteer list!

We are excited to partner with the Laguna Art Museum and Boys & Girls club for our fall Family Art Night on Tuesday October 29 at 6:00pm. Come and join us and take an art class with your family. All materials are provided.

Registration is required: Click here to sign up for our Family Art Night. We have spots for 275 people.

Stay informed with the following OUSD GATE Information:

• Interested in being part of the OUSD GATE Community Advisory meetings: Click for more information
• OUSD GATE Screening & Testing 2025 Calendar
• Depth and Complexity Icons to support GATE instruction
• Habits of a Scholar Resource

Thank you so much for everyone who has donated. Every donation helps to build our store! We also have an amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/365CMF6MP6E5B?ref_=wl_share

All items can be shipped/ dropped off to our school:

Crescent Elementary

5001 E. Gerda Dr.

Anaheim, CA 92807

Virtual recording of meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/rec/share/8Wl4_xh1DryofSII3QmRrAv7gakr8ob99xJQxvBKHoVS1tDpuORoUsBdnZGLLTse.Zw0MtYgNG02qNjmU
Passcode: 3JBQmV!V

Membership Drive

We are excited to kick off our PTA membership starting September 1-30th. The three top winning classes will have a popsicle party!

Dad's Club Message

“WELCOME BACK“ FALL MIXER: Thursday, Sept. 26th, 6 pm, at The Hive Sports Bar & Grill. Please join us for our first event of the school year. Learn about upcoming activities and meet other Crescent parents. To RSVP or for more info, contact Oscar Jimenez, 714.222.6204 or realtoroscarjimenez@gmail.com

Listed below are important announcements from previous newsletters:

• Parent and Student Handbook : Click Here
  
• Follow us on Instagram @ crescentcougars
• Volunteer Process: Please take a few minutes to complete the application using this link: https://bit.ly/ousdvolunteer
• Iphone and Smart Watches: Students will need to turn in their iphone and apple watches at the start of the day to their teachers. Please note that in case of an emergency or if a child feels sick our responsibility is to call and inform parents. All devices will be returned at the end of the day.
• 6th Grade Science Camp: The cost for the week for each child is $540.00. To make it easier for parents, we split the total donation into 3 payments. The first installment of $180 was due in May, 2024. The second installment of $180 is due by Friday, September 6, 2024. The final donation balance of $180 is due no later than Friday, September 27, 2024.
• Updated Crescent Awards: Click here