Wolfpack Words

#OnePack Volume 2, Edition 6

“For the strength of the Pack is the Wolf, and the strength of the Wolf is the Pack.”--Rudyard Kipling

Principal's Message

Dear La Paloma Families:

BE PRESENT, BE POWERFUL

September is Attendance Awareness Month. LAP is wrapping up the month long challenge with some fun activities and rewards for classes with the best attendance. We want to thank you for prioritizing your child's attendance at school. We saw much improved attendance rates this month. Our standout classes are Ms. Corduan, Mrs. Willis, and Mrs. Cosby's classes.

As a parent, you are your child’s first and most important teacher. You and your child’s school have something in common: You both want your child to learn and do well. When parents and teachers talk to each other, each person can share important information about your child’s talents and needs. Each person can also learn something new about how to help your child. Parent–teacher conferences are a great way to start talking to your child’s teachers. I like to share these tips from the Harvard Family Research Project as a way to prepare for the upcoming conference week.

What should you expect?

A two-way conversation. Like all good conversations, parent–teacher conferences are best when both people talk and listen. The conference is a time for you to learn about your child’s progress in school: Ask to see data about your child’s attendance, grades, and test scores. Find out whether your child is meeting school expectations and academic standards. This is also a time for the teacher to learn about what your child is like at home. When you tell the teacher about your child’s skills, interests, needs, and dreams, the teacher can help your child more.
Emphasis on learning. Good parent–teacher conferences focus on how well the child is doing in school. They also talk about how the child can do even better. To get ready for the conversation, look at your child’s homework, tests, and notices before the conference. Be sure to bring a list of questions that you would like to ask the teacher.
Opportunities and challenges. Just like you, teachers want your child to succeed. You will probably hear positive feedback about your child’s progress and areas for improvement. Be prepared by thinking about your child’s strengths and challenges beforehand. Be ready to ask questions about ways you and the teacher can help your child with some of his or her challenges.

What should you talk to the teacher about?

Progress. Find out how your child is doing by asking questions like: Is my child performing at grade level? How is he or she doing compared to the rest of the class? What do you see as his or her strengths? How could he or she improve?
Assignments and assessments. Ask to see examples of your child’s work. Ask how the teacher gives grades.
Your thoughts about your child. Be sure to share your thoughts and feelings about your child. Tell the teacher what you think your child is good at. Explain what he or she needs more help with.
Support learning at home. Ask what you can do at home to help your child learn. Ask if the teacher knows of other programs or services in the community that could also help your child.
Support learning at school. Find out what services are available at the school to help your child. Ask how the teacher will both challenge your child and support your child when he or she needs it.

How should you follow up?

Make a plan. Write down the things that you and the teacher will each do to support your child. You can do this during the conference or after. Write down what you will do, when, and how often. Make plans to check in with the teacher in the coming months.
Schedule another time to talk. Communication should go both ways. Ask how you can contact the teacher. And don’t forget to ask how the teacher will contact you too. There are many ways to communicate—in person, by phone, notes, email. Make a plan that works for both of you. Be sure to schedule at least one more time to talk in the next few months.
Talk to your child. The parent–teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t forget to include him or her. Share with your child what you learned. Show him or her how you will help with learning at home. Ask for his or her suggestions.

Please be sure to check our website for updated information as it becomes available. I have included some of the important dates and times below, so you can plan accordingly. Please also note the links to our calendars and PeachJar.

Have a wonderful week,

Aimee Plette

Principal

SCARECROW DAYS

LAP will be participating in the community's Scarecrow Days for the month of October. If you have any clothes you'd like to donate for use, such as jeans, pants, or flannels, please send them to the office. We will donate the clothes after the conclusion of the monthlong event. The PTA will support students in making the scarecrows during the school hours.

Federal Survey Cards

Federal survey cards will be coming home with your student on October 2. They’re due back by October 4. It’s important that you fill out these cards and get them returned with your students.