The Lion's Den: November 2024

It's November! To stay "on-brand" with the season, I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Returning to Lake Arbor Elementary this year has been a joyful journey filled with challenges and countless celebrations.

Together, we have navigated adjustments, embraced new routines, and worked tirelessly to create a nurturing environment for our students. Your support, patience, and involvement have been instrumental in helping us make this transition as smooth as possible. It is truly a privilege to witness the dedication of our school community. The first quarter has been marked by many successes, from inspiring classroom projects and re-launching our field trip activities (Camp Schmidt for 5th grade and Cox Farm for 4th grade) to community events that brought us together. Our students have shown remarkable resilience and enthusiasm, and their growth is a testament to the collaborative efforts of teachers, staff, and families.

Additionally, I am incredibly thankful for the various well wishes, gifts, and love extended to me during Principals' Appreciation Month. It has been my most memorable yet!

As we reflect on what we’re thankful for, I believe extending this spirit of gratitude into our daily lives is essential. Teaching our students to recognize and express thankfulness can profoundly impact their emotional well-being and relationships. I encourage you to explore ways we can all model this behavior—whether it’s through simple acts of kindness, sharing gratitude at the dinner table, or encouraging our children to express thanks to their peers and teachers. This month's American Education Week is a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Speaking of education, I want to personally invite you to our Lake Arbor Elementary Virtual State of the School Town Hall on Thursday, November 7th. During this event, we can celebrate and reflect as a community.

Thank you for being such an essential part of our school community.

On November 7th at 6:30 p.m., Lake Arbor Elementary School will gather virtually for our first State of the School address. During this conversation, our school community will learn about the students' academic, climate, and staffing data. We will also discuss our successes and improvements thus far and growth areas. Resources about tutoring, medical services, and other wraparound supports will be shared.

There will be a Q&A session, and parents have the opportunity to submit questions to be answered by leadership. Although all questions may not be addressed during the meeting, a Q&A document will be created and shared after the meeting. Please click the link above to submit a question to be considered for public sharing during the meeting.

We hope you can make it!

This month, we will celebrate American Education Week! Every year, schools across our country celebrate public education and honor the individuals working to ensure every student receives a quality education. Each day of the week has its theme, during which we celebrate our public school community. Festivities honor the team of people working in our nation’s public schools, from the classroom teacher to the cafeteria worker, administrative staff, and countless others.

Here at Lake Arbor, we will be celebrating with the following days:

• Monday, November 18th: "Memory Lane Monday" (Because we were students too!)We will kick off the week by having the entire school community match childhood pictures with our adult staff!

• Tuesday, November 19th: “National Invite Parents to School Day.” Sign up for the opportunity to spend the day with your child. Parents will be invited to sign in for a morning session (7:30 - 10:30 a.m.) or an afternoon session (10:30 - 1:30 p.m.). Families can also continue their engagement by attending the PTA meeting that night at 6:00 p.m.

• Wednesday, November 20th: "Education Support Professionals Day." Please encourage your children to write a personal, handwritten thank-you note or card to present to one of our education support professionals—our Paraprofessionals and ISEAs. We could not do this work without them, and we want them to know how much we appreciate them!

• Thursday, November 21st: “Family Literacy Night”—Join us at 6:30 p.m. as we support parents in guiding their scholars through this schoolwide requirement. Students in K-2nd grade will complete a class project, and students in 3rd—8th grade will conduct an individual project.

• Friday, November 22nd: "Educator for a Day" Students will be invited to dress up as their favorite educators in the building! Name tags must be present to know which "Jr. educator" we are talking to—be creative!!