December Parent Newsletter 2024
Joseph A. Gascón Elementary
From the Desk of Mr. Hernandez
Dear Gascón Elementary Families,
I hope each and every one of you had the opportunity to enjoy some time with your families during our recent Thanksgiving break, and I wish you a joyful and restful holiday season as we approach Christmas and the Winter Break! Whether you're traveling to be with family or staying home to relax, this time of year is always special.
As you read this, we are down to just three weeks of school before our Winter Break. There are plenty of exciting holiday events lined up, from student performances to After-School AYA holiday activities. Be sure to review the “Dates to Remember” section in the newsletter, and keep an eye out for any event invitations that involve parents.
Winter Break will begin on Monday, December 23rd, and run through Monday, January 13th. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 14th. I hope this time provides you with the perfect opportunity to recharge and spend quality time with your loved ones.
As we wrap up 2024, I want to take a moment to reflect on all the efforts made by our dedicated staff and supportive parents to continue improving the learning and growth of our students. The involvement of both our parents and community partners plays a crucial role in ensuring our students have the right tools for academic success. Thank you for your ongoing participation, support, and collaboration.
See you in 2025, and as always, thank you for your continued support. GOOOOO TIGERS!!!
Warm regards,
David A. Hernandez
Principal, Gascón Elementary
Tiger Television: December 2
Coffee with the Principal: December 3 @ 8:15a.m.
School Site Council Meeting: December 3 @ 2:15p.m.
Author Visitation: December 4
ELAC Meeting: December 5 @ 8:15a.m.
PTO Association Meeting: December 5 @ 2:15p.m.
Fire Drill: December 9
World Finest Magic Show: December 9
Holiday Gram Fundraiser: December 11 - December 13
Movie Night Fundraiser: December 13 @ 5p.m.
Saturday School: December 14
Christmas Spirit Week: December 16-20
Holiday Gram Deliveries: December 16
Winter Photo Fundraiser (Hosted by 2nd Grade): December 17
Door Decorating Contest: December 17
Holiday Performances (for students): December 18 in the Quad
Christmas Concert Schedule (for parents): December 19 in the Quad
Santa Claus comes to JGE: December 20
Winter Break: December 23 - January 13 (No School)
**Classes Resume Tuesday, January 14**
We’re excited to introduce the Tree Machine fundraising campaign at Gascon Elementary! We're collecting used clothes and shoes to raise funds for our school while supporting tree planting efforts. Simply bring your outgrown items and drop them in the green and white bin by the cafeteria. For each full bin, our school earns money, and we contribute to a greener planet. Your donations make a big difference—thank you for your support!
We are thrilled to share that just before Thanksgiving break, our students were treated to a special surprise, thanks to a generous donation from a local supporter. Each student received a book to take home and enjoy over the holiday. The excitement in the air was truly heartwarming as our students eagerly lined up to pick out their new reads. From picture books to chapter books, there was something for every age and reading level, and it was amazing to see their faces light up as they picked the perfect book to dive into. This thoughtful gift was a wonderful way to encourage reading during the break and show our students how much they are cared for by our community.
CLICK HERE - - - - - > https://shorturl.at/9Idi5 < - - - - - -
At the end of the year, the holiday season has become a high-pressure and stressful time for many people. There is so much emphasis on spending and gifting that we often forget about what makes us happy.
"Christmas time is an emotional time – lonely for some, magical for others. But for everyone, whatever their experience of Christmas, it can be a useful time to create a space for gratitude.
Gratitude is an emotion that a person can choose to feel at any time. This can be done by making a decision to focus your mind on the feeling of gratitude and making time for it. As an emotion, gratitude is good for the soul."
Read more about gratitude here:
As the holiday season approaches, Gascon Elementary is committed to supporting our families who may be facing financial hardships. Each year, we provide assistance to help make the season a little brighter for those in need. If your family is experiencing difficult times this holiday season, we encourage you to reach out to us for support.
We understand that the holidays can be a challenging time, and we want to do our part to ensure every student and family feels the spirit of the season. We are offering a limited number of Thanksgiving meals, as well as Christmas presents and gift cards, to help families who may be struggling.
If you or someone you know could benefit from this support, please don’t hesitate to contact our school counselor, Mrs. Destiny Conde, or our school principal, Mr. David Hernandez. We want to ensure that no family is left behind, and we are here to help in any way we can.
Please keep in mind that the number of meals, presents, and gift cards is limited, so early outreach is encouraged. We are here to support our community and make sure that every family can experience a joyful and peaceful holiday season.
Has your child lost a glove, hat, lunchbox, coat, boots, or shoes? These are just a few of the items currently waiting to be claimed in our school's Lost and Found.
The Lost and Found is located near the cafeteria. If any item has a name on it, we will make sure it is returned to the child's classroom.
Please take a moment to label your child's belongings—this helps ensure lost items are returned quickly!
If your child has misplaced something this year, encourage them to check the Lost and Found bin in the cafeteria soon. Any unclaimed items will be donated to local organizations over Winter Break.
Thank you for helping us keep track of our school’s belongings!
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our “Be Mindful, Be Grateful, Be Kind Campaign,” running from November 19 to December 13, 2024. This important initiative, previously known as the War on Hunger Campaign, is designed to support families in our community during the holiday season and foster a spirit of generosity and kindness among our students and families.
From November 19 to December 6, 2024, we will be collecting non-perishable food items at Gascon Elementary. Your contributions will directly benefit families in need within our community. Collection boxes will be provided at each school, making it easy for families to donate.
We encourage all families to participate in this meaningful campaign by donating food items and spreading the word. Together, we can show our community the power of mindfulness, gratitude, and kindness.
Thank you for your continued support as we strive to make a positive impact in the lives of our neighbors this holiday season. Let’s come together to create a more compassionate community!
The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy and family fun, but it can be just as stressful for children as it is for adults. Between shopping, parties, travel, and holiday preparations, kids may experience stress too. By recognizing the signs of stress and taking proactive steps, you can help your child (and yourself) enjoy a more peaceful, enjoyable holiday season.
Signs of Holiday Stress in Children
Children may not always be able to express their stress verbally, but there are several signs that can indicate they are feeling overwhelmed. These may include:
- Increased irritability or anger
- Clinginess or excessive attachment
- More crying, whining, or complaining
- Sleep troubles, such as difficulty falling asleep or sleeping too much
- Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
- Changes in eating habits (eating more or less than usual)
- Isolation or refusal to participate in holiday activities
- Regressive behaviors (e.g., bedwetting or thumb sucking)
Tips to Help Reduce Stress
Here are some expert strategies to help your child cope with holiday stress:
Stick to Routines While the holidays can be chaotic, maintaining a sense of consistency can provide comfort to your child. Try to stick to regular mealtimes, nap times, and bedtimes as much as possible. Routine offers a sense of security and helps children feel more in control amidst the hustle and bustle.
Give a Heads-Up Children, especially younger ones, thrive when they know what to expect. Once you've planned out your family's day, share the schedule with your child. For older kids, a simple list of times and events may be helpful. For younger children, a picture schedule showing the sequence of events can ease anxiety. Let them know when activities like watching a favorite holiday movie or wrapping gifts will take place. Being prepared for what's coming next helps reduce stress.
Schedule Downtime With all the holiday activities, it’s important to carve out moments for rest. Even short breaks—15 to 30 minutes—can help kids recharge. Use this time for quiet activities like reading, playing games, or even relaxing with electronics. If you notice your child becoming anxious, give them an opportunity for an impromptu break. Discuss with your child beforehand that they can find a quiet space or listen to music if they feel overwhelmed.
Let Your Child Vent Encourage your child to express their feelings, whether it’s about a stressful holiday situation or just something that’s bothering them. Offer a safe space for them to vent, and don’t dismiss their emotions. Writing or drawing can also be helpful outlets for children. Labeling emotions (“You feel upset because Aunt Maddie pinched your cheeks”) can help them better understand and process their feelings.
Get Moving Physical activity is a great way to relieve stress and boost mood. Encourage your child to engage in outdoor activities like walking, playing in the snow, or dancing around the house. Exercise releases endorphins, which help improve mood and reduce anxiety. Even during travel, incorporate physical activity—stop for a quick game of tag at a rest stop or do jumping jacks during breaks to burn off energy.
Learn to Say "No" The holiday season can be overwhelming with endless events and activities. Remember, you don’t have to attend every gathering or see every family member. It’s okay to decline some invitations or skip certain activities to avoid overloading your child (and yourself). Consider trading off with your spouse or a trusted family member to manage errands or stay home with the kids for a breather.
Manage Your Own Stress Children are keen observers and often mirror the behaviors and emotions of their parents. If you’re feeling stressed, it’s likely your child will pick up on it. Be mindful of your own stress levels and make time for self-care. Take short breaks to unwind, practice mindfulness, or do something calming. Setting realistic holiday expectations, making lists, and prioritizing tasks can help reduce your own overwhelm. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the season! Take time to appreciate the holiday lights, sing festive songs, and savor the special moments with your family.
Looking for a fun and tasty activity to enjoy with your family during the holiday break? We’ve found a simple and delicious recipe for Christmas Truffles that everyone will love! These cute, festive treats are perfect for baking together and sharing with friends and family.
Click the link below for the full recipe and instructions—let the holiday baking begin!
Click Here - - - - - -> https://shorturl.at/M9llN
Enjoy and happy holidays!
We are excited to recognize our outstanding students who have achieved perfect attendance for the month of November! Their commitment to being present every day not only showcases their dedication to learning but also sets a wonderful example for their peers. Consistent attendance is crucial for academic success and helps build a strong school community. We encourage parents to celebrate these achievements at home and continue to support our students in their educational journey. Together, let’s inspire all our children to strive for excellence!
Perfect Attendance Student List (296 Students):
Thomas Acosta Obrien (K), Alina Aguilar (5), Geissie Aguilar (4), Josh Aguilar (2), Liana Aguilar (1), Anubis Aguilar Lopez (TK), Dylan Ajtun (5), Argelia Ajtun Hernandez (4), Aria Alamillo (4), Bella Alonso Martinez (3), Angel Alvarado Diaz (5), Kenneth Alvarado Diaz (3), Elias Alvarado Olmos (K), Derick Alvizo (4), Ethan Alvizo (TK), Azalea Amador (K), Isabella Amador (4), Roberto Amador (2), Joshua Arceo (5), Christopher Arevalo (2), Nathan Armenta Hernandez (2), Amari Atkins Salinas (2), Elijah Avalos (4), Layla Avila (5), Carter Ayala (K), Daniel Ayon (5), Sandra Baez (5), Joshua Balino Mendoza (TK), Cayden Banket (2), Marcus Banks (5), Kimberly Barranco (5), Brandon Barraza Rodriguez (4), Mariah Barrios (4), Camilla Beltran (1), Dominic Berrios (K), Aubrey Bonilla (1), Scarlett Bonilla (5), Efrain Cabrera (5), Allison Cano Diaz (4), Emma Carbajal (K), Dylan Cardenas (5), Sebastian Cardenas (TK), Keilly Carrera (4), Sebastian Casillas (5), Benjamin Castillo Carrera (K), Dalayla Castillo Granados (2), Adam Ceballos (1), Mariano Celaya (K), Alison Celiceo Briseno (2), Emma Cervantes (4), Leah Chavarria Mairena (2), Natalia Chavez (K), Jose Chavez Fernandez (3), Jason Chow (2), Bella Chun (5), Elmer Chun (3), Mardoqueo Chun Pojoy (2), Jayden Contreras (1), Melinda Contreras (4), Lyan Contreras Cervantes (1), Camila Cordova Morales (2), Abigail Corona (K), Alice Coronel Perez (K), Luna Coronel Perez (1), Israel Cortes (1), Heaven Damian Villalobos (1), Dylan De Jesus Torres (2), David De la Cruz Romero (K), Damian De Paz Cortez (4), Dyllon De Paz Cortez (K), Ava Diaz (2), Delilah Diaz (2), Emily Diaz Perez (2), Oscar Dominguez (2), Kevin Elizalde (5), Carlos Enamorado Rodriguez (5), Diego Esparza (TK), Luis Esparza (3), Emmanuel Esparza-Ferrer (2), Dario Espinosa (3), Jayden Espinoza Arellano (3), Blue Espinoza-Arellano (4), Elias Esquivel (2), Carmina Estevez (3), Emily Estrada Asencio (1), Aaron Flores (K), Alexander Flores (5), Arlette Flores (1), Connie Flores (3), Emma Flores (3), Matias Flores (2), Joshoa Flores Aguilar (4), Leonardo Frias Perez (4), Mia Frias Perez (5), Camila Galindo (1), Alena Garcia (5), Bella Garcia (3), Emma Garcia (5), Ignacio Garcia (TK), Odalys Garcia (4), Julian Garcia Pedroza (K), Anthony Garcia Silva (5), Jaimie German (5), Julietta German (3), Delilah Godinez (2), Jacob Gonzales Zamora (4), Anifer Gonzalez (1), Diana Gonzalez (2), Logan Gonzalez (4), Sofie Gonzalez (2), Zoe Gonzalez (4), Nimssy Gonzalez Morales (5), Ariel Govea (3), Luis Govea (4), Naomi Govea (5), Avery Grajeda (3), Logan Granciano (2), Angelique Granciano Collazo (1), Mathew Guerrero (TK), Christian Gutierrez (K), Elijah Gutierrez (TK), Oliver Gutierrez (2), Alberto Hernandez (3), Brandon Hernandez (5), Gael Hernandez (3), Sophie Hernandez (K), Ximena Hernandez (3), Tiffany Hernandez Alfaro (5), Salvador Hernandez Vasquez (1), Elijah Higareda (TK), Alyssa Hilas (TK), Christopher Ixcoy Herrera (3), Jeremy Johnson (2), Alexander Juarez (4), Sarai Juarez Soriano (TK), Gilmar Landaverde Zetino (2), Yareni Leon (5), Anna Leyva Urias (4), Rodrigo Leyva Urias (K), Diana Lopez (K), Mathias Lopez Angarita (3), Nathan Louie (2), Anderson Luna (2), Luzdeluna Luna (TK), Marlene Macias (2), Jonathan Macmillan (5), Fernando Magallanes (3), Sebastian Maldonado (3), Angel Manzo Govea (1), Aiden Martinez (5), Melanie Martinez (1), Noe Martinez Salazar (4), Citlali Mateos (K), Dayden Mateos (K), Ian Mateos (3), Kayden Mateos (K), Miguel Medina (K), Alejandro Medrano (1), Antonio Medrano (5), Cashton Melendez (K), Enzo Melendez (K), Gael Mendoza Linares (3), Dylan Menjivar Hercules (K), Odette Meza Hernandez (3), Danna Mora Tibaduiza (3), James Morales (4), Sebastian Morales Cruz (3), Rouse Morales Gutierrez (4), Aileen Moreno Reyes (4), Camila Moreno Reyes (1), Matthew Navarro Rodriguez (4), Jacqueline Nicolas (4), Makayla Nicolas (3), Kataleya Nunez (2), Stephanie Nunez (K), Christian Ochoa (4), Mia Ochoa (5), Diego Ochoa Contreras (5), Miguel Olaguiver Juarez (TK), Jayleen Olivares (3), Ariana Olivares Contreras (TK), Carlos Olivares Contreras (2), David Olivares Zambrano (TK), Evelyn Olivares Zambrano (2), Sofia Oregel Zambrano (5), Journey Orozco (3), Adalynn Ortega (K), Damian Ortiz (K), Mariela Ortiz Perez (K), Olivia Padilla (K), Oliver Palacios (TK), Veraisa Palacios (4), Daylinn Pedro Sebastian (2), Bella Perez (1), Emiliano Perez (4), Leah Perez (4), Leia Perez (TK), Paul Perez (3), Phillip Perez (TK), Valentina Perez Gutierrez (2), Iker Perez Juarez (K), Jhonatan Perez Pojoy (4), Aidan Perez Robles (3), Bella Pimentel (3), Stephanie Portillo (5), Kendra Quiroa Avendano (1), Antonio Ramirez (K), Lucia Ramirez (3), Monzerrat Ramirez (3), Stella Ramirez (K), Valerie Ramirez (5), Zack Ramirez Ayala (2), Derek Ramos (5), Zoe Resendiz (K), Alexander Reyes (1), Ian Reyes (3), Franco Reyes Hernandez (3), Lars Rios (4), Alexandria Rivera (4), Isabella Rivera (2), Hugo Rivera Ramos (4), Ulises Robles (5), Cristina Robles-Rivas (TK), Adahline Rodriguez (4), Edgar Rodriguez (3), Scarlett Rodriguez (5), Valentina Rodriguez (4), Lorenzo Rodriguez Contreras (1), Daisy Rojas (3), Jayden Rojas (1), Joseph Roman (2), Mateo Rosales Zaragoza (2), Alessandra Rosas (K), Natalie Rosas Cano (K), Aubrieh Ruiz (4), Bonnie Rulfo (1), Luna Rulfo (K), Annabelle Salas (5), Leah Salazar (3), Cain Salazar Contreras (4), Alex Saldivar Lopez (4), Audrey Salinas (K), Nathalie Salomon (2), German Sanchez (3), Laila Sanchez (5), Nicole Sanchez (5), Janikua Santos Manzo (2), Isaac Santos Torija (4), Kasey Serrano Garcia (1), Anel Sierra Govea (2), Lucia Sierra Mendez (2), Dulce Sis (1), Julissa Solano (2), Hennessy Solis Ayala (5), Dylan Sontay Ixcoy (2), Stanley Sontay Sanchez (4), Bradly Sontay Tzarax (5), Yaretssy Sontay Tzarax (3), Milly Soria (2), Andy Soriano (2), Nayeli Soriano (1), Liam Soriano Martinez (K), Helen Tambriz Coronado (TK), Joseph Tayun Sontay (2), Rudy Tayun Sontay (K), Gael Teodoro (4), Scarlett Tolentino (2), Carlos Alfonso Topete Hernandez (K), Itzel Topete Hernandez (4), Fernando Trujillo (K), Alexander Urbina (2), Sofia Urbina (5), Aaron Vallejo (2), Daysha Vargas (5), Liliana Vasquez (K), Marisol Vasquez (4), Emily Vazquez (4), Julianna Vazquez (2), Dalia Vazquez Morales (1), Dylan Vazquez Morales (3), Aniha Vazquez Rivera (4), Landon Vega (1), Susanna Velasquez (1), Jesus Villalba Rios (4), Kamila Villalobos (4), Ruby Villalobos (TK), Aidan Villarreal (3), Bryson Virgen (K), Carlos Vivas (5), Gabriela Xiloj Morales (3), Natalia Xiloj Morales (K), Leszlee Zambrano (1), Nicholas Zambrano (4), Esther Zavaleta-Orozco (2), Anthony Zazueta Puga (K)
At Joseph Gascon Elementary, we are proud to implement AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies in all of our third, fourth, and fifth grade classrooms. By introducing these strategies at a young age, we teach students academic language, responsible behavior, and higher-level thinking skills that are crucial for their long-term success. These foundational habits help students build the skills they will need to excel in middle school, high school, college, and beyond.
As part of our AVID program, each Monday, we proudly display college flags outside every classroom, showcasing the importance of higher education. Throughout the year, our students engage in projects that highlight various college campuses, encouraging them to think about their future academic paths. Our goal is to provide the academic foundation that students need to be successful and create a pathway that leads to college and career readiness.
District-Wide Strategy for December: Think-Pair-Share
The district-wide learning strategy for the month of December is Think-Pair-Share. This collaborative learning technique helps students work together to solve problems or answer questions related to an assigned reading.
In Think-Pair-Share, students first take time to think individually about a question or topic. Then, they pair up with a classmate to discuss their ideas and share their thoughts. This strategy encourages active participation, sharpens focus, and fosters deeper comprehension of the material. By working together, students can develop stronger understanding and improve their communication skills, making it a valuable tool for academic success.
We are excited to honor our students who have been nominated for the PBIS Award and the Tiger PAW Award!
Students receiving the PBIS Award have demonstrated excellent citizenship and have embodied our ROAR initiatives—Respect, Ownership, Attitude, and Responsibility. Their commitment to positive behavior not only enhances their own learning experiences but also creates a supportive and encouraging environment for their peers. We are so proud of their dedication to making our school a better place!
Those nominated for the Tiger PAW Award have achieved remarkable academic success and are recognized as our Students of the Month. This achievement highlights their hard work, perseverance, and determination to excel in their studies. It also reflects the incredible support and guidance from our dedicated parents, teachers, and friends, who play an essential role in nurturing their growth and success.
Together, we celebrate these outstanding students and the entire school community for their contributions to creating a positive and inspiring environment. Thank you all for your unwavering support and for encouraging our students to reach their fullest potential!
Let’s continue to celebrate achievements and motivate one another to strive for excellence every day! 🐾🎉
PBIS: TK/K/1st/2nd
Leia Perez, Sarai Juarez Soriano, Azalea Amador, Aaron Flores, Emma Carbajal, Landon Vega, Camila Moreno, Aiden Lopez, Bella Perez, Jeremy Johnson, Logan Granciano, Jorge Orozco Perez, Oscar Dominguez
PAW Award: TK/Kindergarten/1st/2nd
Ariana Olivares, Mathew Guerrero,
Alice Coronel, Audrey Salinas, Carter Ayala, Ruby Marquez Garcia, Alani Garcia, Bonnie Rulfo, Melanie Martinez, Elias Esquivel, Julianna Vazquez, Liam Velasco, Ian Reyes, Jason Chow
PAW Award: 3rd/4th/5th
Aidan Villarreal, Fatima Rodriguez, Bella Mendoza, Andres Casas, Allison Cano, Anna Leyva, Evan Orea, Jaimie German, Daniel Ayon, Bella Chun, Mia Frias
Formerly known as ICES Education, Action Youth America (AYA) has proudly served California families for over 30 years. We are dedicated to providing top-quality service in academics, sports, and various educational areas. Our programs are grounded in a foundation of excellence and time-tested methods, establishing us as one of the leading providers of before and after-school programs in the United States.
Our Commitment to Academic Excellence
At AYA, we recognize the importance of complementing the instructional day with additional academic support to help students reach their full potential. Our academically driven program ensures that students receive the extra help they need to thrive.
- Academic Coordination: Our Academic Coordinator, Stefanie, is committed to aligning our programs with school and district needs to ensure optimal academic support.
- Common Core Expertise: AYA staff are formally trained in Common Core learning expectations and are skilled in developing curricula that adhere to these principles. We also offer assistance in curriculum writing.
- Comprehensive Support: We provide targeted interventions, state testing preparation camps, and ongoing modeling and training to support student success.
We are dedicated to enhancing educational experiences and supporting students in achieving their academic goals. Thank you for choosing AYA as your partner in education.
For more information about our programs and services, please contact us or visit our website.
ELO Link: https://sites.google.com/montebello.k12.ca.us/eloafterschool/home
ELO Application Link: rb.gy/g4h8n
Parks After Dark is back this winter, offering extended hours and free recreational activities at 31 LA County parks. It’s a great opportunity to spend quality time with your family and friends while enjoying a variety of activities. From snow days and sports to exercise classes, dancing, healthy cooking classes, movies in the park, and concerts, there’s something for everyone!
In addition to recreational fun, Parks After Dark also features computer courses, health outreach programs, and social service resource fairs to help connect the community with valuable services.
Event Details:
- Dates: December 1 – 16, 2023
- Fridays: 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
- Saturdays: 12:00 pm – 4:00 pm or 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Don’t miss out on the fun and the chance to make new memories this winter at your local LA County Park!
