SEPTEMBER 2011 CALENDAR & NEWSLETTER

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September Newsletter

Principal's notes...Welcome back families! We have had a smooth opening week! It is so much fun to see our returning students and welcome our new students as well. This year our academic focus will be on implementing the common core curriculum (more info on this will be coming home to you), differentiated instruction so that we can meet the needs of all students, higher level questioning, to prepare our students for success on State testing and a continued focus on writing across the curriculum. We welcome two new staff members, Mrs. Jewett in third grade and Emily Spurlock in our strategies classroom. During the summer our clinic was upgraded - stop by and have Joniece give you a tour! We are looking forward to a strong academic year with lots of fun sprinkled in!

MAP...This year your child will take tests called Measures of Academic Progress (MAP). We give students MAP tests to determine your child's instructional level and to measure academic growth throughout the school year, and from year to year in the areas of reading and math. Your child will take the tests on a computer. These tests are a replacement for our previous benchmark assessments.

MAP tests are unique in that they adapt to be appropriate for your child's level of learning. As a result, each student has the same opportunity to succeed and maintain a positive attitude toward testing. And with MAP tests, we can administer shorter tests and use less class time while still receiving detailed, accurate information about your child's growth. More information will be sent home as the testing date approaches.

Cookie Dough...Our 6th graders will be selling cookie dough beginning Friday, September 1st thru September 20th. There are all kinds of wonderful items to buy that your family and friends will love. See a 6th grader or stop by the office and we can help you with an order.

Parent University ...any caring adult in the life of a northern Nevada child at any school may attend the Parent University. There will be 221 FREE classes offered to parents such as, family health and wellness, parenting, leadership and advocacy, personal growth and development etc. Watch for information coming home with your student or the website: www.wcsdparentu.com.

NO DOGS...for safety reasons dogs are not allowed at school or the bus stop.

Upcoming Events...

CRAFTERS.......If you know someone who is a crafter/vendor and would like to show off their wares, the Pumpkin Patch (Sunday October 9, 2011 from 10 am to 4 pm) is a great way to do this. Have them contact Kellie Paul at 823-9535 or rkpaul@charter.net.

PARENT FACULTY ASSOCIATION (PFA) ...Our first meeting will be Tuesday, September 13th at 3:30 pm. Babysitting will be provided. We are encouraging every family to join the PFA for a $10.00 donation. Membership forms are attached and also will be available in the office. We are looking for volunteers to be on different committees that enhance our school. Please come and support our school. We are hoping for 100% participation/involvement. If you are unable to attend the PFA meetings you can read the minutes from the meetings which have been posted on the Verdi Elementary School website: PFA Meeting Minutes.

NEW PFA TREASURER FOR 2011-2012 ...The PFA Board would like to announce that Laurie Hayes is the new PFA Treasurer for the 2011-2012 school year.

PFA SECRETARY NEEDED ...The PFA Board is looking for a parent to fill the position of Secretary for the 2011-2012 school year. The responsibilities include attending the PFA Meetings, preparing minutes of the meetings and submitting the minutes for inclusion into the school's website.

FUNDRAISING ...There will be fundraising events throughout the school year. We are offering numerous fundraisers this year so you can participate in the fundraiser that you enjoy and that fit into your busy schedule. The following is a list of current and upcoming fundraisers:

School Newsletters / E-Mails ...If you would like to receive Verdi Elementary School's monthly newsletter via e-mail, as well as receive other e-mails from the school, please e-mail Madeleine Palmer at verdinewsletter@m2pdesign.com and let her know.