Summer Update

July 2009

Welcome to my new blog in which I will communicate the current happenings here at Highland School. I am a newbie to blogging, and only just began to understand the power and purpose of this means of communication while reading "Julie & Julia" this summer. Since reading and writing create the foundation for all we do in schools, what better way to model the power of both than by creating this blog.

Is everyone in the Highland community enjoying their summer vacation? I have taken some short trips around California to the beach and San Francisco, which were relaxing and filled with new experiences. Unfortunately, I have also dealt with the sadness of the death of one of my little dogs. Both the ups and downs are part of life, but it is in the way we deal with each that defines our character. That is why at Highland we strive to ensure that children learn not only the academics, but also how to react to all events in life with honor and purpose.

The staff at Highland takes the job of educating every child seriously and promises to do whatever it takes to help each succeed. With that in mind, twenty of our teachers (over 2/3 of them) attended a training for three days in June after school was out for the summer. The training was called, "Capturing Kids Hearts," and many of the teachers communicated to me how excited they were to bring their new perspective on building relationships with students and families back to Highland next year. They learned about creating social contracts with their students during the first week of school, greeting students daily with handshakes and personal recognition, and providing positive feedback. Schools that follow the "Capturing Kids Hearts" philosophy have seen dramatic decreases in discipline problems and increases in achievement, so we know this will help us move one more step toward helping ALL children reach their potential.

Students--I bet you didn't know that your teachers do work during the summer! Grade level teams of teachers are meeting at different times over the summer to do just that. They are creating long-range plans for next year and gearing up to provide you the best learning opportunities possible.

So...be sure to do your part this summer by getting ready for the learning to begin on Monday, August 24. Here's what you can do:

1. Read, read, read...and take those Accelerated Reader quizzes.

2. Write in a journal. You can even write to me by commenting on this blog! Make sure you remember what we taught you about writing effectively so the people you communicate with can understand you--that means remember to use good punctuation and spelling.

3. Have fun and explore new things. Learning is all about experiences, so visit museums, take fun classes in the community, or participate in sports. Try to do one new thing each day.

Parents--You are your child's first and most important teacher, so use the summer vacation to add to the great work you have already started! Be a role model for your child by declaring a "Reading Hour" at home where everyone stops what they are doing and finds something to read. Or, find a class you and your children can take together. I remember one summer my mother and I took a sculpting class together and had a great time comparing the techniques we used to change lumps of clay into something resembling our subjects! Be creative, but most importantly, have fun with your children.

My goal is to update this blog at least once a week, so tune in next week to see what's new at Highland!