December 16, 2011

“One of the things I love about SPPS is the way parents partner with teachers; participating in fall conferences and supporting learning at home!”

            What message do you give your child about the importance of learning?  If our fall conference attendance is an indication, your message is clear!  Learning is important!  Ninety-nine percent of our families attended conferences; meeting with teachers, learning of their child’s progress and making plans for continued success throughout the school year.

            Your child will be home with you over the next two weeks.  During this holiday time, I would ask that as you spend time together with family and friends, encourage your children to talk about what they are learning this year.  Having your children share what they are learning affirms the message that thinking and learning is valued by the important people in their lives.

            January begins our next Benchmark Assessment period.  This is the mid-year testing in reading and math.  While your child is away from the day to day routine of classroom learning, continue to have them read for at least 15 minutes daily.  Check out our website www.phalenlake.spps.org for links to educational websites which support learning at home.

            Finally, beginning the week of January 23^rd we begin our second year of the Parent Academy.  This is a six-week course for parents, meeting in native language groups, one evening a week.  Each session covers a specific topic providing parents with useful knowledge and skills to become greater partners and advocates for their children’s learning.  This is an exciting opportunity that culminates with a huge graduation event involving parents from programs throughout the district!  Parents involved in the course last year reported they loved the opportunity to meet other parents and learn more about working with the schools!

As you enter into this Holiday season and the Traditions you celebrate, I want to thank each of you for the role you play in your child’s life and their learning here at Phalen.  I always look forward to hearing from you.  My wish for you is a time of light, love, and laughter!  I will see you in the New Year!

Respectfully,

Catherine

Catherine Rich,

Principal