Heart Attack

We have had an exciting week. My excitement started as I entered my room and found that I had been “Heart Attacked”. The students cut out hearts and wrote messages for me for Boss’s Day. The room was covered in red and full of interesting notes. I am carefully reading each, wonderful message and taking down just a few a day. I may be done by the end of the year! Students are terrific!

The upper grades had the opportunity to hear from a visiting author who expressed the importance of both reading and writing. We are always encouraging our authors. We hope to have one of our own standing in front of the group some day.

The students are developing habits necessary to be responsible. We teach the three “R”s in school, but responsibility should be added as a fourth “R” since responsible students grow up to be responsible adults. There are many things that contribute to responsibility, and some habits that promote it can be encouraged.

The first habit would be to set goals. Goals keep students focused on the future. That is the reason they form the foundation of responsible behavior- and success in school. All of our students set goals in their classrooms. You can help them to set goals. Talk to your child about how much improvement he or she would like to see in a particular subject or perhaps what two things your child would like to accomplish this school year. Then discuss what will be needed to meet the goals.

Goals help students focus on what’s important. If they have a vision of where they want to go they are more likely to accomplish it. Ask you child what goals have been set at school this year and join as a part of the team to support your child.

A Focus on Learning

This week illustrates the priority Ellis gives to developing the skills and knowledge every child needs, and providing the support necessary to achieve those goals. Parent/ Teacher Conferences help us to partner with parents as we identify the strengths and areas where students struggle. With your help, we can ensure that students maximize learning in a caring environment. Students set individual goals, helping them to recognize their responsibility in the educational process. I want to personally thank all of you who took the time to attend the conferences. We recognize how important you are in the educational process.

We took time to honor students in grades K-3 this week in the areas of reading and attendance. Students are forging forward and improving their reading skills that help them in all areas of their education. Attendance is critical to the educational process since when a child is absent they miss a great deal.

The PTA did a wonderful job at the Book Fair. I found many books to add to my library. Curious George is one of my favorites!

Have a terrific weekend.

Fabulous Fall

This fall has been fabulous in many ways including the weather we have been experiencing for the last week. The fourth grade has had an incredible week with the opportunity to visit Swore Farm. They explored environmental issues including the need to preserve our water supply. Take a look at the KPVI website to see some of our students!
Congratulations to Mrs. VanEvery's class as they had the highest attendance (99%) for the month of September, and they will receive lunch (a healthy version) from McDonalds! Next month we start fresh and all classrooms will have the opportunity to win. Attendance is important as it promotes the development of educational skills, and we miss the students when they are not here.
I would like to thank the many volunteers who help to make our school a better place. Your involvement is important and contributes to the warm and caring environment at Ellis. We recognize how all parents help to support the educational growth of students and look forward to seeing all of you at Parent-Teacher Conferences next week.