WALNUT CANYON ARTS AND
TECHNOLOGY MAGNET SCHOOL – K-5
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- October 2008
Dear Parents,
Reading is the most important skill your child will develop during these elementary school years. Being a strong reader makes a difference in classroom performance so set aside time to read with your child at home on a nightly basis to practice these skills. Make reading aloud a fun way to spend time together. Use voices for characters, take the time to ask about the pictures and let your child “predict” what will happen as you read the story. If your child is not really a strong reader, take turns reading the pages. Read chapter books together. This allows them to enjoy stories that may be too difficult for them to read alone. Listening to a well read book also improves writing skills. Don’t forget to ask questions about the story after you finish reading. Continue to read with your child after they can read books by themselves. You’ll send the message that reading is important. Remember that educating your child is a team effort.
At school, students can earn points on our Accelerated Reading Computer Program by reading specific book tiles and taking a comprehension test on a school computer in the classroom, in the library or in the computer lab. The program focus is to encourage students to read for details and draw conclusions from what books they’ve read. Reading comprehension is essential to success in school. Books earn points based on reading level ranging from .5 to 21 points for the 6th grade reading level. You can find out the titles for the program by going to our web site, www.mrpk.org/walnut.
All grades will be holding “goal setting” conferences during the week of October 20-24. Conference Week is Minimum Day Schedule Monday - Friday, 8:30 -1:05 for all grades K-5. Please notify your daycare provider of the schedule change. Please be on time for your conference appointment. Be prepared to discuss your child’s progress and jot down some questions before you arrive. Remember that another parent is scheduled to follow you. For cancellations or rescheduling, call promptly so you can be accommodated during the week. Be reminded that the playground opens at 8:00.
Sincerely,
Linda D Bowe
Principal
The Kiwais Club of Moorpark recognizes students in grades 3, 4 & 5, several times throghout the year for demonstrating their strength in specific areas. Recently, students who demonstrated strength at being “Thoughtful” and “Enthusiastic” were recognized at the September 26 assembly.
Thoughful students were:
Mycah Athey, Vicent Ye, Annaliese Adams, Adolfo Zaragoza, McKenna Sweeney, Sarah Goldrod, Noor Abou Haiba, Janet Raigoza, Samuel Gonzalez, Jessica Gonzales, Malik Salman
Enthusiastic students were: Hunter Fog, Nada Abou Haiba, Braden Deffenbaugh, Madyson Keeton, Rachel Fischer, Kailey Cook, Madison Fazzolare, Sergio Mendoza, Carla Calderon, Lane Young, Jamie Smith
School Site Council The School Site Council (SSC) is an advisory committee that assists the school staff in developing and implementing the School Based Coordinated Programs, such as School Improvement Program (SIP), English as a Second Language (EL), Reading and Math Intervention, etc.
This is an excellent opportunity for parents to provide input regarding school curriculum and instructional practices. The first meeting of the SSC is Thursday, October 16th at 5:30 p.m. in the school library. For more information contact Vicky Yasenchok at 517-1722.
GIFTED AND TALENTED EDUCATION PROGRAM (GATE)
Each year, the Moorpark Unified School District conducts screening and assessment for the GATE program. Formal identification of students for the GATE program begins at the end of the third grade and is based on multiple criteria including classroom performance, test scores, ability assessments (grades 3-5) and other information. Parents may request a copy of the District Criteria for GATE Identification and Parent Referral Form from the principal or office manager at their child's school site. This form will also be available on the MUSD website (www.mrpk.org) after September 30, 2008. After reviewing the District Criteria for GATE Identification, parent(s) must return the completed Parent Referral Form to the principal/office manager by 12 NOON on the last school day before Winter Break (December 19, 2008) for inclusion in the spring semester screening. Forms received after the due date will not be considered during the GATE screening process. Screening and assessment will be done during the second semester.
VPA (Visual and Performing Arts)
Proutyland is open and ready for students to learn art, dance, and drama! Ms. Pierce has graduated to an administrative position in our district. (She is in charge of CAP at Walnut Canyon and a Theater Grant for all the elementary schools.
CONGRATUALTIONS!)
Mr. Prouty is working with all the teachers to integrate visual and performing arts into the curriculum. Three of the grades have begun working with geometric shapes in their art lessons. All students are learning a little sign language! We are also starting to work on creating art to use for Artwork for Education (a fundraiser sponsored by PTA to make sets of greeting cards for anyone who chooses to order them). The profits from this project help pay for art supplies for Walnut Canyon.
Mr. Prouty is also looking for parent help organizing the materials in preparation for mailing the artwork to Artwork for Education offices. If you have a talent for creating art, dancing, singing, acting, building stage sets... we'd love to have you as a guest speaker! Please contact Mr. Prouty if you might be able to help out now - or with some other art-related project in the future. Thank you!
MUSIC
Chorus at Walnut Canyon meets on Fridays from 1:05-2:00. Chorus is free and is open to students in grades 3-5. We are working on our holiday program which will be held at the Simi Town Center on December 18 at
6:45 PM. There is also two daytime performances on the same day in the Memorial Auditorium if you can’t get to the evening show. We dress up nicely with our bright purple cummerbunds and it is a fun performance experience for both the parents and the families.
Kids who are in CAP just go to the next CAP class after chorus. Kids who normally go home are walked out to the parking lot at 2PM to be picked up.
Come join us for a great time singing all the old favorites! If you would like to help out at rehearsals or performances, please contact Becky Stewart, the Music Teacher at Walnut Canyon.
2008-2009 TALENT SHOW
Yes, is time to start getting ready for our annual Talent Show. All acts are 2 minutes long or less (no lip sync please)
Lunchtime Talent Show:
Tuesday, October 21, 11:20 -12:40 MPR
Tuesday, November 4, 11-20-12:40MPR
Tuesday, November 18, 11-20-12:40MPR
Dress Rehearlsals:
Friday, January 23, 1:05 – 3:00 P.M.
Friday, January 30, 1:05- 3:00 P.M.
Friday, February 6, 1:05-3:00 P.M.
Nighttime Show, Thursday, February 12, 7:00 p.m. Memorial Auditorium.
FUTURE EVENTS
September 30- Recess Day- No School
October 2 - Lunch with Dad
October 3 - Wildcat Assembly
October 9 - Recess Day – No School
October 20-24 Conferences, 1:05 dismissal
October 23- Picture retake day
October 28-29 Vision & Hearing Screening
Grades K,2,5