Hello Families,
We’ve started this week by celebrating our teachers and staff for National Teacher Appreciation Week! Please enjoy our newsletter:
Math Instruction
Our students have been diligently preparing for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) by taking practice tests. They’ve also been connecting mathematical concepts to the real world by calculating area and perimeter using standardized measurements. Meanwhile, our older students are preparing for their tests through micro-teachings, 1-on-1 lessons, and completing quizzes on Khan Academy. Their focus and effort are impressive as they work toward mastering these essential skills.
You may have noticed that students are moving away from remote memorization learning and the focus is on the practical application of mathematical concepts such as multiplication, division, area, and perimeter. Rather than simply memorizing formulas, our approach emphasizes hands-on learning. We are using concrete materials, like LEGO bricks, to bring these concepts to life. Additionally, we are incorporating standardized units of measurement to further enhance the students' understanding. By applying math in real-world contexts, students are not only learning how to solve problems but are also gaining a deeper understanding of how these concepts are used in everyday situations. This approach makes learning more meaningful, moving away from rote memorization and towards true comprehension.
We are excited to continue fostering this practical, engaging learning experience for your child!
Spanish classes
Last week, our school participated in the CSA (California Spanish Assessment) testing for the very first time! The CSA is designed to measure students’ Spanish language skills in reading, writing, and listening, and it's a great opportunity to celebrate bilingualism and academic achievement. Our students approached the assessment with focus and enthusiasm, demonstrating their growing proficiency and pride in their Spanish language abilities. We’re proud of their hard work and excited to use the results to continue supporting and strengthening our dual language program.
HENDY WOODS CAMPING
Our recent camping trip to Hendy Woods was a wonderful adventure filled with nature, learning, and fun! Nestled among the majestic redwoods, Hendy Woods State Park provides the perfect setting for students to explore the outdoors, bond over campfires, and discover the beauty of our local environment. Highlights included guided nature walks, wildlife sightings, stargazing, and classic campfire activities like s'mores. It was a memorable experience that brought our students from 5th through 8th grade closer together and reminded us of the value of unplugging and connecting with the natural world.
Science Instruction: Students explored the concept of environmental literacy through hands-on, creative, and bilingual activities focused on endangered animals and their habitats. They will observe nature in our school garden and playground, learn key Spanish and English vocabulary, and express their understanding through drawing and creating a 3D model of an animal or habitat. The goal is to help students build awareness of environmental issues, develop empathy for wildlife, and understand their role in protecting the planet—all while practicing observation, art, and language skills.
Disc Golf Field Day:
A huge THANK YOU to Derrick Robbings and MCRPD for our Disc Golf Field Day. Our students had a fantastic visit from the Disc Golf Clinic! They learned how to play Disc Golf and enjoyed every moment of it. The students had a great time practicing their skills and even received fun little gifts to remember the day by.
Ms. Cabezut and Ms. Isidora, Dual Language Program TK-2 Students worked with the syllable CH. We learned to recognize it in words, and we created new words and found real ones with CH, like chavo del 8, cheque, chivo, chocolate, chupete, and chinita. We used syllables we already know to build longer words. The students wrote these words, drawed pictures of them, and even molded them using playdoh. We also worked with the letter Ñ, like in ñandú. We practiced reading and writing words with Ñ, such as piña, baño, caña, and seña. Students enjoyed discovering how this letter changes the sound and meaning of the words. We used DUA (Universal Design for Learning) and made 3 levels of difficulty, so all students could join depending on what grade level they are.
