During the summer, we have several learning opportunities/suggestions for you to avoid the "summer slide". Summer slide is a very real thing where if you're not engaging in any kind of learning over the summer months, your child can lose up to 20% of the year's learning. Here are some things to prevent that:
Caine's Arcade Monday 6/2
On Monday the 2nd, we will get to be players in a special arcade made by our Alta Vista 5th graders called Caine's Arcade. You can learn more about this activity here. Some of the games the 5th graders create have prizes. If your child comes home with some small toys/prizes on Monday, you will know where those are from.
- Reading: The most important thing your child can do is continue reading daily. Whether it's sharing a book as a family or reading to him/herself, it is so important to keep up a reading routine.
- Writing: Please have your children keep a summer journal, where they can write a few sentences about what they did each day. I am encouraging your children to use the remaining pages in their Fundations journals to complete at least 8 entries during the summer. If they do, they can see me next school year and receive a prize.I also always encourage children to send me postcards or write to me over the summer about what they've been up to. I respond to every letter I receive! I will include my address in the bag of things they will bring home one day this week, most likely Thursday or Friday.
- Math: Just playing board games is actually a great math reinforcement activity. Rolling dice (adding) and counting squares really reinforces basic addition and counting skills.
- Websites/apps: Lexia, and HappyNumbers, and Imagine Learning will all continue to be available through July. I will send home instructions for logging into ClassLink, the district's app-management system, in their bag as well so that you can access all those programs.
- Camps & Recreational Activities: Take advantage of all that is offered in our community. Besides our own USD Extended Care Summer Camp, I know many local organizations such as YSI, The Tech Museum, Galileo Camps, and Los Gatos/Saratoga Recreation are offering great summer programs. Also, encourage your children to get away from screens and enjoy outside time!
Caine's Arcade Monday 6/2
On Monday the 2nd, we will get to be players in a special arcade made by our Alta Vista 5th graders called Caine's Arcade. You can learn more about this activity here. Some of the games the 5th graders create have prizes. If your child comes home with some small toys/prizes on Monday, you will know where those are from.
Olympic Day 6/3
On Tuesday, June 3rd, Alta Vista will have its schoolwide Olympic Day. This is an annual tradition at AV. Children will participate in fun games and activities during this all-outdoor event. We wear our class t-shirts for this event to help us stick together as a "team." Please plan on sending your child in their Grasshopper t-shirt on Tuesday the 3rd. Please also be sure to send your children with a water bottle to stay hydrated during this event, and wear hats and sunscreen. We will have a wagon for bringing water bottles around with us, so they will always be available for the kids. Yearbooks will be passed out after Olympic Day if you ordered one for your child prior to the cut-off for school delivery. Your child can continue bringing the yearbook back to school for the remainder of the week to get autographs from their friends-- please supply your child with a pen for signatures. If you didn't order a yearbook, feel free to send an alternative signature item such as a journal or even the Grasshopper t-shirt.
Foam Party 6/3
We are double-booked on Tuesday the 3rd, which will require some outfit coordination on your end. We apologize-- when we scheduled the Foam Crew, Olympic Day was supposed to be on Monday. Here is what we will need you to do to prepare your child for both events:
On Tuesday, June 3rd, Alta Vista will have its schoolwide Olympic Day. This is an annual tradition at AV. Children will participate in fun games and activities during this all-outdoor event. We wear our class t-shirts for this event to help us stick together as a "team." Please plan on sending your child in their Grasshopper t-shirt on Tuesday the 3rd. Please also be sure to send your children with a water bottle to stay hydrated during this event, and wear hats and sunscreen. We will have a wagon for bringing water bottles around with us, so they will always be available for the kids. Yearbooks will be passed out after Olympic Day if you ordered one for your child prior to the cut-off for school delivery. Your child can continue bringing the yearbook back to school for the remainder of the week to get autographs from their friends-- please supply your child with a pen for signatures. If you didn't order a yearbook, feel free to send an alternative signature item such as a journal or even the Grasshopper t-shirt.
Foam Party 6/3
We are double-booked on Tuesday the 3rd, which will require some outfit coordination on your end. We apologize-- when we scheduled the Foam Crew, Olympic Day was supposed to be on Monday. Here is what we will need you to do to prepare your child for both events:
- Send your child to school in their Grasshopper t-shirt and shoes appropriate for running/fitness. They should have a hat and sunscreen too!
- At lunch, we will change for the Foam Crew. Please pack a swimsuit and shoes that can get wet-- flip-flops, old sneakers, crocs, etc. Please also send a beach towel. To make this easier, boys could wear their swim trunks as shorts for Olympic Day, and if girls have a two-piece swimsuit, they could wear that under their clothes. However, if your child prefers to fully change into swim gear, please pack a separate bag with all the listed items (swimsuit, beach towel, water shoes).
- After the Foam Crew, we will enjoy ice cream sundaes!
There are no special events or activities on the last day. We like to keep things calm and quiet in kindergarten since this can be an emotional day for all. Please note that school is dismissed at 12:15 on the last day, and we do not go to lunch on this day. If your child needs a lunch, s/he can pick up a bag lunch at dismissal time from the cafeteria, otherwise, lunch is at home or extended care on this day-- please plan accordingly.
