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:
- 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.
- Websites/apps: Lexia, and HappyNumbers, and KidsA-Z 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. I know many local organizations such as YSI, The Tech Museum, Galileo Camps, our own USD Extended Care, and Los Gatos/Saratoga Recreation are offering great summer programs. Also, encourage your children to get away from screens and enjoy outside time!
Olympic Day 6/3
On Monday, 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 Monday the 3rd. Please also be sure to send your child with a water bottle to stay hydrated during this event. We 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 Field 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.
Class Party 6/4
On Tuesday the 4th, the Grasshoppers are having a Foam Party! Thanks to your generous fund-raising and donations to the AVHSC, this party is funded with our grade level field trip & experiences budget. We will also be serving ice cream sundaes, but there isn't enough time after the Foam Party to have those, so we will serve sundaes on Thursday the 6th.
Last Day 6/7
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.
Looking forward to a fun final five days!
