PPP ... Pfleuger's pupils making strides!

January 28, 2012

By Principal Paul Pfleuger Valley View Elementary The students of Valley View have had a very productive week! They participated in the “Fill the Bus” project on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, collecting a total of 851 items for the Food Bank. Last weekend our 3rd, 4th and 5th grade class winners put it all on the line at the Community Spelling Bee. Valley View students came out on top in all elementary divisions, the following students earned the title of champion: 3rd Grade—Lily Blackmore, 4th Grade—Katie Clairmont and 5th Grade—Ashlynn Rushing. Congratulations to all students who participated in the 2012 Community Spelling Bee! At school we continually remind students of our motto to maintain a SAFE, CIVIL & PRODUCTIVE school. These guidelines are read daily in the morning announcements and posted on the wall in every class. To help support these positive life skills, we talk to the students about the Golden Rule, “Treat others as you would like to be treated!” We are making definite headway, as office referrals are minimal. Still, mid-winter brings about behavior issues—something akin to “Cabin Fever." Lately, I have had students come in from recess acknowledging negative behavior by classmates. I first ask the students to assess the situation: did they have a role in the negative behavior? Second, I ask them if they tried at least three ideas from this chart (Editor's Note: a chart even adults in conflict might find useful!). Third, I ask them if they contacted the playground supervisor for assistance. One of the rules of playground safety is to know where the playground monitor is. It is the student’s responsibility to remain in sight of the adults. Please reinforce these guidelines at home. Academically, we are making great gains overall. We have just taken the winter Idaho Reading Indicator (IRI) for the Kindergarten, 1st, 2nd and 3rd Graders. STAR testing is given to the 4th and 5th grades. I have not seen the official results, but I do anticipate great improvements. From these results we will analyze student growth and adjust our instructional practices. The future is bright at Valley View Elementary School. Most important is the communication between the school and the home. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held the week of January 30th-February 3rd. The school year is half way over soon! Our partnership will assure student growth and success. A growing body of evidence suggests that family engagement matters for student success. Research shows that family engagement improves school readiness, student achievement and social skills. We would love to have you join us at school! Parents are welcome to enjoy lunch with their children; just let us know in the a.m. when you’re coming! Upcoming Events: 1/31 **Marimba Assembly 2:30-3:00 K, 1st , 2nd and 3:15-3:45 3rd , 4th , 5th ** 1/31, 2/2-3 Parent-Teacher Conferences 2/6 School Board 6:00 @ H.S. 2/7 Faculty Meeting 2/8 5th grade ski trip 2/9 VALLEY VIEW SCHOOL CARIVAL beginning at 6:00 p.m.