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Letter from Principal Cathy Howard
Barron Park Buzz, June 6, 2008
Dear Barron Park families,
SCINTILLATING SOUNDS
Theatre, poetry, and music, blossom at Barron Park in the spring, and just in time for the Talent Show we received a wonderful new PA system in our multi-purpose room. In this era of budget reductions, our PTA and parent volunteers researched, planned, and installed a DVD/CD player, amplifier, microphones, speakers, and all of the necessary wiring and hook-ups. Under the tireless leadership of Christian Kalar, and with the help of John Salwitz, Ping Duan, Jeff Smith, Karen Gibson the entire system was installed over just one weekend and May. Our student performers, announcers, and backstage helpers made full use of the new system for our Talent Show. Many, many, many thanks to the parents and the PTA, who made this a reality!!
TRANSITIONS
Several of our staff members will be moving on to new life adventures next year. Third grade teacher Leonel Argumedo is moving to JLS to teach sixth grade math and science. With energy, focus, and commitment, Leonel has built a community of learners in his class each year, and we wish him luck as he moves on. Reading Specialist Gina Chung Fortt is expecting her first child and will be going on maternity leave. Speech Language Specialist Ashley Bradberry has taken a position working with younger children in a private clinic. Both Gina and Ashley serve children from many classes and grade levels with caring and flexibility. We wish them well as they embark on their new adventures!
First grade teacher Nick Foote will be moving up to teach third grade next year. As a principal, I welcome teachers’ changing grade levels, as it affords them a wider perspective on curriculum, instruction, and school-wide issues. We will lose the fourth first grade class, so Joan Barksdale, Pamela Fortune, and Jennifer Harvey will remain as our first grade team. We will have a fourth second grade “bubble” class instead, to handle burgeoning enrollment across the District.
I would like to welcome Edie Lau as our new Reading Specialist. Edie speaks both Mandarin and Spanish, and brings 8 years experience as teacher, Reading Specialist, and Literacy Coordinator. We are excited to have her join our team. Gina and Edie have already begun working together to plan s smooth transition.
I am currently working on the speech/language and second grade positions, and look forward to introducing the new staff members to you in my August “Welcome Back” letter.
COLLEGE BOUND
In 2008-9 we will be piloting a new program in the fifth grade. For now we are calling this the “College Bound” Program, but we are looking for a snappier name!
The College Bound program will emphasize critical thinking and problem solving, provide additional opportunities for students to practice good citizenship and take on leadership roles, and support motivated students in taking on more challenging academic work. Students in this program will start school two weeks early in August, and will have a longer school day on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays all year long. This additional time on task will allow them to explore the fifth grade curriculum in greater depth and complexity, and will also provide opportunities for them to learn the skills and information that will help put them on a path to college.
Students will participate in focused activities and experiences related to the fifth grade curriculum, which we don’t have time for during the regular school day and year. Some of these might include field trips and hands-on activities related to the science topics being studied; a day spent at a writing center; and a visit to a college campus.
Shari McDaniel will be teaching this special program, and will continue to work closely with Larry Wong on a coherent fifth grade program. The class filled very quickly with interested current Barron Park fourth graders, and we already have a waiting list.
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Due to statewide budget reductions, we continue to need to ask parents to help us with donations of school supplies and materials. Coming home with this Buzz is a letter asking every student to bring in a few specific supplies the first week of school. Each grade level has also identified a few special “Just Buy It” items that we are seeking funds to purchase. Thank you for your help and support with this!!
Have a relaxing summer, with plenty of unscheduled time to enjoy family and friends. Relax. Read your favorite children’s books to the family - again. Use numbers to count, compare, shop, estimate, and solve problems. Ask questions. Talk to each other. Listen to your children. Read some more. Allow time for unscheduled discoveries, inventions, and creations. And we’ll see you in August rested, refreshed and ready for another fabulous school year!
Cathy Howard
Email Principal Cathy Howard
Phone: 858-0508
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