September 7, 2012
Dear Valley Stream UFSD Thirteen Families,
We have had a wonderful start to the new school year. Once again our schools are alive with children learning new routines and skills.
Your child will be bringing home information about our new District Code of Conduct. It has been written in age-appropriate language, one for children in kindergarten through second grade, and another for children in third through sixth grade. Please review the District Code of Conduct with your child and send the form to school as soon as possible. The District Code of Conduct on our website, www.valleystream13.com.
Our theme for this school year is "ACE." ACE stands for the following:
A is for Academics - We will continue to focus on increasing student achievement and implementing the Common Core Learning Standards for New York State. We have revised our student schedules so that there is more time for not only learning reading, writing and mathematics, but more time for learning social studies and science. Our fifth and sixth grade students will be learning keyboarding this year. We will be placing a greater emphasis on expanding research skills and vocabulary.
C is for Communication - We will be using our District website and our email notification system to inform you about programs, events and learning. We are planning more programs for parents and families. We will also have a District Word of the Month and a District Learning Strategy of the Month. These will be sent to you via the email notification system. The September information will be emailed to you on Monday, September 10, 2012. The best communication is the communication between you and your child's teacher. Please attend the Open House programs at your child's school, review the school work and contact your child's teacher with any questions about your own child.
E is for Emotional Learning - Research shows that children who are engaged in school, which means they show effort, persistence and motivation, are successful. Our implementation of the Dignity for All Students Act, our new District Code of Conduct and the many programs offered in our schools will continue to build your child's emotional learning.
Your child will be taking the NWEA assessments sometime between September 19 and October 3. We are holding two parent information sessions about the NWEA assessment. You can choose which session to attend. The NWEA Parent Information Meetings will be held on September 14 at 10:30AM at the Wheeler Avenue School and on September 20 at 6:00PM at the Howell Road School. Please email NWEA13@valleystream13.com and indicate your name, phone number and which session you plan to attend. Mrs. Schozer, Coordinator of Curriculum and Instruction, and I look forward to seeing you.
Our theme, "ACE," is designed to improve the academic success for each student.
We are all looking forward to a working together to create a productive school year for your children. I am looking forward to seeing you at upcoming school and community events
