Early childhood:  "Alphabetic Decoding" & "Explicit Instruction"

Dear Parents and OLF Families,

The pendulum of pedagogic philosophy swings back and forth with every generation of teachers, federal or local policies, new national standards, publishers trends and innovative technology tools. Many times, educators are confronted with a tide and flow of "the old"," the new" and "the unknown". 

Similar to other professions, professional educators continuously seek to improve their knowledge and skills in order to prepare students for the future. At a recent symposium in San Diego sponsored by the Rowland Reading Foundation, educational leaders from the West Coast gathered to discuss "The Challenge of our Times - Teaching ALL Children to Read".

With passion, compassion and a good dose of humor, Dr. Anita Archer, a nationally recognized and renowned literacy and language expert, implored her audience to use structure, "explicit instruction" and common sense to engage young readers. Our nation is facing a crisis, when a majority of children are unable to read with fluency and comprehension. Our future workforce will be at a great disadvantage, if we don't address these challenges at an early age.

Dr. Archer's presentation was complemented by Dr. Louisa Moats' research-based demonstrations of why early identification is of such paramount importance in early childhood reading. Based on new neurobiological evidence, reading at a young age allows us to predict the long-term outcomes of learning success with relative accuracy. If the child can not acquire "the code" of literacy early on, fluency and comprehension are difficult to attain.  

Neither Dr. Archer, nor Dr. Moats were pessimistic, but both urged educators to be vigilant, using various proven tools and instructional strategies to identify reading challenges within our schools. Together with our faculty and Mrs. Rodriguez (Language Arts Coordinator), we will continue to do just that! Using various diagnostic tools to assess developmental readiness and growth at the early stages of learning, we remain dedicated to ensure that all students know how to read with fluency and comprehension and enjoy the thrill of great literary exploration! 

                 Reading Symposium with Dr. Anita Archer

Blessings,

Mrs. Beate Nguyen, M.A. Ed.,

Principal 

upcoming events

Thursday, March 1

Re-registration due!

4th Grade Community Service 

@ F.A.M. 

Friday, March 2

8:30 a.m. School Mass

8th Grade Finalists @ Chapman University for  "Holocaust Art & Essay Contest" Ceremony

Saturday, March 3

Ambassadors (7/8 Gr.) 

Hall Set-Up 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. 

6 -8th Grade

observe the Decathlon @ Santa Margarita Catholic High School 

Sunday, March 4

McGowan Hall Dedication @ 3 p.m. 

ALL ARE INVITED! 

Ambassadors (7/8 Grade) 

report from 1-5 p.m.

Tuesday, March 6

Spirit Shirts + jeans + F.A.M.

Room Parent Meeting 

@ 8:15 a.m.

MAP Gesell Screening

Early dismissal @ 2 p.m.

Wednesday, March 7 

Mixed choir AUDITONS

@ lunch for Grades 2-8

Thursday, March 8 

If you need financial aid for next year, please DO NOT wait!! The school's Finance Committee is in the process of budgeting for next year. It is IMPERATIVE that you apply for aid through F.A.S.T. so that we know the needs of our families. You can apply to FAST through the link at our website, www.olfschool.net.

Even if you do not yet have the supporting documents, please make the initial application NOW. We cannot guarantee financial aid to families who apply after March 15th. Please call the school office and speak with Mrs. Clark if you have any questions.

We posted an incorrect date recently for F.A.M. Tuesday and apologize for the confusion. Please note that EVERY Tuesday during Lent will be a F.A.M. Tuesday! Wear your Spirit shirt and jeans and "do a good deed" for the day.........our F.A.M. wish list for Lent is.....

Vitamins 

Individual juice servings (No bulk juices)

  Canned Foods & Dry Goods 

Parents of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders, please see the flyer with your newsletter today about a reception and information night for prospective 6th - 8th grade families who might be interested in considering JSerra High School for the future education of their children.  Irene and Richard Ortega, former OLF parents, have graciously opened their home for this low-key social gathering and question and answer opportunity. Wednesday, March 7th at 6:30. Please RSVP to 493-9307 x1149.

April is getting closer and the OLF yearbook is evolving through our joint effort.  In order to have a successful and beautiful looking yearbook, we are asking everyone to help get any pictures to our yearbook coordinator before April.  Our goal is to send the finished yearbook to the printer by the end of April. 

Please email the pictures to Rattana Manalo (flipthai@mae.com) or drop of your labeled CDs at Mrs. Nguyen's office. Thank you in advance for all of your help! Our yearbook won't be successful without it!

S.O.A.R

 (Study, Organize, Achieve and be Ready)

 4 Academic Success!

Click HERE for S.O.A.R flier!