I can't believe January is already over and February is now here! I have spent the past week leading tours for prospective kindergarten parents. The tours are a way for me to "show and tell" Oak Knoll. It provides me important time to reflect on why Oak Knoll is such a special place for children to grow and develop academically and socially.  I thought this month I would share a few of the exciting things that happened here in January as well as a few of the things I am looking forward to in February.

 

Looking back on the month:

• The Oak Knoll Spelling Bee was a couple of weeks ago and yet another example of the hard work and dedication our students exude. The 3rd-5th graders were a great audience and supported their fellow peers in an encouraging way. At the event we emphasized the hard work it takes to become a great speller, focusing on the importance of a growth mindset.
• Our 3rd-5th grade Speech and Debate Tournament was last weekend. This event always impresses me because the kids grow their confidence and their brain right in front of our eyes! Each child debates between 4-6 rounds in front of parent judges. Remember that our PTO funds the 3rd grade Speech and Debate program, which is a once a week coach that joins the classroom and teaches the language, skills and format. The tournament is a way for our students to apply their learning.
• Mr.Quarre, one of our awesome 2nd grade teachers, just launched a Coding lunch club for all 1st-2nd graders! The kids code using an application on the ipads called Kodable. The program teaches the basics of coding and programming. Another great choice for students once a week. Speaking of technology, we also implemented 1:1 iPads for all 5th graders!

Looking ahead:

• Our 5th graders will be heading to camp, nestled in the Redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains. The San Mateo County Outdoor Education program is phenomenal! Our students go with their teachers and will live in cabins for the school week. They engage in hikes, beach days, campfires and the traditional Night Hike! Outdoor Ed is an enriching experience, a rite of passage, and a significant step in our students' growth.
• Mrs.Scott and Calling ALL Kids (our student leadership group) are planning our outreach and service project with My New Red Shoes. This February service project will include sewing cloth shoe bags!
• Don't forget to mark your calendar and join me for a Coffee Talk on Tuesday, February 10th at 8:15am in the gym. Joining us this month is Jacqui Cebrian, one of our reading specialists and Jane Bennion, our librarian. The February topic is titled, For the Love of Reading!

 

As we celebrate the 100th day of school today, please help us by completing our Site Council Parent Survey. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY and we would love to get to 100% participation! We will take the constructive feedback and adjust our systems, programs, and communication. Specific classroom feedback will be shared with your child's teacher. Given the survey is anonymous, our teaching staff welcomes meeting with you when a concern surfaces, so do not be shy to talk with them directly as well.

 

Happy 100th day,

 

Mrs. Gracia