From the Principal
We have had a fantastic first month of the new school year!
Routines have settled in and programs are up and running. Overall, the year is off to a smooth start. Naas Elementary continues to grow. Enrollment this fall is our largest ever with 331 students!
Building Improvements
You may have noted the changes to our entry and the new fencing being installed. These are two steps the district has taken to increase campus security and student safety. The new front entry security and increased number of students being picked up has resulted in change to our end of day student pick up routine. Thank you for being patient as we establish new processes for this. We continue to look at the process and are considering other methods for improving and speeding up student pick up.
Attendance and your Child's Success
Regular attendance is a critical piece to your child's school success. Research shows that parents who let their kids miss a lot of school may be setting them up for academic struggles for years to come. Students who drop out of high school usually have one thing in common: poor attendance throughout their school career.
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to get your child to school on time every day. With the start of a new year, it's a great time to establish routines and habits that lead to good attendance.
Some tips toward setting up a successful school routine:
Set and follow a regular bedtime. Your evening routine should allow time to wind down and get to bed at a set time. Elementary age children need a minimum of 8-9 hours of sleep each night.
- Get organized. Teach your child to plan ahead. Get all materials needed for the next day into the backpack the night before. Have a place where coat and backpack are kept and easily picked up on the way out the door. Plan the next day's lunch and pack as much as possible in advance.
- Keep your child's schedule manageable. Remember, when a new activity or commitment is added to the schedule, something else should be removed. Some kids handle a busier schedule better than others, but if you find your child not keeping up with schoolwork or too tired to get up in the morning, it's time to cut back.
Remember, the morning schedule at Naas begins with doors opening at 8:45am and students going to classrooms at 9:00am. Students arriving to their classrooms after 9:05AM are marked as tardy. The Naas instructional day ends at 3:40pm. A child picked up prior to 3:45pm is marked as leaving early which is also counted as part of their daily attendance. Set your routine so your child is out the door in plenty of time to arrive to school on time. Here's to a new year and getting off on the right foot!
Recap of the Morning Routine for Students and Parents
Student Only Zone Choices at 8:45-9:00AM:
Kid Zone 1 = Students may go to the library to read or do quiet activity
Kid Zone 2 = Students may go to the cafeteria for breakfast
Kid Zone 3 = Students may go to the computer lab on M/W/F
Kid Zone 4 = Students may go to the playground outside
- 8:45AM - Students independently proceed to zone choice
- 9:00AM - Students independently proceed to their classroom
- Lessons begin promptly at 9:05AM
After the first week of school we ask that students proceed to class independently. We understand the need for a parent to meet with the teacher; however all teachers are asked to utilize the teaching time that is reported to the State of Oregon. If you wish to request a meeting with your child's teacher please contact that teacher to schedule a meeting time.
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News from the Kitchen.....
Don't forget to fill out a new Free and Reduced Meal application by October 1st. Families must fill out a new form each year in order to continue to receive benefits for the current school year. If we do not receive a new application before October 1st, your family status will be changed back to the paid category and you will not receive benefits until you do submit a new application.
Did you know you can pay for your student meals via Credit Card? Myschoolbucks, Our Online Payment System for food service, is now up and running.You may now sign up for an account. It allows you to track your students balance and daily purchases as well as deposit money via a credit card. Go to the district webpage and under the nutrition Department look for the "Pay on Line" tab.
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Jog-A-Thon is running up on us!
The annual Naas Jog-A-Thon is fast approaching. It's time to dust off the running shoes and get out to round up your sponsors. Begin warming up. Before you know it October 4th will be here and the running begins!
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Parent Night/Open House is coming up!
Last week a notice was sent home inviting families to attend the Parent Night/Open House on Tuesday, October 8, 2013. If you haven't sent back your confirmation form indicating the number of people coming from your household and the information sessions you're interested in attending, please send it in by Tuesday, 10-1-13. It is sure to be an evening full of information and resources!
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Naas Staff Highly Qualified
We pleased to share that all teachers and educational assistants at Naas Elementary meet the federal standards for being highly qualified. A federal law called the "No Child Left Behind" (NCLB) Act defines standards for teacher quality. Under NCLB, educators must be certified or licensed in their "core" subject(s), have a bachelor's degree and demonstrate subject matter knowledge, either through State testing or by majoring in a particular subject in college. Educational assistants must have an associate's degree or pass the para-pro exam.
It is important to note that NCLB standards apply to the subject matter taught by teachers. A teacher may be highly qualified to teach one subject, but not another. With this in mind, we are making every effort to be sure that all teachers within our district are appropriately assigned to classrooms that reflect their academic degree and/or demonstrated expertise.
Whenever a child is being taught by an educator who has not yet met the new federal requirements of a Highly Qualified Teacher for their current assignment, the law requires that schools receiving Federal Title I funds notify any parents of the noncompliance issue. This requirement doesn't apply for Naas Elementary this year as all staff members are highly qualified.
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We Walked AND Ran!
On Friday, 9/13/13 Naas students (and some staff) participated in Walk Across America Day. Ms. Johnston got kids moving during PE class and Naas students walked or jogged their way to a total of 250.5 miles! What a great way to support a national project and work on moving to be healthy!
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Naas News
is Going Electronic!
This is the only edition of the Naas News that will be sent home with all students. Beginning in October, Naas News will be sent electronically to all families who have provided an email address on their child's school registration. If you do not have access to email, you may contact the office and request a paper copy be sent home with your child.
