February 8, 2012

Tid Bits  for February 6, 2012

Starting the Instructional Day

A big thank you goes out you to those parents who have stepped up their efforts to leave home a little earlier each day in order to arrive at school by 8:00am.  Instruction starts at 8:10am so your earlier arrival allows children to make it to class on time.  I have observed parents attempting to engage their child’s teacher in a discussion about school related concerns before class begins.  Please understand that this practice delays the class start time and potentially deprives you of your teacher’s full attention.  Your future effort to not distract your child’s teacher from starting class on time will be greatly appreciated.  If you need to meet with your child’s teacher please see Beth at the front desk to schedule an appointment.  She will make every effort to coordinate a meeting as soon as possible.

Parent Enrichment not scheduled in February

We will not have a parent enrichment event this Tuesday the 14^th. If you would like to be part of a committee to identify needs of parents in our community and host parent evenings once a month, please contact Laurie at laurie@blueoakcharterschool.org. This is an area of our community life we would like to develop further and it can’t happen without volunteer support.

Benchmark Tests

Trimester two Benchmark Tests will be administered next week, February 13-17.  The Benchmark Test is a parallel test which covers all standards-based material to be taught during the entire school year.  The results of this test will provide teachers with student performance data to inform instruction that is presented over the next four months.  With the rapidly approaching STAR tests scheduled for April, faculty recognize the importance of teaching skills that students previously didn’t master or skills which haven’t yet been taught.  The Benchmark Tests are one instrument that provides teachers with that information.

Lost and Found

The last time I walked past the lost and found rack in the back corner of the great room I wondered if we had decided to open our own thrift store.  If you haven’t been back there you’re in for a surprise.  The collection of lost and forgotten clothing is huge and growing by the day.  If you’re asking where my child’s second jacket or scarf disappeared it is most likely in our Lost and Found.  If you’re wondering why I’m telling you this, well in the interest of space and fire safety we’re planning to donate all of the items to a real thrift store in the next several weeks.  Please consider this the last call to reclaim lost clothing.  Friday, February 10^th a store will be scheduled to pick up what is here.  Your assistance in reuniting with those lost and lonely items is appreciated in advance.

Playground Use After School

We have recently been receiving complaints from our CARD Aftercare folks and our neighbors behind the playground regarding unsupervised children playing on the playground and along the back fence after school is dismissed.  Please know that children are not permitted to play outside the school while waiting for pick-up.  The only children permitted on the playground at that time are those who are registered to attend the CARD Aftercare Program and those children who are being closely supervised by a parent or guardian.  Please ask your child to wait in the front office in the event of a delayed after school pick-up.  We will supervise their safety and call parent contacts if necessary.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Waldorf Parent Education at the Steiner College

This Saturday the 11^th there will be a class offered at the Steiner College in Sacramento titled “Fundamentals of Waldorf Education, An Introduction.” Find out more by visiting www.steinercollege.edu. Learning about Waldorf education is one of the best ways to support your child and our school. If you are interested in finding carpool buddies for this or other educational events at the college, please contact Beth in the front office and we will do our best to connect interested parents. This is also an area for volunteers to really have an impact on our community by promoting and coordinating educational opportunities for parents.

Lunch Program Changes and Call for Volunteers!

As you hopefully are aware by now, the online system for ordering lunches has been retired by our vendor.  Each month lunch menus will be distributed to classrooms no later than the 10^th, and need to be returned the following week to the front office with any applicable payment.  We have worked hard to implement the paper order & tracking system to minimize changes experienced by students and teachers.  Please help by returning your orders as soon as possible and notifying us of changes (adds or cancels) early.  When you call to report your child absent, please remember to cancel lunch if one is ordered.  The school is liable for the cost of any meals ordered & delivered whether a student receives it or not.

Volunteers are needed to help distribute lunches daily.  This volunteer post involves packing bags with bento boxes according to class order sheets and delivery to lower grade classrooms.  We are in need of people to help 12pm–1:30pm on Mon, Tue, Wed & Fri.  Please contact Amanda at: amanda@blueoakcharterschool.org for more details and to sign up for a regular shift!

Fall Enrollment Update

The end of our open enrollment period is fast approaching.  If you have not already returned your “Intent to Return for Fall of 2012” form to your teacher, please do so by Wednesday, February 8^th.   This helps us determine the number of seats available to incoming students.  If you do no intend to return next year, please inform your teacher.

Admission Forms for siblings entering Kindergarten are due by Thursday, February 9^th.  If you intend to enroll a Kindergartener, please bring your form to the office ASAP to ensure your child’s seat.