The month of September started with school pictures, visits from Superintendent Yantz and Governing Board Member Adams, the start of Hispanic Heritage Month, and LOTS of learning. It ended with a Recognition Assembly where students were celebrated for being safe, respectful, and kind. Students were also recognized for demonstrating amazing academic talents. A special group of students received certificates for becoming Reclassified Fluent English Proficient students, and the 2023-24 AV Student Council was sworn in. Now that September is over, we are looking forward to many exciting events in October. However, before we preview events, this newsletter will provide a glimpse of life at Arroyo Vista in the month of September. I'd also like to provide some useful information about school and community resources and other helpful tidbits.

This weekend is a three day weekend for our students as the AV staff has a Professional Development Day on Monday, Oct. 2. I hope you find some time to relax and read this newsletter. If you have anything that you wish for me to add to future newsletters, please do not hesitate to make a suggestion.

Sincerely,

Emily

One of the biggest ways parents can support students is ensuring that students are at school on time every day. Attached is our Attendance Policy for the Elementary Schools. School starts at 8:10. And did you know that regular school attendance is one of the biggest indicators of school success? In South Pasadena, we strive for students being present and on time at last 95% of the school year. To put this in other terms, please see the chart below. We will report attendance on student report cards, and if attendance or tardies need to be addressed before that time, we will contact families with reminders and support.

Our Food Services website is packed with helpful information. You start by visiting spusd.net and under the Departments arrow, select food services. Then, navigate through to see how you can easily find menus, ingredients, allergens, etc. You can even select languages other than English and easily print off a monthly menu to keep handy. The video below walks you through the site.

Some of the efforts we are making to support Social Emotional Learning at Arroyo Vista include:

1. PTA and School Counselor working together to create and share AV's 9 Months of Wellness. In the month of September, students focused on positive self talk. In October, they will focus on mood and feelings.

2. Second Step lessons and monthly character traits - teachers are teaching these lessons in class, and the school is focusing on monthly themes. September's theme was Setting the Stage, and the character trait was all about being safe, respectful, and responsible. October's theme is Skills for Learning, and we will talk about listening, focusing attention, using self-talk, and being assertive.

3. Counselor Support - Kristine Hoang, our school counselor, is here four days a week and provides individual and group support. She is currently setting up friendship groups and is in regular communication with families and parents about ways she can offer support.

4. Paw Points are given to classes who are caught following rules and working together as a team. High Fives are awarded to students who are practicing good habits. Each of these ways we "catch" students doing the right thing result in praise and rewards!

The Library wants you to know about their online resources:

"We have many online resources ranging from tutoring, to language learning, to research resources, to reading recommendations, and much more. We encourage all students to get a library card so they can have access to our online and print resources." Check out their Children's Page!

Need something to do with your kiddos on their non-school day on Monday? It's not too late to enter the Reflections Contest! This is a National PTA experience in which students can share their talents of dance, literature, music composition, photography, visual arts, and film production. Entries are due Oct. 1, but if you turn in entries on the 2nd, you should still be OK.

There is a free workshop that parents might be interested in. The workshop free and is divided up into three sessions:

EF Bootcamp Session 1: October 24, 2023 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm

EF Bootcamp Session 2: November 7, 2023 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm

EF Bootcamp Session 3: December 12, 2023 from 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Click on the button below to learn more about the webinar and to register.

All students have access to DreamBox Math. DreamBox is an online math program guaranteed to raise proficiency if practiced regularly. If your child forgot how to log in, reach out to his/her teacher.

Did you know that our school’s participation goal for Wish Night is an ambitious 70%? Your support is what makes all the difference, and every dollar holds the potential to shape your child(ren)’s journey in the classroom and across our school grounds. Each donation directly impacts their experiences, creating treasured memories they’ll hold close to their hearts.

Are you ready to be part of this positive change? Head over to ptav.org/wish-night and contribute to your child(ren)’s classroom, the Principal’s Discretionary Fund, and School-Wide Programs. Remember, no contribution is ever too small – every bit counts!