The Panther Post
To the people who love you, you are beautiful already.
Principal's Message
It is hard to believe that we have passed the halfway point of the year. Students are settled in routines and understand our school- wide expectations. Teachers have worked hard to create meaningful learning opportunities and teach school-wide behavior expectations. Consistency and predictability are key factors for student success, as well as a calm learning environment to better focus on learning. We are thankful for your continued support.
We have had many activities since our return from winter break. There are many more activities to come so be on the lookout for the information.
A huge Panther Thank You goes to Ms. Leal, Mr. Berini, Ms. Ayala, Ms. Antonioli, and Ms. Hunter and all who assisted with the coordination and performance of the annual Spelling Bee. I would also like to thank and congratulate those that stepped out of their comfort level and competed with their peers. Your confidence and excellence are admired and appreciated. Way to go! Congratulations to our winner Jennelle Joy Dualan, runner up Payten Tuazon Quemuel, and tied for third are Megan Junelle Ednalino and Valeria Perez Morales. We wish you the best of luck at the county Bee.
Attendance matters. Parents and guardians, we need your help in ensuring students arrive at school on time. There are several students arriving 5 minutes or more tardy daily. Please be sure to call the school if you receive a call regarding your child’s attendance. You can also check your child’s tardies and attendance through Parent Connect. Please come to the office to activate your account.
Parent involvement is crucial to the success of your child. We are looking for several parents who are willing to participate in a focus group to help provide input and ideas to help parents become more involved. If you are interested, please contact your child’s school counselor. We look forward to hearing your thoughts and ideas. Please click on the link to sign up.
We’re fortunate to work with your students every day. Thank you for allowing us to play a role in their development.
Go Panthers!
Warmly,
Ms. Perez, Principal
Please Spare the Silver Spoon by Dr.Charles Fay
Parents can teach the value of hard work to today's kids. Parents can raise responsible kids who grow up to be responsible and independent adults. That is, only if they don't give them everything they want! Today, more parents than ever before are able to give their children more of what they ask for. What's the result? More and more ungrateful youngsters who never learn the value of hard work and the struggle to succeed - youngsters who remain financially and emotionally dependent upon their parents well into adulthood. Nobody sits down and plans to spoil their kids. Nevertheless, it's darned easy to feel guilty and give in when they say things like, "I really need these sneakers. All the other kids at school have them." That's why Love and Logic® offers five easy-to-learn steps for parents who need off the "hot seat" when their kids ask - or beg - for things they really don't need:
Step 1: Show your child you understand his or her desires. This understanding is essential for maintaining a loving parent-child relationship. The next time your child wants something, make sure you provide plenty of empathy. For example: Child: "Dad, I need that new video game. All of my friends already have it." Father: "That is such a cool game! I can understand a kid wanting that one."
Step 2: Instead of giving in or saying "No," gently ask how they plan to pay for the item. Child: "It is cool. You need to get it for me today. I need time to practice." Father: "How are you going to pay for it?"
Step 3: When your child reacts, ask, "Would you like some ideas?" Child: "What? I don't have any money. Why won't you buy it for me?" Father: "Would you like some ideas about how to pay for it?"
Step 4: Give your child two or three possible options. Child: "I guess." Father: "Some kids decide to do extra chores to earn the money. How would that work?" Child: "Awww." Father: "Other kids decide to sell some of their old things to earn the money. How would that work?" Child: "Why won't you just buy it for me?"
Step 5: Wish your child luck and don't get sucked into an argument. Father: "I really hope you can find a way to earn that game." Child: "This is so stupid. Why won't you just buy it?" Father: "I love you too much to argue. I'll be happy to listen when your voice sounds calm." At The Love and Logic Institute, we've received letter after letter describing how these five steps have changed parents' lives with their children. A mother noted that her kids were raised with this approach and as adults, all three are very thrifty shoppers! Love and Logic is easy to learn and can change your life too. The sooner you start, the more time you'll have to enjoy your kids, and they'll have to learn the value of hard work.
Counseling week: February 6-10, 2023
The role of the school counselor is often misunderstood because it is unique. At the forefront of everything that a school counselor does is build relationships. Studies have shown that if students have someone that loves and believes in them, their outcomes are far greater. We know that students cannot learn at high levels without first having their basic needs met. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs tells us that humans first need food, water, warmth, and rest. Immediately following, humans need to feel safe and secure. Feeling loved is next. A school counselor has a unique role of ensuring that those important first three layers are met. And those needs must be met before anything else can occur. This is just the beginning of what they do. They wear many hats and our counselors wear them exceptionally well. They do what it takes to provide care and support for our students, staff and community. Not only do they provide a safe environment, but they provide home support by educating parents, being a liaison between home and school, teaching valuable lessons to help them be better human beings, college and career awareness and so much more. Please see this link for an update about what our counselors have accomplished so far and the year isn’t over.
ParentSquare: our new parent communication platform
Parents, ParentSquare is our new communication method. Please download the app to make accessing messages easier. If you are not receiving messages from the school, please stop by the office for help. We send many important messages regularly. If you receive messages from your child’s teacher, please respond to acknowledge that you received the message.
ELPAC testing: English Language Proficiency Assessments for California
The California Summative ELPAC season is upon us. During this time, all English learners will be required to take these assessments to measure the progress in their English language proficiencies. Please be sure your child attends class regularly and please ensure they bring their fully charged device.
Attention 8th Graders!
Here are some links to help you get registered for high school.
High School Enrollment Links
Link 1 Online Enrollment Link
Link 2 Click this link to see the different pathways each high school offers!
Link 3 Intra District Transfer
CTE Roadshow: On January 26, 2023 the Oxnard Union High School District was here in preparation for supporting our students' transition/enrollment to high school. They provided our 8th graders with information on the different pathways at each high school.
We are in search of more parents that would like to join the Blackstock PTA! Please let the office know if you are interested. Thank you for your support!
If you aren't feeling well, please stay home! Kids who come to school sick don't learn very well and can spread the germs to others.
Important Dates
February 15 - Parent Project @ 5:30pm
February 17-20 - NO SCHOOL, President's Day holiday
February 22 - Parent Project @ 5:30pm
March 1 - Parent Project @ 5:30pm
March 8 - Parent Project @ 5:30pm
March 15 - Parent Project @ 5:30pm
March 22 - Parent Project @ 5:30pm
VCOE Equity Conference
Tuesday, March 7, 2023, In Person in Camarillo
Vital issues surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion in Ventura County public schools are the focus of the third annual Ventura County Office of Education Equity Conference, which will be held in person on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Camarillo.
The conference will feature a wide variety of workshops on increasing opportunities and removing obstacles for students from marginalized communities.
The conference is open to parents and guardians, students, educators, support personnel, and community members. Language interpretation will be provided. There's no charge to attend, but you'll need to register at www.vcoe.org/equity23.
