Hawk Newsletter

Dear Parents and Guardians,

At school, we continue to emphasize not only academic growth, but also the importance of developing a positive mindset. Research shows that people who routinely take note of what is good in their lives and make it a habit to express their gratitude tend to be happier and have a more positive life experience. Gratitude is more than simply saying “thank you”—it is a way of thinking that helps students recognize the good around them, even during challenges.

Some of the many benefits of practicing gratitude include:

1. Building and maintaining stronger friendships

2. Better physical health

3. Increased mental strength

4. Improved self-esteem

5. Stronger emotional regulation and overall well-being

6. Better sleep

By focusing on gratitude and positive thinking, students learn to see obstacles as opportunities to grow, rather than as setbacks. This growth mindset allows them to stay motivated, keep trying when things get hard, and celebrate the progress they make along the way.

We encourage you to continue nurturing this mindset at home. Talk with your child about the best parts of their day, model expressing gratitude toward others, and help them find the positives in both people and events around them. Together, we can help students build resilience, confidence, and a positive outlook that will support them in school and in life.

Thank you for your partnership and for reinforcing these important life skills at home.

With appreciation,
Christina Dang

Principal, AJ Mitchell

September 12th our Resource students along with students that scored proficient of highly proficient on the Spring 25 AASA attended the Santa Cruz County fair. AJ Mitchell won a trophy for our recycled butterfly that students made last year. Other art projects also won ribbons ranging from 1st to 3rd place. The art is proudly displayed in our school office for students and families to view.

Rumors

This week in counseling students are learning about rumors and the harmful effects they can have on others and their own lives. Students read a story by Julia Cook Called " "Rumor Has It" in which a rumor is spread that there is a couch, a TV, and videogames in the girls bathroom! The rumor was started by one girl and spread throughout the school. The rumor eventually even makes it on the news! Students learned about the THINK test. If a student hears a rumor they should ask themselves if it's true, if it's helpful, if it's inspiring and if it's necessary and kind. Below are different ways we can stop rumors:

1. Refuse & Ignore – explain that you don’t like gossip or rumors and that you choose not to participate
2. Challenge – when necessary, uncover the factuality of the rumor and only share what passes the THINK test
3. Distract – change the subject to something more positive

Over the next month, our class will celebrate what makes each of us special.We will read books to explore how we are the same and different—from our names, to our style, to our favorite things. Children will write stories about their experiences with making friends and learning new things.

Parents can reinforce these important topic words when you are reading or talking with your child:

• celebrate
• different
• special

WORDS TO KNOW:

Practice reading and spelling these words that children will see a lot in books they read:
am, and, at, by, can, go, is, man, my, no, to, you

For Math:

Act, draw, and solve Addition and Subtraction Problems, and Math equations Within 5.

Solve Put Together Problems and Take Apart Problems Within 5, practice number sequence from 1 to 50.

First grade has been actively exploring addition and subtraction strategies, including counting on and back, using number lines, and making ten. We also engaged in a collaborative STEM activity where students worked together to build a house for Bear. During social studies, we've been discussing classroom rules and what it means to be a good citizen as well as learning about the Constitution. The first quarter has been full of learning and fun!

This week in ELA, we're working on final blends and the closed syllable pattern. Our vocabulary strategy is using context clues to determine the meaning of a word. In reading, students focus on determining the central idea and the author's point of view. In math, students will deepen their understanding of place value. In this module, children extend their knowledge of place value as they explore three-digit numbers. For science, students will use a design process to find and build the best solution to a problem. They will analyze information they gather from tests on properties of materials to choose the best materials to solve a problem. Finally, in social studies, we'll be using investigative skills to explore what it was like to come to the United States long ago. We are going to focus on sequencing and interpreting information from a map. Students are going to use their investigative skills to look for text evidence that tells them about what happened when families came to the United States.

Unisourse visited the second grade classes teaching about safety around electricity.

Math: We continue working on multiplication and using different strategies to work with multiplication.

ELA: Practice reading fluency every day! For this month we will be focusing on stories that talk about The Constitution, Why We Celebrate The Fourth of July, The Flag Maker, and Why is The Statue of Liberty Green? Stories that have to do with our country and its history.

Dear 4th grade parents,

We’ve had a busy and exciting time in 4th grade! In Science, students are enjoying hands-on activities, and in Social Studies, we’re learning about Early Peoples. In Writing, we’re working on Personal Narrative essays and short prompts to build strong writing skills. In Math, students are practicing multiplication facts, addition and subtraction with regrouping, and rounding numbers.

Please, make sure your child is completing their reading log, which is due at the end of each month. Daily attendance is very important, and students should come prepared with materials. Homework must be turned in every day, and spelling words should be practiced throughout the week. Don’t forget—Friday is quiz day for the skills we’ve covered.

Thank you for your support!

– The 4th Grade Team

For the past two months, the fifth graders have been engaged in learning across multiple subject areas.

· ELA: Students have been working on identifying the main idea, finding themes, exploring figurative language, building grade-level vocabulary, and analyzing both nonfiction and fiction texts, including stories and poems.

· Math: Our focus has been on multiplication and division with multi-digit numbers, allowing students to strengthen their problem-solving and computation skills.

· Social Studies: We have been learning about history, with a particular emphasis on fossils and their contribution to understanding the past.

Students have been working on their “All About Me” project as preparation for the end of the year transition.

Students will begin working on a State Project, they will each be assigned a different state, will gather information about their state, and will present their state to their peers.

· Science: Students conducted a toy car experiment to explore scientific principles. In addition, they have been preparing PowerPoint presentations on assigned famous inventors, which they are presenting in class.

· School Activities: We also participated in the Fair Contest, where students created recycled pencil holders and designed a board exhibit about prose and poetry.

Please parents lets try our best to get our Hawks on time for school. Classes begin at 7:45am. Breakfast is from 7:30am-7:40am. As well it is important we avoid picking up your Hawks before school ends. We understand things come up. Please try to make appointments after school. We do ask you bring us any Dr notes. Thank you

Studies show that consistent attendance from Pre-K gives the best start for early literacy development. Students who aren't reading on grade level by 3rd grade have a lower chance of graduating. It starts that early!

Don't miss out on hands-on learning experiences outside the classroom, like visits to museums, nature centers, science centers, parks, and performances of all kinds. These enriching experiences help students figure out their passions.

Attending daily allows students to foster strong social bonds and an inclusive peer network. Even if not all friendships work out, developing the skills is only possible with ongoing interaction. Students who develop their social skills through school attendance have more positive relationships, overall.

Good attendance instills vital skills like punctuality, time management and self-discipline. A big part of succeeding is learning how to learn. Daily attendance from elementary onwards helps students build their toolbox of strategies for success.

Employers value established patterns of dedication and follow-through. Whether students are getting after school jobs in high school, or securing employment after graduation, good work habits are formed by consistent school attendance. It's also how students get teachers to serve as references!

Fewer disruptions means more personalized learning and academic support. Sometimes, students don't come to school because they're struggling with the material in class and staying home is a way to avoid it. But the better choice is to come to school -- that's where the support is. The more time students have with their teachers, the more successful they will be.

Not having to play catch-up reduces stress and boosts self-assurance. This is exactly what will carry students successfully through graduation and beyond.

Abundant research links stellar attendance to higher GPAs and test scores. In fact, one study shows that the #1 reason students fail a course is from being absent.

Colleges want applicants with strong attendance showing perseverance. And it's not just colleges! If you're choosing a new school for middle school or high school, students must demonstrate good attendance above all.

Excellent attendance correlates to higher career achievement and earnings potential. And not just that! It correlates to better physical and mental health, healthier relationships, and a happier quality of life. Something we want for every child!