The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents/Guardians,

As we celebrate March as Reading Month, it's the perfect time to reflect on the crucial role that reading plays in children's lives. Reading is not just a skill; it's a gateway to a world of knowledge, imagination, and lifelong success. As your partner in education, we strive to get children to read at or above their grade level because we know the impact on students' academic achievements and future opportunities.

Reading at or above grade level is essential for several reasons. First, Students who read at grade level are likelier to excel in other subjects, such as math, science, and social studies. Reading comprehension is a foundational skill that supports learning across the curriculum. Children move through several stages of language development from birth to five years of age and continue to develop in grades K-5. Reading enhances vocabulary, grammar, and language skills. It helps children understand and use language more effectively, vital for communication and self-expression. Also, through reading, children develop critical thinking skills and learn to analyze, interpret, and make connections between ideas. These skills are invaluable for problem-solving and decision-making.

Our teachers work hard to ensure that their students experience a sense of accomplishment and confidence when working with them to ensure they achieve reading growth at or above their grade level. This positive reinforcement motivates them to continue reading and learning.

As students continue their educational journey, the benefits of reading extend far beyond the classroom. Reading can impact our children as they grow into adults through career opportunities, lifelong learning, social-emotional well-being, and civic engagement.

As parents, you play a pivotal role in nurturing your child's reading habits. Parents can support their child's reading journey by creating a reading-friendly environment, reading together, setting an example, and celebrating their reading achievements.

Reading is a powerful tool that can shape our children's futures in countless positive ways. By encouraging our children to reach the reading milestone at or above their grade level, we set them on a path to academic success, personal growth, and lifelong fulfillment. As your partner, let's make the most of March Reading Month by inspiring our young readers and celebrating the joy of reading together.

Your partner in education,

Dr. Konowalow

https://secure.smore.com/n/krz4u0-the-weekly-update-4

Below is the Hillcrest Swim Program Schedule. Your child's teacher will be sending additional information via the APS App-Rooms. Please contact the office for any questions you have.

From the Desk of the 4-5 MTSS Coordinator:

Dear Parents and Guardians,

My name is Jennifer Jaeck and I am one of two MTSS Coordinators working with students

grades 1-5. Currently, I work primarily at Pine Avenue School with fourth and fifth graders but

have worked at Hillcrest the past year and a half as well. My expertise is rooted in Special

Education, serving the district for twenty two and a half years as a special education resource

room teacher. As MTSS Coordinator, my goal and focus is to support all of our students

academically, behaviorally, emotionally and socially to maximize their learning potential. The

majority of this support is grounded in the area of Executive Function Skills so we would like to

share some important information on how these skills play a role in learning and development.

Executive function skills are a group of mental processes that allow children (and adults!) to

organize their thoughts, manage their time, and regulate their emotions. These skills

include:

● Working Memory: The ability to hold and manipulate information in the mind for short

periods. For example, remembering instructions or details of a story while reading.

● Inhibitory Control: The ability to control impulses and think before acting. This skill

helps children stay on task and make thoughtful decisions.

● Cognitive Flexibility: The ability to shift thinking and adapt to new situations. For

example, when the schedule changes or when solving a math problem in a different way.

● Planning & Organization: The ability to break tasks down into manageable steps and

follow through with them.

At school, we are committed to creating an environment where executive function skills can be

developed through a variety of activities:

● Structured Routines: Predictable routines help children practice planning and

organizing their time.

● Clear Instructions: We break down tasks into smaller steps and provide visual cues to

help students stay focused and on track.

● Goal Setting: Children are encouraged to set both short- and long-term goals, helping

them learn how to plan and monitor their progress.

● Reflection: We encourage students to reflect on their work, evaluate what went well, and

identify areas for improvement.

● Problem-Solving Opportunities: We offer opportunities for children to practice

cognitive flexibility by working through challenges with a positive attitude and

perseverance.

You can help your child strengthen their executive function skills at home with these simple

strategies:

● Use Visual Schedules: Help your child organize their day by using a visual schedule or

checklist. This can be especially helpful with daily routines and homework.

● Practice Mindful Breaks: Encourage your child to take short breaks during tasks to help

them refocus and recharge.

● Set Up a Homework Routine: Establish a quiet, organized space for homework and help

your child break large tasks into smaller, manageable steps.

● Teach Problem-Solving: Ask your child open-ended questions when they encounter a

challenge (e.g., "What do you think we can do to solve this?").

● Model Self-Regulation: Show your child how you manage your emotions and tasks.

Demonstrating calmness, planning, and flexibility helps them learn by example.

We appreciate your continued support at home and value your partnership with our school

system to maximize your child’s growth. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you would like

additional information or support from our schools.

Educationally yours,

Jennifer Jaeck

MTSS Coordinator

1st Grade Cooperation

2nd Grade Cooperation

3rd Grade Cooperation

4th Grade Cooperation

5th Grade Cooperation

Student of the Week and Month:

Earning Student of the Week or Month honors as part of a PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) school acknowledgement program can be an exciting and motivating way for students to be recognized for positive behavior. Here are the ways in which students can earn Student of the Week or Month honors:

Late Start or Early Release

Alma Public Schools will implement Late Start or Early Release Days September through May. The dismissal time for Hillcrest is 11:38 and Pine Avenue’s early release is 11:43 am. The school day at Pine Avenue will begin at 11:43 on the late start days. Please note, Late Start days are on Wednesdays and our Early Release days will be on Fridays.

February 28-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

March 12-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

April11-Friday-Early Release-End at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am

May 14-Wednesday-Late Start-Begin at HC-11:38; PA-11:43 am