Wildcat Weekly Update
March 17 - 21
Hello Hereford Families!
This week I want to talk to you about reading fluency. What is Fluency?
Fluent reading sounds smooth and natural, like people sound when they talk. You’ll know your child is reading fluently when his or her reading is accurate, it moves at a good pace, and it’s expressive.
Accuracy means being able to read most words instantly and correctly, without having to stop and sound them out.
Reading at a good pace means your child can move easily and quickly from one word to the next. Reading is smooth and automatic.
Reading expressively means that the reading has a conversational tone. Your child pays attention to punctuation, and reads in phrases, rather than word. by. word.
Fluent reading clearly sounds better than choppy reading, and it will also feel a lot better to your child: the process isn’t laborious. It’s easy and natural. This is what makes reading fun, and that’s what you want. We want our students to enjoy reading because the more they enjoy it, the more they will read, the better they become at reading, and the more they will choose to read.
Fluency - Everything Parents Need to Know
Very respectfully,
Mrs. Tomes
Greetings Hereford Family,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Spring Break! And remember that each and every school day counts. The days right after Spring Break are important instructional days because they are the start of our last quarter of the year.
Starting Monday, March 3, 2025 we started counting perfect attendance days by class for our March Incentive. Your students don’t want to miss out on the upcoming reward so have them here on time every day. If you have any questions or concerns you can always reach out to the school and ask for me, the school attendance officer. Let’s ace attendance and ace life!
Remember to keep up your health:
Drink lots of water to help keep the inside of your body clean
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables and limit sugar
Go to sleep early at night for a good night's rest
Get exercise, sunlight and fresh air as often as possible
Maintain a good balance of everything in life and be at peace
School Attendance Officer
Mandisa Thornton
The Lasting Impact of Parent Involvement on Children's Academic Success
When parents take an active interest in their child's education, it sends a powerful message: education matters!
Research shows that children whose parents are involved in their schooling perform better academically, have higher graduation rates, and are more likely to pursue higher education. When parents show up, it makes a huge difference in children's attitudes and motivates them to do their best.
Improved Grades and Test Scores
Children whose parents engage in their studies are often better equipped to tackle schoolwork, resulting in higher grades and test scores.
Positive Attitudes Toward Learning
When parents are involved, children see education as an exciting and valuable pursuit rather than a chore.
Increased Self-Discipline
Students with involved parents often have better time management and organizational skills, which are essential for academic success.
More Consistent Attendance
When parents show that they care about school, kids are more likely to attend regularly, leading to fewer missed lessons and better overall performance.
Higher Confidence Levels
The encouragement from parents fosters self-confidence, showing children they are capable of achieving great things.
By nurturing these habits and attitudes, parents can empower young minds to strive for excellence.
Thank you!
Ann Elkins
Hello Wonderful Families!
Welcome back from a hopefully relaxing and fun spring break! We're so excited to see all our bright and smiling faces back in the hallways. This month, we're focusing on a very important character trait: Courtesy!
What is Courtesy?
Courtesy is all about showing respect and kindness to others. It means being polite, considerate, and thoughtful in our words and actions. Here are some ways we can practice courtesy at school and at home:
- Saying "please" and "thank you." These little words make a big difference!
- Listening when others are talking. It shows that we value what they have to say.
- Holding the door open for others. It's a simple act of kindness that makes everyone's day a little brighter.
- Using kind words and a friendly tone. We can all work together to create a positive and welcoming environment.
- Respecting personal space and belongings. This helps everyone feel safe and comfortable.
Why is Courtesy Important?
Practicing courtesy helps us build strong relationships with others and creates a more positive and friendly school community. When we're courteous, people are more likely to be courteous to us in return!
Welcome Back from Spring Break!
We hope everyone had a fantastic spring break! As we transition back into our school routines, here are a few reminders:
- Get back into a regular sleep schedule. This will help your child feel rested and ready to learn.
- Review school routines and expectations. Talk to your child about the importance of being on time and prepared for class.
- Encourage your child to share their spring break experiences. This is a great way to reconnect and build excitement for the rest of the school year.
Preparing for State Testing
State testing is just around the corner! We know that testing can sometimes feel a little stressful, but we're here to support your child every step of the way. Here are some helpful tips for preparing at home:
- Ensure your child gets plenty of sleep and eats a healthy breakfast. A well-rested and nourished child performs better.
- Create a quiet and comfortable study space. This will help your child focus on their work.
- Encourage your child to review their class materials. A little review goes a long way.
- Stay positive and encouraging! Let your child know that you believe in them.
- Remind them that it is important to try their best, and that is all that matters.
- Encourage them to listen carefully to directions, and to ask questions if they do not understand.
Warm Regards,
Mr. Johnson and Mrs. J. Thorne
School Counselors
