We know that reading is critical to the success of our students. Research shows that children who read for just 20 minutes per day will have read almost 2 million words in a year! It really is as simple as: the more you read, the better a reader you will be.

Reading daily does more than simply improve your reading skills. Whether you are age 5 or 95, reading every day is shown to:

• strengthen your vocabulary and knowledge of language
• proven to reduce your stress level
• improve concentration and focus
• improve your writing skills
• increase our ability to empathise with others
• develop creativity
• improve memory
• decrease the chance of cognitive diseases like Alzheimer's

As a staff, we have looked deeply into the needs of our students to determine how best to support them so that each is successful as they grow in their skills. We have chosen to use a program called Fundations to attack early literacy skills in students in grades K-2. Fundations is a multisensory program that targets phonics, spelling, and handwriting. The program starts with basics like handwriting and correct letter formation and progresses into word study and vocabulary as students build on their learning. We are already seeing a huge difference in the way students are learning to read and are excited to see their growth this year and beyond.

We love having our grandparents and families join us for lunch. This past week, we had a ton of families eat with us and it feels "normal" again! Throughout this school year, you are welcome to drop in and eat with your child any time. We do need to remind our guests that no outside food is allowed in the cafeteria. Visitors are welcome to purchase a lunch from the cafeteria during their visit. Exact change of $4.85 is appreciated as the cafeteria does not always have change available.

We are joining forces with the Turnaround Center and multiple other community resources to participate in a food drive. The class that collects the most donations will receive a pizza party from the Turnaround Center! Donations can be sent in starting next week.

Possible items to donate:

Oats, grits, cereal, mac n cheese, pop top cans, canned foods, peanut butter, crackers, spaghetti, meat sauce, spaghettios or ravioli, snack cakes, juice, toilet paper, paper towels

Are you a veteran or do you know a military veteran? We are looking for veterans who are willing to present to students on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11th. We would love to have a variety of branches represented who can volunteer either part of the school day or the entire school day to talk with students about their experiences in the military. Veterans are also welcome to bring in items they feel would be of interest to students.

If you are interested, contact Daniel Mullins at daniel.mullins2@bullitt.kyschools.us.