Kutztown Elementary School

Our return to school has been relatively seamless, thanks to the efforts of KES staff, families, bus drivers, and students. Our kindergarten students had several opportunities to visit school over the summer and began their tenure at KES like old pros. Our fifth-grade safety patrols have assisted in making sure students get where they need to go at arrival and dismissal. Students in grade four are already masters at "switching" classes and third graders have gotten accustomed to being on the other side of the building. Our second-graders are now the "big kids" in the primary wing and first graders are beaming with their increased independence.

I look forward to making this THE school year!

• Only 17% of students who were chronically absent in kindergarten and first grade will read on grade level after third grade.
• Students who can not read on level in third grade are four times more likely to drop out than kids who can.
• Students who missed fewer than TWO days in September typically had good attendance rates for the entire year.
• Compared to students who attended kindergarten regularly, those who are chronically absent scored 20% lower in reading and math in later grades AND are twice as likely to be suspended by the end of seventh grade.

Please make sure your child is in school ON TIME every day!

source: www.attendanceworks.org

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Student Name _____________________ Teacher ________________

September

14 - Science Explorers' Assembly

14 - Kutztown Elementary School Parents' Club Open House @ 7:00

21 - Early Dismissal @ 11:45

23 - Picture Day

October

10 - School Closed

13 - KESPC Meeting @ 7:00

14 - Kindergarten Field Trip to North Park

19 - Author Visit with Local Author, Lisa Schnell

28 - Halloween Parade @ 2:45

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The seeds for success in the classroom are sown at home. Encouraging children to read at home is one of the most powerful ways that parents can support students’ learning. Just 15 minutes of reading at home per day can make a difference in students’ reading fluency.

Always have books on hand. Keep a book in your bag or your car’s glove compartment so your child can read in the car, or while waiting in line at the grocery store. Make regular trips to the library, and keep an eye out for books at bargain sales or garage sales. Or, consider holding a “book swap” with neighbors and friends. For birthdays or holidays, give your child new reading material.

Cut the distractions. During reading time, turn off or put away electronic devices. Make sure you follow the rule, too.

source: NAESP Report to Parents - The Rewards of Reading, March 2014 http://www.naesp.org/sites/default/files/RtP_Reading_0.pdf