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March 19- March 23
Last Wednesday our school was visited by the review team for the California Distinguished Schools program. The team spent the entire day visiting our classrooms and interviewing students, teachers, staff, district personnel, representatives of our school committees, and parents. The day began with the team interviewing our Leadership Team. There were four panels in all: students, stakeholders, teachers and specialists. The visitors heard from many members of school community. Our students were actively involved in this validation process. Students served on a panel and as student ambassadors to guide our guests around the campus. Members of the panels represented our support staff as well as KLAS, CHAC, and the Sunnyvale School District administration. This visit was made possible by the many members of our school community who volunteered to assist in the planning of the big day. Many thanks to everyone who served on a panel and shared their unique opinions and observations. The Team heard time and again that Ellis is focused on the achievement of each student. Our use of data to inform instruction was also mentioned by many panelists. The visitors met with the entire staff at the end of the day. They were very complimentary regarding the instructional practices and the ongoing implementation of the Professional Learning Community practices we are implementing. They shared that they would be recommending that Ellis be named a California Distinguished School. The official decision will be announced at the end of this month. I shall keep everyone informed.Thank you to everyone who contributed to this special recognition! This Wednesday is the Annual Ellis Visit. Members of the District Office will be visiting every classroom. The visits is focused on observing Effective Instructional Practices. The District staff will spend time observing teaching and learning throughout the day. In place of our traditional staff meeting on Wednesday we will be presenting to our visitors. I have prepared a PowerPoint presentation and each grade level team will share a SMART goal. We are looking forward to sharing our day. Our fifth graders recently returned from a week at the Walden West Science Camp. They were accompanied by Mrs. Bower, Mrs. Faiaipa'u, Mrs. Maxfield, Ms. Olaciregui, and Mr. Hernandez. Ms.Mak and I paid a visit on Thursday, March 8th and saw students enjoying the garden, the hiking trails, and nature activities. The staff at Walden West shared that the Eagles are always among the best students in terms of preparation, behavior, and engagement. It is my hope that fourth grade families start planning now for their children to attend Science Camp next year. It is never too soon to start a savings plan or plan a class fundraiser. Last Wednesday evening families attended our ELAC meeting. Miss Stephanie Chin (grade one teacher) and Ms. Melissa Mak (Instructional Coach) presented an informative meeting for our English Learner families. Ms. Denise Terramorse (third grade teacher and Literacy Leader) presented reading comprehension strategies that families can use at home to support their young readers. Thank you to all the families and students who attended. Report cards were sent home on Friday. Please take the time to discuss these reports with your child/ren. Recognize the progress that has been made and encourage your child to continue "being the best that s/he can be." Please feel free to contact classroom teachers if you have questions or concerns regarding the reports. Monday, March 19 7:45 meeting with teacher classroom visits 2:45- 4:00 SELPA meeting Tuesday, March 20 7:30 PBIS meeting classroom visits 2:45 meeting with kinder team Wednesday, March 21 ELLIS ANNUAL VISIT Thursday, March 22 9:00- 12:00 Principals Planning meeting at District Office Friday, March 23 11:30 meeting 1:00 meeting on campus |
