2008-2009 YEARBOOKS ON SALE NOW!
$18.00 if ordered BEFORE January 16, 2009.
($20.00 after January 16, 2009.)
CASH or MONEY ORDER only!

Return this ORDER FORM
to your child's teacher or bookkeeper Rebecca Hale

Dear Families and Friends,
The holiday season is a time to reflect and give thanks. At Alta Vista, Ms. Smith and I are thankful for a dedicated, highly-qualified staff who provides students with the instruction and guidance needed to help them succeed; for volunteers who give so much time and effort to support our students; for parents who support the efforts of our school and are involved in their children’s education; and for students who eagerly come to school to learn as much as they can and try their best every day. Please take time to engage your child/children in conversation that reflects all they have to be thankful for in their young lives.

We have many exciting events happening in the next few months to support families and student achievement. Please see the Calendar of Events for dates and times so you can join us for any or all of these fun-filled, informative evenings!

The Media Center is open for Literacy Nights on Thursdays from 6:00-7:00PM. Literacy and math games will be available, along with computers for students to do research, visit educational websites/resources, and take Accelerated Reader tests. Students will also be able to check out and return books.

The Coffee House is presented the fourth Thursday of the month. Students, staff, and family members can enjoy an evening of poetry reading, vocal and instrumental music presentations, and audience participation activities.
Our Partners in Print Program for students and families in kindergarten and first grade presents a reading party every month that focuses on teaching and modeling reading strategies for parents to use when reading with their children at home. During this fun-filled evening of celebrating reading, students perform for their families, food is served, and children go home with a book to read! Watch for flyers and announcements of these reading parties!
Curriculum Nights for students and families in grades 3, 4, and 5 will take place in November and December. During each of these evenings, teachers will present the grade level curriculum and then teach parents reading, math, and writing strategies they can use at home when working with their children.

Our English as a Second Language (ESOL) families will enjoy two special evenings that will focus on reading and community resources specific to their needs. These meetings will be presented in Spanish and English and will offer support for students and families who are bilingual. We also offer English classes for Spanish speaking families in the Media Center computer labs every Thursday from 6:00-8:00. Please join Mrs. Ramos for these classes.

The PTA is sponsoring a series of free Family Movie Nights! Bring your comfy chairs, blankets, and pillows and join in the fun with other families in the Cafetorium. Food will be available for purchase. Watch for fliers in your child’s book bag about upcoming movies.

Alta Vista is becoming a hub for educating both students and their families. We are excited about providing programs for our community that promotes learning and family involvement. We hope you will join us for these activities and support our students by volunteering during the day in our Eagle’s Nest Volunteer Center.

Have a wonderful holiday season!

Dr. Barbara Shirley, Principal