Bobcat News
| Two Rock Union School 2008 California Distinguished School 2009 Title 1 Academic School 2010 Blue Ribbon School | January 2012 Michael J. Simpson Superintendent/Principal www.trusd.org |
Principal’s
Message
Bobcat News
January 2011
We ended the
holiday season with a whirlwind of activity here at school, including the Winter
Music Showcase on December 21. This time-honored event was organized by our classroom
teachers and Music Director and teacher, Mrs. Sandy Riccardi who was accompanied
by her husband, Richard Riccardi. The program involved all students in grades
K-6 in a delightful program of traditional holiday singing. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance
on that day and at our Annual Holiday Sing-A-Long on December 22. It was heart-warming to come together as a
school community and sing-in the holiday season. Mrs. Beddow, Mr. Gray, Mr.
Woolmer, and I accompanied the singers on guitar and Mrs. Brechbill continued
the tradition of leading the entire school, by grade, in a rousing rendition of
“The Twelve Days of Christmas”!
School
re-opened on Monday, January 9, 2012, the 81st day in this school
year. January is the time for our
teachers to begin their mid-year assessments, the results of which will enable
us to monitor the progress of all students and provide extra assistance if
needed. If you have any questions about these assessments or have any concerns
regarding your child’s academic progress, I urge you to speak with your child’s
teacher as soon as possible.
I am
including another copy of the letter which was sent home with all students on
January 9, 2012 because some parents have told us they never received a copy. This
letter reflects the concerns that we, as a staff, share regarding the exposure
that many children have to movies, TV shows, and video games which depict
violent images and unsettling messages. This letter is solely intended to make
parents aware of some of the things we hear kids talk about school and to
continue to partner with parents in providing the strongest environment
possible for their children’s educational and social development. If you have any questions or concerns about
this letter please call me or drop by school anytime.
Tips for Sharing Books
Reading
continues to be a major focus for all of us at Two Rock School Many staff
members belong to Book Groups and the conversation in the staff room is often
concentrated on recommended books.
The joy of
sharing books is a gift you can give children from the time they are born. The
chanting of nursery rhymes, singing of songs, and reading of stories can
comfort and entertain even the youngest child.
The
following are to-do tips for sharing books that were de]developed by members of
the Association for Library Service to Children, a division of the American Library
Association.
Share books
because it…
Helps create a special bond between parents and children
Introduces children to art through illustrations
Enhances children’s listening skills
Helps prepare children for learning to read
Improves and enriches the quality of children’s lives
Provides fun and enjoyment for children and adults
When to
share books
Begin when your child is born.
Set aside a special time each day, such as nap time, bedtime, or after meals.
Share books when you and your child are in a relaxed mood.
Take advantage of “waiting” times to share books – on trips, at the doctor's office, in line at the grocery store.
How to share books
Find a comfortable place to sit (a rocking chair is wonderful).
Recite or sing rhymes from your favorite books.
Turn off other distractions - TV, radio, or stereo.
Hold their book so your child can see the pages clearly.
Involve your child by having him or her point out objects, talk about the pictures, or repeat common words.
Read with expression.
Have your child select books to read.
Christmas Cheer Thanks You
The response to contributions to our Christmas Cheer food and toy drive was terrific this year. 831 items were donated to Two Rock families this Holiday season, exceeding last year’s tally of 751! Your generosity and thoughtfulness is greatly appreciated.
The Coast Guard Comes Through Again!
It is no
secret that the greatness of our school is due, in larger part, to the on-going
support we receive from the parents of our students. That includes all
parents of all of our students. In addition to our parent volunteers, we
are fortunate to receive the services of a special group of Coast Guard
volunteers named the Chief’s Academy.
Approximately every six weeks, the graduating members of the Chief’s
Academy perform voluntary service projects at Two Rock School. Past activities
include installation of floor-to-shelving in our storage classroom, painting
the parking lot stripes and crosswalks, planting and landscaping in the
Flagpole and school gardens, spreading bark mulch in the playground,
replacement of the tops of the picnic benches, and priming, painting, and installation
of OSB boards in the walkways outside of classrooms as a means of discouraging
swallows from building nests above the classrooms doors. Imagine our surprise
to recently receive a one thousand dollar donation on behalf of CPO Class 163
of the Chief’s Academy! The check was presented by U.S. Coast Guard and U.S.
Navy personnel to Two Rock School at a lunchtime ceremony on Wednesday, January
6, 2010. On behalf of all of us at Two Rock School, we express our sincere
appreciation to the Coast Guard Chief’s Academy for their thoughtfulness and
spirited generosity.
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Attention 6th Grade Parents
1. In preparation for the transition of 6th graders to Petaluma Junior High School, a number of special activities are being planned to provide parents and students with information about PJHS. The activities include a visit by electives teachers and counseling staff to Two Rock to meet students, answer questions about PJHS and the program of study, and collect student registration forms. Additional transition activities include an informational musical assembly for 6th graders on Thursday, January 12 at 11:00 a.m. at our school being hosted by Mr. Preston Bailey, Music Teacher of PJHS. We have also arranged for Two Rock parents to meet with Mr. John Lehman, principal of PJHS and Mr. Julian Podbereski, Guidance Counselor at a date and time to be announced.
If you have
any questions about the process of transition to 7th grade please do
not hesitate to call Mr. Gray or Mr. Simpson. Our goal and commitment is to
provide students and parents with all the information necessary in making a
smooth transition to 7th grade.
__ _______________________________________________________________________
English Learner Advisory Committee
(ELAC)
Our next ELAC
meeting will be held on Friday, January 27 at 8:30 a. m. in Room 13. All are welcome to attend!
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New Cell Phone for the Holidays?
Did you know
that 375 million ink and toner cartridges are thrown away each year? That it takes 1,000 years for a cartridge to
decompose in a landfill, and that 3 quarts of oil are burned to create one new
cartridge? Did you receive a new cell
phone as a holiday gift this year?
Perhaps you went through one or more printer cartridges in writing your
holiday greeting cards?
Our school’s
recycling program provides the opportunity to drop off old cell phones and
empty ink and toner cartridges. We have
a recycling box in the school office which makes it convenient for accepting
donated items. This not only supports a cleaner environment but also benefits
the Two Rock School Education Foundation which generously donates funds for our
school’s music, computer, art, and library programs – a real win-win!
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Thank you Little Hills Tree Farm!
Once again
this year, the good folks of Little Hills Tree Farm in Petaluma donated a tree
for the multipurpose room during the holiday season. Students decorated the tree with handmade
items and it served as perfect back-drop for our holiday programs. Many thanks to Kris Mungle of Little Hills
Tree farm for his generous donation! We are pleased to report that the tree was
donated to one of our families on the last day of school in time for it to be
re-decorated in their home.
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The Happy Scientist
Thanks to a generous donation
from a friend of Two Rock School, every student, parent, and teacher at Two
Rock has access to the science website, The Happy Scientist. Robert
Krampf, the creator of this website, provides short science videos and
written experiments that are fun and educational for all ages. They are aligned with California State
Science Standards. You may log in from
anywhere in this area by using the following:
User Name: Two Rock
Password: science
The password will only work
in our general area, but every student should be able to access the website
from home. If you have trouble viewing
the videos, click on the link at the top of the video page and it will take you
through the steps to gain access to the member videos. If you still cannot access it, contact Mrs.
Brechbill at school (762-6617).
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