Susan Fitzpatrick

On Tuesday morning, September 22, I hosted the first Hills Happenings Coffee.  Our topics were “API Scores and What It Means” and “The Site Progressive Behavior Plan.”  Approximately ten parents were able to attend and discuss not only the deisignated topics but other school issues.  The forum is designed to provide our community with a wide variety of pertinent topics presented by various speakers, as well as an opportunity to interact with one another and the principal.  Our next Hills Happenings is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm (see notation below).   As of this writing, the topic is still being formulated.  I invite parents to contact me with suggestions on areas that are important to you that I can add to our agenda.

NOTE:  During the month of October, we have two family nights.  One is the We C.A.R.E. Family Sports evening on Tuesday, October 6.  This is presented by a company that is training our staff and providing materials focused on physical education.  Look for more details in the Wednesday folders this week.  The other October event is Book Fair Night on Tuesday, October 20 (6:30-8:00 pm).

We had a Garden Work Party on Wednesday.  On 9/24 at 9:24 a.m., Miss Farricker led the school in our API 924 Score Chant as we celebrated our success.

Thursday was no exception in that we had the PTA Gift Wrap Fundraiser Kickoff and our first 3-N-1 Drill in the afternoon.  We finished out our week with two other amazing events.  Our 3^rd & 6^th graders presented the first music assembly of the year.  After only five sessions with Mrs. Allard and assistance from Mrs. Swanberg, our students performed magnificently!   I think that I can safely say that the adults’ hearts in the room filled with pride for our students’ accomplishments and learning.  The culminating week’s activity was our Student Council speeches.  At the Hills, we make every effort to involve our students in activities that allow them to demonstrate leadership skills.

 With such a busy week, we all are looking forward to a long weekend to rest up for the many events yet to come at The Hills. 

"Feelings of worth can flourish only in an atomosphere where individual differences are appreciated, mistakes are tolerated, communication is open and rules are flexible -- the kind of atomosphere that is found in a nurturing family."      Virginia Satir

The Del Mar Hills’ staff values President Obama’s positive focus on education.  His September 8^th broadcast to the nation’s school children has become a controversy that takes it out of the intended spirit of inspiring our children to do their very best during the upcoming 2009-10 school year. 

We began the year with a committed focus on our children despite the controversy about restructuring/closing our school.  We intend to maintain that focus.  To that end, the teachers decided they would not show the DMHA students the president’s message.

We encourage our families to share the spirit of the President’s message with their children in whatever way deemed appropriate.  You may view President Obama’s message via the district website link or, of course, record it on your own.

The first day of school at The Hills was astounding!  The air was filled with excitement as kinders arrived for their first school experience.  They were shining stars who were dressed with smiles in their finest attire as they were delivered hand-in-hand with their parents.  Sixth graders proudly entered as the reigning students.  Teachers eagerly awaited their new students at their front doors with warmth and tenderness.

The hope of a new beginning permeated everyone’s expression through smiles and laughter.  As the children walked through the classroom doors, parents breathed a sigh of relief and with a few tears.  I thought what a great beginning.  However, there was more to come as parents filed into the PAC for the “Boo Hoo Breakfast.”  The room filled with adults celebrating and conversing about their children, their summer and their lives.  Again, smiles and laughter were abundant.

As students departed for the day, I asked as many as I could how their first day went.  With those crooked smiles, and without exception, they said it was great.  One little boy even said that if he had a great day, his mom and he were going to celebrate.   That is the way the day felt – like a celebration.

It was the first great day of many great days to come at The Hills!

It's becoming the "eleventh hour" at the Hills as teachers and staff hurridly prepare for our students.  For several weeks, I was in the building alone (except for our dear new custodian, Carlos).  There is nothing so sad as a school that is void of children and the evidence of their work products.  I just walked through some classrooms that actually look like classrooms:  books, bright colors, teachers busily preparing and best of all, laughter.  They are so excited.  They are sharing ideas, helping one another, summer stories and looking forward to a great year.

 Yes, The Hills is becoming alive with anticipation of our children's arrival on Monday, August 31!  See you soon.

Dear Parents/Special Persons,

It has been an eventful trimester at The Hills! Students have been involved in learning, assessment and special activities. As we wrap up the 2009-2010 school year, it is important to take a look at our various programs, plan our next steps in our instruction and celebrate our achievements. As educators, our focus is always on the following four questions:

1.) What do we want students to learn?
2.) How will we know they learned?
3.) What will we do for them if they did not learn?
4.) What will we do for them if they already know it?

We continually revisit and assess our areas of strengths and opportunities in order to provide high levels of instruction to our students.

There are many people involved in assisting our young learners in their growth and successes. Our PTA spends tireless hours raising funds to supplement teachers’ classroom supplies and provide each classroom with funds for their field trips. They organize terrific events, such as the upcoming Jog-a-thon, wherein funds for used for additional programs. The Dad’s Club also sponsored a lovely Father-Daughter Dance. The Foundation put forth Herculean efforts to save our ESC programs. On behalf of these hard-working, dedicated groups, I thank you for your generosity and support.

The SMArT Night Treasure Hunt will take place on Thursday, May 21. The focus will be celebrating our year-long academic achievements. The students are excited to show their hard work to their families. Every classroom will fill with smiles and a sense of pride. The staff works tirelessly to provide high levels of academic rigor throughout the year. Come celebrate with us!

I am often asked how parents can help their children at home during the summer months. My main response is to spend time with them – talking, listening and asking questions. The more words a child reads the better reader they become; they need to continue reading throughout the summer. Basic math facts are critical in mathematical fluency so practice addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts with your child. Houghton Mifflin, our language arts series, has a wonderful website that has a component for parents: www.eduplace.com. You can see what is coming up for your child in reading for the 2009-2010 school year and also access related activities for your child. Visits to museums are one way to expand your child’s experiences and provides background information for future readings.

As the weather begins to warm up, it’s important that our students are comfortable in their play. Appropriate footwear provides students adequate protection and the ability to participate in sport and recess activities. Sandals must have heel straps. Flip flops or shoes with wheels are not allowed. The “Dress Code” section, Page 5 and 6, in the Family Handbook identifies the following clothing as inappropriate and/or disruptive to the education process and, therefore, are not allowed:

- Clothing advertising alcohol or containing disrespectful words, signs, or symbols
- Midriff tops, halter tops, tube tops or any attire which exposes the midriff when arms are lifted
- Tank tops must have a minimum of a 1” strap
- Pants must be secure at the waist and no hanging below the waist
- Undergarments should not be visible
- Skirts, skorts and dresses must not be shorter than mid thigh
- Make-up, false nails, colored hair gel or spray
- Clothing that is distracting to the learning process

We bid our fabulous sixth graders a fond farewell and wish them all the success life has to offer as they embark on the next phase of their education. Have a safe and happy summer!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Susan Fitzpatrick