Dear Kokanee Families and Friends,
I have had the pleasure of observing and participating in solid
instruction throughout the school. The Kokanee staff has been focused
on implementing our new math curriculum and teachers are seeing great
improvements in students' understanding of concepts and number sense.
In reading students are assessed and instructed at their instructional
level in the areas of phonics, fluency, comprehension, and vocabulary.
We also have been implementing our Core Beliefs in writing that we
compiled based on research, which include holding students accountable,
writing frequently across all subject areas, facilitating reflective
and varied assessment practices, modeling for students, and cultivating
ownership of writing by offering choice and relevancy to students.
Along with the academic learning we see everyday, as I reflect on the
month of October, the second part of our school's mission statement
stands out:
". . . we will also guide our students toward developing a feeling
of self worth, good character and citizenship, pride in their work,
along with a respect for others and an awareness of the diversity found
in schools and society."
In October we enjoyed two great events. First, we partnered with a
non-profit organization called Sister Schools, who tugged at the
heartstrings of students and staff members alike with their
presentation and stories from Uganda. Coordinated by our music teacher,
Mrs. Britton, we collected a truck full of school and hygienic items
along with clothes and sports equipment to send over to Uganda. In the
Spring, we will enjoy an assembly in which we will see pictures of
students receiving the items we contributed. It is not clear which side
will benefit more from this partnership as we anticipate joyous tears
at this assembly. The life lessons around service and citizenship set
the stage for another successful October event: Cultural Night.
|
|
Approximately
22 countries were represented by Kokanee families and staff members at
our first Cultural night. Visitors received passports and traveled the
world over, sampling food, watching traditional dances, doing artwork,
receiving artwork (such as henna and their names written in Japanese
calligraphy), and taking in (and even trying on) the beautiful clothing
of the different cultures. It was a magnificent gathering that
increased awareness and appreciation for the diversity we enjoy at
Kokanee. Thank you to Tina Wittman, Denise Barry, and the planning
committee for leading the way. Also, the families and staff members who
hosted a booth poured hours of love and work that made this event such
a success. Thank you all for your commitment to offer a well-rounded
education of both heart and mind to our students.
Another specific and crucial opportunity for parents to partner
with the school is coming in November: Parent/Teacher Conferences. I am
hoping to see 100% of our families talking with teachers and staff
members about how to maximize the potential of every student. We as a
school are focusing this year on how to mobilize our resources and
personnel to provide as much support as possible to students. Teachers
will share some of these ideas and resources with you at the
Parent/Teacher conferences. Your partnership is essential and we look
forward to connecting with all of you personally this month.
Enjoy your time with loved ones this month and I wish you a wonderful season full of thanksgiving and fond memories.
Sincerely,
Kosal Chea
Principal
|
|
