January 19, 2011

Happy New Year of the Rabbit!
We are pleased to announce that once again the Jing Mo Martial Arts group will be coming to our school to welcome the new year with lion dancing on Chinese New Year's Day, February 3rd. We are asking that each student donate $1.00 to express our gratitude for their visit. Please have your child bring this donation of $1.00 before February 3rd.
A reminder that the seventh graders have two field trips coming up next week: Tuesday, January 25th to Good Tidings Art Studio and Thursday, January 27th to the Asian Art Museum for the exhibit of the Samurai! Both of these fields trips will take place in the morning and we will be back to school in time for lunch. Students will need Muni fare: $1.50 (in change) for the round trip. If you are available on these days to join us and chaperone, you are most welcome and should be earning parent hours.
Please be reminded again that students are very much capable of accessing more academic help and tutoring online; especially in Math and French. I frequently remind students that I am available for extra help during the lunch recess (30 minutes) in my classroom and / or after school by appointment only. Also, for the seventh graders, from 12 noon until 12:30 p.m. daily, study hall and extra help are available. If students choose to waste time socializing during the school day, then there will be more homework, right? As teachers, we try to discipline and guide our students, but we cannot control them. Please continue to help strengthen your child in the educational process by supporting the teachers and remember, "Parents are the primary teachers". Your child's grades and homework continue to be posted online on a daily basis.
In regards to academic progress, do not underestimate the power of the student: the student has the power to excel in academic studies and the power to choose not to work on academics.
I especially love the third quarter, because it will end with Parent-Teacher Conferences!
Good Health, Happiness, and Success for 2011!
Mrs. Owyang-Lee