Mary Buren Elementary School

The Bobcat News

1050 Peralta Street, Guadalupe, CA 93434

www.maryburen.com T: (805) 343-2411

From the Principal
Dear Bobcat Families,
Thank you to our staff and families for helping make it another great start to the school year. I appreciated seeing so many of our families at Back to School Night and an increase in PTO membership now that PTO membership is FREE for all MBES families.
Brain research shows that a key factor to student success is having a growth mindset versus a fixed mindset. Students with a growth mindset believe that with perseverance and hard work, they will be successful. Versus students with a fixed mindset who believe that the ability to be successful is something you either have or don’t have. One way we are trying to develop a growth mindset in all students is by praising their learning process. For example, instead of saying, “You did well, you are so smart” we would say, “You did well, you must have worked so hard”. In doing so, we hope to encourage perseverance and an “I’m going to keep trying my best until I get it” attitude with all students.
Again, the most important factor in student achievement is us! School and families, working together and doing whatever it takes to increase the success of every student. I look forward to our school year being filled with continued possibilities for our students and school community. Let’s make it another great year for learning!
Thank you, Gracias,
Mrs. Alvarez, Principal

Learning Focus: Reading Tips for Parents

Even if your child is reading at/above/below grade level, supporting her/him with a variety of ways and options will keep her/his motivation going as a reader. Here are 2 tips to support reading for your child.

Make sure your child’s book is “Just Right” Children feel confident and competent when they read books that are “just right.” But how do you find a “just right” book? Have your child read the back and front cover, and first page of the book. If there are more than five words that he/she cannot pronounce or understand in context, the book may be too challenging. Be supportive about finding a more perfect fit. Choosing the right book will help your reader feel successful.

Read together and set a timer. Read with your child for at least 20 minutes every day. Your presence reinforces the importance of literacy, and reading lets you and your child explore new worlds of fun and adventure together. If your child prefers to read independently, make sure they read where you can see them. Set a timer for 20-30 minutes. Eventually, they will want to continue reading even after the timer runs out.

Student Council Corner

Students, are you interested in running for Student Council or classroom Senator this year? Elections will be held the first few weeks of school. Interested students are encouraged to start thinking about two questions. First, what makes you a great Bobcat role model? Second, why do you think you would make a great classroom Senator or Student Council member? You will be expected to submit an application, create campaign posters, and say or film a brief speech. Listen for details on the school morning announcements.

Be safe, be responsible, be respectful—be a great Bobcat role model. / September/October 2016