A National Blue Ribbon School
7801 Kroll Way
Bakersfield, Ca. 93309-2326
Ph: 661.831.7835 Fax: 661.831.7701 / Dr. Kevin Silberberg
District Superintendent
MT Merickel
School Principal
August, 2017
Dear Parent of a Stockdale Star,
The beginning of school is an exciting time in the lives of children. If your child is like most children, he/she will come to school with a natural desire to learn, a healthy amount of energy, and possibly a bit of anxiety brought on by the change in his/her routine. We see these as opportunities to help children mature, become independent, and to learn to manage change in a supportive environment.
Thank you for preparing your child for the start of the school year. I’m confident that you have made reading, writing, and mastering basic math facts part of your daily summer routine. If you haven’t - start now. A wise saying explains that the best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago; the second best time would be today.
I’d like to share with you several tried-and-true tips for making the start of this school year a successful one:
· Talk positively about school. The way your child perceives your feelings about his/her school and teacher will have a direct effect on how he/she performs academically.
· Encourage your child to ask questions. We know that informed children are confident children. Have the expectation that children always speak and answer questions in complete sentences.
· Familiarize your child with his new school and surroundings. Make sure your child has a clear idea of how to get to and from school. Teachers will go over the curriculum at “Back to School Night” Thursday, September 7, from 5:45-7:00 p.m. We will also have a “Meet and Greet” day, Wednesday, August 16 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Class lists will be posted on this day starting at 10:00 a.m. in the front of the school. The lists will be made available on the morning of the first day of school as well.
· At least one week prior to school starting practice your morning routine of getting up early, having breakfast, and allowing enough time to arrive at school on time. This practice will help to avoid putting the family through the hurried/stressful morning rush. Our warning bell rings at 7:45 a.m., and it is best to be on campus before this time. Instruction begins at 7:50. The earliest a child may arrive at school is 7:20 a.m. (Unless they are purchasing breakfast with us. Then the earliest a student may arrive to school would be 7:10.)
· Being well rested is very important. Attending school is a physically exhausting experience for most young children. During the first few days of school put your child to bed a little earlier than usual. Once the routine is established you may adjust bedtime to meet your child’s needs.
· Lunch is served at school. Every child must eat lunch. You may purchase lunch or bring your own lunch in a lunch box with your child’s name on it. Make sure your child knows their lunch eating plans.
· Our Transitional Kindergarten, Kindergarten, grades 1, 2, and 3 are dismissed at 2:05. Our grades 4, 5, and 6 are dismissed at 2:35. Every Wednesday is a one hour early dismissal day due to staff development and educational planning. Make sure your child knows how he/she is getting home at the end of the school day.
· Prioritize a little time after school to talk about your child’s day. Right after school, if possible, look over anything your child brought home from school. Discuss any school work, and offer encouragement and praise. Always have your child bring a backpack to school.
· If your child expresses concern about something which you feel needs more explanation, call Stockdale Elementary at 831-7835 and leave a message for the teacher. Communication and cooperation between parents and school is essential to promoting a good learning environment.
· Practice Reading! TWI – read To, read With and have your child read Independently every evening. Daily practice is a key factor for fluency and comprehension. Daily practice also gives children exposure to new vocabulary and more complex sentence structure that help with their speaking and writing skills.
· Log in to Lexia, ReFlex Math, AR reading and AC Math from home for enrichment and/or intervention practice. Ask your child’s teacher for log in information if your child does not know it.
· Find ways to be involved with your Parent Club.
I am delighted to have your child at Stockdale Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year. I look forward to working with you and doing my best to ensure your child starts school on a positive note.
Sincerely,
MT Merickel
Principal
PANAMA-BUENA VISTA UNION SCHOOL DISTRICT