Minnehaha Parents & Families,
I cannot believe today is December 1st already!? It seems we always say this, but my how the year is flying by! Kindergartners are walking in lines, holding pencils in a less-than-scary way, and beginning to read! Fifth graders are beginning to recognize the end of their elementary career is near – and are starting to loathe walking in lines, sometimes avoiding pencils, and digging into content-rich, high levels of text. I always enjoy watching our fifth grader helpers interact with our kindergartners – the growth & maturity that occurs over the years is fun to see!
We are doing great things at Minnehaha this school year. Our teachers are working hard each week with intentional grade level collaboration, reflected in our building focus on Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Each grade level is “honing in” on the “must-know” learning standards, and as a team working creatively to ensure systems and structures are in place to ensure all students are learning and growing. This includes going deeper with Core instruction, utilizing common assessments, employing immediate interventions, and ongoing reflection on student performance to inform instruction. Our staff also remains committed to supporting the social/emotional needs of our students, and continues to emphasize, utilize, and grow in several areas: the use of sensory tools in classrooms, application of emotional awareness (Zones of Regulation), restorative problem-solving approaches, classroom and small group Circles, and brain-based self-regulation (Mind Up!), to name a few.
Of course, as all “people hubs” do, we have our areas where we are working to improve. Among them is our before & after school parking lot safety & flow. Several of you have been participating in efforts to support this; please know that your support and involvement is greatly appreciated! We are close to rolling out our morning volunteer parking plan, where we will be looking for two volunteers each morning to support the morning arrival time. If you have interest, please let Aiko, Crystal, or myself know.
This holiday season, all of us at Minnehaha wish you and your family a time of peace, calm and joy.
Happy Holidays!
Troy