Dear VFES Families,
Welcome to the 2014-15 school year, and a special welcome to families who recently moved to the area! The start of a new school year always brings excitement and anticipation. We are fortunate to have a community that supports our schools, parents who are involved with their children and caring, talented staff members who work diligently and are dedicated to helping develop our most precious resource, our children. Best of all, we have a great group of kids!
We see parents as true partners in the education of their children. Working together we can make this the best school year ever. The staff at VFES spent time this summer re-energizing and gearing up to enter the new school year refreshed and with a renewed dedication to the academic achievement of our students and to promoting a nurturing and caring environment. Recognizing our students\’ emotional, social and physical needs, we promote their growth by helping them become critical thinkers, problem solvers, effective communicators and caring individuals. This is accomplished through a meaningful curriculum, excellence in instruction and continuous communication among parents, teachers and students.
During professional development days in June, the teachers enhanced a variety of curricular programs and revised instructional activities. Teachers worked with their grade level colleagues both across the District and within their building teams to plan for the continued implementation of Math in Focus, Singapore Math. The program has been implemented in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades and will be added in 3rd and 4th grades this year. Math in Focus is explicitly connected to the National Common Core Standards and emphasizes a strong balance of concrete, pictorial, and abstract instructional strategies.
Last year students did an excellent job with our building theme of \”Appreciating Others.\” We used the book, Shapesville, to help students learn that everyone has special talents and that our unique characteristics help make us interesting and special. This year our school theme will be \”VFES Superheroes.\” Positive character traits such as being trustworthy, responsible, caring, respectful, fair and a good citizen will be emphasized throughout the year with planned activities related to this theme. We look forward to hearing about your child\’s \”superpowers.\”
We are excited that school has begun and look forward to the challenges and educational opportunities that lie ahead. Know that everyone at VFES is committed to working with you to support your child\’s journey. Best wishes for a wonderful school year!
Sincerely,
Rebecca Wills
Principal
