From Our Director

We are at the end of the 2008-2009 school year and what a year it has been.  We have been up, down and all around.  So many uncertainties that are still hanging over us, even as we close for the year.

The one thing that has been consistent and strong is the feeling of community that has been developed over the years at Pacifica.  This community of learners continues to be welcoming of new members, as it was for me in August.  I and all our newcomers were quickly made to feel comfortable and a part of the Pacifica community.  And there was and is so much to learn that we all have become excellent role models for what we aspire for our students; to be lifelong learners.  I have learned so much from this experience and will be indebted to each and every one of you for the rest of my life.

Even as some of our friends/members move to other educational communities we will still all have Pacifica in our hearts and minds.  Take my word for it as someone who has made a life out of changing communities many times, each and every one has something to contribute to who we all become.  It is always hard to leave a comfortable place that feels like home.  But new challenges and environments create new opportunities to help us become who and what we may have never imagined possible.

So I thank each and every one of you personally and collectively for what you have added to our community this school year.  For me it has been a tremendous learning and growing experience that will stay with me forever.  I wish everyone a rewarding summer whatever you choose to do.  Above all enjoy these precious times with your children.

All the best,

Gary

Testing Time At Pacifica

For two weeks beginning May 11th, we will be conducting the state-mandated California Standards Tests with grades two through eight.  We will be sending you very soon more information about how families can support students through this important process, but please start planning ahead for restful nights, nutritious breakfasts, arriving at school on time, healthy snacks, extra bottles of water and plenty of exercise during these two weeks.

Attitude toward testing is as important as the knowledge required, so please talk with your children about this opportunity to demonstrate what they know.  Testing is another way for all of us to communicate with each other and this is each student’s opportunity to tell the world how much they have learned.

Without applying too much stress, let your child know the importance of this process and that this type of testing/assessment will be a part of their lives in the future, and that our collective goal is to support him or her to show what they’ve learned.

These assessments will also demonstrate the learning that has occurred at Pacifica this school year, and we want to celebrate that and shout the news to the world.

Your teachers have been discussing with students the process and getting students ready both academically and psychologically with lots of practice on the technical aspects of test taking, strategies for how to take the test itself, and being mentally postive and alert.  We ask that you reinforce some of these ideas and also have reassuring discussions at home.

If you have questions or concerns, please talk with your teachers and look very soon for additional information in your family mailbox in the lobby.

Woodworker Needed

We’re looking for a woodworker who can replace four broken plywood pieces from the wonderful Greg Fleishman play structure that we have.

If you’d like to gather parent volunteer hours this way, please contact our Site Chair, Cynthia Nightingale, at site@pacificaschool.org.

This doesn’t have to be a parent volunteer.  If you know somebody who would help us out on a volunteer basis, please also email Cynthia.

Thank you!

Lunch Program Update

Keep an eye on your family boxes this week for info on signing up for school lunches.

The lunch program will start the day we get back from Spring Break on Monday, April 13^th.

Orders and payments are due on Tuesday, March 31^st.

Director’s Weekly Report

Next Wednesday (3/25), you will find in your mailbox the Spring Progress Report from your children’s teachers.  Please read these over and discuss them with your student(s).  If you have any questions please talk with your teachers.  They are always available to meet with you.

A final tabulation from the Art Party tells us we made about $6200 profit toward the education of our students.  Thanks to each of our families who participated in so many ways, and another big thank you to Stephanie and Erika for making it all happen.

We have postponed the grades 5 and 7 state required Physical Fitness Test originally scheduled for this week, until after Spring Break.  We found we were missing some of the testing materials.  We will provide you with the date as soon as we can confirm.  In the meantime, it will provide students time to get some extra exercise and get ready for this event.

We have two critical community-wide meetings scheduled tomorrow at 3:30 and 6:00, regarding the status of our charter renewal.  We need every community member; student and adult, to weigh in on this important topic.  Read the separate notice distributed today.

And don’t forget our Site Beautification Day coming up this Saturday.  This will be a good opportunity for a “Spring Cleaning” that will greatly enhance our learning environment.  We look forward to lots of families participating.

We are still hoping to organize our final term’s Explorations around community service activities.  These can include around the school or in the local community, or work here on campus resulting in a culminating visit off-campus.  We really need parents to jump in and help us organize this.  So far no one has stepped up to assist, and it can’t happen without you.  Think of the potential learning in so many ways that will be possible.  Please talk with Gary if you can help in any way or have ideas for contacts.

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