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Accelerated Reader
PTSA has been very generous in upgrading Las Brisas’ Accelerated Reader program. AR is a database of quizzes that students can take after they have read a book. This is a terrific way to check comprehension and holds students accountable for their assigned reading time. Students have 100,000 quizzes to choose from. Pick a book and log onto the Internet, go to
www.arbookfind.com type in the title. See if there is a RP (Reading Practice) quiz and check the reading level. Most students have been given an independent reading range. Their reading range or “zone” is the result of taking the STAR reading test. Just like any sport, dance, or learning to play a musical instrument you get better with practice. Our goal is to have students become life long readers and show growth in their reading skills.
In addition to becoming better readers our students show incredible growth as independent students. They go to the library independently, locate a new book in their zone by the author’s last name, and check it out. Then they sit and read or take it back to their classroom. Students develop a whole new skill set of logging on to the computer and navigate through the AR program to take the quiz. Their growth and independence is amazing!
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Parties
Classroom parties are allowed for Fall Celebration (October), Winter Holiday (December), Valentine’s Day (February), and Year End (May). Parties are held the last 45 minutes of class time.
The younger grades tend to run smoothly with a center type format. You may play a game such as Pictionary or Bingo. If you choose to show a movie, it must be G-rated, unless you have prior approval by the classroom teacher and administration. If doing a craft, keep it simple and inexpensive. It would be a good idea to have prior approval by the teacher.
Snacks must be store bought and kept sealed. No homemade items. Red sodas and juices are not allowed. Please be aware of any students with food allergies. Complete food guidelines are available at www.dvusd.org.
These are just some guidelines for class parties. However, you’ ll want to speak with your homeroom teacher for specifics. Some teachers may want to assist in planning, while others leave it to homeroom parent(s). Do whatever works best for you, the teacher, and class. The most important advise is don’ t do everything yourself. There are usually many parent volunteers willing to make purchases or assist at the party. Parties run smoothly when there are two or three parent helpers.
Have fun; keep in mind that all activities should be simple and age appropriate; and the students need time to just socialize. Don’t over plan.
Volunteering
As homeroom parent, please remind classroom volunteers the importance of signing in and out at the office. It’s not only for safety reasons but the school benefits monetarily from the volunteer hours logged. The hours are recorded monthly and reports submitted to the state. Class volunteers need to contact Las Brisas Volunteer Coordinator, Traci Gilbert, for training on workroom equipment.
Also, volunteers need to attend a one-time-only district training. Contact Traci for dates and information on this as well. Traci Gilbert, 623-566-4414 or Tgilbert181@aol.com
Reminder~ When volunteering during school hours and going to the workroom for copies, cutting, etc, please remember to go through the hallways avoiding walking behind office staff and the teacher’s lounge; especially during lunch hours.
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HOMEROOM PARENT GUIDELINES
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