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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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