EXCITING NEW TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITIES
During these last months of school, we keep busy bringing closure to the current year while making plans for the next.  This spring the parent organizations at all schools in our district have a one-time opportunity and expectation to use the reserve funds for a special site-specific project.  As an important complement to our wonderful library re-fresh (approved by the School Board on May 9th!), we are thrilled that next year a cart of iPads will be available to help students develop important skills, and utilize new technology to access curriculum, engage in learning experiences, and to complete research. Students and staff will share this journey of growth and exploration that will begin with an initial staff workshop in a few weeks.  At the start of next year, our iPad Tech Team will develop essential procedures and systems, pilot using the car5t with students, explore and model options, and provide ongoing support.  As our journey begins, we have many ideas and some plans - and we know that new directions and opportunities will continue to unfold.  We look forward to training for students and staff that focuses on the expanded development of technology skills, the exploration and integration of academic tools, curriculum applications, and research options.

THANK YOU PARENTS AND PARENTS CLUB FOR YOUR GENEROSITY AND DEDICATED COMMITMENT TO OUR STUDENTS!  SPECIAL THANKS TO SHANNON TAGUE FOR YOUR VISION AND FOR COORDINATING THIS BIG PROJECT, AND TO A CREATIVE AND HARDWORKING TEAM - LYNNE NOONE, EVA EVANGELIST, EMILY FETIG, SHERMAN KOO, ROB DAVIES, AND JEFF TURNER.  WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT, THESE EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE!

SUPERINTENDENT FRED BRILL & BOARD MEMBERS  DAVID GERSON  & ART KAPOOR VISIT HAPPY VALLEY
 On Thursday morning, we visited several classrooms and observed lots of engaged students enjoying a variety of learning experiences.  We saw students applying their math skills to plan a budget for a trip, others writing a story "Hawaiian style" using accurate Hawaiian vocabulary and cultural information.  In another class, students used graph paper to create arrays that provided graphic representations for their chosen number.  During math workshop, children worked with partners and used a variety of strategies to find creative solutions to problems that provided differentiated challenges. Other students had the opportunity to rotate through stations observing bees, tasting honey, and talking to the bee keepers. In another classroom, students worked in teams, playing a game that tested their historical knowledge about the gold rush.  It was inspiring to see challenged and engaged children learning and applying their skills, guided and supported by teachers, classroom aides, and parent volunteers!

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
This has been a week filled with very thoughtful and greatly appreciated thank yous from students and parents.  The flowers, notes, poems, the iTunes card and iPad case, and Friday morning breakfast are wonderful reminders of this unique place, our shared commitments, and positive relationships. On behalf of the entire staff, thank you!  Special thanks to Julia Bates, Carrie Daughters, and Alicia Rowell for coordinating Teacher Appreciation this year!

SITE COUNCIL BALLOTS
Look for the Site Council Ballot in your child's folder or backpack.  Please return the ballots to the box in the office by Friday, May 18th.

HAPPY WEEKEND! 

Wendy Patterson