Dear Holly Oak Family:
Well, things are, and will be, busy around here lately, and it is all good. We had the District Speech Contest, and our students did well. The Science Fair is coming, as is Valentine’s Day, Asian New Year, and this is Black History Month. And, oh yeah, by the way, we will have a little visit from local educators to validate our nomination for 2010 California Distinguished School.
Actually, the visit is a big deal, as it will verify our achievements as a California Distinguished School, the honor set aside for those schools who meet the high expectations set by the state of California. The measure of success starts with academic achievement by ALL groups of students, but includes such things as school climate and parent participation. In my short term here, these are indeed areas that the Holly Oak family does well.
The academic success is a tribute to the hard work of teachers, students, and parents. In the previous year, our results were good, but it looked like we were not on pace to meet the rigorous academic targets in reading and math for all groups. With hard work and determination, our key student groups made double digit growth in these two areas. That qualifies as a big “Wow,” and sets us apart from many other schools. In fact, compared to “like” schools, we are in the top five in the county. But like anyone who achieves success, we strive to improve more.
Our award for parent participation from the national magazine PTA/PTO Today magazine serves as the focal point for our parent and community involvement. Our many activities for students after school, and the activities for families play a great role in the feeling of “connectedness” that is a hallmark of a great school. How does the review team measure this, however? Well, on Wednesday of next week, they will be questioning parents and teachers about our practices. If you are available on Wednesday, drop by and offer your opinion why Holly Oak is so special and deserving of the “Distinguished School” moniker.
Before I end this column, I really have to give a big shout-out to our student representatives for this year’s District Speech Contest. Emmanuel Guerra, Dustin Chau, and Tammy Tran delivered their speeches flawlessly and with flair. When the judges tallied up their points, Dustin Chau stood tall as the winner of the District Fifth Grade contest. He graciously celebrated with his class the next day, bringing treats. Certainly, all three finalists, and the school site contest runners-up John Dacanay, Evan Flores, and Chloe Pears, exemplify the dedication and hard work it takes to be Distinguished.
Fanning the flames of learning and stoking the fires of motivation,
Christopher Corpus
Head Hawk
Dear Parents, Staff and those interested in fostering science activities for students:
Our school will be holding its annual science fair on March 4th. We hope to repeat the success of last year and have a fair with many exciting student projects. As you know, to have a successful Science Fair, the help of many individuals is required. You can ensure a rewarding experience for our participants by volunteering time in one or more of the following activities:
• Be a mentor. Help students design and make their science project exhibit board.
• Check in students at fair day
• Judge projects
• Help set up room for fair day
• Clean up at fair day
• Help students set up their projects for exhibit
• Donate prizes
Please consider how you might be able to contribute to our school fair and contact Mr. Corpus at 270-4970. Your help is essential to the success of our fair!
If you have a student at our school you may return your form to the teacher. We look forward to a great fair. Your help will make it possible.
Sincerely,
Science Fair Coordinator
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