Dear Families of Saint Joseph Elementary,
It is our first week back from Christmas Break and, from everything I can tell, students had a Blessed Christmas. Legos continue to be a hot item, so were electronics, gaming systems, smart watches, and the flu.
I asked some of the students about their New Year’s Resolutions. Some of their resolutions were as follows: “I want to get better at times tables.” “I’m not going to fight with my brother.” “I will be a better reader.”
I, too, have made New Year's resolutions that I hope will enhance our school:
1)
Communication is Key
- I believe that communication is key for us to be successful educators together. It is important for schools to communicate well with parents and for us to communicate well internally with each other. One key component of communication is not to be a speaker, but to be a listener. For the balance of the school year, I would like us to be good well rounded communicators- speakers and listeners. You will be receiving a school survey towards the end of the month and I am hoping for 100% parent participation so I can listen to what you have to say. I will use that feedback as we plan for our 2018-19 school year and as we advance the education at Saint Joseph Elementary School.
2)
Grow and Learn
- As an educator, it is our vocation to teach children...allow them to grow and to learn. In order to do so, we as adults must continue to learn and develop ourselves. I support and encourage our teacher staffing to work on their professional development inside and outside of school.
On minimum days, after the students are dismissed, we have organized personal development programs that the teachers and staff attend. Today, for instance, we are having a training on Standards Based Reporting with Kelly Stevens from the Oakland Diocese.
For the students, we have implemented a new Math program for grades K-8. I have witnessed amazing problem solving, critical thinking and learning. I am so proud of our students. As we continue to use the program, it will only get better. For 2018-19 we will implement a new English/Language Arts and Reading program for grades K-5. We must continually be pioneers in education for our students to be engaged, active and full learners.
3)
Always Be Grateful
- We at Saint Joseph are a truly blessed community. Myself and the faculty and staff are cognizant that we are privileged to be with your children everyday. We are grateful that we have the blessing to be teachers and influencers on people who will be our next generation of leaders. We are grateful for parents who partner with us and support us in our daily mission. We want to remind our students that they too should be grateful everyday. Our school is a safe and loving environment they attend daily where they celebrate successes and mourn their losses. Really….who gets to experience this amazing wonder on a daily basis? We do! Continually we are reminded that God is Good.
Thank you for your continued partnership in 2018 and for helping me keep my New Year’s Resolutions.
God’s Blessing on Each of Us,
Dr. Marquita Yriarte
Principal
