Welcome Back Vessels Bulldogs!

The Bulldog Bark Newsletter

Frank Vessels Elementary School

We are all Learners!

Issue #1 August 19, 2018

Spotlight on Academics

We are off, running, and on our way to the best school year ever! The theme for this year is "We are All Learners" and all students and staff are excited for the prospects that a new year brings! Students are settling in and learning the classroom procedures and expectations in order to set the foundation for a solid year of learning. This year, Cypress School District and Vessels are proud to launch our new ELA core curriculum, Benchmark Advanced. The program is a balanced literary approach to core English language arts instruction and uses high-quality, rigorous, and complex texts to push students to higher levels of reading comprehension and understanding. Students will be working collaboratively in a whole and small-group setting within the classroom everyday to maximize valuable instruction time. Our goal is to allow students to engage in academic conversation and immerse themselves in quality fiction and non-fiction texts everyday.

If you want to learn more about our amazing new ELA, core curriculum, visit the link to help support classroom instruction at home. Benchmark for Parents

5th grade to Starbase

Our fifth grade students took their first trip to Starbase this week. Starbase is a five day field trip spread out throughout the year where students are exposed to a variety of STEM activities. Students were enaged in hands-on instruction that meet the Next Generation Science standards for California. Everyone had a great time learning coding through the use of robotics, Computer Aided Design, and even had a chance to explore a flight simulator. They also practiced chemistry skills through the use of compounds and solutions.

These experiences facilitate a chance to explore science, and STEM related activities outside of the classroom. They are meant to bolster a love for learning and science. All-in-all it was a great day of learning and fun!

If you would like to know more about the program click on the Starbase link!

Welcome back!

Mark Holman

Principal, Vessels Elementary School

mholman@cypsd.org

Important Dates!

Back-to-school night is this Thursday, August 23!

PTA Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the MPR,

introductions in the MPR at 5:45 p.m.

Two sessions: one at 6:00 p.m. and one at 6:30 p.m. to allow parents the opportunity to go to two grade levels.

Open house will end promptly at 7:00!

School photos - August 29, 2018!

Did you know?

The Cypress School District has a vibrant music program, with two, full-time music teachers! All Kinder through Sixth grade students at Vessels receive a comprehensive musical experience once a week beginning, August 20th.

Vessels also offers a choir, band, and world music enrichment program for fifth and sixth grade students after school. Information will go home with students on Tuesday, August 21. Please be on the lookout for more information!

Vessels PTA

Vessels PTA is a great way to connect to school and to help support our kids. Check out the PTA website for calendar info and important fundraising items such as Box tops for Education to further enrich our programs at the site. Thanks for the support!

Brain Power Mania! Help earn Vessels up to $2,500 for technology by shopping, dining, or playing! Click here for details!

or contact TeamBulldogs@outlook.com for more information

PTA Dates

August 28 - PTA meeting in the MPR @ 5:30 p.m.
August 29 - Spirit wear/Membership/Emergency kits Due
September 5 - Volunteer Tea @ 2:00 p.m.
September 7 - Flag Ceremony @ 8:20 a.m.
September 14 - Glow in the Dark Dance Party for PTA Members
September 21 - Bubble Jog-A-Thon

PTA Web page

Have a great week and thank you for your continued support!