This Week is Awesome!

The Bulldog Bark

Frank Vessels Elementary School

Issue Number 12 - October 16 - October 20

A Great Place to Learn and Grow!

#Teamvessels

the Great Shakeout and Earthquake Preparedness

Earthquake preparedness is more than a once-a-year drill; it's an ongoing commitment to safeguarding yourself, and your family in a seismic disaster. It involves proactive measures before, during, and after an earthquake to minimize risks and maximize safety.

Before the Quake

Create an Emergency Plan: Design a family emergency plan that includes communication, evacuation routes, and meeting points. Make sure every family member understands it.
Emergency Kit: Assemble an earthquake emergency kit with essential supplies like non-perishable food, water, a flashlight, first-aid supplies, and personal documents. Remember to include items specific to your family's needs, like medications or baby supplies.
Secure Your Space: Anchor heavy furniture, appliances, and hazardous items to prevent them from toppling during a quake. Install latches on cabinets to prevent contents from spilling out.
Know Your Home: Identify safe spots in your home, such as sturdy doorways, beneath heavy furniture, or next to interior walls, where you can take cover during an earthquake.

During the Quake

Drop, Cover, and Hold On: When the shaking starts, drop to the ground to prevent falling. Cover under a table or sturdy furniture to shield yourself from debris, and hold on until the vibration stops.
Stay Indoors: If you are indoors, stay there. Going outside exposes you to falling objects and debris. Protect your head and neck.
If You Are Outside: Move away from buildings, streetlights, and utility wires. Find an open space, drop to the ground, and cover your head.
If You Are Driving, Pull over to a safe spot away from buildings and overpasses. Stay inside the vehicle until the shaking stops.

After the Quake

Check for Injuries: Assess yourself and your family members for injuries. Administer first aid if necessary and call for medical help if injuries are severe.
Inspect Your Surroundings: Check for hazards like gas leaks or structural damage. Turn off the gas if you smell a leak, and evacuate your home if it's unsafe.
Communicate: Contact loved ones via text or social media, as phone lines may be overloaded. Send a brief status update to let people know you're safe.
Stay Informed: Tune in to a battery-operated or hand-crank radio for emergency information and instructions from local authorities.

The CA Great ShakeOut is a significant reminder that earthquakes are an inherent risk in California. Earthquake preparedness is not merely a once-a-year event; it's a way of life in earthquake-prone regions. By creating a well-thought-out emergency plan, assembling essential supplies, securing your space, and knowing how to respond during and after a quake, you can significantly increase your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

While we can't predict when or where the next earthquake will occur, we can certainly prepare for it. By embracing a culture of preparedness, we can mitigate the risks and challenges posed by these seismic events, ensuring a safer and more resilient future. So, when the ground starts shaking, remember to drop, cover, and hold on!

Vessels Traffic Safety

Help keep our kids safe! Please follow all traffic rules and always yield to pedestrians! Please see the list below for other tips to keep our school accident-free.

Slow down!
Give yourself extra time to get to and from school
Always have students exit on the right side of the car!
Stop at all stop signs!
When in the loop, do not get out of your car and pull all the way forward!

Thank you for your help and support!

PBIS Events and Campus Happenings

Red Ribbon Week - October 23 - 27

Check out the dress day themes for each day! Students who dress may win random prizes! There will be a door decorating contest and many other surprises next week. Let's show everyone that Vessels pledges to be drug-free!

Revised Done Out List 2023/24

Vessels is a California PBIS Platinum Award Recipient!

We are the proud recipient of the PBIS Platinum Award for excellence in the field of PBIS. Thank you for the support of our school and programs! Our CA Platinum Award status is another reason Vessels Elementary School is the best place for kids to learn and grow!

PBIS Store

Join us as we make Vessels the best place for students to learn and grow! We are a positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) school and are excited to continue to fine-tune our supports and incentives for students this year!

How can you help?

If you would like to support us by purchasing items from our PBIS Store Wish List, please use the following QR code:

Thank you for the support of our kids and programs!

Attendance Matters

As we embark on another exciting school year at Vessels, I want to emphasize the critical importance of regular school attendance.

According to recent studies by the Department of Education, students who attend school regularly have consistently shown higher scores on standardized tests than their peers with irregular attendance. Regular school attendance fosters a deeper understanding of key concepts, enhances critical thinking skills, and enriches a child's education.

Furthermore, maintaining good attendance at an early age plays a significant role in shaping future success. Research conducted by the National Association of Elementary School Principals indicates that students who consistently attend during their elementary years are more likely to graduate high school and pursue higher education or vocational training. This, in turn, opens up a world of opportunities and paves the way for a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Beyond academic achievement, regular attendance also strengthens social and emotional development. The school provides a unique setting for students to interact with their peers, form meaningful friendships, and develop vital social skills.

Consistent attendance promotes a sense of belonging within the school community, fostering a positive learning environment where each child can thrive.

I understand that occasional absences are inevitable due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. However, it is crucial to prioritize school attendance whenever possible.

At Vessels, we support our students and their families in maintaining excellent attendance records. Our dedicated staff is always ready to provide assistance and guidance to address any challenges that might arise.

Let us work together to make this academic year a resounding success for every student at Vessels. We can nurture a generation of confident, curious, and accomplished learners by valuing and prioritizing school attendance.

We Love our Bulldogs!