September 9, 2022

Thinking Maps

Did you know our educators are trained to use Thinking Maps to helps students engage in the writing process? A thinking map is a learning method, which helps students visualize their thinking and abstract thoughts with concrete visuals. Thinking maps help students to organize their ideas and information effectively and in an easier way. This ultimately helps with students' learning and comprehension. 

   There are eight types of graphic representation that serve different purposes. The picture in the upper right corner is a visual of the eight versions. Circle maps are used for brainstorming ideas. Bubble maps are used for describing something, while a flow map is used for sequencing or ordering. Tree maps are used for classifying, and other maps are used for analyzing, identifying, and even categorizing. Please enjoy some examples of ALSD Thinking Maps in action!

Parenting in the Digital World: If you haven't already, please reserve your spot at our upcoming parent event entitled Parenting in the Digital World. There are only a few seats left! This event/training for parents is conducted by Mr. Clayton Cranford, also well-known as the "Cyber Cop." Clayton is a law enforcement professional based in Southern California. He is one of the nation’s leading law enforcement educators on social media and child safety. He teaches parents how to avoid the inherent risks of social media and other web based platforms by using safe habits.

This is an adult only event due to the seriousness of the content delivered, but we are offering child care for families that need it. Seating is limited to 300 and we are taking RSVP information for this event This is a special opportunity to see and hear Clayton's message in person and we hope to see you there!

• Upcoming District Events
• Tuesday, September 13 - West Side Math Festival at Carnelian Elementary School, 6:00 PM
• Monday, September 19 - Parenting in the Digital World Presentation, at Alta Loma Junior High, 6:00-7:00 PM
• Tuesday, September 20 - East Side Math Festival at Victoria Groves Elementary School, 6:00 PM
• Wednesday, September 21 - Board of Trustees Meeting at the District Support Center (DSC), located at 9390 Base Line Road, Alta Loma
• 5:00PM Closed Session
• 6:00PM Open Session Meeting
• Thursday, September 22 - State of the District, 5:30 PM at Banyan Elementary School,
• Thursday & Friday, September 22 & 23 - Elementary Parent Conferences (Grades 1-6 Modified Days) Check your school site for dismissal times
• Monday -Thursday, September 26 - 29 - Jr. High Parent Conferences (Grades 7-8 Modified Days) Check your school site for dismissal times
• Tuesday, September 27, State of the District, 5:30 PM at Stork Elementary School
• Friday, September 30 - Jr. High Modified Day (Check your school site for dismissal times)
• Thursday, October 6 - Parent University, 5:15 PM at Deer Canyon Elementary School

We were very excited about our first GATE activity of the year. Mrs. Pimentel and Ms. Reynoso planned an awesome afternoon for the GATE students. Everyone enjoyed the Table-Top Mini Golf Course GATE activity. Students designed and constructed a playable table-top sized miniature golf course using the engineering design process. They were given different roles where they needed to create a blueprint, engineer their course, create advertisements, and use their time effectively. Students were urged to be thinkers, not repeaters; creators, not copiers; and artists instead of manufacturers. 

Our first VGS Grizzly Spirit Assembly was held on Wednesday to honor and recognize students with a Super Grizzly Award. Students were chosen by their teacher for standing out as having great responsibility during the month of August. We are so proud of all our Super Grizzlies! 

During our assembly, we had our "Boosterthon" team come and kick off the start of our fundraiser. Our theme this year is “Grand Land Adventure." Our students are learning how to navigate their own character as they learn about the National Parks. Perseverance, bravery and gratitude are a few of the traits they’ve learned about. Friday is our big Obstacle Challenge! Our Grizzlies are looking forward to this fun event. We are so thankful for our PTA and our families for supporting our students and our programs!

Vineyard’s theme this year is “We feel the need…to succeed!” So, it was fitting that our first Renaissance Rally tied into that theme to celebrate and reward students for positive achievement in both academics and citizenship. Students enjoyed a fun rally put on by our amazing ASB Leadership students, under the direction of our ASB Advisor Mrs. Roberts. #CelebratingStudentSuccess!

Across the country, students, families, school staff, and alumni celebrate College Colors Day every year on the Friday before Labor Day. Our Vikings participated in College Colors Day by proudly wearing their favorite college shirts to show school spirit! #WeHaveSpirit!

Last Friday, Banyan Elementary had the first Coffee with the Principal event.  We had a great turn out and it was wonderful to see our parent community on campus in support of our amazing school! 

Thank you to all of you who were able to join us to learn about the school year ahead, to see the fun things we have planned, the incredible programs we are offering, and the rigorous learning that is taking place in our classrooms.  I am very grateful for the warm welcome I have received from the community and am very excited to continue my journey at Banyan Elementary as the principal!  

This past Friday Deer Canyon had our first Flag Assembly of the school year. Each month we take the opportunity to honor our Eagles of the Month. These students have shown the traits of a SOARing Eagle which means they are Safe, Organized, Achieving Excellence, and Respectful.

This is also a time where we get to bring our entire Eagle family together to show our Eagle Pride. We are so proud of our Eagle’s of the Month and we love taking the opportunity to celebrate their hard work and good citizenship.