502 N. Caribe Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85710
(520) 731-4800
FAX – (520) 731-4801

October  2009

Message from the Principal

Parents and teachers influence a child’s life in many ways. Parents and teachers, in partnership, can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s development. Both are familiar with the child’s daily successes and stumbles. Both are available for guidance and help. It is important that these two groups talk and combine efforts for the benefit of the child. Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedules to attend our parent-teacher conferences. If other obligations prohibited you from attending, please call your child's teacher to find a common time to meet.  We recognize that you are your child's first and primary teacher. We appreciate any insights you can share with us. 

            Grading Day is on Friday, October 16. Progress Report Cards will go home on Tuesday, October 20^th for students in grades 1-5.  As you may be aware, our Progress Report scores are reported using numbers.  Each number represents a different level of accomplishment.  A score of “3” means the child has mastered the content this quarter. He or she understands all necessary information covered.  A “2” shows that a student has mastered some of the skills, but is still learning others.  This child should be encouraged to keep trying.  A “1” shows difficulty in learning.  A rubric score of “4” shows work beyond what is expected.  For exceeding the standard, students must show a thorough understanding and be able to apply it in unique ways.

            An “X” means the area was not covered during the quarter.  It will be covered later. It is important to keep in mind that standards-based grades are not the same as traditional A’s, B’s, and C’s.  Percentages are not used to average grades.   Please realize that when your child moves to another grade level, the curriculum is more difficult. Perhaps your child received 3's and 4's on their final Progress Report last year. That makes it hard to understand why he or she may have received 2's this first quarter. Remember to be positive when talking about the progress report.  It is important for children to feel good about their progress. Pay close attention to the learner qualities.  These are indicators as to how hard your child is working and whether they are abiding by our three school rules, Be Responsible, Be Respectful and Be Safe. Having a 3 in those areas means, they are doing everything they can to learn and get along with others.

Cheri LaRochelle

Hudlow Health Office
Sulfa Brauner
Joy Godwin
731-4817

TUSD schools are following The Center for Disease Control’s guidance to decrease exposure to regular seasonal flu and 2009 H1N1 flu while limiting the disruption of day-to-day activities and the vital learning that goes on in schools. We will continue to monitor and update based on current guidance as more information is obtained.

Collaboration is essential: CDC, the U.S. Department of Education, state and local public health and education agencies, schools, students, staff, families, businesses, and communities all have active roles to play.

Please help us keep our community safe by teaching your children how to protect themselves and others from the flu and other germs. Take 5 minutes today and talk with your children about the following:

Don’t touch your “T-Zone” (across the eyes is the top of the T and down the nose and mouth is the line coming down) Teach your child to keep their hands away from this area.

Good hand-washing: Teach your children to wash with soap and warm water for as long as it takes to sing the “Alphabet Song.”

Coughing and sneezing into their elbow or into     their  shoulder. Germs can spread easily when droplets from a cough or sneeze land on your child’s hands. Be sure to wash hands immediately afterward.

Stay home when sick: Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. Stay home 24 hours after vomiting.

We are all in this together. Helping your child follow these simple hygiene measures will help you prevent your family from becoming ill.

                    PTA Piece

Join PTA! This is the best $5.00 you can spend!

Next Meeting: Wednesday, October 7 at 6:30 PM

Childcare will be provided.

Your child’s class may still need a Room Parent. Please attend this meeting so we can share what plans we have for Hudlow.

“School Success Starts Early”

Tip 1: Smile and say "hello" to your teacher everyday.

Kids who greet their teachers with a smile and a warm "hello" every morning usually have fewer problems with their teachers throughout the day. It is important, however, for parents to help their kids understand they have a part to play. Try practicing with your child.

Tip 2: Pay attention to your teacher.
 While your teacher is talking, look him or her in the eyes, smile, and nod.

Love and Logic parents know that helping their child relate to teachers will increase the child’s interest in what is being taught. One parent I know had a daughter who experienced difficulty paying attention in class. After the parent suggested looking at the teacher, smiling, and nodding, she became more engaged in her learning and was better prepared to ask questions about the lessons.

Teachers enjoy working with children who are interested in learning. Students who are attentive and "encourage" their teachers during the lesson have an advantage over those who do not. In addition, these children will be more comfortable approaching a teacher with any concerns they may have.

Tip 3: Raise your hand periodically to ask a question about the lesson.

A child who asks questions shows the teacher he or she is paying attention to the lesson being taught.

Tip 4: Say "please" and "thank you."

It is important for parents to model good manners. At the Love and Logic Institute, we’ve found that children learn much more from our actions than from our words. What we say in front of our kids is more important than what we say to them. For example, when your child is nearby, you might say to your spouse, "I sure do appreciate all of your help today around the house. Thank you so much."

Kids who use these skills in school will have an advantage over kids who do not. These skills also will carry over to the workforce, which will give children an advantage over others throughout their professional lives.

Don’t wait! Start using these Love and Logic techniques and join the thousands of parents who are raising successful, responsible kids.

Site Council Members 2009/2010

Last month the Site Council reviewed the school’s budget. Next month, we will review the schools achievement data, the bylaws, and our 301 goals for the year. If you would like to speak with a teacher member or a parent member, please let us know.  We will be happy to connect you.  Our next meeting is November 16, 2009.

The TUSD Questions on the November 3, 2009, Ballot

                  On Tuesday, November 3, 2009, a special election will be held in the Tucson  
                  Unified School District. The registered voters will have the opportunity to help
                  decide two important financial matters for the school district.
            The two issues on the November 3, 2009 ballot are:

·               Proposition 401: Maintenance and Operations Budget Override
This override is being requested to provide the following:

o              guaranteed full day kindergarten

o              increased speed and access to technological learning in the classroom

o              additional resources that school site councils will recommend for use based on what is needed most at their schools. These additional resources, about $150 to $190 per student, may be used to decrease class size, expand music and art instruction, and/or provide improved library or counselor services.

·               Proposition 402: Technology Capital Outlay Budget Override
The proposed override monies ($9,000,000) are expected to fund the following programs in the first year:

o              Classroom Technology:

§               Replace aging classroom computers – 10,000 units on a 3 year lease

§               Improve network infrastructure needed for the high speed bandwidth (First year rollout)

§               Replace School Servers & Switches supporting the new computer equipment

o              District Wide Technology:

§               Replace TUSD's Human Resources and Financial Management System maximizing operational efficiency and dollars to the classroom

§               Replace operational computers on a 3 year lease basis

§               Replace servers and switches district wide supporting the new computer equipment and high speed internet capabilities

Second Annual “Slip into a Good Book!”

                As you know reading is the most important thing kids can learn at school. We work really hard to make sure that when our students leave our school they're on level with reading. Many of our students do not have access to books at home.  We are seeking donations of children’s books and pairs of slippers (new or near        new condition all sizes) for distribution before the holiday break. Donations can be dropped off at the front office at Hudlow. Last year we gave each child a book over winter break and distributed 54 pairs of slippers.

Thanks so much for supporting our Hudlow Hawks! We have had many books donated but really need help with slippers. Our goal for this year is 100 slippers!

Shoe School Safety

·      Students must wear shoes appropriate for school
(no house slippers, sandals, high heels, thongs or flip flops) All shoes must include a back strap over the heel.
Outdoor activities require tennis shoes for safety.

·      Heelies or the kinds of shoes with built in or retractable wheels are not safe for school and are not permitted.             

Toys, Electronics and Games

Trading cards, personal toys and games must be left at home. These items may not be bought, sold, traded or played with at school or on the bus. These items are a distraction in the classroom and frequently lead to disciplinary problems. Also, many items are of value and the school is not responsible for lost or traded items. If students have them at any time, the item(s) will be held in the office until a parent comes to retrieve items. Thank you in advance for your cooperation. Our main concern is the learning environment and unfortunately toys, games and trading cards cause a distraction. Bringing certain toys, such as simulated weapons, warrant serious consequences.

Fall Parade

Our annual Fall Parade will take place on Friday, October 30 at 8:30 AM. Students are allowed to dress in a costume that does not impede their school work or play. All costumes must fall within the parameters of school-appropriateness. No weapons, gore, blood or skimpy outfits. Students will wind in and out of classrooms and end across the stage. Chairs will be set up in the cafeteria for parent viewing.

Green School News

Did you know we are a Green Initiative School? Classes are reusing, recycling and reducing. We are currently looking at our cafeteria waste: milk cartons, paper bags and packaging. If your child brings a lunch from home, talk about ways to reduce waste.

 International Walk to School Day

Wednesday, October 7 is International Walk to School Day. Communities are using the walk or bike to school as the first step to change community culture and create environments that are more inviting for everyone, young and old. Here are some reasons to support walking and biking to school:

 Encourage physical activity by teaching children the skills to walk safely, how to identify safe routes to school, and the benefits of walking
 Raise awareness of how walkable a community is and where improvements can be made
Raise concern for the environment
Reduce crime and take back neighborhoods for people on foot
Reduce traffic congestion, pollution, and speed near schools
Share valuable time with local community leaders, parents, and children

 If you usually drive your child to school, and live within walking distance, plan now to wake up early and walk to school. If you live a little further, you can drive close to school and have your child walk the rest of the way. Staff members will be in the neighborhood as guides, stationed on Caribe, Kingston and Langley.

September 2009

October 2009