Dear Parents,

I found an article about homework that I would like to share.

 Source: http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/going-to-school/supporting-your-learner/homework-help/

 “Wondering how to help your children with homework — or how to get them to do it without a struggle? Here’s how.”

 What’s the point of homework? 

“Homework is designed to help students reinforce key concepts, process and solidify new information, provide time for extra practice of skills, and reflect on how much they’ve learned.

 Don’t do the homework for your child. 

Most teachers use homework to find out what the child knows. They do not want parents doing their children’s homework but do want parents to make sure homework is completed and review any mistakes to see what can be learned from them.

 Don’t take over your child’s projects. 

Set up a good space to work. All children need the same thing: a clean, well-lit space. Keep in mind that each child may work differently; some will do their work at the kitchen table and others at their desks in their rooms.

 Pay attention to your child’s rhythms and help him find the right time to begin his work. 

Some children will work best by doing homework right after school; others need a longer break and must run around before tackling the work.

 Don’t hover — but stay close by. 

Keep in mind that it’s your child’s homework, not yours, but remain available in case you are needed.

Limit media exposure. 

Turn off the TV and the iPod when your child does homework and the computer too, unless it’s being used for research. You might start by asking your child how much time should be spent on their homework, and negotiate from there. Remember, you have the final word.  Keep in mind that if you watch TV when your child can’t, the plan may backfire.

 Let the teacher know if you gave your child a lot of homework help. 

If your child needs extra help or truly doesn’t understand something, let the teacher know. Write on the assignment, ‘done with parental help,’ or write a separate note.

 Now that both of my children are in college, I realize the foundational skills they learned at Lookout Mt. such as study skills and a solid homework regiment has served them well.

Sincerely,

  Tricia H. Johnson

        Principal

        Lookout Mountain Elementary

        602-896-5905

Dear Parents/ Guardians,

We are excited to share our time with you during Parent/Teacher Conferences. Here are a few helpful tips as we discuss your child’s progress together.

Checklist: Before the conference

•  Schedule a time to meet. If you can’t go at the scheduled time, ask the teacher about other times.
•  Review your child’s work, grades and progress reports.
•  Talk with your child about his or her progress in school.
•  Talk with others – family members, after-school staff, mentors, etc. – about your child’s strengths and needs.
•  Make a list of questions to ask during the conference.
•  Think about ways you would like to be involved in your child’s learning.

What should you expect at the conference?

• A two-way conversation.

The Parent/Teacher Conference is an opportunity for parents to learn about their children’s progress in school and for teachers to gain insights into their students’ home and community lives. Parent perspectives on student strengths and needs, learning styles and nonschool learning opportunities can help teachers shape their instructional methods.

• Emphasis on learning.

Research shows that family involvement is most effective when it is “linked to learning.” An important goal of the first Parent/Teacher Conference is to develop new strategies to support student learning at school and at home. Teachers should be prepared to discuss the academic progress of their students by using examples of student work and assessments during conferences.

• Opportunities and challenges.

The tone of Parent/Teacher Conference should be balanced so that all involved understand what the student is doing well and what he or she can improve upon. Achieving this balance sends the message that your school values student strengths and has high expectations for all.

We look forward to seeing everyone during conference week, Oct. 23 – Oct. 27.

Tricia H. Johnson

Principal

Lookout Mountain Elementary

602-896-5905

Dear Parents/Guardians,

 

On Monday, August 21, a solar eclipse will cross the United States with partial visibility in Arizona with its peak at 10:33 a.m.

 

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) states that at no time during the eclipse should a person look directly at the sun. Exposure of the retina to intense visible light causes damage to the eye’s light-sensitive rod and cone cells. The result is a loss of visual function that may be either temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the damage. The risk to vision is significant because the associated injuries occur without any feeling of pain, and the visual effects do not occur for at least several hours after the damage is done.

 

For the safety of all students, all WESD schools will be on a mandatory rainy day schedule Monday, August 21. Recess and other outdoor activities will be canceled from 9:15 a.m. to noon to ensure the safety of our students.

 

We understand that this is an exciting and educational experience. If students and staff

plan on viewing the eclipse, we are recommending that teachers use the NASA livestream, https://www.nasa.gov/eclipselive.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

 

Sincerely,

 

Tricia H. Johnson

Principal

Lookout Mountain Elementary

602-896-5905

 

The Lookout Mountain community is dedicated to engagement, enrichment and excellence because we all grow up here.

Lookout Mt. Families,

Today is Wednesday, that means it is early release! Dismissal is at 1:45 on Wednesdays.

 

Curriculum Night is Thursday, August 17th

Parents are invited to learn all about this year's grade level expectations. This is an evening designed for adults. Children are encouraged to stay at home as there is no supervision around campus or on the playground. 

5:00 - 6:00    Kdg. - 3rd Grade (in classrooms)

6:00 - 6:30    Principal message and introductions in the cafeteria 

6:30 - 7:30    4th Grade and 5th Grade (in classrooms)

Thank you for your continuous support!

Tricia H. Johnson

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Dear Friends,

We are so excited to be back in the office. We are working hard to prepare classrooms for your child's arrival. Teacher welcome letters are in the mail however, we have posted a copy on our school's website page.

Meet the Teacher is Thursday, August 3rd from 5:00 - 6:00. This is an informal night in which your child can locate their classroom and meet their teacher. 

The first day of school is Monday, August 7th. The gate will open at 7:45 A.M. This is the only morning we allow parents on campus without  badge. The bell will ring at 8:10 and the tardy bell will ring at 8:15. We ask that all parents leave the campus at that time. We will have student council escorts assist new students to the playground. 

Open Campus Patio Dining opens the second week in September. We encourage students to make new friends in the cafeteria as they enjoy lunch. 

Please join us on Facebook: Lookout Mountain Elementary@lookoutmtnwesd   

Looking forward to a great new school year!

Tricia H. Johnson

Principal

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