The Springer Buzz!

Our Mission

At Springer Elementary School, we will provide a safe and supportive environment that engages, inspires, and nurtures all students’ emotional and academic needs in order to become empathetic, productive global citizens and lifelong learners.

In This Issue: February 2, 2018:

• Principal’s Message

• News and Announcements
• Parent Education Opportunities

Quick Dates for your Calendar:

• Saturday, February 10: Father Daughter Dance
• February 19-23: Winter Break, No School
• Wednesday, February 28; 7:00-8:00pm:Blach Transition Parent Information Night; Blach Multi; Parents Only
• Thursday, March 8; 8:45am: PTA Meeting, Staff Room
• Thursday, March 15: Minimum Day; 12:15 Dismissal
• Saturday, March 17, 6:30-10:30pm:Springer Auction
• Thursday, March 22: STEM Expo
• Wednesday, April 4; 6:30-7:30pm: Blach Elective Fair For Parents and 6th Grade Students
• Thursday, April 5: Open House
• Friday, April 6: Minimum Day, Dismissal 12:15pm
• April 9 - 13: Spring Break, No School
• Friday, April 27, 9:30-11:00am: 6th Graders Walk to Blach Campus tour
• Saturday, April 28, 8:00am - 4:00pm: Jr. Olympics, Grades 4-6

Principal’s Message

Happy Groundhog day,

It looks like we are going to have an extra six weeks of winter.  We definitely could use the snow and rain.  This week we were spotlighted in the Town Crier.  If you have seen the article check it out by clicking here. 

At our last PTA meeting we shared this video about What is like to be a Springer BEE…

Have a wonderful weekend,

Lynn Boskie

Reading Corner

Thinking about Comprehension

Reading with strong comprehension is a complex process that involves understanding the words in a text and making meaning from them. Adults tend to go through this process subconsciously, but as children learn to read, they are working to put together the full range of skills and strategies needed. Students learn how to recognize and decode words as well as strategies to think deeply about what they read. We can think about students’ comprehension of texts in three different categories:

• Within the text: does the reader have a literal understanding of the text? To learn about your child’s comprehension within the text, you might ask about what he or she read. What happened in the story? What were the main events? Who were the characters, and what challenges did they face? For nonfiction, what did you learn about topics? What are some details you read?
• Beyond the text: does the reader bring his or her own thinking to understanding the text? This requires readers to make inferences that go beyond the actual words on the page. Does the story remind you of anything? What do you think might happen next? What is the character like? What’s the main idea to remember from this passage? Does this information fit with what you already know, or is it contradictory? What do you think about the topic?
• About the text: does the reader think about the way the text is written and have opinions about the writing or content? Thinking about texts in this way also helps students apply authors’ techniques in their own writing. If the story makes you laugh, what has the author done to make it funny? Maybe it has hilarious dialogue and silly illustrations. How is the title of the book important to the story? How did the author help you learn about the topic of the book? Perhaps she included pictures and detailed descriptions. Is the book organized in a way that makes it easy to understand? Is the author trying to persuade me, and how does that affect how I read this?

These layers of comprehension look different as students read increasingly complex texts, but the general ideas apply to readers across grade levels.As you chat with your child about reading, you might use some of the questions above to hear more about what they’re understanding within, beyond, and about the text.

Technology Corner

If you’ve ever looked at the Springer PTA budget, you would definitely notice a large portion spent on technology. Whether it is an iPad, a ChromeBook, or even a teacher’s laptop, it has probably been paid for by the PTA. This access to technology is greatly beneficial to the students at Springer.

In our Transitional Kindergarten class, Laura Bence uses iPads to enhance her students’ learning experience. Check out this link to see some highlights from the TK classroom.

https://spark.adobe.com/video/c22dfTfjAiuin

Springer Auction

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

March 17, 2018, 6:30-10:30pm

Crowne Plaza Cabana, Palo Alto

Theme: Disco Fever!

$65/person, buy your ticket online or bycheck

Reserve babysitting at Abra

The auction team is still looking for tech

gear donations and sports tickets. Let us know if you can help!!!

springerauction@gmail.com

Springer’s Father Daughter Dance February 10

Springer's Father Daughter Dance is happening on February 10th in the Multi!

6:30-10:00pm

Your daughter will remember this special night dancing with her dad while the DJ was spinning tunes and there will be a photographer on hand to capture it.

Reserve your space now! emailjennifer@jwangmd.com

Father/Daughter $100  additional daughter $30 make check out to "Springer PTA" memo father/daughter dance please place checks in front office cubby labelled Auction.

All proceeds benefit Springer School.

Springer STEM  Expo Is On March 22, 2018

Please register by March 2

If you’re interested in becoming a Guest Reviewer, contact Ms. Craddock (jcraddock@lasdschools.org) or simply fill out this form: Springer Expo Reviewer 2018

  For all details and information on the STEM Expo go to tinyurl.com/lasdstemexpo.

Math Night

Interested in learning more about high school math pathways for your student? Come to Math Night at MVHS Theater on February 6th from 6:30-8:00. This is open for families of K-8th grade students who will attend MVLA High School District. Both parents and students are welcome to attend.  Click here for the Flyer.

 Cornerstone Corner

This month’s ABC book: “Through My Eyes” by Ruby Bridges is the true story of a six-year-old black girl who on November 14, 1960 walked through a mob of screaming protesting segregationists escorted by Federal Marshals into her new school in New Orleans, Louisiana. Surrounded by racial turmoil, Ruby spent first grade learning to read with the help of one supportive teacher.

Goals of lesson:

· Promote discussion about the importance of tolerance and acceptance of differences.

· Learn how it feels to walk in someone else’s shoes.

· Practice techniques to promote a sense of belonging in our school communities by relying on personal power as UPstanders to include all students. Questions to ask your child to reinforce this lesson at home:

· How do you feel when you are treated unfairly by others? Why?

· Which injustices in the world bother you most?

· What can our family do about injustice, hunger, and poverty?

When you “catch” kids modeling positive behaviors... Notice, Name it, and Celebrate it!

Selpa Events

Local Resource Guide For Learning Challenges

Do you need help finding summer camps to fit your child's needs? Recreational opportunities that are accepting and inclusive? Therapists, advocates, tutors? Please check out SELPA1CAC's Local Resource Guide! atwww.selpa1cac.org ortinyurl.com/localresourceguide. We are always interested in updates and additions;  let us know how we can make the Guide for useful!

Wed. Feb. 7, 2018, 7PM-9PM Santa Rita Elementary School

Better Communication with Your Teen, DBT w/Michael Fitzgerald,  SELPA 1 CAC Parent Education Event

Michael Fitzgerald, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Services at El Camino Hospital will discuss the benefits of DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy). Learn why DBT is so effective and how parents can use the concept to have better communication with their teens.  “Sometimes parents are unaware of how their teens are reacting to their verbal and nonverbal cues…at times teens don’t feel validated by their families...teens crave acceptance…parents can learn to avoid phrases that reinforce negative self images...both parents and teens can learn how to communicate more positively.”

DBT combines cognitive behavioral techniques for emotion regulation with concepts of mindful awareness, distress tolerance and acceptance.

Mon. Feb. 12, 2018, 7-9PM,Los Altos Library

Let's Talk

 A chance to ask questions and share ideas, resources, and support with other parents of students with IEPs, 504s, learning differences, mental health challenges, etc.

All are welcome, participants must respect confidentiality.

Click here for English Flyer.  Click here forSpanish Flyer.

Tue. Feb. 13, 2018, 7PM-8:30PM, Los Altos Library

Parent Chat

Are you concerned about the emotional well being of your child? Come to Parent Chat, peer to peer support for parents of teens. Hosted by the Mental Health Subcommittee of SELPA 1 CAC.

Click here for English Flyer.  Click here forSpanish Flyer.

Safe Routes Improvement Projects

When: Monday, Feb 12, 6:30pm Open House, 7:00pm Complete Streets Commission Meeting

Where:  Grant Park Community Center, Rooms 2 and 3, 1575 Holt Ave., Los Altos

Hosted by: City of Los Altos Public Works Department and Completes Street Commission

• City staff will provide a brief history of the project.
• Engineering consultant, CSG Consultants, will provide the concepts for proposed crosswalk and intersection improvements
• Residents can gather info, voice support for, and concerns about, the proposed improvements
• Featuring improvements on/at the following streets/intersections:
  • Los Altos/West Portola Ave
  • El Monte Ave
  • Covington Road/Riverside Ave
  • Springer Road/Fremont Ave
  • Grant Ave/Morton Road
  • St. Josephs Ave/Deodara Drive

See flyer for more info.

LAEF

LAEF funds your students STEM education. Students visit the STEM lab where STEM ISTs (Instructional Support Teachers) provide opportunities for hands-on exploration and critical thinking. New this year, LASD is bringing STEM into each classroom, where STEM IST’s

help teachers integrate STEM with their cross-discipline instruction.  Find out more about the LASD STEM program at laefonline.org.

Donate to LAEF today and fully fund STEM teachers this school year. We need your help to raise an additional $800K to reach our goal of $3.7M by April 27th. Gifts of any amount are appreciated. Learn more & make your tax-deductible donation today at www.laefonline.org.

Raising Digital Citizens

Interested in learning more about how to raise Digital Citizens?  Take a look at  is what happening in your neighborhood.

Parenting in the Age of Social Media  @ Blach Middle School on 2/27  7pm-8:30pm

Connecting Families  online information- “Connecting Families is designed to support and empower families in raising kids who think critically, participate responsibly, and behave ethically in their online lives.”

 STEM Career Day

STEM Career Day Events at Egan and Blach

LASD & LAEF are excited to kick off the 2nd STEM Career Day Events at Egan and Blach Jr. High Schools this spring. STEM pervades every part of our life and STEM education creates critical thinkers, increases science literacy, and enables the next generation of innovators. We believe that exposing our students to different aspects and careers in the STEM fields inspire and spark a passion for learning.

We are looking for parents, grandparents or anyone in our community who would like to share their knowledge. If you are interested in presenting at Egan on March 19 and/or Blach on March 20, please contact Karen Wilson, STEM Coordinator atkwilson@lasdschools.org or Anjana Nagarajan-Butaney, LAEF Board member atanjana.nagarajan1@gmail.com

 A Note From The District Nurse

Pertussis Booster for Students in 6th grade:

Students currently in 6th grade must have proof of a Tdap or Dtap (Pertussis or Whooping Cough) booster given after their 7th birthday(after 10th birthday is recommended) in order to begin 7th grade in August of 2018.Please provide a copy of your child’s immunization record to your school office as soon as possible!

Please refer any questions regarding this requirement to our District Health Assistants:  Suzy Gough 302-1448 and Sandy Anderson 302-1449.

Thank you for your cooperation!

Health Services Staff

Springer Singers Spring Session

Does your child love to sing? Then Springer Singers is where you want them to be.

Springer Singers is a fantastic way to get your kids singing and dancing with their Springer friends.

The Springer Singers are open to all Springer students.

New singers welcome!

If you participated in the winter session you are still enrolled. Next session begins January 22 & 23

New to Springer Singers in Grades 1 & 2: Mondays 2:45-3:30

Returning Singers in Grades 2 - 6: Tuesdays 3:00-3:45

Springer Multi

Applications available in the office. Please complete form and return with payment (scholarships available) to participate.

Questions? Contact Heidi Rockett atrockettland@comcast.net

Synopsis Tech Challenge

Attention 6th Grade Students and Parents!

All LASD 6th Graders are invited to submit an application for the 2017 Synopsis Silicon Valley Science & Technology Challenge

What: Synopsis Silicon Valley Science & Technology Championship

Science and Engineering competition for middle school and high school students

Who: Students in Grade 6 only-no exceptions

Where: San Jose Convention Center

When: Thursday, March 15, 2018

Please click here for more information.

Join us for the Tech Challenge!

What: Tech Challenge

Team Design Challenge for students that introduces and reinforces the scientific process with a hands-on project geared to solving a real world problem.

Who: Students in Grades 4-12 only-no exceptions

Where: The Tech Museum, San Jose

When: April 28, 2018 – Please note that this is the same day as Junior Olympics.

Please click here for more information.

Parent Education Opportunities

Through an enriching presentations from local and national experts on topics of interests to parents, faculty and staff, the MVLA Parent Education Speaker Series seeks to contribute to the academic, physical, and emotional health of our students.  All events are free of charge and are for parents, faculty and staff in Los Altos and Mountain View public schools.  For a schedule of upcoming presentations, please click here. 

How Submit an Article to the Springer Buzz

If you have an article to submit to the Springer Buzz, please send it to the editor atspringer.buzz@gmail.com by noon on Monday for inclusion in the next edition.  Late arrivals will be included if possible but can’t be guaranteed!  All flyers must be in either WORD or PDF format, accompanied by a brief summary of the activity in the email.