JANUARY ISSUE TONI WESTERMANN INTERIM PRINCIPAL …...TONI WESTERMANN, INTERIM PRINCIPAL SUSAN...
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TONI WESTERMANN, INTERIM PRINCIPAL SUSAN SCHULTZ ED. D., VICE PRINCIPAL January 4, 2016 Dear Arthur C. Butler Parents and Guardians, I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Arthur C. Butler Elementary School’s interim principal during the months of January and February. Prior to retiring from Elk Grove Unified School District in 2012, I served as an elementary school principal for 12 years and also taught in the district for 7 years before beginning my career in administration. Since retiring, I have worked as interim principal at 3 other Elk Grove elementary schools. I truly enjoyed getting to know the unique “personality” of each of those three schools! Arthur C. Butler Elementary School has a wonderful reputation as a special place for children to learn, and I am excited to begin my work with you, our teachers, and especially our students. I understand that the transition from Mr. Brenizer’s principalship to your next permanent principal will not be completed until closer to the end of the 2015-2016 school year. My goal is to ensure that the next two months run smoothly for our students and our school, and that the transition is an easy one. I look forward to meeting you during that time, so please feel free to stop by, call or email with any questions, concerns or just to introduce yourself. It’s a great day to be a Bulldog! Sincerely, Toni Westermann, Interim Principal Notes from the Principal’s Desk . ARTHUR C. BUTLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL JANUARY 2016 ISSUE
Transcript of JANUARY ISSUE TONI WESTERMANN INTERIM PRINCIPAL …...TONI WESTERMANN, INTERIM PRINCIPAL SUSAN...
TONI WESTERMANN, INTERIM PRINCIPAL SUSAN SCHULTZ ED. D., VICE PRINCIPAL
January 4, 2016
Dear Arthur C. Butler Parents and Guardians,
I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as Arthur C. Butler Elementary School’s interim principal during the months of January and February.
Prior to retiring from Elk Grove Unified School District in 2012, I served as an elementary school principal for 12 years and also taught in the district for 7 years before beginning my career in administration. Since retiring, I have worked as interim principal at 3 other Elk Grove elementary schools. I truly enjoyed getting to know the unique “personality” of each of those three schools!
Arthur C. Butler Elementary School has a wonderful reputation as a special place for children to learn, and I am excited to begin my work with you, our teachers, and especially our students. I understand that the transition from Mr. Brenizer’s principalship to your next permanent principal will not be completed until closer to the end of the 2015-2016 school year. My goal is to ensure that the next two months run smoothly for our students and our school, and that the transition is an easy one. I look forward to meeting you during that time, so please feel free to stop by, call or email with any questions, concerns or just to introduce yourself.
It’s a great day to be a Bulldog!
Sincerely,
Toni Westermann, Interim Principal
Notes from the Principal’s Desk
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ARTHUR C. BUTLER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
JANUARY 2016 ISSUE
What is Academic Talent Search (ATS)?• ATS offers fun, academic, and creative enrichment summer classes at Sacramento State.• ATS is a unique summer program for current 4th–9th grade students (grade level as of January 1, 2016). • There are 2 separate programs offering classes: one for 4th & 5th graders and another for 6th–9th graders. In other words, a 4th grader will not be in classes with 9th graders.
• Over 43,300 students have been educated and inspired at ATS since its founding in 1982.• ATS is a non-profit program sponsored by Sac State that receives no University, state, or federal funding.
Why should 6th-9th grade students get involved?• Experience a collegiate environment, gain self-confidence and independence, try out potential career paths while being treated like “college students” on the Sac State campus.
• Learn from university professors, public and private school teachers, and leading business professionals.• Discover new academic and creative challenges in topics not always available in regular school such as American Sign Language, law, game programming, and neuroscience.
• Accelerate your learning in traditional subjects. Some classes allow students to complete a year’s worth of high school material in 5 weeks. Many courses are recommended for high school credit.
• Meet new friends from across the region who share an enthusiasm and desire to explore subjects more in depth.
Why should 4th & 5th grade students get involved?• Explore interesting topics with interactive hands-on classes designed to encourage critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical skills.
• Enjoy studying subjects like science, computer programming, engineering, writing, and art.• Meet new friends from other schools who also like fun and learning!
How do I get involved? What does the test do?• Be a current 4th–9th grader (as of January 1, 2016).• Take the ATS Qualifying Exam (College Ability Test), which assesses your reasoning abilities. Students take the test level appropriate for their grade: current 4th and 5th graders take the “intermediate” exam, while current 6th–9th graders take the “advanced” exam.
• Taking the test automatically qualifies you for the program. There is no pass or fail. • Use your test scores to help determine which ATS classes match your skills and interests. There are classes available for ALL score levels.
• The qualifying test does not affect your school grades or obligate you to go to ATS. It simply gives you the OpTIOn to apply for classes at Sac State!
Academic Talent Search• ATS offers fun & challenging classes at Sac State for students in 4th–9th grade (grade level as of Jan. 1, 2016) • More than 43,300 students have attended in the past 34 years • Over $35,500 in financial aid scholarships and fee waivers was granted in 2015 • ATS is a non-profit organization & receives no University, state, or federal funding
[information for students and parents]
“Attending a class on a college campus was a great experience for our daughter. Having
done this, she feels better prepared for what is to
come in the future. Plus, she was able to interact
with other students from different school districts
besides hers.” - ATS parent
For up-to-date information about ATS, like us on Facebook! • Phone (916) 278-7032 • Email [email protected] • Website www.csus.edu/coe/ats
Beginning Conversational JapaneseChemistry: Everyday PhenomenaCreative ComputingCreative Writing: FairytalesEngineering & Architectural Design
Greek MythologyLEGO RoboticsMessy ScienceSolving Mysteries with ScienceWildlife Drawing
Costs and Financial Aid
ATS is a non-profit, self-supporting organization and receives no University, federal, or state funding. In 2015, course fees for the 6th–9th grade program ranged from $149 to $439, depending on the length of the course. For the 4th/5th grade week-long sessions, course fees were $335.
Over $35,500 in financial aid scholarships and fee waivers was granted to students last year. Financial aid information will be included in the 2016 Catalog, which will be available online in March 2016.
Where can I take the ATS
Qualifying Exam? AT your ScHool:During 2014-2015, almost 10,000 students from over 450 schools took the College Ability Test. Check with your school to see if they are offering the exam. A $15 processing fee is payable on the day of the test at school sites.
AT SAcrAMENTo STATE:Testing is also available at Sac State on the following Saturdays: January 30, February 13, February 27,and March 19. A $15 processing fee is payable the day of the test. Contact ATS to reserve your place.
office location Folsom Hall 2040 7667 Folsom Boulevard (near the corner of Folsom Blvd. and Hornet Dr.)Facebook Page www.facebook.com/academictalentsearch
Questions? For more information, contact ATS:Phone (916) 278-7032Email [email protected] (916) 278-5930Website www.csus.edu/coe/ats
6TH–9TH GrAdErS:Classes planned include:
Students take classes grouped by grade level: current 4th & 5th graders take classes separately from6th–9th graders. A 4th grader will not be in classes with 9th graders. Over 100 courses are planned each summer.
4TH & 5TH GrAdErS:Classes planned include:
Classes
Acting 101Algebra (Fast-Paced)American Sign LanguageAstrobiologyBlechy BiologyCartooning: Anime & MangaCriminal LawDigital Photography
Fast-Paced GeometryGame ProgrammingJapaneseNeuropsychologyPublic SpeakingThe Art of DebateWeb Design
“I would describe ATS to my friends as a fun learning experience over the summer. Instead of lounging around,
learn something! There were a lot more ‘hands on’ activities than in my normal classroom. These experiences have allowed me to become a better student.... I have developed confidence that I wouldn’t have developed if not for these classes. Thanks
ATS! The classes have given my confidence a boost.” - ATS Student
Summer Schedule 6TH-9TH GrAdE SESSIoNS:Duration Start/End Dates Classes Meet3 weeks June 20 to July 8 * 2 or 3 days per week5 weeks June 27 to July 29 * 3 or 4 days per week3 weeks July 11 to July 29 2 or 3 days per week1 week August 1 to August 5 5 days per week
* Note: No classes will be held on Monday, July 4!
4TH & 5TH GrAdE SESSIoNS:Duration Start/End Dates Classes Meet1 week June 13 to June 17 º 5 days per week1 week June 20 to June 24 5 days per week1 week June 27 to July 1 5 days per week1 week July 11 to July 15 5 days per week 1 week July 18 to July 22 5 days per week1 week July 25 to July 29 º 5 days per week
º Schedule subject to change. Specific class dates and times will be listed in the 2016 Catalog.
California State University, Sacramento Academic Talent Search (ATS) Mailing Address: 6000 J Street • Sacramento, CA 95819-‐6098 Office Location: 7667 Folsom Blvd, Suite 2040 • Sacramento, CA 95826 Phone: (916) 278-‐7032 • Fax: (916) 278-‐5930 • Email: [email protected] • Website: www.csus.edu/coe/ats
Like us on Facebook for up-‐to-‐date info and announcements! www.facebook.com/academictalentsearch
vCongratulations! v
Your school is offering you the opportunity to participate in Academic Talent Search (ATS) at Sacramento State. As mentioned on the Information for Students and Parents sheet (provided by your school), ATS provides fun, interactive, fast-paced summer classes to 4th through 9th grade students. Since 1982, more than 43,300 students have taken advantage of the educational opportunities provided by ATS, and over 1,600 students applied last year to attend classes on the Sac State campus. In 2015, over $35,500 in financial aid scholarships and fee waivers was granted. To be eligible for ATS, all you need to do is be a current 4th through 9th grade student (grade level as of January 1, 2016) and take the ATS Qualifying Exam. Taking the test automatically qualifies you for ATS. The test takes a little over an hour and assesses your academic abilities. Students in 4th and 5th grades take the “intermediate” level exam while 6th-9th graders take the “advanced” level test. Scores do NOT affect your school grades. Taking the test does not mean you have to attend ATS, but by doing so, you have the option to decide later if you would like to attend these fun and unique classes at Sac State this summer. Your ATS School Representative (usually the person who gave you this form) can tell you when the test will be offered at your school. To sign up, complete the back of this sheet and return it to your School Representative at least one week prior to the testing date. On the day of the test, bring the $15 processing fee with you (fees should not be submitted before the exam). This fee covers the scoring of your exam and the mailing of your test results directly to your home. If you cannot afford the test processing fee, ask your School Representative about a Testing Fee Waiver. Again, congratulations on being offered this opportunity! If you have any questions, please call the ATS office (916-278-7032), send us an email ([email protected]), or visit the ATS website (http://www.csus.edu/coe/ats) for more information. We hope you will join us this summer at Sac State! Scarlet P. Maurin Terry A. Thomas, Ph.D. Director Executive Director
Quick Facts... vAbout the ATS Test v • Because classes are filled top-‐score down, ATS strongly encourages taking the test every year. Your highest scores (from the appropriate level of the exam) will always be accepted, so there is no risk in retesting! • Testing is also available on the Sac State campus (for a fee of $15 per student) on the following Saturday mornings: • January 30 • February 27 • February 13 • March 19
vAbout ATS Classes v • ATS’ wide variety of classes include new topics not covered in regular school, as well as traditional subjects taught at an accelerated level. • Students gain exposure to a collegiate environment by attending classes at Sac State. • Participants meet new friends from across the region who share an enthusiasm for learning. • Many classes in the 6th-‐9th grade program are recommended for high school credit.
vHave your parent/guardian complete the back side of this form so you can take the test v
☐Return it to your ATS School Representative at least one week before the testing date. ☐Don’t forget to bring $15 cash, check* or money order (payable to ATS) to school ON the day of the test.
☐If you cannot afford the processing fee, ask your School Representative about a Testing Fee Waiver. *Please note: Returned checks are subject to penalty fees per University Enterprises, Inc. Visit the ATS website at www.csus.edu/coe/ats �Email [email protected] �Call (916) 278-‐7032 �For up-‐to-‐date information like us on Facebook!
Why should I take this test? The College Ability Test can offer valuable experience in taking a college admission-‐type exam. Test results also help identify special aptitudes to be further developed. There is no risk in testing, as test scores do not affect your regular school grades. The test is designed for older students, so you are not expected to know all of the answers or prepare for the test in any way. If I have taken the test before, do I have to take it again? If you are currently in grade 6 or above and last tested as a 4th or 5th grader, you will need to test again to take the “advanced” level exam this year. Because classes are filled top-‐score down, ATS strongly encourages all students to take the test every year. ATS will accept your highest scores from the appropriate level of the exam, so there is no risk in retesting!
How much does the test cost? There is a $15 processing fee (payable to ATS on the day of the test), which covers the scoring of your exam and the mailing of your test results directly to your home. If you cannot afford the processing fee, ask your School Representative about a Testing Fee Waiver.
vAbout the ATS Qualifying Examv
The College Ability Test is a 40-minute, multiple-choice exam. There are two parts to the exam: a verbal section and a quantitative section. Each section has 50 questions, with 20 minutes allotted to complete each part. Students take the test level appropriate for their grade: current 4th and 5th graders take the “intermediate” level, and current 6th–9th graders take the “advanced” level. Taking the test automatically qualifies you for ATS. The test is not “pass” or “fail,” as it does not measure specific knowledge; rather, it helps assess your aptitude for learning! • Verbal Section The verbal section tests your knowledge of the meaning of words and your ability to identify relationships between pairs of words. You will be asked to find the pair of words that go together in the same way as the first two words. Example gym : exercise :: a) cafeteria : eat c) car : sit b) mall : sell d) auditorium : clap Solution To solve analogy questions, put the primary pair of words into a sentence which explains their relationship (“You go to a gym to exercise.”). Next, substitute the answer choices into your sentence until you create a sentence that makes sense. The correct answer is A: “Gym” is related to “exercise” as “cafeteria” is related to “eat.” • Quantitative Section The quantitative section tests how well you work with numbers. Each question has two parts (Column A and Column B). You must determine if the value presented in Column A is greater than the value presented in Column B, if the parts are equal, or if there is not enough information to decide. Example Column A Column B Value of 3 nickels Value of 2 dimes and 1 dime and 1 nickel A if the part in Column A is greater B if the part in Column B is greater C if the two parts are equal D if not enough information is given for you to decide Solution The example is asking you to add. Since a nickel is 5 cents and a dime is 10 cents, in Column A, 5+5+5+10 is equal to 25. This is the same answer as 10+10+5 in Column B. Therefore, the answer to the question is C.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ATS Test Sign-‐Up Form for 4th–9th graders Parent(s): Please return this completed form to your School Representative at least 1 week before the test to secure your student’s seat. Student Student Last Name First Name Middle Initial Mailing
Address Apt#
City Zip
Phone: ( ) Primary Email:
Parent Name: Parent Signature:
Current School Current Grade as of Jan. 1, 2016 (circle): 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th
*A Message from your ATS Representative:
Do you have some time or talents to share? Are you interested in volunteering? We have opportunities for YOU! Watch Dog Call List:
Butler Elementary is always looking for Watch Dog Dads to assist. We enjoy your help in the cafeteria, on the playground, at the cross walk before and after school, and in the classroom.
If you are willing, we contact Dads every few weeks to see if you have time to share. Being added to the Watch Dog Call list means you are interested in being contacted by phone. Please contact Butler Elementary to be added to the Call list @ 681-7595
SAFETY REMINDERS Before and After School are busy times for
everyone.
Please remember to follow ALL driving rules.
• Stop at crosswalks and stop signs.
• Cross the street at the crosswalks.
• Drive carefully and slowly.
• No U-turns across the double yellow line.
• Pick-up students when parked at the side of the road, or in our yellow-curbed pick-up zone in front of the school MP room.
Thank you for being SAFE, RESPECTFUL, and RESPONSIBLE drivers
Arthur C. Butler Science & Invention Fair
Arthur C. Butler’s annual Science Fair will be held on the following dates:
A & B tracks: Thursday, February 18, 2016 C & D tracks: Thursday, March 17, 2016 Students may participate in individual, group, or class projects. Experiments need to state a specific problem or question, and they need to show the steps of the scientific method: Question, Hypothesis, Research, Materials, Recordkeeping, Analysis, Conclusion, and Bibliography. A resource page with websites has been included in this packet. Remember that although these are a useful resource for helping students, teachers and parents with science fair ideas, students should create their own project instead of copy someone else’s. All experiments must show evidence of research and an analysis of the result used to support their conclusion. In general this has been a weak area for many projects in the past. All work must be student generated. Students should have a clear understanding of their project. One winner from each grade level will be selected to continue on to the District Competition, April 6th & 7th in the District Office. Off track time, and vacation time is a great time to start thinking about your project. You can do some research and come up with a great question and a plan for an experiment. Any questions? Email [email protected]
www.DonorsChoose.Org Once again we, the Red Hot Chili Peppers in Mrs. Young’s class, have been chosen as recipients for our grant request by Chevron through Donors Choose.org. We asked for 5 Chromebooks for our classroom and our request was fulfilled! We’re SO THANKFUL! Please go onto Donors Choose.Org And look at another project we’re posting soon!
California Department of Education (http://www.cde.ca.gov/nr/ne/yr14/yr14rel45.asp) Page Generated: 5/1/2014 2:44:21 PM Display version
Release: #14-45 April 30, 2014 Contact: Pam Slater E-mail: [email protected] Phone: 916-319-0818
State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces California Distinguished Schools for 2014
SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today named 424 public elementary schools California Distinguished Schools for their strong commitment and innovative approaches to improving student academic achievement. For the complete list, visit the 2014 Distinguished Elementary Schools Web page.
"I applaud these strong, thriving schools that are making such impressive strides in preparing their students for continued success," Torlakson said. "This award is well-deserved by these school communities for their enduring dedication to high standards, hard work, and unwavering support."
The 2014 California Distinguished Schools Program focuses on California's students' right to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap.
To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. The process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process focused on the implementation of those signature practices.
Schools earning the Distinguished School title agree to share their signature practices with other schools and become a mentor to those seeking to replicate their work. An updated searchable database of these Signature Practices will be available later this spring from the CDE. To view the current Signature Practices Web portal, please visit the Distinguished Schools Signature Practices Web page.
Elementary and secondary schools are recognized in alternate years. For more information, please go to the California Distinguished Schools Program Web page. Schools selected as California Distinguished Schools will be honored in early June during regional award ceremonies.
Also being honored during the ceremonies are the Title I Academic Achievement Awardees, which will be announced next week; Green Ribbon Schools; Civic Learning Award schools; and schools recognized last fall by the federal National Blue Ribbon Schools Program.
In addition to being chosen as Distinguished Schools, 30 schools were given an additional honor of being selected as having an Exemplary Program in either Arts Education or Physical Activity and Nutrition after undergoing a separate application process. These schools will be denoted on the attached list by asterisks—one asterisk for an Exemplary Arts Education Program and two asterisks for an Exemplary Physical Activity and Nutrition Program. The awards, introduced in 2013, reflect Torlakson's goals outlined in his A Blueprint for Great Schools report, which provides vision and direction for California's education system.
# # # #
Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100
Do you have some time or talents to share? Are you interested in volunteering? We have opportunities for YOU! Watch Dog Call List: Butler Elementary is always looking for Watch Dog Dads to assist. We enjoy your help in the cafeteria, on the playground, at the cross walk before and after school, and in the classroom. If you are willing, we contact Dads every few weeks to see if you have time to share. Being added to the Watch Dog Call list means you are interested in being contacted by phone. Please contact Butler Elementary to be added to the Call list @ 681-7595 Peaceful Playground Obstacle Course Help: Three times a year, during lunch recess, we set up an obstacle course to encourage peaceful non-competitive play. We need help… • Organizing set-up, and take-down of the course and • Playing, participating, and supervising the obstacle course
on Peaceful Playground day. • Building more obstacle course activities like: pvc hurdles to
jump over, pvc-structures to crawl under, tires to walk through
If you are interested in helping during our Peaceful Playground Obstacle Course Days, please contact Susan Schultz @ 681-7595 or [email protected]
GATE (Gifted and Talented Educations)
1/29 Track Change Movie -Minions
2/12 Valentine’s Dance
The NNAT (Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test) will be administered for GATE (Gifted and Talented Education) eligible students. Upper grade students will be notified in the coming months by the Gate Coordinator. Students must meet specific criteria to take this test. Fourth, fifth and sixth graders will take the test later in the year. The specific date will be announced as soon as it is confirmed by the district.
I Pledge to be:
Safe, Responsible, Respectful, Every Day, in Every Way
Go Bulldogs!
Current Sheldon High School and Smedberg Middle School newsletters can be viewed by clicking on the desired link below and then click on the “Newsletter” link on each page. SMEDBERG http://www.egusd.net/smedberg/index2.html SHELDON http://www.shs-egusd-ca.schoolloop.com/
Current PTO information is located on the Webpage. You can find it by clicking on the PTO link on the Arthur C. Butler Webpage at:
www.egusd.net/butler
PARENTS, STUDENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS OF
ARTHUR C. BUTLER Child SAFETY must be the top priority for our whole community and it is something we have to work on together. There have been three incidents involving property damage or injury already this school year due to reckless driving. As a school, we are asking that you please take time to stop and be aware. Please slow down, follow traffic laws, and be considerate of others when you are near our school. U-turns are not to be made. When there is someone in a cross walk, stop and wait. Give attention to others around you, whether walking or driving and be courteous of others. Use caution when approaching school whether walking, driving, or riding a bike. Follow the cones, signs, and teacher directions while in the school parking lot, on the side streets, or at the crosswalk. Elk Grove Police will be patrolling the area and citing people or towing cars if there are violations. So, please take precaution. Thank you for your support on this issue. As a community, we can make a difference!
Arthur C. Butler Elementary School
Paper Drive
Due to our limited budget this year, we are asking for donations of plain white copy paper for our school. The size needed is 8½ 1/2 x 11. If you are able to donate, please turn it to the school office. We appreciate your generous donation and continued support!
