PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE April, 2011

Spring is finally here! Where does the time go?

Thanks for your support in our second annual Healthy/Minds Body Expo. Wow, another wonder- ful turn out! Our best estimate is that at least 350 families came to celebrate this event. This proves again that our parental support is second to none! As childhood obesity rates soar and children spend more time sitting in front of their computers than playing outdoors, diabetes and other weight related illnesses are on the rise. According to the California Depart- ment of Education, children fitness levels may affect their performance in school. The study found that increased amounts of physical fitness translated into higher academic achievement at each of the three grade levels measured. The benefits were most evi- dent in math scores. Another study by the centers for Disease Control and Prevention also found that in- creased physical activity had a positive effect on aca- demic performance. In essence, fit kids get better grades! The expo gave us an opportunity to show- case a variety of programs including technology and academic disciplines.

Programs like the second annual Healthy/Minds Body Expo support our Plans for Continuous Im-provement, as well as our division's Compass 2015 initiatives. Virginia Beach City Public School and King's Grant Elementary School continues to create opportunities for parents, community, and business leaders to fulfill their essential roles as actively en-gaged partners in supporting student achievement and outcomes for student success. Thanks as always for your continuous support in all that we do!

Sheila M. Wynn , Principal

King's Grant Elementary School

648-2800 phone/fax 431-4092

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE October, 2010

As we find ourselves putting a period on the first month of school, I am impressed by the teaching and learning that I have observed during the past few weeks. For us, teaching has been both challenging and rewarding requiring a great deal of flexibility and resiliency. The 21st century student presents an entirely new set of challenges, rewards, and opportunities to us. What we do with these opportunities is the key.

When we present a new concept to our students, we ask them to be patient, to try their best, not to give up, and most of all, to have a positive attitude during the “learning” process. Being a 21st century educator, we are now asked to “practice what we preach”. By practicing what we preach, we benefit personally, but, more importantly, we become a role model for our students. I look forward to working with each of you as we learn and grow together!

Sheila M. Wynn, Principal

King's Grant Elementary School

648-2800 phone/fax 431-4092

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE April, 2010

As we approach the end of the third marking period, everyone continues to work hard.  This time of the year tends to become challenging due to comfortable spring time temperatures and increased after school activities.  Parents quickly appreciate time management skills and realize the importance of prioritizing schedules and activities.  We are grateful to be working with families that value education and hold educators accountable and committed to educational excellence! We have the best students because you send them to us excited and ready to learn. This is definitely a direct reflection on you as their role model.  Living in a knowledge-based society has its challenges and we must make certain that students leave our campus equipped with 21st century knowledge and skills that they will need to succeed.  I have included a few skills for your information. If students are to be effective communicators and collaborators they must be able to:

Information Literacy:  Use digital technology (networks, databases, and print materials) in an ethical manner, to identify relevant sources, evaluate validity, synthesize, analyze, and interpret information.

Listening:  Construct meaning and demonstrate understanding from verbal and nonverbal cues.

Collaboration:  Interact with diverse groups to achieve an objective while displaying flexibility and willingness to understand alternate points of view.

Communication:  Articulate ideas and information clearly and appropriately for the given context, medium, and audience.

As we continue to work , learn, and grow as a team, we appreciate the support from home!

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE March 2010

Teaching in the 21st Century at KGES:

Teaching in the 21st Century is quite challenging and exciting. 21st Century Learners have become accustomed to information literacy; they can learn anything, anytime, and anywhere. Our roles as educators must extend beyond the four walls of the classroom at KGES and into the virtual learning world as well. Teachers in our building are combining classic teaching tools such as books and activity sheets with 21st Century learning devices in digital technology such as imagers, digital projectors, learning sites on wireless laptops, and even You-Tube videos to research information. .

Students continue to sharpen phonics skills through sites such as starfall.com, and math skills through the online resources such as Everyday Mathematics. Learning in the classroom provides opportunities for students to evaluate and communicate their own thinking rather than teacher-directed.  Students adapt and apply knowledge to more complex situations. Learning is problem based, and students are asked to explain their reasoning or collaborate with other students about several possible solutions to the given problem. Activities are hands on and engaging. To facilitate information sharing with parents, teachers have created websites and informational blogs. By the way, make sure you register and come in to the school to validate your PIN so you can check out our School Net Parent Portal. Use this additional communication device to keep up with activities and assignments in the classroom.   I want to give every parent that joined the PTA a heartfelt thank you for providing the funding to help us obtain some of the technology we are using. We appreciate all of you for sending us your 21st Century Learners!

PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE Feburary 2010

Happy New Year!

I know that most of you are familiar with The Golden Rule, "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."  With that thought in mind, how many of you have heard of The Platinum Rule?  Well, The Platinum Rule is to "treat others the way they want to be treated."

As we continue on our journey of "Making Connections and Building Communities" with our students, parents, and staff, I encourage all of you to join me in putting into daily practice, The Platinum Rule.  Not only is Platinum of greater value than Gold; but putting the needs of others first is by far of more value in the long run!  J Thanks for all you do to support KGES!