TIPS FOR PARENTS

Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tom Horne recently addressed the parent population of Arizona regarding the importance of attendance and homework. I enjoyed what he had to say so much, I wanted to pass it along to our MOCS community.

“We live in an era of high-stakes testing. To obtain diplomas, students will have to pass reasonable tests—tests that ask only questions that cover materials that were taught in class. In Massachusetts, the students were given five chances to pass, as they will be in Arizona (in order to graduate); 90% passed. When the records of the other 10% were examined, almost all of them had poor attendance. Because the test questions measure only materials that were covered in class, students who attend school should pass the test, but the schools cannot teach students who are not there.

Good attendance is a key.

Helping children with homework is a wonderful way for parents and children to interact. That means never supplying the answers but asking questions that help lead the students to creating their own answers.

Ways of helping:

* designate a quiet place for your child to do homework
* support the teachers ensuring homework is
completed and turned in on time
* help your child value the importance of doing
homework

Students who do homework achieve at a higher level."

Mountain Oak Charter School with its Waldorf methods instruction and curriculum concurs with Tom Horne and encourages all parents to renew their efforts in supporting excellent attendance and homework habits.

- Merrill Badger, Principal

Happening This Week:

Enrollment forms are due this Friday, March 12th.

This Friday is a half-day early dismissal at 12:30 pm.

Friday morning is Tea Garden. Please join us.

Have a wonderful Spring Break and see you back a t school on Monday, March 29th.

 

SCHOOL NEWS

IMPORTANT 04-05 Enrollment Information

Re-enrollment packets went out last week. Please pick-up a packet in the office if you did not get one last week.
Please return completed packets to the office or your child's teacher by this Friday, March 12th before spring break!
Returning families receive priority over new enrollments if their packets are received before Open Enrollment begins. So turn it in early to ensure your space.
New enrollment forms are available in the office for returning families with new children to enroll (i.e. first year kindergarteners)

Thank you for your support and here's to another exciting year of growth and quality education!

Appreciation Corner

Thank you to Steve Posey who has recently joined the MOCS Executive Board. He will bring experience and talent to the operation of our school.
A special thanks to our current Board members (Deann Morgan, Albert Kadosh, Dianne Levy, David Schmuckler, MarySue Bourland, Sandra Halldorson and Tracie Himes) and their families for the time they give and their dedication to Mountain Oak’s success.

Thank You!

All highly qualified MOCS Teachers resumes are available in the office. The recent federal legislation of NCLB (No Child Left Behind) invites all parents to become updated with teacher qualifications.

30/30 Raffle

We would like to pick the lucky $100 winner this Wednesday after school. If you haven't already please have your entry payment in before Wednesday. Good luck!!

God speed to Jonas Motiejumas,
grandfather to 4th grade student
Robert Upchruch. Jonas
a member of our 30/30 club,
made his transition last
Saturday Morning.

Lost and Found

Please remember to check our lost and found and our recycle bins.