June 11, 2010- A Message from the Office of Paulette Smith
Dear Joaquin Miller Students and Families:
It has been a terrific school year. Alas, it will be difficult to watch all of you go off to your vacation for the summer. It has been great fun learning the names and personalities of 363 Joaquin Miller students! I was told by many students at the beginning of the year that JM is a very special place, and I have to say their vision became my new reality. I am so proud to be the principal of our school’s community. This year we have focused upon school climate, building community, environmental and social concerns, and providing a balanced curriculum. We added several new programs such as, Safety Patrol, the Green Team, Grandparent’s Day, the Holiday Bazaar, and special school-wide activities and events. Our Caring School Community Program effort was tremendously successful. Students learned the value of communication, empathy, and bullying awareness. We loved having the special Buddies program this year. We will continue to implement the CSC program next year and we are planning even better school wide activities to build community. I have seen first hand the warm generosity of our students, families, teachers, and staff and how that support has enhanced our school. Everyone gives their heart and soul to make this school an AMAZING place to learn and to grow.
I wanted to update you all with more information about transitions that will be taking place as we end this year and begin the upcoming school year. As you know, transitions are a normal part of the life of any organization, including our school. We work to support people as they choose their next steps in their education/life/work journey. We are also responsible for having a clear vision, theory of action and providing the support to enable new staff to successfully come aboard.
I thank you for joining me in appreciating the service, leadership and contributions of all who are leaving and for welcoming and supporting all who are joining the JM team. In doing our best work for students, our greatest asset is our people!
WITH MANY THANKS TO:
- Jacquline Treese – 2nd Grade Teacher
After 10 years of service, Jackie will be leaving on her well deserved retirement. We know that she and her husband have many plans to relax and travel. We wish you well.
- Carolyn Jones – EEIP Teacher
Ms. Jones has been a very important part of our community over the years; she will move on to a different school next year.
WELCOME TO JM:
- Suzanna Mori – Kindergarten Teacher
Ms. Mori has been in the District for many years, she most recently spent time in the Adult Ed Department. She has experience as a Kindergarten teacher and we are very pleased that she will be joining us.
- Sue Morgan – EEIP Teacher
Ms. Morgan has been a prep teacher at Glenview and Sequoia Elementary; she will be joining our team two days a week. She has extensive background in teaching science and ecology to students of diverse backgrounds. She will be an excellent addition to our staff.
Best regards,
Paulette Smith, Principal
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Star testing Information
Parents should expect CST ELA and Math results to arrive in the mail, in August. These scores provide you with a broad picture about your child’s academic progress as demonstrated on a standardized test. The data sheet also lets the family know about their child’s recommended reading level, and they provide a link to a book list for that reading level.
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SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAM AT JM
If you are enrolled in our program this summer, we will see you on June 29, 2010 at 8:30 AM. Our staff will include the following educators:
- Ms. Smith, Principal
- Ms. Harper, Attendance Clerk
- Mr. Jackson, Custodian
- Ms. Henry (Crocker Highlands), Teacher
- Ms. Savage, Teacher
- Ms. Hill-Roy, Teacher
- Ms. Chanter (Montclair) Teacher
- Ms. Green, Teacher
We are really looking forward to an intensive, but fun program for the students. Thank you for participating in this year’s Summer Learning Program. I would like to thank the Oakland Unified School District for supporting this special Area Program for our students.
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MOVING? NOT RETURNING NEXT YEAR?
If you know that your child is not returning to Joaquin Miller for the 2010-2011 school year, please let us know so that we can give you the appropriate paper work to take to the new school. This information also helps us to plan class configurations for next year. If you are not moving, you do not need to do anything. We will see you on August 28, 2010 for registration day! Please visit the JM Website for details.
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Kindergarten Registration
If you have a student entering kindergarten in the fall, please ensure that immunizations and health reports are complete. The District mandates that this information is current and presented at the time of registration before enrollment can be completed. Avoid delays by having all of the required documents!
Registration Day is Saturday, August 28, 2010.
Times and information are listed on our wonderful JM website.
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Graduation Promotion Ceremony is Wednesday, June 16, 2010 at 2:00 PM. I am truly excited about this opportunity to promote our young ladies and gentlemen to middle school and beyond. They have a special place in my heart, because this is my first promoting class of my career as principal of JM. I can’t tell you how much I have enjoyed getting to know each of them. They have demonstrated excellence in both academics and in personal growth. This class is talented, athletic, and each student has developed their own unique style while still maintaining a very connected family amongst their class.
I would like to appreciate the families of these students for their dedication, commitment and support over the years. Your involvement has meant a world of difference for both your child and our school. Thank you from my heart.
Ms. Smith
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Counseling Services
Individual therapeutic services will continue during the Summer Learning Program. Ezri Chioma is very excited to offer this resource to our families and students. Please contact her directly to arrange times. I appreciate Ms. Chioma for her outstanding commitment and service to our boys and girls this year. She has really made a difference in their lives this year.
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A special written story by Claire, Kiara, Ryan, Kayla, Meredith and David in Mrs. Green’s class:
Chippy the Squirrel
Chippy is a squirrel. When it’s a rainy day recess, he rules the playground. He eats out of the trash can. When it’s raining his tail spikes up and he hides under the water fountain. Suddenly, a crow swooped down and landed on the trash can. My classmates and I watched Chippy. A Crow flew away. Chippy went back under the water fountain, and then Chippy started eating an apple core. The crow flew down, and Chippy jumped. The Crow almost hit Chippy. The Crow flew away, and Chippy ran away.
On a rainy day in our class, we wrote this true story.