School to Community Connection
June 1, 2006

Issue 113


HEALDSBURG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAMPUS TRANSITIONS
Aracely Romo-Flores and Laurie Whiteside, principals of Healdsburg Elementary Schools' Fitch Mountain and HES Campuses, respectively, are excited about the Kindergarten through 5th grade academic programs for their students. The HES Campus for the school year starting September 5th will be home to Kindergarten through 2nd grade students and the Fitch Mountain Campus will be welcoming 3rd through 5th grade students, while all 6th grade students will be joining 7th and 8th grade students at the Healdsburg Junior High (HJH) campus.

GRADE LEVEL GROUPING BENEFITS
Both elementary school principals agree these groupings of student grade levels offer significant benefits to students—academically and socially—and to faculty and staff.
 
HES Campus Principal Whiteside suggests, "This elementary school configuration will allow a greater focus in meeting the needs of each student by offering more age-specific curriculum. Administrators and faculty will be able to continue the rigorous academic curriculum while tailoring the arts and music programs to the K-2nd and 3rd–5th grade students."

The principals believe a greater sense of family and community will emerge as students and parents at each grade level connect with each other. Another benefit projected is a reduced need to combine grade levels in a single classroom (“combo” classes). Although teachers of “combo” classes provide a curriculum to teach both grade levels, it is often an added challenge and the schools find that most parents prefer one grade level per classroom.

PARENT VOLUNTEERS
There are a variety of ways that a parent can be a part of their student’s educational experience. At back to school night, teachers offer volunteer opportunities in the classroom. And, starting with the new school year, the parent-teacher organizations from both campuses will combine into one organization with representation from each campus. Elections for the board positions will be held after school starts. The Site Councils for both campuses will be combined, as well. For more information about these important and very much appreciated parent volunteer opportunities, or if you would like to be considered for one or both, please contact the principal for your student’s school.

Also at Back to School night, there will be an opportunity for parents to sign-up for the weekly electronic e-mails sent out by the principals (or do this now at www.husd.com ), and a chance to register Safeway and other cards with E-Scrip (so that Safeway—not you—donates to your student’s school). In addition, donations can be made through the Healdsburg Education Foundation (www.hefschools.com).

HES CAMPUS CONSTRUCTION NEWS
The exterior of the HES campus is literally receiving a “facelift” over the summer months with plans for resurfacing and repainting of the stucco. This is part of the continuous improvement plan using Measure H Bond funds which began last year with the total replacement of the heating and air conditioning system and renovation of bathroom facilities—these were all completed on-time during the summer months when school was not in session. The area where further site improvements will be made during the school year will be "walled-off" from other school facilities. The construction of the new kindergarten rooms will take place behind a carefully constructed fence to isolate the construction zone well away from the students and school staff. For the coming school year, kindergarten students will be housed in large, “kindergarten sized” temporary buildings and in two redone classrooms in the main building. With all of 6th grade moving to the HJH campus, the total student population at the HES Campus will be reduced and is projected to be about 440 students in the coming school year.

FITCH MOUNTAIN CAMPUS COMPLETION NEARS
Fitch Mountain Campus Principal Aracely Romo-Flores is looking forward to welcoming incoming 3rd through 5th graders to the new school located on MonteVista Avenue at University. The new facility will accommodate approximately 450 students within its open-air and student friendly environment. One of the most prominent features of the new building is the functional bell tower at the front entrance--Van Pelt Construction is donating the bell to the school district. The School Board of Trustees recently approved that the Foss Creek Navarette Library name be transferred to the Fitch Mountain Campus library. In 1995, the Foss Creek Library was dedicated in memory of Estrella Navarette and her family donated a plaque, star pillows, a rug, and with the help of Make a Wish Foundation, a reading corner. These will all be transferred to the Fitch Mountain Campus.

THE BIG MOVE
The task of packing-up and moving over 20 classrooms from their present locations is still ahead, but faculty and staff are very excited about moving to their new schools. Ms. Flores is requesting volunteers interested in helping with the move to please contact the school office directly at 431-3492.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Parents or community members with questions or input about the upcoming elementary school year may speak with the campus principals, with Bob Carter, HUSD Superintendent or with members of the School Board of Trustees. Please contact HES Campus Principal Laurie Whiteside at 431-3465 (lwhiteside@husd.com), Fitch Mountain Campus Principal Aracely Romo-Flores at 431-3492 (aromo-flores@husd.com) or HUSD Superintendent Bob Carter at 431-3488. You may also contact the HUSD School Board of Trustees by e-mail at boardoftrustees@husd.com or by leaving a message with Patti Jobson at the HUSD offices at 431-3117.

By Joyce Jensch