NASELLE K-12 NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2006

 

 

  Happy 2006!! The first part of the school year passed by us quite rapidly. The students transitioned back into their classes quite well after their break and are engaged in some great learning opportunities.

  We will reach the end of the 2nd quarter (1st semester) on January 31st, barring any inclement weather days. It is very important that we work together for your child’s academic success. If you have any questions on how you might help your child or concerns about your child’s progress, please contact his/her teacher.

 

 

All-STAR CLUB

SEATTLE SONICS GAME

 

  The Association of Washington School Principals and the Seattle Sonics have announced their 4th Annual 3.0 Academic All-Star Club. The program allows students who achieve “honor roll” status from the most recent grading period to receive a special complimentary $48 or $24 ticket to one of the following Sonics games:

 

  Sunday, March 5 w/Utah Jazz

  Wednesday, March 8 w/ Memphis

 

If your child would like to attend one of the games, he/she may pick up a certificate in the office. Space is limited so requests should be made as soon as possible.

 

 

INTERNET CHEATING

 

  Last November, the Longview Daily News printed an article about creative ways students were using to cheat in school using technology. I would like to pass this information on to you if you did not read the article so you can be aware of the illegal creativity made available through the use of technology and tips for you to help discourage your child from possible cheating.

  Among the creative methods of cheating were text messaging on cell phones, using Google (Internet search engine) on cell phone, photo shooting (picture of tests to distribute), and Internet plagiarism (downloading essays and term papers from websites).

  According to a survey released last June, 70% of high school students admitted to serious cheating one or more times on a test. 60% also indicated they had engaged in some form of plagiarism in writing essays or term papers. This survey was conducted by Don McCabe, founding director of the Center for Academic Integrity at Duke University. 18,000 students at 61 schools over the last four years were polled in this study.

  There are things parents can do to discourage and prevent the cheating which has occurred due to the development of technology. These were the tips given to parents:

  • Establish a relationship of mutual trust with your children.
  • Lead by example. If you occasionally break or bend a rule, a message is sent to children.
  • Stay up to date on your child’s schoolwork. Know what your child is doing so if he/she is faced with a challenging assignment, he/she will turn to you for assistance.
  • Communicate with your child’s teachers. If the teacher expresses a concern about potential cheating, be willing to investigate and address the issue if there is one.
  • Always monitor your child’s computer usage.
  • Learn the rules for proper citation of papers. There is a website for proper paper citations: www.plagiarized.com

 

If you would like to read the article, you will find it at the following link:

http://www.tdn.com/articles/2005/11/07/top_story/news01.prt

 

 

INFORMATIONAL MEETING

DISNEYLAND 2007

 

 The Naselle HS/MS band has been approved to travel to Disneyland during the 2007 spring break.  There will be a parents’ informational meeting on Tuesday, January 10th, 2006 at 6:00 pm. in the middle school commons.  Itinerary and financial information will be distributed and discussed.  If you have a child who will be in band in the spring of 2007, please make plans to attend this very important meeting. 

 

 

FINANCIAL AID INFO NIGHT

 

  Mr. Laine will be conducting a financial aid information night in the Naselle High School Commons on Wednesday, January 11th beginning at 7:00 pm.  Mr. Laine will be sharing information and distributing handouts about all forms of financial aid: grants, work study, student loans, and scholarships. 

  The parents of all college bound (vocational/technical schools, community colleges, universities) seniors are strongly encouraged to attend this event.  Parents can contact Mr. Laine any time at 484-7121 with questions about college, post high school planning, financial aid, and scholarships.

 

                       

 

COLD WEATHER DRESS

 

   Please be watchful of your child’s dress during the cold winter season. We have observed a number of students dressed in summertime clothing (shorts, tank tops), without coats or sweaters arriving at school on very chilly days.

  We have a state commended bus fleet, of which we are very proud. However, there is always a risk of some nature, including breakdown. We want to ensure that students are warm and comfortable if they are required to sit on a bus for any length of time.

  Thank you for your attentiveness to your child dress as we continue through the winter season, which might also help to minimize the colds children are contracting.

 

 

5th-6th BASKETBALL

 

  The 5th and 6th grade boys have been playing in a community basketball league consisting of four teams. The teams included the following:

Beavers: Chandler, JP, Dustin, Cramer, Austin, Coaches Kyle and Conor.

 

Bruins: Chad, Rob, Robert, Jesse, Ryley, Beau, Coach Scott

Cougars: Jake, Trevin, Seth, Chris, Calvin, Coach Dan

Huskies: Nick, Jesse, Kyle, Nathan, Levi, Coach Bruce

  The regular season games were played in Naselle and completed in December. However, the boys will be playing in some upcoming tournaments. The boys worked very hard and showed great improvement.

 

 

LITTLE DRIBBLERS BASKETBALL

 

  A group of 1st through 4th graders has been learning the basic fundamentals of basketball through their participation in the Little Dribblers Basketball Camp. This camp is hosted by the Naselle Basketball Association.

  The young athletes have been learning the basics of dribbling, passing, and having fun. Each participant received a t-shirt and a basketball.

  The Little Dribblers will be performing at two home basketball games. The first show will be at the half-time of the boy’s basketball game against North Beach on Thursday, January 12th. The second show will be on Thursday, January 19th during the half-time of the girl’s home game against Willapa Valley. Come to the games and watch the future athletes.

 

 

4th-5th-6th GRADE

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL

 

  Registrations are now being accepted for participation in 4th, 5th, and 6th grade girls’ basketball. The games are hosted through Astoria Parks and Recreations.

  Signup sheets have been given to the girls in the respective classes. If you did not receive a form and would like your daughter to participate, we would be happy to send you one. The registration fee is $25. Please make checks out to Naselle Basketball Association.

  The first practice is yet to be announced, but will be the first part of January. If you have any questions, please call Scott Smith.

 

 

DATES TO REMEMBER

 

January 16th  MLK Day--No School

January 24th   Pacific Science Center Van for elementary

January 25th   In-service--Early Release

February 7th    M & O Levy election

 

 

  A reminder that the Maintenance and Operations levy election will be February 7th. This will be a mail-in ballot. Please remember to vote.

 

Sincerely,

 

Karen Wirkkala

Principal