Our year is coming to a close and as I reflect on this year I see three major goals that we have accomplished.

We've completed, well almost completed, our Measure "N" modernizations.  As we finish this year we are pleased that most scheduled work projects have been completed.  We are still looking forward to a new carpet in the library, a new slurry surface on our parking lots, the removal of the front fence and much more landscaping improvements.  I appreciate the patience that the staff and the parents have shown as these needed up grades took place.

Also, thanks to Julie Kozel, our Learning Specialist, we've started a system of intervention which will ensure that our students improve academically.  This year the Hapgood staff provided after school assistance in reading and math, Monday through Thursday.  During lunch we've offered math club programs.  At the fourth and fifth grades we provided smaller reading classes and the High Point Curriculum as intervention.  Plus, tutors and instructional assistants have been strategically scheduled into classrooms so that teachers can provide small group instruction reinforcing critical skills.  Our thanks go out to our instructional assistants, tutors and teachers who have made these programs meaningful and productive for our students.

Our staff has also taken major steps toward working in professional learning communities.  These communities are grade level groupings of teachers that are continually charged with answering three questions: What do we want each student to learn?   How will we know when each student has learned it?  How will we respond when a student experiences difficulty in learning?  These questions are the driving force behind analyzing standards that are taught, improving the instruction of these standards, and creating a system of interventions that assures that students are meeting or going beyond the standards.

As this school year winds down, I want to let everyone know how much I've enjoyed my first year as Hapgood's principal.  I'm proud of our accomplishments and I look forward to working with staff, students and parents next year to continue to improve the academic excellence at Hapgood School.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Pace

April 28 - May 12 Hapgood will be conducting the California Standards Test.  This test informs the parents about the achievement level of their students in reading and mathematics in grades second through fifth.  Fifth graders are also tested in science.  This test also ranks our school in general on its ability to move students to the level of proficiency.  Please make sure that your child gets plenty of  rest during the testing days.  Also, make sure that your child has a good breakfast at home or arrives in plenty of time to eat breakfast at school.

Kindergarten registration- if your child is 5 or will be 5 by December 2, 2008, they qualify for kindergarten.  You will need to bring the following: Student's birth certificate, immunization records, and proof of address to the Hapgood office.  If possible please bring your child.

Your student will need 2 MMR and 3 Hepatitis B shots to enter 7th grade.  You will be notified by the school if your child needs these shots.  Any questions call the school nurse at 742-2178.