Principal's Message

Dear Coyote Families,

It's clear that the end of the year is quickly approaching!  Our students have finished their CST Testing, the weather is trying to get warm, and students are anxiously counting days.  Three pretty good clues that the end of our year is upon us!

So many events are taking place in a short amount of time.  We hope that you will have some time to participate and enjoy this special time of the year with your student.  There's nothing quite like the excitement of closing out another successful year at Orchard Park!  While many of the following announcements are concerning our 8th graders, we hope that you will take time to check with your child's teacher for any important events at their grade levels.

First and foremost, we want to congratulate our students for working so hard on their CST/STAR tests!  These comprehensive tests measure individual student progress on grade level skills.  The goal is for all students to score "Proficient," which translates as mastering the grade level skills.  A score of "Advanced" would indicate that the student has exceeded the skill level for their grade.  These collective scores also measure how well Orchard Park is preparing its students for their next educational level.  We will be receiving our API and AYP scores in the summer and are hoping to score higher than 815.  Go Coyotes!!

Our 6th graders have taken off for their adventures up north at Alliance Redwood Camp.  Students left Tuesday, May 7 for four days in the California Redwoods in Occidental.  Students will participate in camp activities and learn environmental skills, science skills, and interpersonal skills during their four days.  Thanks to the coordination efforts of our sixth grade team, Mr. Gleason, Miss Fox and Mrs. Palmer, our students will be treated to some fantastic camp experiences!

Open House is approaching for all of our Coyote families and we hope to see you on Thursday, May 16 beginning with a choral concert at 6:00 p.m. in the Multi Purpose Room.  Classrooms will be open for you to visit and enjoy as you observe some of the special work accomplished by our OPS students.  A play is being presented by first grade at 6:30, 7:00 and 7:30 p.m. in the Multi Purpose Room.  Please join us for a celebration of learning!

Thought about next year yet??  Some parents like to "assist" teachers and administration in the placement of their students for the upcoming year.  If you are inclined to select teachers for your students, please know that all requests must be in writing and given to Mrs. Del Chiaro BEFORE MAY 24.  Verbal requests will not be considered.  Educational teaching style for your child will be the primary consideration when placing a request.  Please do not ask for a specific teacher.   A request should be made with the idea of matching a student's learning style to a teacher's teaching style.  Please see me if you have any further questions. 

Calendar of events for May and June:

May 13-17 - Teacher Appreciation Week  (Please take some time to recognize your child's teacher in a special way.)                                        

May 13 - Student of the Month Luncheon for March        11:15  Room 12

May 16 - Open House  6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

May 17 - MINIMUM DAY for ALL students   Dismissal times:  K - 11:20     Gr. 1-3 - 11:50     Gr. 4-5 - 11:55     Gr. 6-8 - 11:45

May 20 - 24 - Classified employees Week (Please take some time to recognize our support staff - Secretaries, custodian, instructional aides)

May 22 - 7th/8th Grade Honor Roll Assembly (Morning, time to be announced)

May 27 - SCHOOL HOLIDAY     Memorial Day

May 28 -  4th/5th Honor Roll Assembly  9:00 a.m.  MP Room

                  Final Washington D.C. Trip meeting     6:000 p.m. @ Dallas Ranch Middle School

May 29 - PTA Night at Antioch Water Park   5:30 - 8:30 p.m.  FREE EVENT

May 31 - 8th Grade trip to Six Flags - Grades and behavior criteria eligibility required

June 3, 4, 5 - MINIMUM DAYS  for ALL students    Dismissal times:  K - 11:20     Gr. 1-3  11:50     Gr. 4-5  11:55     Gr. 6-8  11:45

June 4 - 8th Grade Promotion   9:00 a.m.  Main Quad

                8th Grade Dance   5:00 - 7:30 p.m.  Multi Purpose Room

June 5 - Last Day of School   

We hope that you will be able to join us for some, or all, of these exciting events.  Again, please check with your child's teacher for a more thorough accounting of the plans for their individual end of year activities.  As always, we thank you for your ongoing support and cooperation.  Without the efforts of so many parents, our accomplishment list would be much shorter.  Thank you for everything and we hope that you have a restful and relaxing summer.  School begins for students on Wednesday, August 14, 2013.

Warmly,

Mrs. Didi Del Chiaro, Principal

The B.U.G. Committee has met again and drafted a letter to send to specific businesses in our area and beyond.  We are waiting approval of this draft from downtown before we send the letter.  If you think you have a connection who would be interested in making a TAX DEDUCTIBLE donation to our fund, please contact Mrs. Del Chiaro.  If you are interested in helping out on the committee, please contact Mrs. Del Chiaro at (925) 779-7445.