It's NANOWRIMO time for 8th graders....

Dear Parents and Family Members,

Starting this week, your astudent will be taking part—with classmates and over 300,000 writers around the world—in National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). It's a fun, innovative creative writing event where the challenge is to complete an entire novel by November 30.

Novelists begin writing this week and must finish by midnight, November 30. The goal for NaNoWriMo's adult program is 50,000 words, but your student will be participating through the Young Writers Program—which allows students 17-and-under to set reasonable, yet challenging, individual word-count goals.

NaNoWriMo will require your child or teen to write as frequently as possible. Especially with your reinforcement, this hard work deepens student investment in the process (and their finished products). At the end of November, educators and participants also report improved self-confidence, creative writing skills, overall writing skills, and time management.

Your student's class will be using the online components of the Young Writers Program, you may want to review this step-by-step guide. MANY TEACHERS WILL HAVE THEIR CLASSROOM OPEN TO ALLOW EXTRA TIME FOR WRITING. Participants have individual profile spaces, plus access to forums and a private messaging system. These site features are not public, and can be viewed only by other young writers. In addition, all are monitored by our staff for inappropriate content.

We're proud to welcome your child or teen as a participant in NaNoWriMo! If you have any questions, please feel free to contact their English Teacher.

Every year I attempt to write a novel.  So, I'll be joining the students.  Good luck to all!

Ms. Dunnagan

Common Core Standards and student minimum day, October 17!

On October 17 the students have a minimum day so teachers can continue to prepare, build, develop and learn about the common core.  Here is some information for parents. 

The Common Core State Standards and Parents and Guardians

The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) provide a practical way to prepare children for the challenges of a constantly changing world – by learning step-by-step the real-world skills they need for career and college.

Despite the state’s budget problems, California must move forward now so that all children – no matter where they come from or where they live – receive a world-class education that’s consistent from school to school, and graduate ready to contribute to the future of our state and our country.

California is putting these standards to work, using them as the foundation for remodeling our education system. The standards keep the best of what we have, but replace outdated ways of learning with a clear focus on the key knowledge and skills students need, and provide teachers the time to teach them well.

Like an orchestra learning a challenging new symphony, bringing these standards to life in our schools will take time and energy, and the costs must be managed over time. These standards provide every part of our education system the same sheet music – with the clear goals of career and college readiness for all. And we all have a part to play.

Preparing Students for Career and College

Goal – all students graduating from our public school system as life- long learners will have the skills and knowledge necessary to assume their positions in the 21st century global economy.

§       The new standards are designed to be relevant in the real world, reflecting the knowledge and skills students need for success in both higher education and career.

§       Our communities will be stronger if students graduate with the skills and knowledge needed in today’s job market.

Will There Be New Tests for the New Standards?

Yes, California is a governing member of the SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC). The consortium is developing new tests that will measure student progress toward career and college readiness. You may learn more about the new tests and California’s participation in the SBAC at http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterbalanced.asp.

California’s CCSS Implementation Plan

The Common Core State Standards Systems Implementation Plan for California is a living document approved by the State Board of Education in March 2012. The plan, available at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/, identifies the major phases and activities involved in implementing the CCSS and serves as the blueprint for remodeling the education system to support student success in career and college.

Transitioning to the CCSS: What Parents and Guardians Can Do Now

Parents and guardians are crucial partners in laying the groundwork for a smooth transition to the new standards. Parents and guardians can:

§       Learn about the CCSS and the district’s transition plan.

§       Talk to the principal about the school’s plans for the transition to learn what will be different about these new standards and what will remain the same for children.

§       Attend a board and/or community meeting to discuss district goals and timelines.

§       Meet with your child’s teacher to discuss what your child will be learning over the coming year and how classroom instruction will shift to align to the CCSS.

§       Play an active role in your child’s education at home. If you notice your child is struggling in a certain area, consult with his or her teacher to identify strategies and resources that might be helpful.

§       Educate other parents about the transition to the CCSS.

§       Explore opportunities to become actively involved in the Common Core transition through your state and local Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) or Parent Teacher Organization (PTO).

Resources for Parents and Guardians

The following Web resources provide the most current information from the California Department of Education (CDE) Web Site and are continuously updated. The first reference is the main CDE CCSS Web Page which includes the Common Core State Standards Systems Implementation Plan for California, the Significant Milestones Timeline, and a “Learn More” section that provides additional links to audience specific information. 

California Department of Education CCSS Web Page: http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/cc/ (select “Students/Parents” tab)

SMARTER Balanced Assessment Consortium Information:

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sa/smarterbalanced.asp

K-8 California's Common Core Standards Parent Handbook:

http://www.ccsesa.org/sysadmin/documents/CCSParentHandbook_020411.doc
This handbook, created by the California County Superintendents Educational Services Association (CCSESA) in consultation with the California State PTA, gives parents an introduction to California's CCSS and a summary of what students are expected to learn as they advance from kindergarten through grade eight.

 adapted from California Department of Education, 11/12

The Counselor's Corner, Issue 1

A message from the counselors:

The Counselor’s Corner

Welcome to the Counselor’s Corner. Middle school can be a time of struggle for both parents and students, and we want to offer as much support as we can. This column will feature frequently asked questions, guidance through these tumultuous years and information on coming events. As much as these years can be difficult, they can also be delightful and full of growth. We look forward to helping you through this process.

A River Runs through Kenilworth

There is a river analogy for parenting and setting boundaries. Your child is the river and you are the banks. If the banks are too restrictive, then the water is dammed and will run over into rebellion. If the banks are too lenient, the water has no direction and will flow into chaos. It is the banks that tolerate and adjust with the river’s ebb and flow that allow the waters to run smoothly. What does this mean? Set strong boundaries for your child, but be aware of their growing need for independence. Some of the following suggestions
may help.

• Maintain consistency – If it hasn't already happened, testing boundaries will soon begin. We all understand the desire to give in to the whining, tantrums, yells and “whatever,” but resist the temptation. Adolescents need strong, clear boundaries now more than ever. Don’t believe the line, “You’re the only parent that restricts (fill in the blank).”
• Set rules – Set as few rules as possible, but those you choose to set, stick with them. Be consistent and firm. Involve them in the decision about how to enforce the rules, but remember that you have to be the enforcer.
• Be prepared for change – We all notice the physical changes in our adolescent children, but they are also changing mentally and emotionally. Expect further or new disorganization, forgetfulness, emotional outbursts, exploring new territories and anxiousness for independence. Expect constant changes.
• Be aware of their fears – While they may not always express their concerns or even talk to you, they are experiencing self-doubt and fear daily. Not only is this a time of transition, six classes, new school, six teachers, new friends, but they are also in the trenches of social development. They wonder how others will accept them, what their role is, who they are, what if they aren't smart enough, etc., etc. Soothe and console them with positive affirmations.
• Don’t go it alone – We have around 900 students at Kenilworth and just as many parents. Use each other as a support. Talk and share what is happening with your children. If your child is going over to someone else’s house, call that parent and find out about their rules. Have your child get numbers of others in the class to use as homework buddies. If your adolescent says, “I don’t have homework,” call over to the buddies house to check for accuracy and clarification. The more we all work as a team, the more our students will succeed. Parenting can be incredibly difficult, but immensely rewarding. The above tips are to help in making the parenting river a smoother ride for everyone. 

If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback for the Counseling Staff
please e-mail us at cruzick@petk12.org or ewestcott@petk12.org

The above information was adapted from “Moving Right Along: Ways Parents Can Help Children Succeed in the Middle Grades.” The Parent Institute, 2002.

Red Ribbon Week is Coming!!!

An update from Ms. Toal, the Red Ribbon Week Coordinator:

This year Mr Sharke will be coming to school on Oct 10th for the Red Ribbon Week assembly to help explain how Kenilworth students can show their support for Red Ribbon week. Your son or daughter might remember Mr Sharke from the D.A.R.E. program and Red Ribbon week from elementary school. He is excited to see the kids again this year. Red Ribbon week runs from Oct 23rd to Oct 31. Mr Sharke will also be holding his annual Magic Show in the Multi at Kenilworth on Oct 11th. All proceeds from the magic show will go directly to KJHS because he loves to support our school! Tickets are $10 and it's a lot of fun! 

This year, the Red Ribbon Week assembly will include a video created by leadership with the help from Ms Farrell, Mr Raya and Ms Toal. We have been working hard on this video and can't wait to show it. I would also like to extend RR week support to everyone  by connecting you to a link that involves a door decoration activity. You can also upload a photo in hopes of winning an iPad - please read the information below about this opportunity. 

Below you will find the information on how to support Red Ribbon week at your home. If you have any questions, please contact Ms Toal at itoal@petk12.org

"Your school can win $1,000 for drug prevention AND your families can win an iPad for their home from the National Family Partnership.

Studies show that parents who talk to their children about the dangers of drug abuse are less at risk, and that's what this contest aims for: to encourage families across America to discuss prevention.

Please help us by forwarding this information to parents, teachers, students and community leaders ... we hope a family and school from your community win this year!

Here's how the contest works:

• Students (K–12) work with their family to decorate their home front door, mailbox or fence with a red ribbon and this year's theme: "A Healthy Me Is Drug Free."
• Participants upload a picture of the decorations to the Red Ribbon website between October 1st and November 4th and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to vote (November 5-19th) at www.redribbon.org/vote.

---

Red Ribbon Week (October 23-31) —the oldest and largest drug prevention program in the Nation—is a wonderful way for people and communities to unite and take a visible stand against drugs. This year's theme is "A Healthy Me Is Drug Free," created by middle school student Aly Falck in Solon, Ohio.

Thank you for your support for the National Family Partnership and Red Ribbon Week and for your unwavering commitment to the health and well being of our nation's children!

Google Apps for Education coming to Kenilworth and Petaluma City Schools

Petaluma City Schools became a Google Apps for Education district in the Summer of 2012.  Over the past year the staff has been learn and testing out all the Google products.  We have attended many trainings and conferences to become more familiar with all you can do with Google. 

Now, it is the kids turn to have fun!

Over the next few weeks your student will be getting their Google address.  It will be their name @petk12.org.  While in Junior High, students can only send and receive emails from addresses owned by the school district.  This account will remain with the student through 12th grade.  However, Google Apps for Education is more than just email, it is a powerful tool to help our students learn and be prepared to work in 21st century jobs.  

Above is a diagram of how the new Common Core Standards and technology need to work together. Educators need to teach students how to incorporate technology into their work, it is not a stand alone item. Google Apps for Education includes mail, documents, calendar, sites and much more.  These products are provided to school districts at no cost and advertisement free.  These products provide educators with the tools to successfully integrate technology into their teaching and prepare students to be college and career ready with the needed 21st century skills.  They allow teachers and students to create, collaborate and share ideas.   Introducing students to these apps is so awesome!  The school will be following up throughout the year with cyber safety lessons.  We also will have a cybersfaety night for parents.  More info to come!  This is such an exciting time in education and I am glad to share it with you and your fabulous students.  

Welcome Back to School 2013!

Dear Students, Families and Staff,

My favorite time of the school year is the first week of school.  The students all want to be at school.  They look great and are excited to learn.  Everything is new and exciting.  The students are all telling me about the “cool” things they are doing in their classes.  It is a great start to the school year at Kenilworth Junior High School!  On behalf of the faculty and staff, I want to extend a special welcome to all of our new students and families and a warm welcome back to those of you who were with us last year.  

We begin the year with a few new staff members at our site.  Mr. Wedge and Mrs. Qualls are joining our math department this year.  Ms. Dudley is joining us from San Antonio High School in our Science department.   Also, Mr. Raiewski, a former Kenilworth Student, has joined our English department.  We also have a new school nurse, Cynthia Giovinco, and school Psychologist, Fran Chouchena They each bring a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to an already great staff!  

Our two counselors, Eric Westcott (7th) and Christine Ruzick (8th), have done an outstanding job scheduling our 925 students into teams where teachers share a common group of students.  The teams of teachers are working together to create an exceptional educational opportunity for your student this year.  If you find that your student needs extra assistance in any class, encourage him/her to speak to their teacher and counselor about getting extra help.  We are currently designing remediation programs for students who need additional assistance.

Back to School Night will be held on Thursday, August 29th from 6:00 -8:00 pm.

I encourage you to come and meet the teachers and get information on how to help your student be successful in each class.  The following are some strategies that will provide general support to your student throughout the school year:

• Encourage your student to complete homework assignments the night they are assigned instead of the night before they are due.  The lesson is fresh in the student’s mind.  If your student needs assistance, he/she will have a full day at school to talk with their teacher before the assignment is due.
• Ask your student to get the phone number of one or two students in each class so in case of an absence or questions regarding homework assignments or teacher instructions this resource is available to use.
• Recommend that your student check in occasionally with teachers during non-class time to get help, check for missing assignments or to ask questions as needed. Teachers will inform your student of days and times that they are available.
• Email or call teachers with questions.  They welcome parent involvement.
• Check out our website.  It has information about our school policies, important phone numbers, dates, as well as school programs and activities that are available to you and your student.  Check the Kenilworth website at www.kenilworthjuniorhigh.org for updates.
• Like us on Facebook to see what happens at KJHS during the day to stay informed.
• Sign up for a parent Portal account to keep track of your student’s grades.

Another way to help your student is to stay involved in your student’s education throughout junior and senior high school.  There are many opportunities for parental involvement from membership and participation in organizations like the Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) and School Site Council (SSC) to volunteer activities. Check the school website calendar for meeting dates and to get more information on how you can get involved.

The PTSA provides educational and social functions for families and also raises money for school programs and equipment.  Information will be forthcoming about the Pledge-A-Thon, this year’s major PTSA fundraiser which starts with a Kick-Off Rally on September 3rd.  We understand that many of our families are facing difficult times, but anything you can give, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will benefit our students.

The School Site Council is a decision-making body made of up of parents, students, faculty and other school staff.  Members may serve for a two year term and are elected by their constituents.  While anyone may attend Site Council meetings, we have openings for two voting parent members this year.  Interested parties should email Ms. Dunnagan at edunnagan@petk12.org by September 10th with their contact information and a paragraph about why they would like to serve.  

We also have different programs throughout the year to help parents prepare for their student’s needs during junior high. Coffee with the Principal is an informal meeting to talk about KJHS and go visit a few classrooms.  Parent Boot Camp is designed to educate parents in order to help their student be successful. The dates for these activities are located on the KJHS calendar on the following website: www.kenilworthjuniorhigh.org

Student safety is one of the top priorities for parents and school personnel.  To ensure student safety it is extremely important that parents and students observe all traffic rules during drop off and pick up times.  Please yield the right of way to pedestrians and watch for students near buses and parked cars.  We ask that you continue to use the circular drive in front of the school office on Riesling Road and on Dover Street for drop off and pick up of you student. Please be mindful that our school is in the middle of a neighborhood and we want to be good neighbors!  Be cautious and courteous to our neighbors by observing speed limits and being alert to children.  Remind students to use the crosswalks when crossing the street whether they are riding a bike or walking.  It is critical that we all follow these safety rules to prevent accidents.  The police will ticket drivers who make illegal U-turns and bicyclists who are not wearing helmets.  Students are asked not to loiter in the nearby shopping center after school.  Please discuss with your student how to maintain safe, respectful and responsible behavior before and after school.

In an effort to keep you well informed, a new edition of this newsletter will be posted

on line at the beginning of each month.  Print copies will also be available on the counter in our front office.  Best wishes to all of the Kenilworth community for an interesting and productive year!

Emily G. Dunnagan

Principal