In partnership with our community, Lavallette School District is committed to providing and preserving a safe and personalized environment where each student embraces learning and strives for excellence.
May has been packed with lots of fun and learning! Students are enjoying a variety of field trips, including our K-2 trip to Storybook Land, and an excursion to Ocean County College/Kean University for career awareness for 7th and 8th grade. Upcoming trips in June include whale watching for 5th and 6th grade, and special trips to the Wetlands Institute for our 4th and 6th grade students, winners of our Salad Wars event.
Our 7th grade students had a wonderful class trip to the Poconos Environmental Education Center where they spent time in nature and worked together on team building activities. Our staff did a terrific job leading them through these activities, such as a four mile hike, canoeing, trust building activities, river ecology, and a night time hike and smores campfire. I’m sure this is a trip they’ll always remember!
Our 8th grade students are preparing to leave for their Gettysburg trip on May 31st where they will enjoy three days of learning more about history at Gettysburg, Amish culture in Lancaster, and a fun-filled day at Hershey Park!
New Jersey & the Arts
Through the combined efforts of Mr. Espinosa, Mrs. King, and Mrs. Homer, our students and their families enjoyed the 3rd grade county projects, the art show, and the spring concert during New Jersey and the Arts Night on May 25th! We are so proud of our students’ talents and this evening certainly showcased their unique creative abilities.
Family Salad Kits For Sale
Please check out the Wednesday Folder to order your family salad kit. Each kit will feature the winning recipes from Salad Wars, and will include the ingredients to make a delicious salad for four, including fresh greens from our organic aquaponics garden. Salads must be pre-ordered by May 31st and will be ready for pick up after school on June 6th.
iReady Parent Reports
Students in grades K-8 took their final end of year iReady assessments in Math and English Language Arts. Parents will receive their child’s report before the end of the school year, which will detail their growth, areas of strength, and focus areas for improvement. These assessments help teachers throughout the year customize instruction for each student and provide parents with a summary view of their child’s progress throughout the year.
Summer Journal Writing
Journaling is a great way to keep your child’s writing skills sharp over the summer. Surprise your child with a new journal and encourage them to get their creative juices flowing. You’ll both have a great keepsake of your child’s writing:
Here are some fun ideas:
● A research log - Have your child pick a subject, such as penguins, and then research and write about it. What do penguins eat? Who are penguins’ predators? How do penguins communicate? How do penguins move from one place to another?
● A travel log - Each time you go somewhere special—whether it’s far away or close to home—your child can keep a record by taking pictures, drawing or writing notes. What did your child see? Who did your child meet? What did your child think about the place? Inspire journal writing this summer with creative ideas
● An observation log - Suggest that your child observe something over a period of time, such as a summer vegetable as it grows. Or, pick something to describe in great detail, such as a bug or an animal.
Simple Strategies to Boost Summer Reading Comprehension
As students get older, they will be expected to read and understand more complex text. They will need to transition from learning to read to reading to learn. To support this transition, share these three reading comprehension strategies with your child:
● See the big picture - Before starting to read an assignment, have your child think about the material. What is the title of the chapter or assignment? Does it offer any clues about the content? Suggest your child look for other clues, such as subheadings, words in boldface or italics, pictures or graphs.
● Take notes - Taking notes while reading will make it easier for your child to comprehend and remember information. It will also make reading active and engaging. Your child should write down the most important ideas in the reading assignment. Your child should also write down any unfamiliar words and look them up later.
● Make connections - The best way to remember new information is to relate it to something already learned. When your child finishes reading, ask questions such as: How is this topic similar to something else you know? What key ideas did you already know? What new information did you learn
Lavallette School will be providing a suggested summer reading list to help your child continue to boost their reading through the summer. We’ll be sharing this list with the Upper Shores Library so they can maintain an inventory of these recommended books.
Summer STEAM Academy 2023 - Registration Deadline
Lavallette School will once again offer a FREE five-week summer program this year beginning July 10th through August 10th from 8:30-12:30 Monday through Thursday. The link for registration is on the district website under the PARENTS tab. Registration closes this week, so please contact the main office if you plan to register your child.
End of Year Events - Reminder
● Field Day - May 30th at 11:30 AM
● Kindergarten Graduation - June 7th at 11:00 AM
● 8th Grade Awards Night - June 7th at 6:30 PM
● Class of 2023 Commencement - June 12th at 7:00 PM
Thank you to each and every one of our parents for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s education at Lavallette Elementary School!
Dr. Lisa J. Gleason
