Greetings Lavallette School Community,
Welcome to the 2026-27 school year! Lavallette Elementary School had a very successful opening this month as we welcomed students back with our focused theme, “Small But Mighty: Making Big Learning Happen through the Portrait of a Graduate.” While strong academic content remains essential, our focus is on ensuring that how students learn is just as important as what they learn. Our new Portrait of a Graduate, developed in collaboration with our teachers, staff, students, and parents, is guiding a shift in instructional practices that encourage teachers to thoughtfully design lessons that challenge students to ask questions, apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, and move away from a reliance on computer-based teaching and learning. By aligning our teaching practices with our Portrait of a Graduate, we are preparing our students not only to meet today's academic expectations, but to become adaptable, confident, and capable learners who are ready to thrive in the future!
Portrait of a Graduate - What Is It and Why Does It Matter?
Thank you to our students, staff, parents, and community members who helped us develop the Lavallette Portrait of a Graduate, a collaborative process that defines the 19 essential qualities and skills our 8th grade graduates will need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Together, we have created a shared vision to guide our curriculum and educational experience, ensuring every student is prepared for success beyond our classrooms. During this year, our teachers and staff are focused on integrating instructional practices that foster a learning environment that supports the Portrait of a Graduate, using the pillars of #LAVA - Leadership, Achievement, Values, and Aspirations.
LEADERSHIP:
Critical Thinking - The Graduate will apply critical thinking to analyze information, question assumptions, and make informed decisions based on evidence.
Advocacy - The Graduate will practice advocacy by respectfully using their voice to support themselves and others.
Showing Gratitude and Kindness - The Graduate will lead with gratitude and kindness, recognizing the efforts of those who support them and acting with genuine care toward others.
Communication - The Graduate will be an effective communicator who expresses ideas clearly and actively listens.
Accountability - The Graduate will demonstrate accountability by taking ownership of their actions and consistently meeting their responsibilities.
ACHIEVEMENT:
Self-Sufficiency & Accountability - The Graduate will take ownership of their education by practicing self-sufficiency and accountability in all their academic and personal commitments.
Functional Independence - The Graduate will demonstrate independence by successfully managing their time, materials, and digital tools.
Perseverance - The Graduate will demonstrate perseverance by setting goals, facing challenges, and showing resilience.
Self-Directed Learner - The Graduate will be a self-directed learner who initiates and prioritizes personalized goals.
VALUES:
Wellness - The Graduate will prioritize their own physical, mental, and emotional wellness.
Integrity - The Graduate will act with integrity by being honest, fair, and consistent in their words and actions.
Open-Mindedness - The Graduate will remain open-minded and foster inclusivity when encountering new ideas, cultures, or perspectives.
Respect - The Graduate will demonstrate respect by valuing the dignity and opinions of others.
Adaptability - The Graduate will show adaptability by remaining flexible when they are faced with unexpected challenges.
Digital Citizen - The Graduate will practice using technology responsibly and navigating the digital world with safety and integrity.
ASPIRATION:
Growth Mindset - The Graduate will cultivate a growth mindset by embracing opportunities to understand that intelligence and talent can be developed through hard work.
Collaboration - The Graduate will collaborate with diverse groups to reach a shared goal.
Problem Solving - The Graduate will be a confident problem solver through a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
Global Citizen - The Graduate will act as a global citizen by understanding how their local actions impact the wider world.
Back to School Night
Thank you to everyone who came out to Back To School Night on September 22nd. This event is always a great opportunity for parents to meet their child’s teacher and to better understand the academic framework and activities students will experience throughout the year.
Attendance Matters!
Thank you to our parents for helping support our belief that attendance matters….truly! We reduced our chronic absenteeism by 6% and are committed to reducing that an additional 4% this year. Our goal is a collective one that supports helping every child reach their full potential! Please check out Mr. H’s section of the newsletter where he explains the importance of consistent attendance.
Starting in preschool and kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
Missing 10%, or about 2 days each month over the course of a school year, can make it harder to learn to read.
Students can still fall behind if they miss just one or two days every few weeks.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
Absences and tardiness can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school - and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Consistent good attendance will be a skill that will help students succeed in high school and college.
It’s also important that parents are aware that our district policy #5200 requires students to be in school for at least four (4) hours, excluding lunch and recess, for the day to count as a full day of school.
Family Wellness Night Coming Soon - “Ride The Wave to Wellness”
This November we will be running a Lavallette Family Education Night, “Ride The Wave to Wellness.” This event is a wonderful opportunity to participate as a family in a variety of activities related to the importance of movement, nutrition, positive mental health, and good sleep. More information will be forthcoming. We look forward to seeing everyone there!
Join Our Community Book Club at Lavallette Elementary School - “The Digital Delusion”
Following the success of last year’s community book club, which focused on the book The Anxious Generation, Lavallette Elementary School is excited to host a 6- week community book club beginning later this year. The book club will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual sessions and all participants will receive a copy of the book, The Digital Delusion, by neuroscientist Dr. Jared Cooney Hovarth. Hovarth’s book explores the widespread use of digital devices and educational technology may affect children's attention, learning, and cognitive development. Drawing on neuroscience and education research, the book challenges common assumptions about technology in schools and offers practical ideas for families and educators to restore meaningful, human-centered learning. It encourages readers to think critically about when technology supports learning—and when it may get in the way. More information will be shared later this fall. We hope you’ll join us!
Prioritize Connections Over Screens
Studies show that children aged eight to 12 often spend nearly six hours a day looking at screens for fun. Because of this, the American Academy of Pediatrics says families should choose digital activities wisely. To help your family find a healthy balance, experts suggest following these simple tips:
Pick high-quality shows. Before your child watches something new, check Common Sense Media. It is a great way to make sure a show or game is high-quality and safe for your child’s age.
Set technology curfews. Ask your child to turn off digital devices at least 30 minutes before bedtime.
Create screen-free zones. Put phones away during family meals or while riding in the car to promote conversation.
Demonstrate how to have fun without a screen. Go for a walk together. Play cards or start an art project.
(Source: L. Coffey, “New AAP ‘Screen Time’ Recommendations Focus Less on Screens, More on Family Time,” EdSurge)
Communication Is The Key To an Effective Family-School Team
A student’s success depends on more than what happens in the classroom. When families stay connected to school, they help their children reach their full potential. Communication is the key to making this partnership work. To establish positive and effective two-way communication:
Connect with teachers. Encourage them to share news and updates with you throughout the year. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Aim for a supportive and respectful tone during conversations.
Be positive. Talk with the teacher about the things your child does well. At the same time, be ready to discuss any areas where your child struggles and how you can help. You and the teacher both want your child to succeed. Working together is the best way to find real solutions.
Choose words carefully. A helpful tip is to use the word we instead of you. “How can we stay in touch to help Jordan?” works better than “Call me immediately if Jordan is falling behind.” You and the teacher are teammates, and teamwork is a win for your child.
(Source: The Parent Institute, 2026)
Lavallette School’s Social Media and Communication Platforms
We have so many wonderful things happening here at Lavallette Elementary School and our staff is committed to highlighting all of these exciting learning activities and school community events. We invite you to download the Lavallette School mobile app, visit our website at www.lavallettek12.org, and follow Lavallette School on our social media platforms.
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!
Sincerely,
Dr. Lisa J. Gleason
Superintendent/Principal
Leadership Achievement Values Aspirations
#LAVAproud