West Hills S.T.E.M. Academy

march 2011-2012 2nd Annual S.T.E.M. Fair Bigger & Better than ever!

I just wanted to say how fun tonight was! I was so amazed at the different Fabulous job last night! Lots of booths, and have to say I even learned a engagement and fun! few things!!! plan these kind I ofknow events it takes and sojust much wanted to Thank you for the invite and to say how thankful I am that it was allowing us to participate once done! My girls had a great time, and again. My volunteers had a talked about wonderful time, and of course all the way home! the different things they did so did I! have the people from the USS Ronald

Thanks again!!! Reagan there too! It was awesome teachers, were so into what was at their

They, along with allto the Corinne Beach, PSNS&IMF booth. so patient Even and after helpful a full to dayall the stu- dents. Thank you It was again really for alla nice that night! you everyone do, was

Sheila Jernigan 2nd Grade Parent

To the West Hills Staff: I was at the West Hills Science Fair last night

with the students from the after school program at the Ebenezer AME Church (3 of whom had science projects of their own in the fair), and I am writing to express appreciation for an outstanding job on the part of West Hills in putting on a truly fine science fair. It was a valuable experience for the students who came with me, who were engaged enthusiastically in scientific learning from the time we got there until the time we left, and I was seeing that the same was true for the other stu- dents who were there as well. I know it is not easy putting together an event

like that, and it is especially not easy to make it go as well as it did. It was a job well done by every-

body who had a part in it, and a good, positive example containing valuable lessons for the rest of the community. Carl Jakobsson, Community Member Many thanks to our sponsors and partners! March Calendar March 2 Dr.Suess Dress up day

March 14, 5-8 pm PTA McTakeover kitsap way

March 12 - 16 Classified Staff Week

March 16 No school - grading day

March 21 5:30-7:00 Congratulations to the Stu- Moses Monroe – Piper Nahja Urquieta – Sandell dents of the Month for Febru- Bridger Garland – Hall Beronica Matias – Small Family Night ary. Please be sure to see Richard Haven – Tubberville Dallas Holder – Tifft Jasper Nham – Green Dominica Collins – Devey each Star Students photo in Anastasia Fischer – Wheeler Carina Johnson – Winters our main hall, the next time Aaliyah Coffie – Durham Tael McKeller – Young March 29 - 30 you come by the building. Lacey Ledford – Nelson Mariel Tancinco – Gurry Parent/teacher Thanks. Wheeler Pratt – Craig Destiny Illingworth - McDermott Jada Cruz – Pendergast Conferences No school

Congrats Andrew Nelson April 2-6 and Mr. Mark Smith: An- SPRING BREAK drew is our A+ Educator and Mr. Mark Smith our Golden Acorn award win- ners for this year. Thank you to our PTA committee for selecting these honorees and for everyone who nominated a person for one of these awards. These awards will be presented at the Founder’s Day Cele- bration at Bremerton Conference Center down by the ferry terminal on Friday, March 9th. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchase by Linda Bugg, PTA president or at the door. West hills s.t.e.m academy

Is in the spotlight! West Hills is one of two S.T.E.M. elementary programs in our state. We have been invited to speak at two recent events that spotlight our students, parents, staff and community partners efforts to implement S.T.E.M. First was the 2nd Annual S.T.E.M. Summit at Bellevue College: Mrs. Heaman spoke to 100+ attendees about how our S.T.E.M. program works. And then at the Washington State House Committee on Education in Olympia: Superintendent Herndon, Mrs. Heaman, Mrs. Ar- chuleta and Corrine Beach, PSNS Volunteer Coordinator were invited to address the House Committee by State Representative Seaquist who knew of our work with S.T.E.M. Check out it out by clicking the link below: http://www.tvw.org/index.php?option=com_tvwplayer&eventID=2012020123 Ms. Langford’s Some tips from

www.projectchildcare.org Ms. Debbie Langford, 360-473-4663 about Children and Stealing

Prevention

Discuss and explain why stealing is wrong. Stealing means taking something that rightfully belongs to someone else. Teach ownership. “How would you feel if someone wanted your favorite toy and just decided to take it?” Teach appropriate ways of getting what one wants. Suggest that children ask for what they want or save up money to buy the things they want. Model appropriate behavior. Set a good example by asking before you borrow things and do not take things that don’t belong to you. Develop a close relationship with your child. Children who are close to their parents are much more likely to take on their beliefs and values than children who don’t have a close relationship with their parents. Praise and reward honest behavior. The more you praise your child for honesty, the more likely they will continue to be honest in the future.

Addressing stealing after it has occurred.

Remain calm and deal with stealing behaviors in as matter-of-fact way has possible, confront quickly. The longer stealing is allowed to continue uncorrected, the more difficult it is to correct later on. Apply consequences every time the stealing occurs, correct the behavior. Correcting the behavior means making some kind of restitution. It is also a good idea to require the child to apologize to the person from whom the item was stolen. Apply natural consequences such as having the child do extra chores to pay for the stolen item. Label the behavior. Call the behavior what it is…stealing is NOT borrowing. Help children find ways of earning their own money.

Would you like more information about children and stealing? Email me at [email protected] or call me at 473-4663

Kindergarten, 2nd & 6th grade visits the Seattle Aquarium!

Photos provided by parent Dqwn VonHeeder The Measurement of Student Progress (MSP) is Washington State’s exam for stu- dents in 3rd – 8th grade. This year, 3rd grade will continue to take assessments via a paper/pencil test. The MSP, this year for 4th grade is moving to an online for- mat (except for the writing assessment). The MSP for 5th and 6th grades will con- tinue to be an online format. Testing will take place between April 27th – June 4th.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Melissa McConnell at 360- 473-4667.