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Monday, August 31

ARTS & CRAFTS: STEM Crafts

With the increase of STEM (science, technology, education, mathematics) curriculum in the classroom, students are being encouraged to pursue STEM-related careers and paths of higher education. STEM concepts and projects promote collaboration, investigation, and critical thinking. Here are some great STEM crafts and home experiments for your budding scientist or engineer!


Pyramid Catapult courtesy of Instructables


Gyroscopic Whirligigs courtesy of Instructables

 Solar Oven courtesy of Totally Tots

2011-12-12-Scholastic_4_Bridges_HEADER.jpg
Engineer a Bridge courtesy of Scholastic

legoedsimplemachinescollage.png
 LEGO Balloon Car courtesy of Homegrown Learners

Other great STEM resources include Code Studio, Master’s in Data Science, Childhood 101, Instructables, and Raising Lifelong Learners! Not sure what exactly STEM is? Visit Chalk Talk: Decoding STEM for a clearer picture of STEM’s implications on the field of education.

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools
Images and Activities by Homegrown Learners, Scholastic, Totally Tots, & Instructables
 



Friday, August 28

FRIDAY FOLDER: August 28

Weekly Highlights:

North Tustin Campus
 
Anaheim Hills Campus
Historic Anaheim Campus
 Fairmont Preparatory Campus

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools


Wednesday, August 26

CHALK TALK: Study Habits for Junior High Students


Transitioning from elementary school into junior high can be slightly daunting. The academic and behavioral expectations are different and the amount of homework is bound to increase. But junior high doesn’t have to be scary or overwhelming. Encouraging good study habits is a great way to ensure that your student is succeeding academically, as well as potentially improving his or  attitude towards classroom learning. It’s important to remember that a student’s success builds self-confidence, which inspires the student’s eagerness to learn.

Developing strong study habits in your junior high student is the best way to prepare him or her for success in higher education. To begin, observe your student while he or she does homework or prepares for a test. Look specifically at the kinds of notes that your child takes during class. Are the notes organized, or simply a random collection of words? If your student has little sense of organization when jotting down class material, this is the best place to start.

Talk to your child about potential organization strategies such as outline structures and highlighting. Encourage your child to adopt a format of notetaking that is meaningful and memorable to him or her. Students who participate in notetaking strategies while in class are more likely to be engaged with the conversation or lecture, and the act of writing or typing helps to ingrain the facts and ideas into the student’s memory. Once your student adopts a method of notetaking, show him or her how to highlight or color-code important keywords and phrases. Warn your student about over highlighting. When a student highlights more than necessary, nothing significant stands out on the page.

Now that your student is getting older, create a study space where he or she is able to have access to all study supplies and can spread out textbooks and notes. Providing your student with a small office desk in a place with the least distractions will help aid the study process. Also, if your child’s school doesn’t require students to have a planner or online assignment calendar, purchase a planner for your child and spur him or her to keep track of assignments and due dates. If your child uses an electronic device to enhance studying, choose a free notetaking or organizer application such as myHomework or Evernote to keep track of notes and due dates.  

Finally, another large component of fostering good study habits lies in the student’s ability to manage his or her time wisely. A planner helps aids this process, however junior high students need to learn to prioritize their daily tasks effectively. Develop an after-school routine where your child is able to participate in extracurricular activities, but understands that time must be devoted to homework.

Taking the time to understand your student’s daily routine and expectations in the classroom will better help you to help your junior high student succeed in high school and beyond!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools
Image by
Fairmont Private Schools

Monday, August 24

SNACKTIME: Back-to-School Sandwich Ideas

School is back in session, so get ready to fill that shiny, new lunchbox or those crisp, brown paper bags! Planning your child’s lunch can get monotonous after the first few weeks of school. Ditch the peanut butter and jelly, and spice up your child’s lunch with a few of these creative sandwich ideas!

 Fairy Sandwich courtesy of Kids Activities Blog

 Chicken Potpie Empanadas courtesy of Real Simple

 Sandwich Skewers courtesy of I Love My Disorganized Life

 Minion Sandwich courtesy of Eats Amazing

 Snowflake Sandwich courtesy of Eats Amazing

 Rocket Sandwich courtesy of Eats Amazing

 Roll-Ups courtesy of Martha Stewart

 Starfish Biscuit Sandwich courtesy of Martha Stewart


Visit Fairmont’s Snacktime Pinterest board for more great food ideas and meal tips!

Contributed by Rebecca Stokes, Fairmont Private Schools
Images by MarthaStewart.com, RealSimple.com, EatsAmazing.co.uk, ILoveMyDisorganizedLife.com, & KidsActivitiesBlog.com
 



Friday, August 21

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 Early Childhood Education

A Message from Anaheim Hills FPA President

Dear Pre-School and Pre-Kindergarten parents,
Welcome back to school! The Fairmont Parent Association (FPA) has two reserved parking spots in the front parking lot and four reserved parking spots in the east parking lot that we auction during Fairmont's open house to help raise money for FPA sponsored events. The winning bid for each parking spot allows the winner to hold that reserved parking spot for the entire 2015-2016 school year. Money raised from the event goes towards the Fall Festival, Teacher Appreciation, Family Movie Night, and other events. The FPA also raises money for specific action items to benefit Fairmont Private School's specials programs. Money raised by the FPA has contributed to the science lab, music program, art program, physical education, and our wonderful library.
Amid all the hustle and bustle of room parties, school performances, drop off in the morning, pick up in the afternoon, wouldn't it be nice to have a reserved parking spot with your name on it in close proximity to the campus’ gate entrance? There are two spots to be auctioned off in the front pre-school parking lot available to any enrolled pre-school or pre-kindergarten family.
The auction will be silent and blind. What does this mean? Submit your bid on the FPA bid form (forms can be found in the front office) with your contact information and bid amount and drop in the secure FPA mailbox in the front hallway.
The starting bid for each spot is $300.00 (historically these spots "sell" for $500-$600). The highest two bids above $300.00 submitted into the FPA mailbox by Thursday, August 27th will be the winning bids and will secure the two reserved parking spots for the entire 2015-2016 school year. The bids can be in any increment and you can bid as often as you like. The highest bid amount for any of your submissions will be the bid considered. Please understand this auction is completely voluntary and you are obligating yourself to commit to pay the amount you bid should your bid amount be the winning bid. To be a valid bid, your child must be enrolled in preschool or pre-kindergarten and the bid must have your name, current phone number, and the bid amount at or above $300.00 on your submission. Bidding starts immediately and the deadline is the end of the school day (6:00pm) on Thursday, August 27th. In the event of a tie, the tied bid submissions will go into a drawing.
I will notify the winning bidders on Friday, August 28th and the winner will be announced at our Family Movie Night that evening. If you have any questions please let me know, or ask any FPA board member. We are so excited for this 2015-2016 school year and appreciate all the support from all our Fairmont families.
Good luck and happy bidding!

Crystal Miles
FPA President-Anaheim Hills Campus
Fairmont Private Schools' Parent Association
t. 714.335.6725

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, Anaheim Hills Campus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 News & Announcements


Improved Newsletter Layout & Design
Just as our campuses have been polished and refreshed for the new school year, so, too, have our weekly newsletters. We've simplified the layout for easier navigation and incorporated a more modern design. At the top, you'll find a "Photo of the Week," as well as a side navigation bar pointing you to each section of the newsletter, as well as our social media sites. New sections may appear from week to week, including "Early Childhood Education," which shows off the progress of our youngest students, "Husky Highlight" featuring exciting, relevant Fairmont Prep news, and "Director's Message" from your Campus Director or other administrators. Each section includes a "Read More" link - just in case they happen to "go long."
You will still find links to monthly lunch menus, campus calendars, athletic schedules and results, blog posts, pins of the week, and campus videos. Lastly, as we know, everyone loves photos of their students in action. We've created a Photo Gallery along the bottom of the newsletter, featuring links to the three most recent school events we've shared via Facebook and Flickr.
Of course, for the most recent photos, news, and information on all things Fairmont, visit www.fairmontschools.com or www.fairmontprepacademy.com and "follow," "like," and "subscribe" to our official Fairmont Private Schools social media pages.Hope you enjoy the changes. Have a wonderful new school year!

Back to School Parent Night - Tuesday, August 25
Please make plans to join us for Back to School Parent Night on Tuesday, August 25. This event is for parents only - Childcare will not be provided.
5:15 - 6:00 p.m.: Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten (in your child's classroom)
6:00 - 6:45 p.m.: JK - 2nd Grade (in your child's classroom)
6:45 - 7:30 p.m.: Grades 3 - 5 (in your child's classroom)
7:30 - 8:15 p.m.: Grades 6 - 8 (in the MPR)

Fairmont Parent Association Family Movie Night
Mark your calendar for a wonderful family night on the campus' west turf! Bring your blankets and chairs to enjoy 'Despicable Me 2' under the stars Friday, August 28 at 7:30pm! Admission is free and snacks will be sold!

School Picture Day
TUESDAY, September 8th: T-Th Pre-School, Grades JK - 2nd (Wear formal dress on Tuesday instead of Wednesday)
WEDNESDAY, September 9th: M-W-F Pre-School, M-F Pre-School, Junior High, Grades 3rd - 5th

Parent Technology Nights
Tuesday, September 1, 6pm:  Junior High Parent IPad Training
Thursday, September 3, 6pm:   Parent Training for AM/AR
Thursday, September 10, 6pm:  Parent Training for Blackboard/NetClassroom

August Lunch Menus

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, Anaheim Hills Campus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 Welcome Back!



The 2015-2016 school year is off to a marvelous beginning. It was so wonderful to see friends reunite in the halls and all of the excitement of a new school year. New backpacks, new lunch boxes, and perfect uniforms bring joy to teachers' hearts! It's so thrilling to see the excitement in our children's faces as they walk down the hall to a new teacher, new friends, and a world of possibilities beckoning them.
When you enter our school...
You are scientists. You are explorers. You are important. You are loved. You are respected. You are a friend. You are the reason we are all here!

Fairmont Anaheim Hills Student Pledge
I pledge to Learn Like a Champion
I will do my very best
I will do what is right
I will treat others the way that I want to be treated
I will take personal responsibility for everything I say
I will take personal responsibility for everything I do
It's cool to be smart.
I will Learn Like a Champion!

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, Anaheim Hills Campus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 Director's Message



Welcome Back!
We are off to a wonderful start to our school year! I hope your child is having as much fun as I am! They have grown so much over the short summer. Next week is the first FPA meeting, please attend if your schedule permits. Thank you for your patience in accessing all the useful websites, as we update logins and passwords. We will keep you informed with the necessary information.

 
Kristen Jansen
North Tustin Campus Director

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, North Tustin Campus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 News & Announcements

Improved Newsletter Layout & Design
Just as our campuses have been polished and refreshed for the new school year, so, too, have our weekly newsletters. We’ve simplified the layout for easier navigation and incorporated a more modern design. At the top, you’ll find a “Photo of the Week,” as well as a side navigation bar pointing you to each section of the newsletter, as well as our social media sites. New sections may appear from week to week, including “Early Childhood Education,” which shows off the progress of our youngest students, “Husky Highlight” featuring exciting, relevant Fairmont Prep news, and “Director’s Message” from your Campus Director or other administrators. Each section includes a “Read More” link - just in case they happen to “go long.”
You will still find links to monthly lunch menus, campus calendars, athletic schedules and results, blog posts, pins of the week, and campus videos. Lastly, as we know, everyone loves photos of their students in action. We’ve created a Photo Gallery along the bottom of the newsletter, featuring links to the three most recent school events we’ve shared via Facebook and Flickr.
Of course, for the most recent photos, news, and information on all things Fairmont, visit www.fairmontschools.com or www.fairmontprepacademy.com and “follow,” “like,” and “subscribe” to our official Fairmont Private Schools social media pages.
Hope you enjoy the changes. Have a wonderful new school year!
Parking Lot Reminders
1. Never park in the Red Zone in front of the school.
2. Please feel free to pull forward and form two lanes for car loading.
3. Always drive slow in the parking lot and look for crossing students.
4. Never leave your car unattended with children inside.
5. Never leave valuables inside your car.

Parent Association Meeting - August 27, 2015
The first general Parent Association meeting of the new school year will be held on August 27, 2015 at 8:30 am in Allison Hall. Please attend this meeting to hear about the upcoming events and activities.

Back to School Parent Night - August 27, 2015
All parents are welcome to join us and visit all classrooms to hear teacher presentations about the upcoming year.
6:00 Ms. Lopez         Pre-K 103A
6:00 Ms. Hund          Pre-K 103B
6:00 Mrs. Rose         JK 102
6:00 Ms. Brown         K 101
6:00 Ms. Anderson    K 100
6:20 Mrs. Kaneski     1st 104
6:20 Mrs. Fraser       1st 105
6:20 Ms. Escutia      2nd 108
6:20 Mrs. Lewis        3rd 114
6:20 Ms. Rodin         3rd 113
6:40 Ms. Lee/Mrs. Harris     4th 201
6:40 Mrs. Winslow/Mrs. Torres/Mr. Harb     5th 202
7:00 5th Grade CIMI Parent Meeting
7:00 Junior High Parents will visit your child’s classes using their schedule

Back to School Picnic
The North Tustin Parent Association invites all North Tustin families to attend the Back to School Picnic on Friday, September 11th at 4:00-7:00 pm at Cedar Grove Park. The picnic is a great way for all families to visit, eat, play games, and get to know each other. The Picnic Ticket Order Form is due to the front office by Friday, September 4th.

Junior High Sports
Football practice will be held at the Tustin Sports Park Monday, August 24th from 3:30-5:00 pm. Junior high volleyball will be starting Monday, August 24th. Practice will be held on campus at the basketball court. Please wear Fairmont Private School physical athletic attire.Athletic forms are due to coaches before the season begins. Please see Mrs. Letson-Drake and Mr. Huicochea for more information.

All athletes must turn in:
Athletic Emergency Health Form
Medical Consent Form
Student Athlete Physical Examination Form

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, North Tustin Campus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 Welcome Back!



The North Tustin Campus would like to welcome all our students back to school! We are looking forward to a great school year in 2015-2016. We hope you enjoyed your summer break and are excited to start the new year.

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, North Tustin Campus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 Director's Message

Welcome Back
Many thanks for a fantastic start to our school year. As always, you are a spectacular group of parents. Our students are coming to school each day with smiles and an eagerness to learn. Our wonderful teachers are thrilled to begin a new year with all of its excitement and adventures.

Carole Calabria
Historic Anaheim Campus Director


NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 News & Annoucements



Improved Newsletter Layout & Design
Just as our campuses have been polished and refreshed for the new school year, so, too, have our weekly newsletters. We’ve simplified the layout for easier navigation and incorporated a more modern design. At the top, you’ll find a “Photo of the Week,” as well as a side navigation bar pointing you to each section of the newsletter, as well as our social media sites. New sections may appear from week to week, including “Early Childhood Education,” which shows off the progress of our youngest students, “Husky Highlight” featuring exciting, relevant Fairmont Prep news, and “Director’s Message” from your Campus Director or other administrators. Each section includes a “Read More” link - just in case they happen to “go long.”
You will still find links to monthly lunch menus, campus calendars, athletic schedules and results, blog posts, pins of the week, and campus videos. Lastly, as we know, everyone loves photos of their students in action. We’ve created a Photo Gallery along the bottom of the newsletter, featuring links to the three most recent school events we’ve shared via Facebook and Flickr.
Of course, for the most recent photos, news, and information on all things Fairmont, visit www.fairmontschools.com or www.fairmontprepacademy.com and “follow,” “like,” and “subscribe” to our official Fairmont Private Schools social media pages.
Hope you enjoy the changes. Have a wonderful new school year!

Afterschool Pick Up Changes
There will no longer be a pickup area by the fifth and sixth grade classrooms. All fifth graders will be picked up on the grassy area on the north side of the street. All sixth graders with brothers and sisters will be picked up on the grassy area on the north side of the street as well. All sixth graders without siblings will be picked up on the south side of the street by the pool.

New Afterschool Sign Out Procedures
In an effort to minimize disruption to the students in Homework Club and to make the time in Homework Club as productive as possible, we will now have a sign out table located inside the gate by the library entrance. Upon arrival to school to pick up your student, please go to the table and a Student Services member will call Homework Club to call for your student. The Homework Club teacher will send your student and his/her belongings to meet you at the pick up table. This table will remain in this location until 5:30pm for parents picking up students on extended day. After 5:30pm, please go through the front office to pick up your student.

August Lunch Menus

NEWSLETTER: August 21, 2015 Welcome Back, Students!

Welcome back! It was an exciting summer at the Historic Anaheim Campus with construction projects, the arrival of new textbooks, summer school, and our Surf's Up summer camp! We are very excited to have all of our students back enjoying their lunches, playing on the playground, walking to and from exciting classes, and checking out books from the library.

We would also like to invite you to our Parent Night on Wednesday, August 26th. Our specialty teachers will be available for a meet and greet from 6:00pm to 6:20pm in front of the Junior High building. From 6:25pm to 7:45pm all parents are invited to hear their child's teacher present in the classroom. Junior High parents will follow their child's class schedule during this time.

Contributed by Fairmont Private Schools, Historic Anaheim Campus