How to Talk so Kids will Listen

Great Class for parents.  This is offered Oct. 2nd.
Please check out the link    KID TALK

Helping Your Child Succeed in School

This webinar will be held on Monday, September 10, from 8:00-9:00 p.m.  and will be presented by two Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Family Life Program Specialists.

Please see the attached flyer and also see the details of how a webinar works at this Extension website: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/families/page/sop-webinar

You will need a computer with Internet access in order to participate, and it’s recommended that prior to the start of the webinar you test your computer’s ability to participate.  These details are covered on the website page at the link above.

Schaller-Crestland Elementary Receives Award!

Schaller-Crestland Elementary School is making
national news!  They have been identified as a
HealthierUS School Challenge (HUSSC) School.

Julie Evans (School Nutrition Director) says that her
school nutrition staff, school professionals and a
representative of the parent organization reviewed the
application.


This effort supports the “Let’s Move” national
campaign to create better nutrition choices and
physical activity in our schools.  Congratulations
to Julie, her staff and school!!

Welcome Back 2012-2013

I am thrilled to be back in session this August.  Many of you I saw at registration and/or open house before school started.....but if I didn't "WELCOME BACK...students and parents".

I read a cute comment on twitter the other day from one of the leaders in education...his quote  "today is the best day of the year...my kids went back to school".  I had to laugh and smile as I'm sure that is how many you, as parents, felt on August 16th.  I must say it was a great day for myself as well. As a parent of 2 elementary children I felt the same way but as a Principal I was more than excited for the new year to get underway. Its great to get hugs and smiles from 200 little ones...no other job can give you that kind of feeling.  I welcomed many new families to our school this year as well as new teachers and classroom aides.

Stop in and say hi and remember if you have any questions or concerns about your child please contact us at the school.   I am excited to meet the challenges our year with face and embrace the moments spent with your children.

Principal Ellen Pickhinke

Mentoring 2011-2012

We have completed another year of mentoring at Schaller-Crestland Elementary.  The eighth grade students at RidgeView Middle School have once again given our younger students a great opportunity to listen, learn, and grow.  We had 16 mentors work with 18 mentees.  The students set goals and worked on achieving them.  Goals included both social and academic skills.  Other activities included games and crafts as well as programs on substance abuse issues.  The younger students always look forward to the time they get to spend with their mentors.  Mentees benefit  from having a role model and friend.  They know they can trust their mentor to listen and not judge.  They also have fun together.  Mentors benefit knowing they are helping others.  It is also a reason to do their best knowing someone is looking up to them.  Of the students who participated in the mentoring program, all showed improvement on self-confidence and most had good attendance and improved academics.  Watching the matches in action shows the positive impact this program has on all of the students.  It is a very valuable program helping both mentors and mentees be successful in school with impact that I’m sure follows them home.  We look forward to another great year of mentoring in 2012-1013.

Sincerely,
Jayne Wilhelm, New Opportunities
Amber Teague, Middle School Counselor
Susan Kalin, Elementary School Counselor

Kids at our school always have fun---I stumbled on these photos as the year ends and it reminds me of the dedication of our staff and success our youngsters!

Week of the young child:

The preschoolers enjoy a story at the public library and some exercies to follow.  

 Callie and Connor enjoy reading in the TK library.

Kindergarten Field Trip-

We went to the Sac City Conservation Building for the day. We got to do a scavenger hunt, a hike on the trails to find out more about plants and nature, we saw animals like snakes, turtles, and birds, and we also talked about Dinosaurs/fossils and had may different activities throughout the day. 

The kids had a great time and really enjoyed every part of the day, we even had a few tired ones on the way home!

Success- we have bonded as a class, gotten to know each other, and will remember our year in Kindergarten, we are so excited for 1st grade!