August 24, 2018

August 24, 2018

My nephew Shaan is a senior at Davis High School. I can’t believe it!! I was there in the hospital room on the day he was born.  I have avoided going to his football games because it freaks me out to watch him play. He is a quarter back and the aunt(mom) in me can’t stand seeing him get tackled. Just like I dislike watching when my son is pitching in baseball. But since he is a senior and his last year at home before he is off to college we are all going tonight to cheer him on. I will be watching with one eye open!  

You know what they say, "You only have one time to make a good first impression."  So, teachers take great care in the way you set up your classrooms, dress for success, and display personal touches of love. What parents mostly want to know is if the teacher is nice and if their children will be loved during this 180 day learning journey.  

Goals for the first six weeks

Teachers are experts on curriculum and pedagogy, but parents are experts on their own children—how the children absorb information, what delights them, how they show that they’re upset, what comforts them. During the first six weeks, we can create a climate of respect, trust, and collaboration with these valuable educational partners. Here are the three main goals in this early work with parents:

Help parents feel welcomed and valued. Show that you’re excited to work with their child. Reassure them that their opinions, interests, and family culture matter to you. As one parent of a second grader said, “It’s so important to me that the teacher has a welcoming demeanor and shows that she wants you to be part of your child’s education.”

Welcome parents to play an active role. Begin sending the message that you want parents to visit the classroom, send notes, call you, and voice opinions.

Build community among families. Help parents get to know each other. When parents share positive relationships, they’re more likely to get their children together outside of school, take part in school life, and seek help if their children need it.

Please welcome:

My name is Kim Mihelich and I am Suisun Valley's new School Counselor! I wanted to take this moment to wish you an amazing 2018-2019 school year! As you know, I will have limited time at your site, but I do plan to make the most of it with effective presentations to your 8th grade students.

Just a little bit about me—I received my Master’s in Counseling from Sonoma State University and became a K-8 Counselor after graduation. After a year, I made the move to FSUSD where I worked as a counselor at Rodriguez High School for the past three school years.  I am excited to bring my experience to your students, and help them understand what it really takes to succeed in high school, the various options students have after high school, as well as touch upon those social/emotional struggles that I saw them bring to high school as 9th grade students. I have a brand new 4-month-old daughter, which is why I have dropped down to a .4 position. So, while I will only be working two days a week (Tuesdays and Thursdays), I will be able to provide my full attention to my K-8 schools. 

My name is Amy Weisz and I teach 6th grade at SV. I grew up on a farm in Iowa the youngest of 11 children.   We moved to Fairfield over 20 years ago. I have been married to my husband Mark for 26 years and we have raised 3 children; Brian (23), Thomas ( 20) , and Rachel (19) all here in the FSUSD community.  I have subbed in the district for over 10 years .  Currently,  I am getting my multiple subject credential at Brandman University.  I originally had a Bachelor of Science in Business-  Marketing from Iowa State University.  My hobbies include teaching spin classes, water aerobics, total body fitness, and various other classes at In Shape.  I love to read, hike, and travel.

I am passionate about my immediate and extended family.  Working at Suisun Valley Elementary is an exciting new adventure for me and I am looking forward to working with a great team.

Observable Fish Moments at SV:

Be There: Thank you Mindi, Melissa S., Denise, Melissa H. and Michelle for doing a great job with our 7th and 8th grade orientation.

Play: I have observed teachers playing with their students during recess!! FUN!! 

 Choose your attitude: If you cannot be positive, then at least, be quiet. 

Make Their Day:  A great idea: Eat lunch with a student and get to know them one on one.