April 1, 2022

 

Dylan just finished basketball season and now is onto soccer. This is his last year at junior high and off to high school next year with Maya and Chris. He was only 3 years old when I started here at Suisun Valley. 

A Teacher’s Success Story in FSUSD 

I have a student who never turns  in any work (almost literally), is often late to class and is generally just insubordinate.  Some might look at him as a BIG problem on campus--I think I did.  This student wouldn't even shake my hand.  

I was often at my wits end on how to reach this kid.  I can honestly say that I was ready to give up and just let him fail.  I witnessed another adult on campus treat a similar student with compassion and figured I owed it to him to give it another try.  

I can't pinpoint what it was exactly that I did--other than change my attitude towards him. I didn't confront him, nor did I lambast him (which he probably deserved)--I made a point to be positive and calm--it was tough.  I didn't continue to point out all of the things he was doing that were incorrect/out of line.  He must've seen it or been in a place where he could see it and understood.  What happened next surprised me--Recently on a Monday morning he showed up on time and shook my hand.  That day he turned in an assignment! Since then he has turned in a number of assignments and they were even well thought out and complete.  He had not turned anything in for months.  He didn't become an angel, nor has he turned in every assignment--but he has turned in most and he is now participating.  He is respectful and is not causing as many disruptions and I am very thankful that I was open to learning that even the seemingly unreachable can be reached.  I am left with the understanding that I made a difference and that this student has made a difference in me too.  He has helped me remember that some students need me to not quit on them.  It seemed like I gave him 100 chances--when he needed 101. 

I am reminded that these kids can change and will change if we give them the chance.

Grades 3-8: Please start practicing SBAC

It's a good time to start having students explore the CAASPP Practice & Training Tests. This will help prepare them for the CAASPP summative that they will be taking place in April. Please go to https://www.fsusd.org/assessment and click on the green button "CAASPP Practice and Training Tests" to access the site. Then select student interface practice and training tests. Students and teachers can access as a Guest at school. Once you get logged as Guest, you'll need to select a grade. Be sure to practice performance test and practice test for your grade level. If you are in grades 5 or 8 practice the California Science Test (CAST). 

Observable Fish Moments at SV:

Be There: Thank you Mr. Kimble for stepping up and coaching for our boy's soccer team when we didn't have anyone else. I know you do a lot for our school and we appreciate you! 

Play: What is one fun thing you have planned for your class to do outside?  

Choose your attitude: Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. 

Make Their Day:  Thank you for working HARD every day to make a student's day!!