SCALES TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY1115 W. 5TH ST., TEMPE, ARIZONA 85281 480-929-9909

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The Innovator

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A MESSAGE FROM PRINCIPAL DAVID DIOKNO

Welcome back to another wonderful school year! As always, it is excellent to see all the smiling faces (parents and students alike). We had great news over the summer. Scales Technology Academy showed tremendous growth across the board as measured by our NWEA MAP (Measure of Academic Progress), DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills), and AIMS (Ar i zona Ins t rument to Measure Standards) Assessment Data. Every grade level showed growth over the previous year. AIMS, which is the state test, represented a shining gem for us. Based on the AIMS test , Scales Technology Academy improved from a label of Performing, to Performing Plus. We also made AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress). We are very proud of our students, teachers, and parents for the hard work that went into helping us increase our achievement. With this in mind, we need to continue our laser focus on the pursuit of even greater academic excellence. My continuing message to parents is to be involved in your child’s (or children’s) education.

September 2009, Issue 13

On September 24th, NED and his yo-yo buddies visited Scales Technology Academy. They taught us the keys to success at school. N - Never give upE - Encourage othersD - Do your best

We also heard some fun stories and learned some new yo-yo tricks. Join us in being a scales school NED!

NED

Visited

Scales

SCALES TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY1115 W. 5TH ST., TEMPE, ARIZONA 85281 480-929-9909

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Dear Parents and Guardians!A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL WHO

DONATED UNIFORM CLOTHING! We look forward to working with you to help keep your children healthy, happy and ready to learn. Please make sure your child gets a good 10-12 hours sleep on a school night and eats a good breakfast every day. Please make sure teeth are brushed before school and they are bathed and in clean uniform clothing every day. Please also encourage daily playtime and exercise. Drinking lots of water and eating lots of vegetable and fruits will keep your child healthy. Washing hands before and after eating and coughing or sneezing is very important.

If your child has a cough or a fever (100 or higher) or has vomited in the last 24 hours, please KEEP your child home and do not send to school. We are trying to keep the illnesses under control and appreciate your support in this matter. If your child is sick at school, other children and teachers will get sick too. At home, give many clear, warm fluids and have your child rest. Please take your child to the doctor/clinic if his/her condition does not improve after 24 hours.Thank you,Halyna Chirovsky, RN, BSNScales School Nurse (480) 929- 9909 ext. 6903

A NOTE FROM THE NURSE

Volunteer Opportunity!ART MASTERPIECE TRAINING

Looking for a way to be actively involved in the classroom – one that is fun and rewarding for you and the students in your child’s class? The Art Masterpiece Program is it! Attend the intensive training October 27 & 29 from 9:00 – noon, and learn how to become an Art Guide. Learn how to lead a discussion about an art print. All you need will be provided. No expertise is necessary, only a sincere desire to share a learning experience with young people through a mutual enjoyment and appreciation of art. The level of commitment after that is up to you. Email Pat Burdette, TD#3 Visual Art Specialist at pburdett@tempeschools.org or call 480.897.6228 x 5689 with questions or to register.

Students return to schoolReady to Learn!

SCALES TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY1115 W. 5TH ST., TEMPE, ARIZONA 85281 480-929-9909

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Mr. Diokno Continued

Ask kids questions and encourage them to ask questions. Keep an open dialog with teachers and school staff. Volunteer and see how you can help support the educational process. We (parents, school staff, and students) are a team that will nurture and produce the leaders of tomorrow. Thank you for all that you do and continue to promote academic and social excellence at Scales Technology Academy. If you would like to see our websites of the day, morning announcements, or other information that helps in the educational process, please check out our school website, http://www.scalestechnologyacademy.org and at facebook, http://www.facebook.com/ScalesTechnologyAcademy. Here’s to another stellar school year!

The Purpose of Early Release Daysat TD3 Elementary Schools

Parents - Have you ever wondered the purpose of early dismissal on Fridays in Tempe School District #3?

Early release is structured work time for teachers every Friday. The district dictates the calendar for each Friday; the Elementary Schools’ schedule is for school staff development, teacher collaboration, individual planning, report card preparation, or parent/teacher conferences. Middle Schools schedule staff development, school content area collaboration, or report card preparation. School staff development days focus on the needs of each individual school. Some examples of training taking place on these days include Data Driven Decision Making/Student Data Analysis, Writing with the Six-Traits, Using Student Engagement, Student Critical Thinking, and Content Specific training.

Grade Level and Content Collaboration allow teachers the opportunity to develop plans and strategies to work with their students. Teachers develop unit and lesson plans together. They analyze data for students in their grade/content area and discuss ways to better meet students’ needs.

The individual planning allows for lesson and unit preparation. Teachers use the time individually or again in teams to prepare lessons and materials matching the Arizona Academic Standards. Allowing time during the work day for teacher professional development, planning, and collaboration is valuable to increase skills of every teacher so they can better meet the needs of every student.

Free English Classes for Parents!!

Join other parents learning English on Monday and Tuesday evenings from 5:00 to 7:30. Classes are held in the Scales Orchestra room. Enter through the cafeteria and follow the arrows

News From Mrs. Fierros’ ClassIn Mrs. Fierros’ class this year, the

children are excited about our annual unit on health. They are learning about muscles, the skeleton, organs, and the importance of exercise and diet.

We are all very proud of students for maintaining their reading skills over the summer. Each student is setting an excellent example of being a good citizen who is trustworthy and honest, and shows responsibility for themselves and others.

The children are earning their stars everyday by practicing our codes of conduct: safety, respect and courtesy.

SCALES TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY1115 W. 5TH ST., TEMPE, ARIZONA 85281 480-929-9909

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Homework can directly impact a child’s success in the classroom. Below are some positive steps proven to boost student achievement. Establish a RoutineThis means helping students designate a set time and place where they can comfortably — and routinely — hit the books without being disturbed.

Be a Study BuddyMany times, especially when a child feels overwhelmed with a task or assignment, parents can offer support by simply helping their child study. This involves quizzing a child, teaching a child study strategies, or helping a child get organized. Sometimes the

simple act of giving a child attention during difficult tasks can boost a child’s morale and effort. Encourage and SupportMost importantly, a parent can serve as a cheerleader! Homework should not be a punishment or a time that’s dreaded. Approach homework with a positive attitude and consistently reward the child with positive verbal feedback. Children do not require treats or presents for their success; moreover, children thrive on verbal support and encouragement. For example, if a child consistently does their homework without complaining, remind them each day, “I love how you always do your homework with such a great attitude!”

HOMEWORK TIPSBy Mrs. Lueck

2009-2010Indian Parent Committee Meetings

Tempe School District No. 3Indian Education Programs

Johnson O’Malley and Title VII

The 2009-2010 Johnson O’Malley and Title VII Indian Parent Committee Meetings are scheduled in the Library at Frank School, 8409 S. Avenida del Yaqui, Guadalupe, 85283. Meetings are held from 6:00 to approximately 7:30 p.m. on the 2nd Wednesday of the month every quarter.

Important note: Childcare is provided during these parent meetings.

DATESSeptember 9

November 18

February 10

April 14If you have any questions, please contact

the Indian Education Office at (480) 730-7221.

SCALES TECHNOLOGY ACADEMY1115 W. 5TH ST., TEMPE, ARIZONA 85281 480-929-9909

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2009-2010 AFTER SCHOOL CLUBSDay Club Teacher Location Grade Level

Mon/Tue/Wed SHAC – Student Homework Accountability Club

Trim/Fierros/Piccioli

Library 2nd - 5th

Tuesday iPod Literacy Laneback/Trim

Library 1st-5th

Monday and Tuesday

Fitness club Piccioli Gym and Field 4th and 5th

Monday and Wednesday

5th Grade Math Masters

Houghton Room 205 5th Grade

Wednesday Performing Arts Laneback & Gartland

Gym/Stage 2nd- 5th Grade

Tuesday Mallet Madness Finkle Room 118 4th

Wednesday Mallet Madness Finkle Room 118 5th

Tuesday Garden Club Bosen Room 211 Begins October 20th

Monday Visual Arts Program Laneback Room 202 3rd -5th grade

Saturday Technology School Laneback Cafeteria 2nd – 5th grade

Important Information about After School Clubs The late bus will run on Tuesday & Wednesday only. Parents need to make arrangements for their

student(s) to be picked up on Mondays. Students will not be allowed to leave campus before 3:55 unless a parent/guardian picks them up.

Students must be picked up no later than 4:00. Saturday school hours will be 9:00 - 12:00. Mrs. Finkle will schedule morning choir at a later date.

Clubs will start the week of September 8th, except Garden Club, which will start on October 20th. Parents need to contact the teacher listed to enroll their student(s) in a club.

Students enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables

thanks to the Department of Agriculture’s

Eating Healthy Grant