Mark Twain Elementary Home

Principal's Message for August-September 2019:
 
Dear Parents/Guardians:

 

Welcome Back to the 2019-2020 school year!
 
We are very proud to announce that we made incremental growth in English Language Arts and Mathematics on the California state test (SBAC 2019). Our growth signifies our journey on the path of continuous improvement. Teachers, students, parents, and I are excited to begin the new school year with such great momentum of success!
 
As we continue our mission of getting our students to become college and career ready, we are focusing on student data to make decisions in lesson design, strategies, and shared best practices .Teachers continue to hold collaborative discussions during grade level planning, guided planning and data reflections.  During my classroom observations, I will be monitoring and evaluating instruction to ensure that we are committed to providing the best education to all our students in a safe, caring, nurturing environment.
 
This school year, we will continue our focus on the Growth Mindset. A person or student with a growth mindset embrace challenges, give their best effort, learn from feedback, become inspired by other’s people’s successes, and believe their intelligence can change if they work hard. At Mark Twain, we focus on the process of effort. Students are reminded to never give up and always do their best. In relation to the District Common Assessment, our 1st-6th grade students create goals which creates a plan and vision for their success. Students are reminded that our brain acts like a muscle-the more we use it, the stronger and smarter our brain becomes.
 
We must prepare our students with the technological skills relevant to the 21st century. This school year, we are excited for the addition of 2 chromebook carts. We are proud to be the elementary school with the most chromebooks. In terms of instruction, teachers are integrating technology in their lessons and classroom activities. Students are using Edge, Newsela, Spelling City, and other programs to support our students instructional needs. Our teachers are receiving continuous professional development in using technology to augment and supplement their lesson delivery and reinforcement of key skills/concepts.
 
In terms of the California Common Core Standards, it is our goal to achieve incremental growth over the upcoming District Unit assessments. Beginning with the Unit 1 District Benchmark test, parents receive a progress report. Please keep in mind that this is one indicator of your child’s overall academic progress.
 
During Back to School Night, parents will be provided the opportunity to visit the classroom and meet your child’s teacher. Teachers will review academic/behavior expectations, goals, and procedures for the new school year. 
 
During parent conferences, please speak with your child’s teacher regarding your child’s performance.
Parent conference are a great opportunity to discuss and develops short/long term goals to improve and augment your child’s’ academic success. As a suggestion, come prepared with written questions and concerns to address the needs of your child. Research shows that parent involvement is vital to your child’s’ academic success.
 
As Principal, I am not only committed to striving for academic success but I firmly believe in having expanded enrichment opportunities to foster motivation, self-esteem and a passion for life-long learning. 
 
Please continue to motivate and support your children by making sure that they are present, punctual, and complete their assignments. 
 
Sincerely,
 
Edward Espino, M.Ed., M.S
Principal