April Newsletter

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April Newsletter

January Newsletter

Here is the January Newsletter!!!


January Newsletter

Information from the District

Mondays: Early Out and Minimal Days

In addition to the regular “Early Out Mondays”, the Alpine School District Board of Education has included four “Minimal Mondays” --September 27, November 1, February 27 and March 28--in the calendar to provide times for teacher professional development and collaboration.

In past years, the state legislature provided funds to pay teachers outside of regular class time (professional development days during the school year where students had the day off); unfortunately, tough economic times forced the state to cut all of these funds.

You will notice that ‘Early Out Mondays” are now 10 minutes longer than last year. This extra 10 minutes on most Mondays allow us to continue to provide your students with the same amount of instructional time during the school year, while still allowing four “Minimal Days” for teacher training.

Monday Early Out Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why do we need to create collaboration time?

Educational research underscores the benefits of teacher involvement in a learning community. Teachers working in collaborative teams afford a way for self-improvement while keeping student learning central. Effective schools research also shows positive outcomes for student learning in collaborative schools. Programs in Alpine School District have validated the power of collaborative Professional Learning Communities.

Why a learning community?

Eaker and DuFour (1998) maintain that developing the ability of school personnel to function as a professional learning community is the most promising strategy for sustained, substantive school improvement. Roberts and Pruitt (2003) agree: “As educators collaboratively engage in conversation and deliberate about teaching and learning, they gain new knowledge and discover original ways to resolve instructional issues.” (p. 20)

Will students lose instructional time?

The state of Utah requires 990 hours of classroom instruction per year. Additional time during the week is banked in order to release students early on Monday and meet the 990 rule.

Why do elementary & secondary schools have a common collaboration day?

It is a transportation issue. It becomes financially impractical to fund additional buses for different days.

Why an “early-out day” instead of a “late-start day”?

When determining to implement collaboration time, patrons overwhelmingly supported an early-out over a late start.

Why do we need to meet every week?

This is the most productive schedule. Educational research promotes the notion that students benefit from regular, structured teacher collaboration time. The research portrays that student learning increases when teachers work collaboratively. As teachers share strategies, lesson plans, and work together to solve learning issues, students benefit.

What should teachers be doing during collaboration time?

Teachers are expected to focus on four essential questions:

1. What do we expect students to learn?
2. How will we know what students have learned?
3. How will we respond to students who aren’t learning?
4. How will we respond to students who are learning at a faster pace than their peers?

It is about sharing ideas, experiences, common assessments, strategies, and proposing changes in school culture that really promote student learning.

Is this really worth it?

Yes! Teachers become empowered professionally to improve student learning. Mentoring of new teachers is enhanced. It really works!

Reflections Help

Heather Thomas, our Reflections gal, is in need of some volunteers for the awards ceremony this Thursday, Nov. 11th.  Here is what she needs:

-a person to pick-up and deliver balloons to the school before 5:30pm
-a person to pick-up and deliver refreshments before 5:30pm
-a person(s) to host the awards ceremony that evening 6-7pm

I'm sure she would appreciate any help.  Please contact Heather (801-420-8075) asap.

Thanks for your help!

November Newsletter

Click on the link below to view the Novemver Newsletter.

November Newsletter

Family Skate Night

Tonight is Family Skate Night at the Classic Skating in Orem.  It will run from 5:30 to 8:30.  Admission is free.  Skate Rental is $1.  Scooters and Blades are $3.  There are also some $2 dinner deals.  Your child should have had a flyer come home with them today.  Hope to see you all there.

October Newsletter

Please click on the link below to view the October PTA Newsletter. 


October Newsletter (pdf)