November 2014
The
community will provide a
variety of instruction to
our students to gain the—
Knowledge
Necessary to become
Independent thinkers,
Goal setters, and
High achievers for
Today and tomorrow
Successfully.
Creating Lifelong Learners
Principal Points
Dear Knight Family,
I hope that you are enjoying the wonderful change in seasons, time has
been moving quickly, and now we welcome November. During this
time of year we often reflect upon the many reasons we have to be
thankful. As educators, we are so very fortunate to be able to serve as
guides along the learning journey for your children. We are most
gracious for the opportunity to serve you and your children, while you
and your family make the tremendous sacrifice of protecting our great
nation. Please know that we appreciate you and your families very
much!
This month we celebrate Native American Heritage Month and Military Family Appreciation
Month. Continue reading the newsletter to find out the other two highlights of this month.
Please check out our calendar of events to make sure you don't miss anything! A very special
thank you is extended to each of you for supporting the PTO Basket Bonanza and movie night. It
could not have happened without your continued support!
Join us as we have our first School Advisory Council (SAC) meeting, Wednesday, November 19tŚ.
We look forward to seeing you at our first quarter Awards
Ceremony in conjunction with Red Ribbon Art Contest Winners for 1st-3rd place recipients in
grades 4th-6th.
Lastly, I trust your parent teacher conferences were enlightening. Please continue to stay in
contact with your child's teacher. You should be aware of what he/she is studying weekly,
results of assessments, and how you can help at home. Don't forget we have lots of useful
technology tools to help make learning fun too! We have a passion for helping each child reach
his or her highest academic potential. However, in the midst of it all, we will not forget that we
are dealing with children and we want to make learning enjoyable. Although we have high
hopes for each child, let's remember that they only get to be a child once; let's help make it
memorable.
Gwendolyn Baxter-Oakley
Arnn ES Principal
DSN: 267-6112
Commercial: 0428-69-6112
DoDEA ~ Japan
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Influenza season is just around the corner, and can affect our community at any given time.
Getting the flu vaccine as soon as it is available can provide protection if the flu season comes
early. It takes about 2 weeks for protection to develop after getting the flu vaccination. The
Camp Zama immunization clinic has started offering the flu vaccination to the community as of
mid-October. If you and your children have not received the influenza vaccine, please stop by
the Camp Zama Immunization Clinic to get your flu shot. For those of you who do not like
needles, the Flumist nasal spray is available this year. Please take the time to go to the
immunization clinic today to protect your family from the Flu! GET IMMUNIZED!
School-wide health screenings- We had a successful school-wide health screening last month,
from 21-23 Oct and screened over 200 students this year! We were able to measure height and
weight; screen students’ vision and hearing; and we made referrals to parents for students who
had vision/hearing discrepancies. Early identification of those discrepancies can easily be
corrected in young children so they can be more successful learners. A special thanks to the
following wonderful volunteers that made the screenings possible. THANK YOU!!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES!!
The Torres Information Center Information Specialistis in need of volunteers to
help: inventory, shelve books, and relocate books in the Torres Information Center. If
you are interested in this important opportunity, please stop by the school for an orientation
on Mondays or Fridays. After the orientation, volunteers are welcomed Monday - Friday 8:00
to 3:00.
Another opportunity for volunteering is with our Literacy Support Program͘dŚĞƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ
is looking for volunteers to help organize materials for our new literacy intervention
program that has just started. For more information please email him at:
Arnn Events in November
We recognize the month of November as:
Native American History Month
Military Family Appreciation Month
National Novel Writing Month
“Movember”- Spotlight on Men’s Health Month
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
Arnn PTO
A BIG thank you to all the parents, students, teachers and staff that helped make our Basket
Bonanza a great success!
As the holidays approach, your PTO will be planning some special treats for the students and
teachers. As always, if you would like to get involved please contact [email protected].
The next popcorn/box top Friday will be November 14th. If you would like to help,
It is really a lot of fun!
The Arnn PTO would like to wish you all a very safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.
What: PTO Winter Holiday Movie Night
When: Thursday, December 4th
Details: We will read Dr. Seuss’s The Grinch and watch the (classic cartoon) movie. Hot
chocolate and cookies will be served.
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
Message from Registrar:
PCSing?
If you know you will PCS soon, please share this information with us at least ten days in advance
of your departure. You can use approximate dates and we can always change this later. This
gives us time to have all your children's records ready for you to hand-carry to your next
installation. We have the withdrawal form electronically as well, so just shoot us an e-mail and
we will send it on.
Thank you
Doing it Write!
Everyone at Arnn is always learning. Students are given checks throughout the school
year to see how we are doing. Two of these specific checks are for reading and writing.
Using the results from these assessments, Arnn has developed a writing goal to help our
students improve. Across the school, teachers are using similar strategies: Modeling
writing for students, using Daily Fix It practice and sharing finished writing with
classmates. As students develop their writing, teachers are working on training students
to edit each other’s work; a peer review strategy.
Our school goal is have each grade level average a 3 in each of 6 different writing
traits. Arnn students are given a local writing assessment 3 times a year. Arnn uses the
6+1 Traits of Writing® model of instruction that defines quality of writing. On 26
September, Arnn staff members got together to look at student writing from the
beginning of the year. Kindergarten through 2nd grade uses a primary rubric (a guide
listing specific criteria for scoring) supporting the 6+1 Traits of Writing®. Grades 3-6 use an
elementary rubric also supporting the Triats.
Based on the average scores below, Arnn is well on our way to meeting that goal of 3 in
each trait by grade level!
K-2 Grade Average Writing Scores
Beginning of Year - Sept 2014
3-6 Grade Average Writing Scores
Beginning of Year - Sept 2014
3.50
3.50
3.00
3.00
2.50
2.00
2.57
2.40
2.40
2.56
2.50
2.50
2.33
1.50
1.00
1.00
0.50
0.50
Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
Sentence
Fluency
Conventions
2.83
3.02
2.78
2.90
2.95
Sentence
Fluency
Conventions
2.00
1.50
0.00
3.00
0.00
Ideas
Organization
Voice
Word Choice
If you would like more information about our writing assessment, scoring rubrics or the
results, please contact the main office at DSN 267-6112.
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
Dear Families,
Ever wonder what happens on a Teacher Professional Development Day? Well,
on Friday, October 24th, teachers met and collaborated. dŚĞƉƌŝŶĐŝƉĂů
opened the morning by comparing teachers to students. She shared that we
are all life-long learners, which is in fact what our Vision is here at Arnn ES,
Creating Life-Long Learners. KƵƌ GEƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ shared updates on how our school's
accreditation process will change. We will be moving towards a more collective, Japan
District accreditation in the future. Everyone works together. KindergartenƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ shared the many
ways she collects and uses student data in her classroom to inform her about what students know and
are able to do. This helps her making informed teaching decisions. KƵƌEducational Technologist
followed up by training teachers in some basic and advanced uses of Excel for making graphs and
sharing information with parents about their children. Please ask about your child's reading and writing
data in the upcoming conferences.
Did you know that one of our school goals is in writing? dǁŽKindergartenƚĞĂĐŚĞƌƐ, and
the rest of the Writing Committee led a great conversation about the use of writing data, including the 6
Traits of Writing, and how to use it for teaching your child as well as helped our teachers K-2 and 3-6
select banded writing prompts for our school wide writing assessment. KƵƌ PEƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ led the
teachers in some SMART movements to activate our brains for better learning. It looked more like a
dance party than ŵany of your children are doing these SMART moves every day in school. Just ask
them about the moves ƚŚĞǇĚŽŝŶW. KƵƌ ArtƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ, collected information about what
teachers wanted to learn more about to become even better teachers. This will guide our future
professional development. first gradeƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ, shared how she groups students for guided reading and
walked teachers through a typical guided reading lesson in her classroom. It was very informative!
It was a busy and productive day!
Interested in being a part of Professional Development days here at Arnn ES? Parents are always
welcome and encouraged to join. Our next one will be on December 12th͘
Please consider attending.
Very respectfully,
Arnn Elementary School CSI Leadership Team Co-Chairs
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
Arnn’s Direction:
School-wide Goals:
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
Dear Parents,
What an exciting month we’ve had; special guest presenters on Drug Awareness and
Character Education, Red Ribbon week, and our Operation Christmas Child kick off. The
students are excited about filling those shoeboxes with all the wonderful gifts for special
children in need. The Senior Knight Delegates went into the classrooms with poise and
confidence to give details about Operation Christmas Child. All the classrooms will be filling
1 -2 shoeboxes with gifts. What better way to teach our kids the importance of giving back
and serving others. “Happiness doesn't result from what we get, but from what we
give.”
CHARACTER EDUCATION:
This month’s focus for Character Education is CITIZENSHIP.
I will be in classrooms
discussing what it means to be a good citizen. Please help your help your kids with
understanding this character trait. It is important for kids to learn how to do their share to
make their school and community a better place.
Remember…Character Counts!
Operation Christmas Child
Don’t forget to get your gift to fill those shoeboxes.
Due Thursday, 13 November 2014
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
A Small Gift Makes A Big Difference!
Arnn ES will join Samaritan Purse Operation Christmas Child program in sending shoebox gifts to hurting children
around the world. Samaritan’s Purse started as an emergency relief organization in response to 3.11 earthquake
and tsunami in 2011 and Operation Christmas Child program was added in 2012. Since 1970, Samaritan’s Purse has
help meet the needs of people who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine.
Arnn Elementary School wants to give back.
Here’s how it works:


Use a standard size shoebox
Determine whether the gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category (2-4, 5-9,
10-14)
 Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child
 Make your donation (700 yen per box – donation covers project expenses)
 Send shoebox to Collection Center (Ambassador program will take care of that)
It’s as easy as that!
We would like school wide participation.
1 – 2 boxes per class (your choice)
Shoe boxes will be provided
No more than 100 yen contribution per student (depends on number of students and boxes each class has)
You can be a part of this amazing program by packing a shoebox full of fun items for a child!
Our very own Senior Knight Delegates will be coordinating this charitable project.
“It is always better to give than to receive.”
GIFT SUGGESTIONS

Toys: Include items that children will immediately embrace such as dolls, toy cars, stuffed animals,
kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, balls, toys that light up and make noise (with extra
batteries), etc.

School Supplies: pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons, markers, notebooks, paper, solar
calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.

Non-Liquid Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, bar soap, combs, washcloths, etc.

Accessories: t-shirts, socks, hats, sunglasses, hair clips, jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra
batteries), etc.

A Personal Note: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. If you
include your name and address, the child may be able to write back.

Do Not Include: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military
figures; chocolate or food; out-of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable
items such as snow globes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Remember to buy age appropriate gifts!
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
Hey, Mom and Dad!
Want to see how I am doing?
Do you have concerns regarding your child’s (birth-36
months) growth and development?
Want to find out “How I am doing?”
Early Intervention can help.
Call DSN 267-6145 or 042-869-6145 to find out more and
schedule a developmental screening for your child.
2013 All information gathered is confidential and reviewed by trained EDIS staff members.
If you have developmental questions/concerns
regarding your school-aged child (3- 6th grade),
please contact Arnn Elementary School at
267.6011
To stay up to the minute with Arnn ES news and upcoming events, “Like” the Facebook pages of the Arnn PTO and
the United States Army Garrison. You can also access us 24/7 via Arnn Extranet—KnightNet at
https://arnn.pac.dodea.edu
WE NEED APPLICANTS
To Fill Vacant Special Educational Aide,
Lead Monitor and Substitute Positions
Please stop by pick up your substitute application today.
To apply for the aide or monitor position, go to:
http://www.dodea.edu/Pacific/offices/HR/pacVacancies.cfm
OR
Call the School’s main office @ 267-6112 for more information.
SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL (SAC)
The School Advisory Council (SAC) is a group developed to help create an efficient and
productive work environment for students attending Arnn Elementary School. The purpose
of the SAC is to ad vise the school principal on educational matters that affect students and
parents including but not limited to:


School Policies
Administrative procedures


Instructional programs and educational resources
Pupil Services (health, lunch, special ed., testing, etc.)


Allocation of resources
Policies or standards of DODDS that affect the above
You are welcome to submit any agenda items that you f e el should be discussed to any of the
members listed below and at the first meeting which will be held at Arnn Elementary School.
Please remember that SAC does not discuss items
pertaining to personnel policies, compensation,
grievance of employees, and/or internal
management of DoDDS programs or monetary
matters. However, we may be able to refer you to
Join Us
the correct department.
Wednesday,
November 19th
Please join us for our first meeting on 19
November; the deadline to submit topics for the
agenda is 11 November 2014.