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Rick Oser, Principal
August 17, 2010
Dear Golden Avenue Students and Families,
Welcome to the 2010-2011 school year at Golden Avenue Elementary School! I hope your summer has been wonderful and you are getting excited about the upcoming school year. I know I am certainly excited and cannot wait for August 30th to arrive.
As you look towards the next couple weeks here are some important details to remember. The first day of school is Monday, August 30th. School starts at 7:55 a.m. and dismissal is at 2:05 p.m. The kindergarten classes will be dismissed an hour early for the first five days of school at 1:05 p.m.. The kindergarten orientation will be held on Friday, August 27th at 1:00 p.m. in the school’s auditorium. We are pleased to continue to have two preschool classes; a morning class from 8:00 – 11:00 a.m. and an afternoon class from 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. The preschool orientation will be held on Friday, August 27th at 9:00 a.m. On another note, all class lists will be posted on Friday, August 27th at 5:00 p.m. in front of the school.
I am excited to share that our preliminary STAR test scores are in and once again Golden Avenue students demonstrated AMAZING growth. During the past several years, our school has grown over 140 points based on the state’s Academic Performance Index. The most remarkable growth has been in math with about 70% (up from 30% just a few years ago) of our students scoring proficient or advanced on the state’s rigorous STAR exam. We will find out shortly when the final scores arrive if I will be, as promised, shaving my head.
The Golden Avenue staff and I are committed to ensuring that we are not only developing our students’ academics but also nurturing their ability to grow as a whole child. For this reason we continue to write grants to support our Comprehensive Wellness Program. With this in mind I am thrilled to share that we will continue to have our part-time P.E. Teacher (Coach Casillas), part-time Wellness/Performing Arts Teacher (Ms. Petway), before school jogging club, daily Positive Action curriculum, gardening program and an extensive array of after school programs. In addition, we were recently awarded a Federal Grant for a counseling program what will provide additional positive support for our students. Finally, through a partnership with UCSD’s School of Medicine we will very shortly have a school-based clinic on campus for our students and families and a parent-community liaison to assist families in accessing healthcare and community resources. Without question this year will provide our students with a wonderful school experience.
As we start the year our PTA President, Mrs. Emma Rios, and I welcome you to the First Day Parent Social on August 30th at 8:05 a.m. Coffee and breakfast items will be provided, plus you will get a jump start on all of the exciting events that are just around the corner. I hope you can join us and help kick off the year!
The arrival of a new school year always brings about a great deal of excitement. This year will definitely live up to these expectations. On behalf of the Golden Avenue staff, thank you for your partnership and the opportunity to educate your child. This is a privilege that we fully enjoy and cherish!
Sincerely,
Rick Oser
Welcome to the 2010-2011 School Year
at Golden Avenue Elementary!
Important Information
School Starts: Wednesday, August 30, 2010
School Hours: K – 6th 7:55 a.m. – 2:05 p.m.
1:05 p.m. early dismissal for kinder only (8/30 – 9/3)
Morning Preschool 8:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Afternoon Preschool 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Kinder Orientation: Friday, August 27th 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. in the auditorium
Preschool Orientation: Friday, August 27th 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. in room 9
Class Rosters
Class rosters will be posted on Friday, August 27th at 5:00 p.m. at the front of the school.
Attendance
Last year Golden Avenue had the best attendance rate in the district! Let’s continue to do our part to hold onto this title. Attendance and being on time is incredibly important to your child’s education. Students should plan on being at school between 7:40 a.m. and 7:55 a.m. The school day starts promptly at 7:55 a.m. with a morning message on the blacktop. Students are expected to be in their class line on the blacktop at the 7:55 a.m. bell. Please help your child get off to a great start by being on time each and every day. Supervision of students is available each morning starting at 7:30 a.m. Please do not plan for your children to wait at school prior to 7:30 a.m. In the event that your child is absent, please call the attendance hotline at (619) 825-5742. “On Time! Every Day! That’s the Golden Avenue Way!”
Before and After School Programs
To ensure student safety, students should be picked up by 2:15 p.m. There are several after school programs families can consider for after school childcare. The Lemon Grove School District’s Extended Day Program provides a before and after school learning program. The program is free of charge and includes access to a wide array of learning and physical activities. Space is limited and currently there is a waiting list. For more information please call (619) 825-2655. In addition, there is a YMCA Childcare program on campus. For more information and for childcare rates, please call their main office at (619) 464-1323. Finally, the Lemon Grove Recreation Center is available for children although this year they are making modifications to their after school program. Registration and details can be obtained by visiting the Recreation Center or calling (619) 825-3815.
Our Cafeteria Program
Our cafeteria provides a healthy breakfast and a nutritious lunch each day for FREE. This year, the school district will operate a Non-Price Meal Program. The breakfast program will be “Grab And Go” and will consist of breakfast items, fruit and milk. All students can grab a breakfast as they enter the school. The goal is to increase the opportunities for students to get their day off with a healthy start.
Snacks
In an effort to address the childhood obesity crisis only healthy snacks (e.g. fruit, veggies, etc.) and healthy drinks (e.g. water, milk, 100% juice drinks) are to be consumed by Golden Avenue students during recess time. This year, the Lemon Grove School District’s Nutrition Services Department will provide fruit and vegetable snacks to the students for no-charge. Families are welcome to send their child to school with a snack or to take advantage of free snack. Together, we can battle the obesity crisis and develop healthy eating habits. | 
