As most of you know, teachers in our school district and here at Nimitz have begun a work action known as "Work to Rule," a strategy sometimes used by unions in negotiations. This means that teachers perform only the work required by the contract. As you know, most teachers routinely work beyond their minimum required workday to meet with parents and to participate in non-mandatory school-related activities.

You can expect to see teachers declining to perform voluntary duties. Parents should understand that teachers are legally entitled to "Work to Rule." Meanwhile, teachers are obligated by law to continue to perform their contractual responsibilities. Our after-school programs, including ACE and enrichment classes are not affected by Work to Rule. For more detailed information regarding "Work to Rule" and an update on contract talks, please see the district's website (www.cupertino.k12.ca.us), or you're always welcome to contact me.

Finally, parents can expect that there will eventually be a contract settlement. The district and the teachers' union are in the process of negotiating a new contract with the assistance of an impartial state mediator. They met on Friday and apparently there was some progress made. Many districts in Santa Clara County and across the state are going through tough negotiations right now because of the state budget crisis. In the meantime, rest assured that we are doing everything we can to ensure that your child will continue to receive the excellent education we have always provided.

   -Dale Jones, Principal

The next session of our after school program will begin on Monday, March 31 and run through Friday, May 2. If you are interested in teaching an enrichment class one day a week or more, please contact the office as soon as possible, as registration will take place next week.

The next session will see a slight increase in the fee for each class, from $25 to $30 (more for cooking) and possibly the cancellation of classes for insufficient enrollment. We'll also be allowing students to sign up for more than one class during the initial registration. All of these steps are part of an effort to keep this program from losing money so that we can continue with more sessions in the future.

http://www.nimitzpta.org/parentsurvey

Your input is valuable in helping the School Site Council and staff evaluate our programs. If you prefer to fill out a paper copy of the survey, please fill out the green form enclosed in this week's blue folders and return it to your child's teacher. Copies of the survey in four languages are also available in the office. The deadline to submit your survey is Friday, April 4th. Thank you!

Please remember to collect and return your walkathon money along with the completed Walkathon sponsor form by Tuesday, March 25th. Please turn these in to your child's teacher or the office. The Nimitz PTA and the Diversity Committee would also like to thank the following businesses for their donations to the Walk-A-Thon. Please support them as they support us! Elena Fernandez of Keller William Realty
Golfland
Homestead Lanes
Jakes Restaurant Group
McDonald's
Pho Blossom
Round Table Pizza
The Music School
West Coast Martial Arts

At the end of the school year, a student must be in attendance on the last day of school to retain his/her place on the roster for the following year. For this school year, students must be in school on June 12, 2008, to retain their space for the 2008/09 school year. At the beginning of the school year, a student must be in attendance on the first day of school or they will not retain their place on the roster. When you are making travel plans, please consider the possible ramifications. If you have any questions, please contact Student Assignment at (408) 252-3000, ext 110.

We would really appreciate it. Below are some items we need:

1. Round gallon ice cream cardboard containers with lid (empty)
2. Empty egg cartons
3. Large yogurt containers
4. Toilet paper/ paper towel rolls
5. Old wrapping paper

    -Angela Hansen

They are used to identify strengths and weaknesses and allow teachers, students, and parents to make plans for improvement. Report cards are effective tools when utilized for evaluation purposes rather than promoting rewards and punishment.

Problems are created when report cards are used for rewards. When rewards are given for high proficiency levels, some children will work strictly for the reward without striving to do their best for the sake of learning. Bright students will do just what it takes to get by, while others may learn materials for tests, which will promptly be forgotten. Rather than providing monetary or concrete rewards, praise children for good work and doing their best.

Problems are also created when children are punished for low proficiency levels. Extreme pressure to succeed may cause children to develop a poor attitude about learning. They may become disruptive at school, show signs of frustration, or just quit trying.

Report cards are only part of the overall evaluation of a child's school progress, reflecting both effort and ability. Used correctly, they can build on strengths and improve weaknesses. When your child's report card arrives, remember to talk together and set goals appropriately to help your child maintain the best attitude toward school and learning.

The Nimitz 2007-2008 Yearbooks are now on sale. Yearbooks are just $20 if purchased before April 4th and $24 after April 4th. Order forms are available through your child's teacher or in the school office. Please attach your check payable to NIMITZ ELEMENTARY SCHOOL to the order form.

The Yearbook Cover Contest has begun. Please submit your entry on 8 1/2 by 11" paper and be sure to make the orientation of your design vertical or portrait style. Your artwork should be in color and avoid using a blank or white background. Any art medium may be used - crayons, paint, pastels, markers, color pencils, etc. The cover should include the school name and the year (2007-2008). Spelling counts, so check your spelling. Remember to put your name, room number, and teacher name on the BACK of your entry. The deadline for submitting covers is Friday, March 21st.

The STAR Testing dates are being published so that parents can plan ahead. STAR Testing will be held from April 28, 2008 through May 9, 2008 for grades 2-5. Your child will need to take the entire test in order to receive complete STAR scores. Please do not schedule family trips or make appointments during this time. It is very important that our students be at school during the testing window.