In general, the results of the survey are positive and reflect an overall level of satisfaction with all aspects of our program. We scored the highest on parent involvement, with 88% of respondents agreeing or strongly agreeing that we encourage your involvement. Only 4 percent disagreed with this statement. The rest were neutral. 74% of parents feel that we set high academic standards for students. 8% disagreed with this statement, and the rest were neutral.

Academically, 74% of respondents agreed or strongly agreed that we have high academic standards for all students, 8% disagreed and 18% were neutral. 76% of respondents feel that the instructional program is meeting the needs of their child, with 8% disagreeing. When asked how we can improve the instructional program, 53% responded that we should have more homework, and 43% feel we should have more meaningful tests.

While the results of the survey are generally encouraging, there are also areas of need. Eight parents reported that their child is bullied daily, 10 weekly, 17 monthly, and 23 once or twice a year. While not overly alarming, these numbers are still far too high.

In reviewing the survey, our School Site Council has created the following three action items based upon the results and comments:

1. Bullying. Our anti-bullying program needs to be explained to parents and reinforced with students. "Talk It Out" may be appropriate for conflict resolution but doesn't always address situations where victims of bullying feel they have a safe and effective way to address a pattern of verbal or physical harassment.

2. Homework. There is still considerable inconsistency in the amount and types of homework being assigned by different teachers and grade levels.

Our parent community also needs to be educated about how to help students with homework and activities that they can provide at home, like reading together, that may be more valuable than homework. While there is considerable parent interest in having more homework (see above), there is a considerable amount of research indicating that homework for elementary students is not effective, and in some cases may be harmful.

3. Traffic Safety. The Council would like to form a parent task force to help with traffic monitoring and getting children safely to and from school. If you would like to help with this effort or you can volunteer for 5-10 minutes even one day a month immediately before or after school, please contact the office at 736-2180.

The Council is also interested in forming parent groups to address other concerns that were raised in the survey. If you are interested in forming or joining a task force, please contact me or David Korn, our School Site Council President.

       -Dale Jones, Principal

Thank you to all the volunteers who have kept this program running all year. The last day to check out books is Friday, May 30th. All books must be returned the following week.

       -Pam Thomas

Thank you for the brunch on Monday, the breakfast on Tuesday, luncheon on Wednesday, breakfast again on Thursday, and gifts and bouquets of flowers on Friday. Thanks also to the fifth grade students who acted as waiters and waitresses at our lunch. The staff is extremely grateful to our parents who make us feel so special.

If you are interested in having your child's portrait taken, please have your child bring the order envelope to school on Thursday, May 29th. We are in need of two parents to help with pictures. If you are available, please call the office at 736-2180.

Our teachers and students have been preparing a wonderful music program including square dancing. All students need to stay for the entire performance, as there is an all school sing for the finale. Parents are encouraged to join in too!

You will be receiving a notification from Mrs. Gallatin regarding any books that have not been returned. If your child cannot find the book, they will be charged for the lost book. Books are very expensive and we cannot afford to absorb the cost of lost or destroyed books. Students will not receive a report card until all library charges are paid. If the book is found after you have paid, your money will be refunded. Thank you for your understanding regarding this matter.

Students entering grades 1 through 5
Classes will be held at Eaton Elementary School, and will include: Math Applications & Concepts, Writing: Paragraphs to Essays, Reading Intensive, Geology, Math & Art, Computer Applications & Internet Research, Journalism/Writing, First Grade Block, and more!

Program brochures were sent home in early March and are also available at your school office. More information is available at www.extendedyear.deanza.edu. Early registration is by mail only and began on March 10, 2008 and ends on May 23, 2008. There will also be walk-in registration available from June 2 to June 9, 2008.

The Cupertino Union School District's "Community Based English Tutorial" (CBET) Program is once again sponsoring a four-week summer session of adult English classes. It will be offered at two of our elementary summer school sites: De Vargas and Garden Gate Schools and one middle school site - Miller Middle School. Each class is scheduled from June 23 - July 18, 2008 and will meet daily from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. The applications for the CBET Program are available at www.cupertino.k12.ca.us. Space is limited, so sign up now. Preference will be given to parents with children in English Language Development programs at their schools. The CBET classes are not mandatory for parents.

The purpose of the CBET Program is to provide free or subsidized programs of adult English language instruction to parents or other members of the community who pledge to provide personal English language tutoring to English learners. Since these classes are for adults only, no childcare will be provided. Proposition 227 provides funding for this program. In accordance with Education Code Section 315 and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations Section 11305, these funds may be used for direct program services, community notification processes, transportation services, and background checks required of the tutors who volunteer in public schools settings.

Each summer during the last two weeks in July, JFK University hosts the annual Expressive Arts Summer Camp inviting all students in the Cupertino Union School District. The camp experience is a creative way to promote healthy self-esteem, build peer relationships, and learn how to express oneself through art projects. Art can be a very powerful tool in self-expression and personal growth.

Look for the Summer 2008 Expressive Arts Camp applications in your school office or call the JFK University Community Counseling Center at (408) 524-4900, Extension 4917.