CST PepRally

Yesterday, we held a pep rally to pump up the students for the upcoming California Standards Test (CST). Our objective was to encourage students to be confident to do their personal best and to apply important test-taking strategies.

We began the assembly with a short skit performed by staff members and friends (see video above). This was a lot fun and the students enjoyed watching the adults from around campus perform.

We followed this by some chants and cheers.

Next, students watched a video that was written and performed by Mrs. Berkley's Focus Group. (I've been having difficulty saving the video captured with my HD Flip - I think the high definition video has made the file too large. I hope to resolve this issue and post that video, as well.) The students did a fabulous job with it!

Then, we got everyone up on their feet to do the CST Chicken Dance! We sang the following words while doing the chicken dance actions (for music, go to http://suzyred.com/chickendance.html)

Gonna ace the test!
Gonna beat the rest!
Gonna ace the test!
'Cause we're the best!
We're going to Problem solve the answers!
We will predict and look for proof!
When things get tough, Relax and draw it!
We'll send our scores Right through the roof!
Gonna ace the test
Gonna beat the rest
Gonna ace the test
'Cause we're the BEST!

Our assembly concluded with a few words about testing. Then each student (grades 2-6) recieved a yellow gel bracelet with the words "I believe in me." The bracelet is to remind students of the yellow brick CST road and to believe in themselves while taking the the test.

As we countdown for the test, students are given a test taking tip of the day each morning over the intercom. Then, throughout the day, if the students can recite the tip to certain staff members, students get a gift card to Golden Spoon Cremery for a free frozen yogurt!

Teachers are also preparing their students with 5-5-5/day. Each day the children review 5 math questions and 5 ELA questions in the CST format, as well as dicuss 5 vocabulary words.

I BELIVE that Victoria will ACHIEVE on the CST.

Welcome Back Staff

Victoria Staff returned to work on Thursday, August 20th. The teachers attended meetings on Thursday. As a staff, we adopted the theme of BELIEVE for the 2009-10 school year (see posting below). We BELIEVE that by working together we will increase student achievement.

Our FABULOUS PTA prepared a luncheon for the entire staff on Friday. They joined in our theme, asking us: "Do you BELIEVE in magic? Do you BELIEVE in miracles? If so, join your fellow Victoria Staff Members for a magical, miraculous luncheon buffet."

The yummy menu included a variety of salads, sandwiches, chips, fruit and vegetable trays, and of course wonderful desserts!

Mrs. Racobs organized this enjoyable event. For our entertainment, she led the staff in a musical contest. She played various songs that contained the word "believe" in it.

Staff members had to guess the title of the song and the artist of the song. Prizes were awarded to winners.

Thank you to Victoria's 2009-10 PTA Board and Committee Members for giving us, not only a wonderful lunch, but also a heartfelt welcome back!

PTA - We BELIEVE in you, too!

Victoria Staff BELIEVES

Victoria Staff BELIEVES...

in our students...in our colleagues...in ourselves

We BELIEVE every child has value. All students have strengths.

We BELIEVE every student can rise to teachers' expectations. Setting high expectations provides students opportunities for growth and achievement.

We BELIEVE children need to have self esteem. We can influence that.

We BELIEVE we are a collaborative team. Our learning community is responsible for everyone.

WE BELIEVE children deserve a safe, caring, positive, enriching learning environment. Everyone should be treated with respect.