Weekly Updates & Reminders – March 25th
Dear Ardenwood Families,
Hope you had a nice weekend. The weather was really nice last week and students enjoyed playing outside.
However, we have noticed an uptick in students missing the mark on our school rules: Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible. There have been several instances of students crossing school boundary lines, running through classroom and dining areas and struggling to resolve conflicts on the playground. Teachers, staff, noon supervisors and administration are consistently reinforcing the rules with students and supporting them in all of these areas. However, as we know, families also play a significant role in ensuring students are good school community citizens. Please continue to review our school rules with your Dragon–they may be found here –THANK YOU!!!
With only three days to go until Spring break, let’s make this a good week! There is no school for students this Thursday and Friday. Spring Break begins on Thursday, March 28th and we will return to school on Monday, April 8th!
Ardenwood Highlights & Happenings
RAMADAN – Thanks to our families and PTA for providing a space for students who are fasting during Ramadan. Students have really enjoyed going to room 33 during lunch to play games, enjoy craft activities and more. The space will be available throughout the month of Ramadan.
STUDENT COUNCIL –. Thanks to all who donated gently-used books to our book sale. We raised over $500 for the school library!
ARDENWOOD SCHOOL CONCERT – It’s almost here! This Tuesday, March 26th at 7 pm is our Annual Spring Music Concert. Join us to enjoy some really wonderful music–a reminder, this event is primarily for parents and guardians of the students who are performing. Our students will enjoy a rehearsal performance earlier the same day.
TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND ARDENWOOD SPOTLIGHT – Congratulations to Ardenwood’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Gambhir. She is a compassionate, hard-working, team player, and we are so grateful and proud to have her on our team. She will be honored at this week’s FUSD Board Meeting on Wednesday, March 27th. At the same meeting, we will also share Ardenwood’s Spotlight Presentation, including a profile of our school and highlights of some of our major accomplishments.
REGISTRATION & ENROLLMENT 2024-2025 – The season of registration and enrollment are upon us. Please remember to complete the Annual Residency Verification to ensure your student’s enrollment “rolls over” for the next school year. Once you have completed the process, you will receive a confirmation email from “InformedK12.” Questions? Please reach out to our school office ardenwoodoffice@fusdk12.net or call us at (510) 794-0392.
Calendar of Upcoming Events
March is Women’s History Month!
March 26th
Ardenwood School Concert, 7:00 pm, MPR
March 27th
Teacher of the Year Ceremony & Ardenwood Spotlight Presentation, 6:30 pm, District Office
March 28th- April 7th Spring Break–Enjoy!!!
Important FUSD Links
Anxiety in Youth and Children Virtual Workshop – Monday, 3/25/2024 , 6:00pm
Health Guidelines: When to Keep Your Dragon Home from School
From Our Ardenwood PTA
PTA Upcoming Meeting Reschedule
* Thur, April 11 – 7pm Zoom – Executive Board meeting
* Tue, May 7 – 7pm Zoom – Association meeting + 2024-25 PTA Election
Talent Show – The deadline to submit a Talent Show audition video is fast approaching! Please be sure to submit your video by Monday, March 25. For more information and submission guidelines, visit the PTA website for more info.
Open House – Ardenwood PTA is starting to plan for the 2024-25 school year. Whether it’s social events, enrichment programs, or campus improvements, we’d love to hear your feedback on PTA priorities for the coming year. Please stop by our table in the MPR during Open House (4/16), visit this link to learn more and share your information via this form. We will reach out to you with opportunities that fit your schedule and availability!
Spring Festival is Coming to Ardenwood – Bring your empty stomachs and crafty hands to the Spring Festival! PTA will be providing all current students with a voucher for a FREE Mister Softee or Loard’s Ice Cream at the festival (more details to come). Additional ice cream vouchers and food will also be available for purchase. Food trucks Waffle Roost, Yeeshaan’s Grubb, and Rincon del Cielo Taqueria will be present—please see their websites and menus for vegetarian and halal options available. Admission is free and the event is open to the community, so invite your friends and family. Craft and game stations will be set up around the school for an evening of fun and food. Can’t wait to see you there!
Kids’ Choice! What prize would you choose? – PTA is planning a student contest, and we want to hear from our Dragons. If your class wins this competition, which prize would you choose? Voting closes tomorrow, Monday, March 25. Use the link below to cast your vote. Details about the contest will be sent later this week! https://forms.gle/uAs4quDsE4LRiUNm9.
School Rule Reminders
START OF THE SCHOOL DAY – If your student arrives at school before 8:14 am, please remain with them until the 8:14 am bell rings and then they may proceed to the playground (students only, no parents or guardians should come onto campus). An exception for students who come to school and eat breakfast–they may enter campus at 8:05 am but must head straight to the MPR. They should eat breakfast, dispose of their trash and remain in the MPR until 8:14 am. At that time, students may proceed to the playground where staff is supervising until the 8:24 am bell. When the bell rings, students should walk to their line up location. For your review, here again is our Rainy Day Procedure.
DROP OFFS – Teachers and staff are focused on supporting our 600+ Dragons each and every day. Consequently, we ask that you refrain from dropping off lunches, water bottles and other items for delivery to students. A reminder–all Dragons have access to free breakfast and lunch as well as water fountains here on campus–we recently had a new water bottle filling station installed! If your child forgets their homework, please have them check-in with their teacher regarding late submission. Of course, if you need to drop off eyeglasses or any type of medication for your student, please let us know as we will certainly make exceptions for these items. Please support our Dragons in following our Ardenwood school rule of being responsible.
TRAFFIC SAFETY – Thanks to all families who have helped us increase safety on campus by focusing on traffic rules. Local authorities continue to visit our campus regularly to support us in this area and in some cases, they issue traffic citations. Please follow traffic safety rules and comply with regulations.
Have a great week and Go Dragons!
Glynis Mason, Principal
