School Notes Buchanan Families, We hope you were able to attend your child's Back to School Night and found the time informative and helpful. At Buchanan, we value the partnership between home and school and hope our classroom presentation provided valuable information both in aca-demics and technology. Our technology power point is posted on our website, so feel free to explore this as either a refresher or initial review. September is School Attendance Awareness month. School attendance is a vital element of a student's success in school and can easily be achieved by sending your child to school daily. Studies have shown that students' attendance in school directly correlates to their academic performance. We encourage all students to become an Attendance H.E.R. O. - Here, Everyday, Ready and On time. to insure they receive the instruction they deserve on their path towards College and Career Readiness. Horizons Unlimited, our performing arts program, is getting underway to provide those enriching experiences to our students. Our 5th grade band and 3rd - 5th grade before school choir has begun. Our school-wide musical "Elf Jr." auditions will be coming at the end of the month. We encourage students TK/K - 5th grade to participate in this won-derful production. Communication is key for any successful program. Here at Buchanan, we are committed to continue to support our families through our monthly newsletter, Sunday reminder calls and emails, electronic marquee and our Buchanan website. Please do not hesitate to contact a staff member if you have a question or concern. Good Things are Happening at Buchanan Elementary Jennifer Randel and Jim Curtis Did you know. . . • Coffee and Conversation with ELL families is Wednesday, September 5th at 8:30am

in E03 • Make It and Take It gathering is Wednesday, September 5th at 9:15am in E03 • Attendance data is posted daily in the loop—please help us reach our goal of 100%

attendance daily • Our first Spirit Dress Up Day is Friday, September 21st. It is Hawaiian Day. • ELAC meeting September 27, 2018 at 4:00pm in the library

Jennifer Randel, Principal Jim Curtis, Assistant Principal

School Office

Hours

Mon - Fri

7:45am - 3:45 pm

Useful Links

School Website

School Calendar

Lunch Menus

School Handbook

Peach Jar Flyers

Upcoming Friday

Spirit Assemblies

September 7

September 21

at 8:30am

in the

amphitheater

September 2018

Growth Mindset Quote “Dreams don’t work unless you do.” —John C. Maxwell

Our TK/K kiddos are off to a great start! TK is working on their first theme: “Ready for School” and enjoying their Must Do/May Do activities. The Kindergar-ten classes are working on rhyming skills, #’s 0-5, and are beginning their exciting journey through the Language Arts program, Wonders. All TK/K classes enjoyed

our 2 Color weeks and the beloved story: Brown Bear, Brown Bear. Everyone is working on mastering our school and classroom procedures and bringing their “Good, Better, Best” behavior, manners, and attitude to school. We are so excited that our Donors Choose project was funded and we look forward to using our new water tables soon. Thank you to all that supported this project! We are now focused on our up-coming Jog-A-Thon. All donations will go toward a wonderful field trip. We hope you can make our goal a reality. Donations are due September 11th. Our mindset for September is: I can al-ways try my best!

Happy new school year, First Graders! This year will be a fun year full of academic and social growth for you. It will be a year where you can persevere and shine through many rigorous challenges. You will be utilizing the wonderful Language Arts program, Wonders. This program is packed full of foundational skills and wonderful litera-

ture. You will be learning several new math concepts, exploring with fun science programs, and be-come wonderful writers. You will continue to utilize the i-Read programs and work towards your goal of completing Level B. Believe you can do it and will you will achieve it! Way to go, First Graders!

Second grade is off to another great start! All of second grade is reviewing our school’s Code of Conduct: Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe. Please encourage your child to come to school with a positive growth mindset every day. Our growth mindset for the month is: “If you choose to be anything… Always choose to be

KIND.” The envelopes for our Super Hero Jog-a-thon went home Monday. All money our 2nd grad-ers raise will be used for 2nd grade field trips and assemblies. We have some fun and educational field trips and assemblies in the works for this year! Thank you for your continuous support!

We are an amazing team of teachers working hard getting our students through the first two weeks of school teaching procedures and opening new programs. We are as-sessing our classes through the RI reading comprehension placement test and IREADY math knowledge overview. The teams are putting much of our homework online and we are teaching how to go online and study. The two great field trips this

year are being arranged now too.

The Santa Rosa Ecological Reserve hike through a nature preserve and Eastern Municipal Water Rec-lamation Plant and Wetlands. We will study how we can recycle water to be used for watering out-doors.

Thank you parents for attending our Back to School Night! It was a great to meet so many of you and an excellent way to start the year! As we continue to work on devel-oping procedures and routines in the classroom, we are fostering Growth Mindset in our students. If your child’s teacher is using ClassDojo please be sure to check it regularly for announcements. We appreciate your support as we move ahead this year

and look forward to many new learning opportunities.

The fifth graders have spent the past few weeks settling into the school year and classroom routines. Band started on August 29th. We have approximately 80 students enrolled in band this year! The students have taken the first RI test of the school year. We are very proud of how hard the kids persevered during the test. Their Lexile levels are amazing! This year we will be using the iReady Diagnostic test to form our

Math UA groups. The students took this assessment over a two day period the last week of August. In Science the 5th graders have been learning about matter. The students have observed the physical properties of a penny and glass. The students conducted an investigation to see if the mass of a sub-stance remains the same when it’s state has changed. The students’ observations with a solid ice cube and a melted cube proved that mass does not change. The students will be working on mastering PE skills this year for the end of year Physical Fitness test. Please encourage your child to come dressed for PE.

We hope that everyone had a wonderful summer break and are ready for the new school year! If you are new to Buchanan, Welcome. We have many exciting changes within our Special Education department this year. At Buchanan we are lucky to have a Psychologist four days a week, two full time Resource Spe-

cialists, two full time and one Part time Mild/moderate Special Day class teachers. We offer an array of services for those students that qualify, such as: Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, Adapted Physical Education, Physical Therapy, Deaf and Hard of Hearing support, Intensive Behavioral Intervention and Counseling services. Services started at the end of August. We look forward to working with your children.

Children learn more from who you are than what you teach ~ Author Unknown

Monday, Sept 3rd is Labor Day Holiday

No School Have a great 3-day weekend!

Harmony Choir for 3rd-5th Grade

Harmony Choir 2018-2019:

Do you love to sing, perform and be part of an exciting group? Join Harmony Choir and be part of the excitement. Choir meets Friday morn-ings at 7:45 in the Music room, C- 20 So come join the fun! Pick up a sign-up form in the office Keep on Singing, Dr. Garvin

Upcoming School Spirit Day

Our first Spirit Day is September 21st

It’s Hawaiian Day!

Math Make and Take

Join us on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 9:15am in Room E03

All parents are invited to make a fun and color-ful manipulative to help your child master basic math facts in addition or multiplication.

RSVP is appreciated at 951-696-1428 ext 2764 or amccandless@murrieta.k12.ca.us

Coffee and Conversation with Our EL Families

Join us on Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 8:30am in Room E03 We are sharing the Program Information Booklet

1st Annual Super Hero Fun-Run

On our New Track

Each grade level is raising funds for amazing field trips and activities they would like to have this year. When your child receives donations, they will

earn prizes. Visit and register your student on the donation website and ask family and friends to donate.

Goal is $30 per student in donations

Donations are due September 11, 2018. Please see the envelope your student brought home this week for details. Your donations stay with your student’s grade level and goes toward the

activities planned for this year. All prizes earned should be delivered to students at our Super Hero Fun-Run on October 8, 2018.

Super Hero Fun-Run Prizes You Can Earn

Level 1 ($10 in donations) Superhero lanyard

Level 2 ($30 in donations) above level plus a foldable water bottle & keychain

Level 3 ($60 in donations) above levels plus superhero fun glasses & 2 sweat bands

Level 4 ($90 in donations) above levels plus superhero back pack pal & a mystery prize

Level 5 ($150 in donations) above levels plus a crazy fun wig

Level 6 ($250 in donations) above levels plus a giant inflatable soccer ball

Level 7 ($350 in donations) above levels plus a superhero plush dog

Student Lunches and Cafeteria Meals

Parents - please clear up any negative balances on your student’s lunch account before the end of school.

Due to parent concerns and health/food allergies, students and parents should not share lunches with other students. Parents who join their student during lunch time will eat with their student at the tables under the blue canvas cover.

Student Meal Prices: Breakfast - Full Pay $1.75 Reduced price $.30

Lunch - Full Pay $2.75 Reduced price $.40

Milk or Juice - $.50 Bottled Water - $.75

2018-2019 Meal Applications You must reapply each year after August 1st

apply online at www.murrieta.k12.ca.us

Parents can make payments to lunch accounts at www.myschoolbucks.com

Special Meal Requests—(Gluten Free/Allergies) (click link for informational page and form)

The Nutrition Services Department is happy to provide gluten free/special meals to stu-dents with a MEDICAL STATEMENT signed by a Physician. Please contact the district Registered Dietitian PMohammad@murrieta.k12.ca.us or (951) 696-1600 ext 1165 for individual accommodations.

Positive Behavioral Interventions Supports Moment

The Blazer Way, It Is More Fun

At the beginning of each year, we discuss what it means to Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be

Safe, and follow KAHFOOTY. At Buchanan we call this the Blazer Way. We spend a lot of

time going over and over these principles and defining what they mean. Yes, they keep our

classrooms a place for students to learn; and, yes, they keep our playground a safe place to

play; but they also do something we all enjoy. They keep our Buchanan campus a fun place to

be.

When we follow the Blazer Way on the playground, more people will want to play with us. And

let’s face it; games like kickball, soccer, basketball, or wall ball are more fun when more people

participate. However, if we tease, yell at others, push, or are just

plain mean; people will stop playing with us. Think about it, what

kind of fun is a kickball game with only a few people?

Having fun is a big part of coming to school. We want you to have

fun at recess and we also want you to have fun learning in the

classroom. This goes for every individual student at Buchanan.

Every student deserves the opportunity to come to school and fall in love with learning. How

can you help? You can help by being generous; caring; trustworthy; playing fair; and most of

all being kind. Remember, a true Trail Blazer follows the Blazer Way every day!

Dear Buchanan Families, Last spring all Buchanan 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders completed their 2018 CAASPP assessments in Language Arts and Math. At this point you should have received individual score reports for your students in both of these areas. As you look at these reports please note that these results are just one piece of the larger puzzle that is your student’s education. Common formative assessments, reading inventories, iReady math diagnostics, daily class assignments, and teacher observations along with CAASPP results create a more complete picture of each student’s academic progress. Even with that we have to consider other factors, like social development, when making decisions regarding all of our young Blazers’ education. Eduardo Briceno in an article about summative assessments like CAASPP wrote this, “Remember, and remind students, that tests don’t measure students’ potential (which nobody knows, and can always be expanded), but what they have learned so far.” With this in mind, help your student maintain a growth mindset, and remind them that their potential is yet to be realized. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either Mrs. Randel or Mr. Curtis.

PTA REFLECTIONS ART

CONTEST

Time to Unleash Creative Talents and Be

Inspired

The PTA Reflections Art Program has

been bringing the arts to life for more

than 10 million students since 1969.

Buchanan students have been creating

art and showcasing their talents for

many years inspired by the Reflections

themes each year.

This year the theme is “HEROES AROUND ME”

SIX ART CATAGORIES. CHOOSE ONE OR ALL.

Literature

Photography

Music

Dance

Film

Visual Arts

Signups will be sent home or go to the Buchanan Website to download forms and

instructions.

ALL ENTRIES ARE DUE OCTOBER 12TH

ELAC Meeting Thursday, September 27, 2018

4 to 5 pm in the Library Come and learn more about

the English Learners Advisory Committee

and the programs that serve English Learners

Buchanan Elementary SSC Meeting

September 11, 2018

3:15 pm Library

Attendance:

I. Call Meeting to Order

II. Approval of Minutes and Agenda

Minutes of May 15, 2018

Agenda of September 11, 2018

III. Action Items

School Site Council members introduced themselves.

Election of Officers – President, Vice President and Secretary

IV. New Business

Role of School Site Council –

Buchanan Elementary Overview Powerpoint

Local Control Funding Formula.

Next School Site Council meeting the following will be reviewed and discussed –

Parent Involvement Plan, SPSA plan

Next Meeting date – October 9th at 3:15 in room Library

V. Adjourn

Buchanan's “Reading Round-Up”, School Wide Reading Incentive Program

Returns for the 5th Year!

It is with great enthusiasm that the reading team announce the return of the Buchanan's Reading Round-Up. The 2018/2019 school year reading incentive pro-gram will kick off in October. Look for information and the first reading log to go home with your student the last week of September. With a bigger goal, prizes to earn, and reader’s recess for the class with the highest participation, we are cer-tain that Buchanan will once again persevere and meet their goal!

Happy Reading Blazers!!

A Message from the Health Office

Health Alert-Food Allergies/Sensitivities

We have several students in our school that may have food allergies, food sensi-

tivities or dietary restrictions. Food allergies can trigger reactions that range from very mild to life threatening

(anaphylaxis). Generally, an individual must ingest a food allergen to have a reaction, but for some, even being exposed

to it or ingesting a very small amount can cause a life threatening reaction. As a result, there are several procedures

that will help to prevent exposure and reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and help keep all of our students safe:

1. Students should be encouraged to wash their hands upon arrival to the classroom and again before and after lunch.

This not only is good for food allergies, but helps reduce disease transmission.

2. The classrooms should be peanut/tree nut/food allergy aware spaces. Classroom projects or assignments should

NOT include the use of peanut butter/nuts or other food items. Any exception to this rule would require pre-

approval and prior notification to parents.

3. Any food or snack that may be provided/shared must have pre-approval and prior notification must be provided

to all parents prior so they can make alternate choices. Additionally, all food items provided should be pre-

packaged and food ingredients must be known or labeled. Suggestions for class sharing (birthday parties,

etc.) may be providing or donating a book for the classroom or other non-food items.

If your student has a food allergy, please make sure you contact/inform the Health Office. You may want to speak to

the School Nurse if the allergy requires medication or other interventions. Students with food allergies may be entitled

to accommodations or plans to address their needs. We look forward to working collaboratively with you to provide all

of our students with a safe learning environment. We appreciate your care and support of our students and school.

Upcoming Assessments at Buchanan New students with a language survey with anything other than English will be tested with the Initial ELPAC within 30 days of the first day of school. If the student enrolls after the first day of school they will be ELPAC tested within 30 days of enrollment.

What is ELPAC? ELPAC stands for English Language Proficiency Assessments for California. This assessment, along with other school and district assess-ments, assists the school determining the best instruction for the individual student.

The Blazer Way – Be Safe ~ Bicycle & Scooter Information If you ride a bike or scooter to school, bring a lock and lock it up in the

bike rack. We would love to trust that everyone is honest and will leave other people’s possessions alone, but this is not always the case. The best way to keep your bike or scooter safe is to lock it up.

Also, California law requires that all students must wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter. Students without a helmet will be sent to the office to call home for a helmet. Remember, this is to protect that incredible brain inside each student. Wear a helmet and be safe!

A Note from the Health Office Regarding Medications

Just a reminder—Students may not have any medication (prescription or over the counter) in their possession. If your stu-dent needs to take any medication dur-ing the day, contact the health office for

proper procedure and forms.

Make Up Fall Pictures and Picture Day for All the

Preschools

Thursday, September 13, 2018

Bring your best smile!

No money needed—proofs will be sent home at a later date

with an order form.

Important Safety Reminders

Drop-off is 8:00-8:25am for grades 1-5. Morning TK/K begins promptly at 8:20 am, Afternoon TK/K begins promptly at 11:00am. Each morning when the 8:25am TARDY BELL rings, staff members will be at each entry gate to give out tardy slips and teachers will send any student not in class or on their line to the office for a tardy slip. Pick-up is 2:35 pm for grades 1-3. Grades 4-5 is 2:40 pm. Afternoon K is 2:35 pm. No staff is available to watch students before 8:00am and after 3:00pm. Students need to be picked up by 3:00pm. If you need supervision after 3pm, child care is available on campus for a fee. Please call our Family Services at 951-304-1623 for more information if you are interested in before or after school child care. Safety in the Loop Please remember to keep moving up in the loop as cars leave and do not leave your car unattended. Our goal is to keep our children safe!

Give your child the best

start to the day— Be a

H.E.R.O.

Here, Everyday, Ready, On

time

Remember, the bell rings to line up at 8:20

am each morning for grades 1-5. Please

be sure to drop your children off at school

on time. Prompt attendance is crucial to

maximize student learning. Arriving to

school just five minutes late each morning

adds up to nearly three full days of missed

instruction over the course of the school

year! Thank you for your support.

Box Top Contest

The current contest has started and ends October 26, 2018. The winning classroom from each grade will get to play Nation Ball with Mrs. Randel, Mr. Curtis and Mr. Keith.

Who is going to win?

Check the Box Tops for Education website

A few reminders and tips.

Box Tops cannot be expired. Box Tops missing the expiration date or the manufacture code in the upper left corner are not accepted, so cut carefully. Box

Tops can be turned in loose in a Ziploc bag. Keep clipping Box Tops over the summer to turn in during

the first contest next school year.

Celebration Policy Per MVUSD policy regarding food allergies, any food brought on campus to be shared with other students needs to have prior approval from school personnel. As an alternative suggestion to food for student celebrations (i.e. birthdays), you may donate a book to the classroom or school library honoring your student. Another idea is to bring in a goody bag (with no food items) or a non-food treat for each student in the class.

Thank you for adhering to this policy for the safety of

all students and staff.

Field Trip Chaperones and Volunteers

All volunteers and chaperones must register in the office

and get their tag BEFORE they may volunteer in a

classroom or chaperone on a field trip. Please bring your

government issued ID as the office needs to run it through

the RAPTOR system each

time you volunteer or are

on campus.

Thank-you for taking the

time to volunteer!

DID YOU KNOW?

Starting in kindergarten, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school. • Missing 10 percent (or about 18 days) can make it harder to learn to read. • Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day or two days every few weeks. • Being late to school may lead to poor attendance. • Ab-sences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college, and at work.

September is Attendance Awarenesss Month

Help Your Child Succeed in School

WHAT YOU CAN DO • Set a regular bed time and morning routine.

• Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night

before.

• Find out what day school starts and make sure

your child has the required shots.

• Introduce your child to her teachers and class-

mates before school starts to help her transition.

• Don’t let your child stay home unless she is truly

sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomach

ache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and

not a reason to stay home.

• If your child seems anxious about going to

school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or

other parents for advice on how to make her

feel comfortable and excited about learning.

• Develop back-up plans for getting to school if

something comes up. Call on a family member,

a neighbor, or another parent.

• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips

when school is in session.

For more on school readiness, visit

www.attendanceworks.org and

www,reachoutandread.org

Is smiling your favorite? Do you like singing? Are your favorite food groups candy, candy canes, candy corn and syrup? Then don’t be a cotton headed ninny–muggings and audition for Buchanan’s annual school play Elf, Jr.!

Wednesday, September 26 – Grades TK-3 Thursday, September 27 – Grades 4-5 Where: Buchanan Elementary MPR Time: 3p.m.-approx.5 p.m. (your child may leave after they audition)

Please come prepared with a 30 second song, monolog, comedy act, poem or dance. All auditions are done ‘a capella’ (no music). You MUST bring the signed Permission Slip with you to the audition or you will not be admitted. This is YOUR time to shine so no buddy auditions. We are looking for out going, confident people with sparkling personalities ….so show us what you’ve got! Everyone who auditions will receive a part in the play either as a speaker or in the ensemble chorus! Rehearsals begin Thursday, October 4 and will be from 3-4:30 for the speakers (Mrs. Hern’s Group) and from 3-4:00 for the ensemble chorus (Mrs. Cato & Mrs. Prario’s Group) and will be every Thursday each week. There will be more rehearsal days added as we get closer to the pro-duction. The tentative date for the production is Saturday, March 16th. We look forward to seeing

MVUSD Visitor/Volunteer Management System

Murrieta Valley Unified is a leader in school safety and we are adding another school safety tool, the web-based Raptor Visitor Management System. Last year two district schools successfully used the Raptor ID system to check-in visitors and parents. This year we are expanding the use of the web-based Raptor ID system, which has been installed at every school in the district. The Raptor Visitor Manage-

ment technology is in place at more than 18,000 schools nationwide and over 800 schools in California. Starting this week, every parent, visitor, vendor and volunteer that enters a district school will be asked to present their driver’s license or state ID. Raptor scans the ID and checks the visitor’s name, date of birth and photo for comparison purposes against the National Sex Offender data base. No other personal identi-fying information is saved. If no match is found, the system will print a sticker id badge with a picture iden-tifying them as an approved visitor.

If the system raises a question about a visitor’s background, the school administrator will meet with the vis-itor. Upon your initial visit the process will take a couple of minutes, however, on return visits the system has the ability to process the required information much faster. Please remember that you must bring your driver’s license or state Identification each time you visit one of our campuses. We know the safety of your child is as important to you as it is to us so we ask for your patience and coop-eration as this new system is implemented at all our schools. If you have any questions, you may speak with your school’s principal or our Safe Schools Administrator, Dale Velk at 951 696-1600 ext. 1155.

Buchanan Elementary Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

2 3

Holiday—

No School

4

5 5th Grade Band

Lessons

EL Families Coffee

and Conversation

Make It & Take It

Class for parents

6

7

Spirit Assembly

Harmony Choir

5th Gr Band

8

9

10

Early Release Day

11

ASB Fun-Run money

for field trips and

activities is due

12 5th Grade Band

Lessons

13 Makeup Picture Day

14

Harmony Choir

5th Gr Band

Last Day to Join

5th Gr Band

15

16 17 Early Release Day

18

19 5th Grade Band

Lessons

20

21 Spirit Assembly

Harmony Choir

5th Gr Band

Spirit Dress Up-

Day— Hawaiian Day

22

23/30 24 Early Release Day

25

26 5th Grade Band

Lessons

Drama Auditions for

TK—3rd grade stu-

dents

27 Drama Auditions for

4th & 5th grade

students

4pm ELAC Meeting

28 Harmony Choir

5th Gr Band

29