SCHOOL NEWS
April 24, 2008

STATE STAR TESTING FOR GRADES 2-5 COMING April 28 through May 7
Moms and dads, please be aware that your child(ren) in grades 2-5 will be taking the state STAR tests.  The California Department of Education posts released test questions by grade level and content area on their website so that you and your child may familiarize yourselves with the kinds of questions that have been asked in the past. Go to: www.cde.ca.gov/ta/tg/sr/css05rtq.asp to get a feel for the kinds of questions that have been asked and to get an idea of the format of the tests.

“SHARE A PAIR” THURSDAY, MAY 1st
The DJAES PTA is sponsoring a gently worn shoe drive please look for the flyer to come.

CLASS ASSIGNMENTS
We are fortunate at Don Juan Avila to have an incredibly talented and dedicated staff. The teaching staff and Principal will carefully be considering each child’s class placement for next year. Our students are heterogeneously grouped at all grade levels with consideration given to interests, learning styles and above all, academic needs.  Classes are balanced in size and boy/girl ratios. Any changes would cause a disruption in the balance at each grade level.  Parents are respectfully asked NOT to request for specific teachers for their child. 

GRADE K-5 REGISTRATION PACKETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE FRONT OFFICE
Parents of incoming kindergarten students plus new students in grades 1-5 for fall 2008, please be aware that kindergarten enrollment packets are now available in the front office. Don’t delay on picking up your packet. We base the number of teachers we will need in the fall on the number of enrollment packets requested at the front office. Our goal is to have as many packets completed and returned to the office by the end of May if possible.

CUSD Foundation Family Fun Day Fundraiser
This carnival-style family event will be held Saturday, May 17th 10-2 p.m. at the Mercantile West Shopping Center in Ladera Ranch (on the corner of Antonio Parkway and Crown Valley Parkway) There will be pony rides, games, treats, prizes, a silent auction and a raffle for a summer of fun with a convertible Audi A4. All proceeds benefit the CUSD Foundation for CSR. For more info. Contact Claire@infusionladera.com or go to www.mercantilewest.com

SAVE CUSD TEACHERS
Jump ‘n Jammin fundraiser to support CUSD Foundation

Every Wednesday from now through May 31st!

By now we all know the news.  California is in the midst of a budget crisis that will grossly effect the quality of our children’s education. Class size reduction (CSR) cuts are $7 million of the district’s $27 million in cuts and represent salary savings which will be brought about by laying off 266 teachers (in Capistrano Unified School District alone)! This will result in increased class sizes for Grades K – 12 district wide. 

Jump ‘n Jammin is dedicated to helping to raise funds for the CUSD Foundation. Every Wednesday (from April 30th-May 31st) come play at Jump ‘n Jammin Children’s Entertainment Center.  Either mention you are there for the CUSD Foundation, the Capistrano fundraiser, or bring in a print out of this letter, and 25% of your entry fee (including Jam Pass and Gift Card sales) will be donated to the CUSD Foundation to be used to keep our teachers.  For more information on the CUSD Foundation visit: www.cusdfoundation.org 

When you come to Jump ‘n Jammin, let them know that their visit is helping them support their school.

Everything at Jump ‘n Jammin is designed for adults to play too.  Even if you don’t plan on playing, please remember kids and adults must wear socks.  Also, no adults can enter without children, so don’t forget to bring the kids with you.

Thank you for your support.

Jump ‘n Jammin is located at 27741 Crown Valley Parkway in the Kaleidoscope Center in Mission Viejo.  Tel.: 949-582-5890.   www.jumpnjammin.com

Bring the kids, have a fun day, and help save our teachers!