Getting productive at Valley View
September 24, 2013
By Principal Gary Pfleuger

In the third week we are leaning into our new norm. Safe and civil behaviors are easy to recognize. Safe is seen through our physical actions: hands and feet to ourselves, no knock-down games and positive comments.

As most of our moms told us, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, say nothing at all!”

Civil is just being polite: taking turns, sharing, saying please and thank you often and helping others in need.

During this third week, the third part of our three word motto starts to become louder — PRODUCTIVE!

We need to form this word into habit. When you are given a task or an assignment, it needs to be completed. Once we start to get behind, failure can follow. Learning to keep up on work is a skill which will lead to good habits and success.

Only worry about one thing at a time, get it done, and then move on to the next project. These skills will help your child be productive!

This works well for adults too!)

We had a great turn out for the “Back to School Night," over 60% of our students were represented! Also, the first meeting of the PTO was very well attended.

Angela and Anne explained what we have accomplished, what we still need and how we will get there. As in every organization, our success is based on our people.

Donations are needed in one or more of three ways: time, talents and/or treasure.

All parents and teachers are members of the PTO. This comes with a donation request of $10 per individual membership or $20 per family.

The first event of the PTO, is the October Book Fair. This will run from October 14-17. On Tuesday and Wednesday the Fair is open to the public from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Thursday is family night — the Book Fair will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.: Free Supper and Storytelling begin at 5:30 p.m.
 
VVES is now participating in the BoCo Backpack Program. This community based program originated at the Trinity Lutheran Church. Its mission is to help alleviate child hunger in Boundary County by providing school-aged children with nutritious and easy to prepare food.

Bags will be distributed to selected families on Thursdays each school week.

If you would like to know more about this program or if you would like to sponsor a child, contact Shirley Anderson at (208) 267-3068 or Merle Dinning at (208) 267-3033.

RaNae Barker, Debbie Pauls and Angela Hittle are the Valley View Representatives.

This week we enjoyed high school students, under the direction of David Carpenter and nurse Karen Moore, as they performed “Lice Busters!”

The BFHS students presented a lively song and dance skit that taught us about head lice. The next day, lo and behold, some real lice actually showed up at VVES!

At school, we direct the students to keep their heads and hats apart and separate their coats. All students play a strong role in the elimination of spreading this critter. Your help is needed in this on-going effort.

Upcoming Events
9/26 2:45 p.m.; Dave the Magic Man Assembly (sponsored by the PTO)
10/1 School Pics
10/3-4 In-service No School
10/14-17 PTO Book Fair: Do your Christmas shopping early!
10/17 Family Night with a Free Family Supper and Storytelling

Closing Notes:

On Saturday, September 14, 30-40 good people descended upon the Valley View Campus and spent four hours cleaning, weeding, pruning and preening. This group, organized by the LDS Church, was made up of community members to commemorate 9-11. The school has never looked better! On the behalf of our students and staff, I send my sincere appreciation and thanks!

The Kootenai Tribe of Idaho made a very generous donation of $9,600 for the Valley View Elementary School Bleacher Fund and $5,000 to the PTO. This financial assistance will be used to strengthen our academic program and advance the physical safety of all our children. The financial and spiritual support of the Kootenai Tribe is enormous and admirable.