Dear Baldwin Community,
Congratulations to ALL! We have now completed the first 9 weeks of the 2011-2012 school year. These first nine weeks have flown by!
We started the year with an increase in enrollment, which allowed us to add three more teachers so that our class sizes would not be so large in first, second and third grades. Although change can be difficult to work through, our children, parents and staff at Baldwin did an extraordinary job during this time. Through all of the changes, the children were resilient and showed such pride for their fellow classmates and their new teachers. I want to thank everyone that helped us through these changes.
During the first nine weeks of classes, I observed high levels of learning at all grade levels and in our special areas. I noticed different kinds of writing at each grade level and am just amazed with the stories the children have created. I learned so much about our first grade students by reading their timelines that were posted by each classroom. I also enjoyed getting to know our youngest Bobcats by studying their individual posters that were displayed. The students in the upper grades have been doing some amazing work in mathematics and science. I even heard a fourth grader asking his math teacher to teach him more about algebra. I am so proud of our children for being so inquisitive and hard working.
The art work that Mr. Mader and his students have been displaying is outstanding. This year's Baldwin Choir has been working extremely hard with Mrs. Stevens and their beautiful voices have been ringing through the building. During PE classes, the children have been working on so many different skills that they are able to incorporate into their daily routines of play and competition. Our Bobcats also do a fabulous job sharing these skills during our Wellness Wednesday activities.
On Friday, we recognized our first group of AR awardees for this year. I signed over 65 certificates for this first round of recognitions and I want to sign many, many more as we progress through this school year. Please continue to encourage your child to read their AR books and to keep visiting our beautiful library to check out books to read.
The 2011-2012 PTA Reflections Program has started and the entry deadline is November 4th. This year's Reflection theme is "Diversity Means..." Children can express what diversity means to them in one of six categories: Visual Arts, Photography, Literature, Film Production, Musical Composition, and/or Dance Choreography. However, they are not limited to just one category-they may enter as many as they'd like. Your child should have received a packet in their Wednesday folder that included an entry form and other important information regarding this program. If your child would like to participate, please pick up the guidelines for the category they are interested in; guidelines are available in the school foyer near the front office. I look forward to seeing our Bobcats' talents.
This Friday, October 21st is our Second Annual Baldwin Carnival. There are many booths and fun activities that are planned for children of all ages, including us big kids!! The carnival is scheduled from 5-8:30. I will be there climbing the rock wall and cracking a few Cascarones on a few folks. I guarantee you will have a fun evening with your family and friends. Please make plans to attend!
I want to take this time to thank all of the Baldwin Parents for the gifts you gave to the Baldwin Staff a few weeks ago. We are very grateful for the kindness and generosity you shared with all of us.
I also want to thank the many, many volunteers we had during these first nine weeks of classes. Please continue to read the PTA website and the Baldwin Weekly Roar for updated volunteer opportunities.
Roaring with Pride,
Dr. Peña