A Message from the Principal

November is now upon us and, like you, I find myself thinking about what I am thankful for and how fortunate I am to live and to serve where I do. Maybe as families we could just sit down in our homes and discuss what we are grateful for as Americans. I am grateful for my family, good friends, a comfortable home, nutritious food, freedom and liberty, those who serve and protect our country and communities, my faith, a rewarding job, working with good people, children and youth, the mountains, holidays, good health and so many other things. I am truly grateful to be an educator who works with wonderful children, capable teachers and staff and gracious, good parents and grandparents in Eagle Mountain.  May I just again remind our school community about taking preventative measures regarding the H1N1 flu and other illnesses that are common at this time of year. Remember to instruct and remind your children to wash hands frequently. Model for your child how to cover his/her mouth and nose with the inside of his elbow and to turn away from others when coughing and sneezing. Teach your child to not touch his face after handling door knobs, fountains, etc. Keep your child home when he is sick. Give medical attention and proper care at least 24 hours to take affect before even considering reentry into school. Call the office in advance if you know that your child will be absent. Ensure that proper rest and nutrition are provided for your child each day and night. Check your child each day and night before sending him to school and after he returns home. Assess how he feels and judge accordingly.  The Alpine School District requires that we inform them and our public when 10% or more of our students are absent. We have already begun to do this so that you are informed. We will not list specific illnesses or other reasons that cause a student to be absent. The information that we provide is brief and for your knowledge. If 10% are absent, that does not necessarily mean that every student is sick. Some may simply be out of town, at a dental appointment or have other reasons for absence. We have had a few confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu. With over 1280 pre-k through sixth grade students, there are a variety of reasons for why 10% of our students could be absent. With winter around the corner, there will naturally be more colds and flu. All of us working together can address issues and optimize our children's ability to stay healthy and attend school.  On October 12th, 2009, Dr. Mark Pew from the Alpine School District and JoDee Sundberg from the Alpine School District Board of Education visited Eagle Valley Elementary School and met with members of our School Community Council and PTA General Board of Officers. They presented the district's revised "Areas of Focus" and also talked about its Mission, Vision, Values and Goals. The parents and teachers were appreciative of this update of input that the district gathered from parents and educators last year. Each teacher at Eagle Valley Elementary has been provided with an information block (rubric) that contains the school districts Mission, Vision, Values and Goals. Recently this information was also provided to teachers at our monthly faculty meeting. At each faculty meeting this year, parts of the district's and school's Mission, Vision, Values and Goals will be reviewed. I will also do this in each newsletter this year.  I briefly introduced information to you in our first newsletter. I would like to simply review our district's and school's Mission Statement in this newsletter. The Alpine School District's Mission is: "Educating All Students to Ensure the Future of Our Democracy".  Our school's Mission Statement is: "Eagle Valley Elementary School will Always Reach for Excellence and Success". Think about these two statements: As our district endeavors to provide a quality education for each and every student, we can more readily prepare our children to become active, informed citizens who will strengthen our great democracy. Our school works in concert with our district, reaching first for strong, binding relationships and, secondly, for sound, research-based programs and vibrant extra-curricular activities that promote excellence and success. This combination reflects our district's and school's commitment to each family and each child's opportunity to participate and be part of a grand process that fosters what we call Professional Learning Communities. Indeed, we are a community of educators and parents working together to address Student Learning. As we successfully do this, I believe that our students will be better prepared for advancement into middle school, high school and adulthood.  Thank you for your participation and support. Remember, "Read with your Child!"

Keith Conley Principal