Dear Bobcat Families,

As we embark on another exciting school year at Robles Elementary, I want to emphasize the importance of a few key practices that greatly contribute to your child's success: regular attendance, nightly reading, and engaging in homework together.

Regular Attendance:

Attending school consistently lays a strong foundation for academic achievement and personal growth. Our state tracks all attendance and every minute counts. Your child's presence in the classroom not only supports their learning but also enriches the overall learning environment for their peers. Regular attendance fosters a sense of routine and responsibility that will help your child develop the essential time-management skills that will serve them well throughout their educational journey.

Student absences can have a significant impact on learning, leading to learning loss over time. Some research statistics and findings are listed below:

1. Cumulative Effect: The impact of absenteeism is cumulative, meaning that missing even a few days of school can add up to a substantial loss of instructional time over the course of a school year.

2. Reading Proficiency: Research has shown that regular attendance is closely linked to reading proficiency. Students who are frequently absent tend to have lower reading skills compared to their peers who have good attendance.

3. Math Achievement: Math achievement is also negatively affected by absenteeism. Consistent attendance allows students to build on previously learned concepts, while absences can result in missed lessons that are foundational for future learning in mathematics.

4. High-Stakes Testing: Students with higher rates of absenteeism may perform more poorly on high-stakes tests, such as standardized assessments, compared to students with better attendance records.

5. Long-Term Impact: Chronic absenteeism, which refers to missing a significant number of school days, can lead to even more severe learning loss. This can have long-term consequences for a student's academic trajectory and future opportunities.

It's important to note that the impact of student absences can vary based on factors such as the student's grade level, the specific content being taught during the missed days, the student's individual learning style, and the overall school culture. Schools and educators often work to implement strategies to encourage regular attendance and mitigate the effects of learning loss, especially in cases of chronic absenteeism.

Homework Engagement:

Completing homework assignments together provides a wonderful opportunity for you to connect with your child's learning process. When you engage in homework activities, you demonstrate the value of education and the importance of dedication to learning. Your involvement also gives you insight into your child's strengths and challenges, allowing you to offer guidance and support as needed. By working collaboratively, you reinforce the idea that education is a shared journey between home and school.

1. Academic Achievement: Research has suggested a positive correlation between parental involvement in homework and academic achievement. When parents engage in homework activities with their children, it can reinforce the concepts being taught in the classroom and help students better understand and apply the material.

2. Understanding Concepts: Working on homework together allows parents to identify areas where their child might be struggling. This provides an opportunity for targeted support, helping children grasp difficult concepts and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

3. Time Management: Engaging in homework with your child can teach them valuable time management skills. Setting aside a specific time for homework each day and breaking tasks into manageable portions can instill good study habits that are important for academic success.

4. Motivation and Interest: Parents can help spark their child's interest and motivation by showing enthusiasm for the subjects and assignments. When children see that their parents value their education and are willing to help, it can boost their own enthusiasm for learning.

5. Communication: Doing homework together opens up opportunities for communication about school. Parents can ask questions about what their child is learning, discuss any challenges they might be facing, and provide guidance on how to approach different assignments.

6. Building Independence: As children progress through their education, they should become more capable of completing homework independently. However, parental involvement early on can provide a foundation for students to develop strong study skills and problem-solving abilities.

7. Parent-Child Bond: Homework time can be an opportunity to bond with your child. It creates a space where you can work together, share experiences, and demonstrate your support for their education.

8. Cultural and Language Understanding: For families with diverse cultural or linguistic backgrounds, assisting with homework can help parents better understand the curriculum and provide context for the subjects being studied.

It's important to note that the effectiveness of parental involvement in homework can depend on various factors, including the child's age, learning style, and the nature of the assignments. While providing support is valuable, it's also important to strike a balance to ensure that children are developing independent problem-solving skills.

As partners in your child's education, your involvement in these practices sends a powerful message that education is a priority. We are committed to providing a nurturing and enriching environment at school, and your commitment to these practices at home greatly enhances your child's overall educational experience.

I invite you to reach out to your child's teachers if you have any questions or concerns. Our dedicated staff is here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Thank you for your continued partnership in shaping a successful and enriching educational journey for your child. Together, we can help them achieve their full potential.

Warmest Regards,

Dustie Gunn-Ader

Dustie Gunn-Ader, MAED; MBA
Principal
Robles Elementary School

Robles Elementary PBIS Program

By the Robles PBIS Team

We wanted to take this opportunity to share with you the remarkable impact of our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program here at Robles Elementary School.

PBIS is a framework that promotes a positive and inclusive school environment by focusing on proactive strategies to teach and reinforce positive behaviors. Our goal is to create a school community where students feel safe, respected, and empowered to make positive choices both academically and socially. Through PBIS, we emphasize core values such as respect, responsibility, empathy, and kindness, all of which contribute to a nurturing and supportive learning environment.

The impact of PBIS on our students has been truly transformative:

1. Positive Atmosphere: PBIS has helped cultivate a positive and welcoming atmosphere throughout our school. Students, teachers, and staff members alike are engaged in creating an environment that is conducive to learning and personal growth.

2. Clear Expectations: With clear and consistent behavioral expectations, our students know exactly what is expected of them. This clarity reduces confusion and empowers our students to make positive choices in their behavior.

3. Recognition and Reinforcement: PBIS encourages us to celebrate the positive behaviors our students exhibit. Through various recognition systems, we acknowledge their efforts and achievements, reinforcing the value of good behavior and creating a sense of accomplishment.

4. Conflict Resolution Skills: Our students are taught valuable conflict resolution and problem-solving skills. These skills not only enhance their interactions within the school but also equip them with lifelong tools for managing relationships and challenges.

5. Reduction in Disciplinary Issues: The implementation of PBIS has resulted in a noticeable decrease in disciplinary issues within our school. This positive shift in behavior contributes to a safer and more harmonious learning environment for everyone.

6. Family Engagement: We highly value the partnership between the school and our families. PBIS encourages open communication and collaboration with parents and guardians, enabling us to work together to reinforce positive behaviors and character development at both school and home.

As we continue to uphold the principles of PBIS, I encourage you to engage with your child about their experiences at school and the positive behaviors they are learning. Your support in reinforcing these behaviors at home is a crucial component of our shared mission to foster responsible and respectful citizens.

Thank you for entrusting us with the education and development of your children. The PBIS program is a testament to our commitment to providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics to shape the character and future success of our students.

If you have any questions about PBIS or would like to learn more, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we can continue to make Robles Elementary School a place where every student thrives and shines.

Please help us in welcoming our new Robles Elementary staff members!

Chienna Gelantagaan, Kindergarten

Freya Sun, First Grade

Glenna Jake Maniego, Second Grade 

Alize Sapien, Third Grade

Hannah Ethel Chiong, Fourth Grade

Genamie Zuniga, Fifth Grade ELA & Social Studies

Brianna Kellogg, Paraprofessional

Jacqueline Rivera, Paraprofessional