We need some information

It is essential that as many families as possible complete the Annual Family Information Form for the Santee School District this year. It needs to be completed every year. Your answers affect Chet F. Harritt STEAM School in many ways. One very important of which is funding.

If you are unaware, recently information collected to show Chet's demographic make-up showed that we no longer are in need of (qualify for) Title I Federal Funding. This has meant a significant drop this year in the funds we receive and will affect our ability to continue certain programs and services as we have in the past. The information used was gathered through free/reduced lunch applications. Last year, there was a drop in those completing those applications since the school district was providing free meals to all students during the pandemic. This year, all meals are free for all students, and the applications are no longer needed. Therefore, we are moving to the Annual Family Information Form as a replacement to gather this kind of demographic information.

If Chet's statistics have truly changed so significantly, and we are no longer able to receive these kinds of funds, we will certainly make do. It will be different, but we have plans and supports to put into place to ensure our students receive what they need. However, if the only reason our demographics look that way is a lack of response, that would be a real disservice to our learning community.

Won't you please take a few moments to complete this form online? This will help our school to obtain additional funding from the State and may also qualify you for free or low cost services, such as Cox Internet. Please click this LINK to access the form.

We certainly wouldn't want our needs to be misrepresented.

Outdoor Learning

The power of outdoor learning is well documented. In the days of a pandemic it has become practically essential. Chet F. Harritt STEAM School is far ahead of the curve of many school with dedicated outdoor learning spaces around campus. From our Outdoor Learning Lab to Little Rock Park to The Garden, it is common when traveling campus to see children outdoors engaging in activities that are expanding their knowledge and skills.

We have more outdoors spaces to update. We are purchasing tables for outside our new Learning Resource Center and are finally breaking ground on Shadow Rock Park, an outdoor space adjacent to the lower playground. Thanks to our PTA for fundraising for this next addition to our outdoor learning spaces.

Every teacher takes advantage of our outdoor spaces with their class in their own way. As the weather hopefully shifts to milder temperatures, we hope to jump back outdoors even more than we are now.

Children and Self-Efficacy: The Power of "Yet"

As children enter the routines of their learning this year, a goal of the educators at Chet F. Harritt is to increase their senses of self-efficacy by meeting them where they are and teaching that next step.

The word efficacy has its roots in Latin and has a basic meaning of being "capable to fulfill a function." In this case, the function is learning. But being capable isn't the only thing we are striving toward. We want students to have high levels of self-efficacy. Simply put, we need them to know that they are capable of learning what they need to know to achieve. They need to believe in their ability to learn, even when it's hard.

I imagine nearly all of us have heard a child say, "I can't do that!" That's an example of low self-efficacy. We need to flip the script. "I can't," needs to shift to, "I can't, yet." We don't close the door on learning because it's difficult or we don't have a skill. We have to look beyond that and recognize we can do it. It just might take more steps, more time, more learning to get it. The great news? That's what learning is all about.

When children understand that they are capable and will learn something, even if it takes time and effort, achievement and attitude improve together. Self-efficacy rises.

Never forget the power of the word "yet."

and/or community members. Members of this council serve a term of two years and commit to meeting the last Tuesday of the month at 2:30pm for a minimum of seven times each school year.

The primary oversight of the council is the schoolwide program and budget. The council provides input on both. Members of the council are informed of the budget regularly and given highlights of the school's various programs.

To become a member, first you apply to be on the ballot. Then elections are held. Candidates are voted onto the council by their peers. Today, the application to be on the ballot is open. If you are interested, please complete this form: SSC Ballot Application or email or call Mr. Hooks directly. Nominations for the ballot will remain open until September 27. Elections will follow, and the first meeting will be in October.

Contact Mr. Hooks with your interest and questions.

We hope you will consider serving!

Labor DAy and Chet

Tomorrow is the holiday Labor Day. According to the US Department of Labor website (https://www.dol.gov/general/laborday/history), "The holiday is rooted in the late nineteenth century, when labor activists pushed for a federal holiday to recognize the many contributions workers have made to America’s strength, prosperity, and well-being."

There is no doubt that those who labor for the good of our community are making a difference. Through the challenges of Covid, we are counting on each other even more for a variety of good and services to keep us going. I doubt you will be surprised that I would like to highlight the teachers and staff at Chet F. Harritt for their labor day in and day out.

Classroom teachers and specialist teachers continue to toil in an ever-changing time to prepare and deliver the lessons and experiences that children need to grow and thrive. They toil, and they succeed. As I visit classrooms and talk to children I clearly see the dedication of these individuals. There is another large group of workers at Chet that are also stepping up and laboring intensively for your children. The general label for these staff members is "Classified Employees." This term includes anyone who isn't a teacher and spans the front office, the kitchen, the custodial closets, and also the classrooms. These heroes often work behind the scenes to be sure kids have a seamless, safe experience at school. There are so many people who make up the threads of the Chet tapestry of learning.

As you celebrate the holiday, I hope you will join me in celebrating all of those who labor for our Chet F. Harritt students. (And I hope they are enjoying their day off as well!)

Picture Days This Week

Don't forget, Tuesday, September 7, is Picture Day for grades TK-3.

Wednesday, September 8 is Picture Day for grades 4-8.

Flyer here: Picture Days Flyer