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Principal's Corner
December/January Newsletter
Rebel Rights
Be Responsible, Be Respectful, Be Safe
Happy New Year, USC Rebels! During winter break, I hope you had the chance to spend time with those you cherish most by catching up with friends and family and enjoying some rest and relaxation. As we kick off 2024, I want to extend my warmest wishes for a year filled with successes and continued progress for all of you.
The start of a new year is a perfect opportunity for reflection, a chance to look back on the past, and, more importantly, anticipate future possibilities. During the winter break, I took some time to reflect on the experiences of 2023 and contemplate the exciting work and opportunities that lie ahead in 2024. As we embark on this new chapter, consider your aspirations for the year. What accomplishments do you hope to achieve? What dreams and goals are you setting for yourself and your child(ren)? Each of us has a unique story, and 2024 provides a blank canvas for new beginnings and personal growth.
Looking back on the past year, we have achieved significant milestones and overcome various challenges. In the new year, USC staff will remain fully devoted to achieving high levels of learning for all students while fostering an intentional culture to create an optimal learning environment. The elementary teachers are progressing through the remaining sessions of their LETRS training, marking our transition towards structured literacy. Integrating UFLI Phonics into literacy blocks, coupled with using decodable books, continues to enhance the acquisition of crucial decoding strategies. It's gratifying to observe students building a robust foundation in phonics, a pivotal element for future reading success.
Furthermore, in the new year, students will maintain access to Math Masters and Rebel Readers, allowing our educators to tailor instruction and offer reinforcement, support, and enrichment. Students will continue collaborating with classroom teachers, Title I, ELL, and Special Education personnel throughout this period to target areas needing extra support. We remain enthusiastic about the opportunities this presents for our students.
As the December newsletter outlines, our ongoing focus is on fostering a sense of belonging among students through implementing the Be Good People Curriculum. Each Monday, students receive a new mission for the week, encompassing activities like expressing gratitude, seeking assistance, adhering to rules, and managing emotions. Students and staff collaboratively engage in these weekly missions, contributing to heightened social and emotional awareness development. We look forward to witnessing further progress in these efforts throughout 2024.
In closing, as we embrace the new year, let us reaffirm our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students. Together, we can inspire, empower, and support them in reaching their full potential. I encourage you to stay engaged with your child's education, attend school events, and communicate with our dedicated teachers and staff.
Wishing you and your family a prosperous, healthy, and joyful New Year. Thank you for being an essential part of our USC school community.
2024 We are Ready!
Warm Regards,
Jennifer Taylor
USC Elementary Principal
It’s a Great Day to be a Rebel!
Important Dates to Remember
January 2 - School Resumes
January 19 - End of First Semester
January 22 - No School - Teacher Work Day
January 23 - No School - Staff Development Day
January 24 - Start of Second Semester
February 7 - Two-Hour Early Out
February 16 & 19 - No School - Presidents Day Weekend
Did You Know
The state of Minnesota has 500,000 students who are not proficient in reading. That is enough students to fill the US Bank Stadium in its entirety 7.5 times. If we simultaneously read every student's name who is not a proficient reader, it would take us 12 days.
We have the power to change this.
The time is now.
Let’s Read.
“To learn to read is to light a fire; every syllable that is spelled out is a spark.” ― Victor Hugo