BE BRAVE & BE PRESENT

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to highlight a critical component of academic success: consistent school attendance. At Sacaton Elementary School District #18, we understand that every day of school is a valuable opportunity for learning, growth, and development. We are committed to ensuring that every student benefits from the full range of educational experiences we offer. This is our “Mission Possible” here at Sacaton. We want you to know that your student’s attendance matters.

Why Attendance Matters:

**1. Impact on Academic Achievement: Regular attendance is crucial for academic success. Each day of instruction builds upon the previous day, and missing school means missing out on important lessons and activities. Studies consistently show that students who attend school regularly are more likely to perform better academically, achieve higher test scores, and graduate on time.

**2. Social and Emotional Development: School is not just about academics; it's also a place where students develop social skills, build relationships, and learn to navigate social situations. Frequent absences can impede social development, making it challenging for students to connect with their peers and engage fully in group activities.

**3. Long-Term Effects: Chronic absenteeism can have lasting consequences. Students who miss school frequently are at greater risk of falling behind academically, which can affect their future educational opportunities and career prospects. Establishing good attendance habits early on helps set the foundation for future success in higher education and beyond.

To support our commitment to improving attendance and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed, we are excited to re-introduce our district-wide initiative: "Must Be Present To Win."

"Must Be Present to Win" Initiative:

Our "Must Be Present To Win" initiative is designed to emphasize the importance of consistent school attendance and to celebrate the efforts of students who demonstrate dedication to their education. Here’s how the initiative works:

• Recognition and Rewards: Students with excellent attendance will be recognized throughout the year. This can include special certificates, incentives, and participation in exclusive events designed to celebrate their engagement.

• Support for Families: We understand that there may be challenges that affect attendance. Our initiative includes providing resources and support to families to help overcome barriers to regular attendance. We are here to work with you to ensure that every student can make the most of their time at school.

• Community Engagement: We will be hosting workshops and informational sessions to further educate families on the impact of attendance and to offer strategies for improving and maintaining regular school attendance.

We encourage you to join us in supporting this initiative by prioritizing school attendance and working together to ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive. Your support makes a significant difference in your child’s educational journey and future success.

Thank you for your commitment to making this school year a successful and enriching experience for all our students. Let’s make every school day count!

Popcorn Extravaganza: Be Brave Be Positive

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Tomorrow at 4:00 PM is our Community/Family Popcorn Extravaganza. Once again, the Popcorn Extravaganza is tomorrow, March 26, 2024 at 4:00 PM in the Middle School Gymnasium. It will include Video and slide presentations of school life. The Cheerleaders will be welcoming everyone in support of this family festivity. Please join us and grab some popcorn at the door while we present what we love about our school. See you at the EXTRAVAGANZA!

MISSION POSSIBLE: BE A BRAVE BOOSTER

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski    

This Thursday, March 28 at 9:00 AM we will host our third Must Be Present To Win assembly. As you know these assemblies are a time for celebration and recognition. We have asked our community members, teachers and supporters to help us in this process by being BRAVE BOOSTERS! 

Sacaton Elementary School District wants students and parents to know that good things can happen to those who participate and engage in learning. Building trust is key in this process. Even more so, being present in mind and body are keys to learning engagement. This initiative compliments our School Mission to "engage students to take ownership of their learning, embrace the culture, and contribute to the world around them."

At the assembly on March 28 we will be making a big transition in our celebration. We will continue to celebrate those students that have engaged in the learning process, but we will introduce a new challenge. This challenge will be our MISSION POSSIBLE. If they choose to accept this MISSION, it will be the ultimate challenge to BE BRAVE!  All of Sacaton School's stated matras will be called upon for this challenge: HCA, Cross the Line, Engage - Embrace and Contribute, and Must Be Present To Win. At the assembly our students will receive their MISSION assignment as a "Hero in training." Heroware will be distributed. We will also be recognizing our BRAVE BOOSTERS (its not too late to become one, see below). If you are or become a BRAVE BOOSTER, you too will receive Heroware. This heroware will don the blue diamond symbol above with letters on the back indicating your hero status.

As you may know from comic legend hero, Superman, that the iconic "S" on Superman's chest is actually the Kyptonian symbol of HOPE! Krypton was Superman's home planet. It doesn't stand for Superman. It is a symbol of hope that sets the expectation of action and behavior. This is exactly what we are doing at our assemblies. We are taking the best of Hollywood in MISSION POSSIBLE and "lighting a fuse" that challenges our students, staff and community "to be our very best!" We are using the crest worn by an iconic Superhero to connect with actions of expectation with the HOPE that we will make a difference in this world. We are CONNECTING with kids and providing a brand of expectation.

Please join us in supporting our students. If you would like to be a BRAVE BOOSTER bring a incentive "engagement" donation. We do not want money but are seeking “new” items that students would find appealing (bikes, toys, watches, headphones, games, Lego sets, book sets, ball caps, baseball/basketball/football uniforms, etc.). We cannot use candy or food items. We will use your item at this coming assembly if it is received before the end of the day on Wednesday, March 27, 2024. 

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: If you would like to make a difference and donate an “engagement” incentive(s), please drop off all item(s) at the District Office. Administrative Assistant Sue Seider will register the item, approximate value, and name of the person/business donating it and add their name to a list of BRAVE BOOSTERS. A list of Brave Boosters will be added to the website to track and honor those who donate engagement incentives. The incentives will be distributed at our Must Be Present To Win Assemblies. The list of BRAVE BOOSTERS will also be acknowledged at our assemblies and other school functions.

Getting students to engage and take ownership of their learning, embrace their culture, and contribute to the world around them is our mission at Sacaton. It truly is MISSION POSSIBLE!

Be a part of the BRAVE BOOSTERS! Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of our youth.

Big Time with Big Red and the Arizona Cardinals

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Oh what a day! At noon, the Arizona Cardinals teamed up with the Gila River Casinos to bring this fantastic event and opportunity to the 4th and 5th graders. It was a Mini Event Camp with the mascot of the Cardinals, BIG RED, player Daniel Arias and several of the Cardinal Cheerlers putting on the camp. Middle School Principal, Don Shopp said that he wished all of the staff and students would have had the opportunity, but even though we hosted the venue, the Cardinal's outlined grades that would be able to participate. Both Middle School Principal Shopp and Elementary Principal Celis did a great job making this happen for the students. The kids loved the opportunity. 

Being a CHIEFS fan, I asked Daniel Arias who he thought would win the AFC Title Game this coming Sunday. He said that he spent time with the Chief's organization and that he is hoping they will win. After that comment, I think I am on way to becoming a Cardinal Fan as well.

Bringing this type of hype to our students is not all play. Its not just for fun. It does tremendous things for our kids self-efficacy; in that it increases students belief in their ability to succeed and achieve goals. Self-efficacy is important because it influences motivation, behavior and emotions. This type of connection is vital in the learning and growing process. 

Thank you Arizona Cardinals and Gila River Casinos. 

YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!

Middle School Gymnasium Is Ready for Students

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

The Middle School Gymnasium got a makeover this last summer and early fall replacing the tiled gym floor with a new wood floor. It is the same materials used at the professional basketball level to enhance performance and give our athletes every opportunity to excel. The floor carries the school logo and is trimmed in blue and white. 

The Floor got its first test this last week with the Middle School Basketball Camp. Principal Don Schopp said they had over 80 student attend during the week and almost 70 students attend on Saturday, December 2, 2023.  The camp was put on by Raul Mendoza. 

Thank you goes out to Facility Director, Nick Stalter for working with the Construction Manager at Risk to see construction through. A special thank you to the Sacaton School District Board Members for supporting this project from start to finish. (President Karen White, Lucinda Hendricks, Jane Johnson and Donovan Kyyitan). We are certainly lucky to have their leadership as direction setters.

Remember: "Be Brave" Sacaton. 

Important Monkey Business

by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

On Friday October 27, 2023 the District hosted its second Must Be Present To Win assembly. During the assembly we celebrated a number of student initiatives designed to get students to engage, embrace and contribute to their school, culture and world around them. Initiatives like Be Brave,  Must Be Present To Win, HCA (safety, support and belonging), and Cross-the-line were presented and celebrated.  

The entire school was there and was supported by local leaders and dignitaries. Governor Steven Lewis spoke to the students about attending school and setting goals. He recalled his days as a student at Sacaton and encouraged students to work hard because one day they could be the next Governor of the Gila River Indian Community, the State of Arizona or even perhaps the first Native American President of the United States. 

The Phoenix Suns sent their mascot the "Gorilla" to the assembly to celebrate what Home Court Advantage (aka Home Community Advantage) is all about. High fives, fist bumps, belly slides and smiles were on display by the Gorilla. His presence enhanced the type of support needed to help pick one other up so everyone can belong in a safe school environment. He is truly a mascot for HCA! 

Once again, incentives were handed out to students that have proven to be engaged in school by attending 10 days in a row, 15 days in a row, 20 days in a row, 30 days in a row as well as perfect attendance.  The number of students that have reached these goals since our last assembly is astonishing as the initiative is supported with prizes from BRAVE BOOSTERS in the community. This group of individuals donates incentives to be given away. It is a great reflection on community involvement and makes a difference in the educational engagement of children. I believe in the impact that this is having in our school; therefore, I am actively seeking out additional incentive donations from other sources. We do not want money but are seeking “new” items that students would find appealing (bikes, toys, watches, headphones, games, Lego sets, book sets, ball caps, baseball/basketball/football uniforms, etc.). We cannot use candy or food items. If you would like to join our group of BRAVE BOOSTERS, please see below.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: If you would like to make a difference and donate an “engagement” incentive(s), please drop off all item(s) at the District Office. Administrative Assistant Sue Seider will register the item, approximate value, and name of the person/business donating it and add their name to a list of BRAVE BOOSTERS. A list of Brave Boosters will be added to the website to track and honor those who donate engagement incentives. The incentives will be distributed at our Must Be Present To Win Assemblies. The list of BRAVE BOOSTERS will also be acknowledged at our assemblies and other school functions. 

Getting student to engage and take ownership of their learning, embrace their culture, and contribute to the world around them is our mission at Sacaton. It truly is MISSION POSSIBLE!

Be a part of the BRAVE BOOSTERS! Find out how you can make a difference in the lives of our youth.

 

Safety and Security Our First Priority

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski    

I can't believe the end of the 1st Quarter is just around the corner. Today marks 38 days of school. Next Friday, October 6, 2023 marks the end of Quarter 1. With the last 38 days in mind, I want to compliment the staff and students on the hard work and effort so far this year. Our school attendance rate is above 90%. If we can continue to improve our rate of attendance, I am sure we will see a vast improvement in our academic outcomes. 

During the last several months I have worked with the Board and the Administrative Team to develop goals, strategic objectives and actions plans for this year. The Governing School Board will consider a final ratification of the Strategic Plan at the October 17, 2023 Board Meeting.  None the less we have been working on the implementation of Goal Area 1: Safe and Healthy Environment, as it is of the first and foremost priority that we have. It is a foundation of Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. Health and safety needs must be met before academic and cognitive needs can be successfully realized. Goal Area 1 states that Sacaton Elementary School District will have systems in place that will ensure that students and staff thrive in a safe and healthy environment. Our statement of intended outcome outlines the focus of this goal: Sacaton Schools systems will provide a safe and secure educational environment that is proactive and responsive to known and unknown threats at the district, school and classroom levels ensuring the physical, mental and emotional safety of students and staff.

The Strategic Objectives outline the steps that district intentions and actions:

1. Sacaton Elementary School District will secure its campus. 

1. Action Step: Evaluating the security of district grounds and facilities.

1. Evaluating security signage and implementing signage where needed.

2. Evaluation of the current district perimeter needs.

1. Implementation of a perimeter  barrier to direct all visitor flow through the main entrances or building offices.

3. Evaluate access points and perimeters for authentication and entry.

1. Building, room and gate authentication and entry.

2. Sacaton Elementary School District will provide  appropriate surveillance to mitigate and follow up with potential crisis.

1. Action Step: Evaluating current placement and effectiveness of cameras in the surveillance system.

2. Action Step: Implementing additional cameras where needed.

3. Action Step: Implementing vap and noise detectors in bathrooms.

4. Action Step: Implementing surveillance screens for live view by administration.

3. Sacaton Elementary School District will be prepared to respond to potential crisis.

1. Action Step: Identifying an Emergency Response Plan Coordinator(s).

1. Updating the job description for the Emergency Response Plan Coordinator(s) to include planning as well as management duties.

2. Action Step: Developing  and implementing a District Emergency Crisis Planning Manual.

3. Action Step: Working with response agencies to analyze emergency preparedness using a Planning Committee.

4. Action Step: Implementing an Emergency Response Protocols and Procedures Handbook.

5. Action Step: Identifying and implementing crisis software for notification, identification, and reunification in an emergency situation.

6. Action Step: Providing emergency response and protocol training to appropriate staff for responding in the case of emergencies. 

7. Action Step: Schedule and conduct monthly crisis drills.

4. Sacaton Elementary School District will assess current notification communication systems. 

1. Action Step: Assess current web software for providing emergency information to all stakeholders.

5. Sacaton Elementary School District will provide adequate measures of response to basic medical emergencies. 

1. Action Step:  Assess and implement Automatic External Defibrillators (AED) to meet adequate measures for response to cardiopulmonary  resuscitation.

2. Action Step: Provide basic response training in all buildings

1. AED Training and Use

2. CPR Training

3. First Aid Training

Providing a safe and healthy environment is critical in the development of students. School should be a 100% safe space for all students. At Sacaton Elementary School District we want our parents, grandparents and loved ones to know that the safety of their family here at school is our number one priority. 

BE BRAVE and remember SAFETY FIRST!

Engaging Students Must Be Present To Win

 by Robert "Bob" Lewandowski

Engaging students equals successful students. Until we make school the best part of every student's day, they will struggle with attendance, achievement, and graduation rates. Failure to engage students has resulted in students tuning out and dropping out. Finding new ways to connect with students is difficult. Getting them to choose to connect, engage and be present takes thinking outside the box.

Sacaton Elementary School District wants students and parents to know that good things can happen to those who participate and engage in learning. Building trust is key in this process. Even more so, being present in mind and body are keys to learning engagement. This initiative compliments our School Mission to "engage students to take ownership of their learning, embrace the culture, and contribute to the world around them."

RESEARCH SAYS: Brain based learning tells us that working memory is stored in the brain's prefrontal cortex during instruction of SIGNIFICANT INFORMATION, SPECIAL EVENTS or information that is REPEATED. Working memory only stays in the prefrontal cortex for 3-7 days. If information is not SIGNIFICANT, SPECIAL or REPEATED, it will not be converted to long-term memory. Our goal as educators is to capture and hold working memory. 

This year our school has developed a student engagement initiative: MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN! Our goal is not only to get kids to come to school, but be present while doing so. It is important to do this consistently to capture working memory; therefore, we are asking kids to begin making school a habit of consistency (thus 10 days in a row). Coming to school consistently results in presence of mind as well as body. Hence MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN!

We are "kicking this initiative off" at the Middle School by offering students the chance to win a "preseason" experience and attend the Arizona Cardinals vs Kansas City Chiefs game on Saturday, August 19, 2023, with several of our staff members through an initial engagement exercise. The teachers and students interested in this engagement exercise must email their principal, Mr. Don Shopp the following message: "My name is (first and last name) and I want to be present to win in the 2023 and 2024 school year." Do get me wrong, we can't possibly buy tickets for every middle school student and teacher, but have purchased 12 tickets. Engaging in this activity only gives our teachers and students a chance. Like in life, there are no promises or assurances of success, but if you don't engage and participate, you don't have much of a change to win!

We will draw tickets on Monday, August 14, 2023, and verify winners (get permissions) by Wednesday, August 16, 2023. There will be 8 students and 4 staff members selected. Drawings will be done via Zoom for every class to engage. There will be 8 alternates drawn incase permission can't be obtained. We will pick students up at the middle school on August 19, Sunday afternoon at 3:00 PM and bring them home after the game at State Farm Stadium in Phoenix. 

REMEMBER

People don't care what you know until they know that you care!

BE BRAVE!

MAKE A DIFFERENCE!