September 2012

Parents and Community,

WELCOME TO TORREY PINES ELEMENTARY!
Welcome to Torrey Pines Elementary. Over the past ten years the school has made tremendous growth and received a variety of awards. We were recently recognized as a California Distinguished School for the second time and our academic performance indicator was once again the highest in all of San Diego County. Through the collaborative spirit of my staff and the community we have also returned TPES to a neighborhood campus. We are excited that agreements have been made between some of our unions and district which will allow classes to remain small in all grade levels.

2012-13 SCHOOL YEAR
So, what do we have in store for your child this school year? On the academic front we will continue to employ our math consultant, Brian Tash, for assistance in grades 2-5. We will be adding an additional math consultant for grades K/1. This consultant will work with the teachers monthly and help each teacher develop our students' mathematical reasoning and number sense. Mr. Tash will continue with mathematical reasoning and algebraic thinking for the older students. In the area of literacy, Michelle Montali and Michelle Nieto will continue to work with teachers at all grade levels during their collaborative block weekly as they roll out the newest thinking of our Seminars in Critical Literacy. All of this work is being done  to help the teachers gain a better understanding of the Core Content Standards that will be rolled out nationwide in 2014-15. With a heavy emphasis on critical thinking and reasoning we must be ready for nationwide testing when it begins.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS
We must continue to focus on attendance. For every day a child is absent, the district loses approximately $28.00 in state funding. While this does not seem like a lot of money, when all the missed school days are tallied and multiplied by $28.00, the total dollars are huge.  Last year alone at Torrey Pines we cost the district over $66,000 in missed revenue due to absences. So, similar to last year, if your child is not ill please have them in school. 

The San Diego Unified School District academic calendar outlines the school days for the year, as well as identifies the numerous holidays your child will receive. In addition, please visit our online school calendar for information regarding school holidays and events.  I encourage you to only take your child on vacations when school is not in session.

TORREY PINES 10 
The Torrey Pines 10 is a collection of life lessons. Lessons we hope will begin at Torrey Pines, be fostered at home, and stay with your child through their adult life. The Torrey Pines 10 will be prominently placed in each classroom, as well as various other spots on campus.  All staff members will work with students daily to understand the lessons and the expectations of our Torrey Pines community.

Please take time to review the Torrey Pines 10. It is suggested that you discuss these with your child throughout the year, as once does not usually transfer the new learning into action. The more your child understands about the school environment the better year he/she will have both academically and socially.  Again, welcome to Torrey Pines Elementary!

-Jim Solo, Principal