January 20th, 2026
Dear Families,
Happy New Year! I hope your winter break was filled with rest, joy, and quality time with loved ones. Seeing our hallways filled once again with the smiles and energy of our students has been the highlight of my last 2 weeks. There is a special kind of magic that happens during the second semester; it is a time when the foundational skills learned in the fall truly begin to "click," and we see exponential growth in our young learners.
The Power of Every Minute
As we dive back into our routines, I want to emphasize the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality. Our instructional day begins promptly, and our late bell rings at 8:40 AM. When a student arrives even ten minutes late, they miss the morning meeting and the essential "warm-up" instructions that set the tone for the day. Every minute counts toward your child’s success. We are committed to maximizing every second of the school day to ensure our students receive the high-quality education they deserve.
Rising to the Challenge
Our teachers have been working incredibly hard to prepare engaging lessons that meet and exceed the required state benchmarks. The second semester naturally brings a more rigorous pace as we prepare for upcoming spring assessments.
While testing can sometimes feel daunting, we view these assessments as an opportunity for students to "show what they know." I ask for your partnership in encouraging your child to simply do their best. A positive attitude at home regarding schoolwork and testing significantly reduces anxiety and boosts confidence in the classroom. We aren't looking for perfection—we are looking for progress and effort.
A House United: Celebrating Our New System
I am thrilled to share how successful the launch of our new House System has been! Inspired by the transformative work of The Ron Clark Academy, this system has already begun to shift our school culture toward even greater community and belonging.
Whether your child is in the house of Amistad, Altruismo , Reveur, or Isibindi, they are part of something bigger than themselves. We are seeing students cheer for peers in different grade levels and take immense pride in earning points for their "House" through good character and academic hustle. This system is teaching our students that while we are individual learners, we are one family.
Looking Ahead
Communication is the bridge between school and home. Please keep a close eye on our calendar and weekly folders for upcoming events, including Reading Under the Stars, Cooking with Mazzoli, Walk-A-Thon (pledging), field trips, and our next big House event – Drills and Thirlls.
Success is a team sport. When school and family work together, there is no limit to what our students can achieve. We are honored to partner with you in your child’s educational journey and look forward to a spectacular second semester.
Warmly,
Rob Mazzoli, Principal