If you don't know where you are going, you will probably end up somewhere else.

                                                                                      - Lawrence J. Peter

In this New Year it is important for us as a school community to continue to reflect on our desired outcomes for student achievement.  It's as simple as this... we want them to make progress.

Lobo Elementary School has several tools in place to ensure that our students continue the reputation of being a school that achieves!  We are always asking ourselves four key questions:

• What do we want the students to know and be able to do?
• How will we know when they know it and can do it?
• What do we do when they don't know it and can't do it?
• What do we do when they do know it and can do it?

These four essential questions help us to maintain a focus for our students and allow us to differentiate our instructional strategies to meet them exactly where they are in the mastery of the expected standards.  Parent support in the progress of their child's achievement is also critical.  We have the tools to provide you updated information on where your child currently is achieving, and we can provide you with tools to assist you in helping him or her to move forward.  Working together, parents, teachers and staff can give children the best chance to learn.

The California Teachers Association and the California State PTA have joined forces to offer some tips for you that will give your children the best opportunity to succeed in school.

1.  Just Ask.  Ask your children what they studied in class today - what they liked and what they learned.  Asking questions shows that school is important.

2.  Quiet Study.  Choose a place for home study and make sure the room is quiet during that time.  Creating a quiet place goes a long way toward helping your children learn.

3.  Regular Schedule.  Set up a certain time of day that is dedicated to homework.  Follow up with your children to be sure their homework is complete and turned in on time.

4.  Learn Together.  If you want your children to read their assignments, give yourself an assignment,  too.  When it's time for them to do homework, take a break and spend a few minutes reading a book, magazine, or newspaper.

5.  Learn Everywhere.  Increase your children's interest in homework by connecting school to everyday life.  For instance, your children can learn fractions and measurements while you prepare favorite foods together.

6.  Meet Their Teachers.  Meet with your children's teachers to find out what they are learning and discuss their progress in school.

7.  Praise Helps.  Praise your children for successfully completing homework.  Nothing encourages children more than praise from their parents.