The first quarter is officially under our belts.  The school year moves by at warp speed so it is really important that all of us (students, parents, principal and staff) keep up with upcoming events and school related responsibilities.  It is far too easy to get behind and way too difficult to dig ourselves out of the holes we become mired in by not being aware of our deadlines and not keeping up with our day to day responsibilities.  Believe it or not, as you read this version of “Cat Tracks” your children will be ending the third week of the second quarter.  I have many conversations with parents when their children are struggling with grades.  A common statement is “my daughter/son tells me he/she doesn’t have any homework” when in fact there is almost always something they could spend a little time on.  It is the rare child that can completely trusted to take absolute responsibility for their work.  I am not saying that this should not be our ultimate goal.  However, for most of us, responsibility is something we have to be taught.  As we teach our children responsibility their will be MANY failures.  The victories will come if we stay consistent.  If we take this approach with our children they will slowly but surely turn into independent learners that don’t have to be constantly reminded to do their homework. 

The beginning of the second quarter also marks the start of our second sports season.  At this tine students in grades 6-8 are allowed to participate in girl’s basketball or girl’s soccer.  Last season our flag football team went 9 and 0 winning the league championship!  For the first time the Oracle School District # 2 is offering Community Schools flag football and cheer leading for all ages.  If you didn’t get your children signed up in time, we will be offering basketball next.   Rosa Flores is directing this new program.  We are always looking for better way s to serve you and your children.

One last reminder is that this campus has a very active and friendly PTO that I strongly encourage you to be a part of.  PTO meetings are the first Wednesday of each month from 6:00-8:00 PM at Mountain Vista.  Child care is provided at the meetings and there is also a pot luck meal beginning at 6:00.  This is the easiest way to be involved with our school.  Parents are always welcome on our campus.  We value your support and I personally will help you in any way I can