Dear Germain Families:

The 2023-24 school year is quickly approaching and we at Germain are eagerly preparing for the return of our wonderful students. I hope you’ve had a great summer break making memories with your families. This school year brings challenges and new programs to our school. I want to reassure you that our teachers and staff will continue to provide your children with the best educational experience possible as they get Ready for the World!

At Germain we are proud of our growing Universal Transitional Kindergarten and Special Education programs. We currently have 3 Universal Expanded Transitional Kindergarten (UTK) classes. We are excited that we’re able to offer this program to our community. Germain offers 7 Special Education classes that span across all grades. Our Assistant Principal Mrs. Fernandez heads this department and can be reached with any questions regarding our programs.

Mrs. Palacio will continue to be our Robotics teacher and she will offer her program to all students! Mrs. Palacio will also work with students interested in participating in Robotic competitions in our community.

The Early Literacy and Language Program (ELLP) will enter its fifth year in grades K-2 and third year in third grade. The end-of-year data shows that our ELLP program was successful and we strive to make it even better this year. Additional Intervention support will be provided by our Intervention teachers and during after school and Saturday classes.

Student safety is our highest priority. Please follow safety procedures when dropping off and picking up students. School gates for students in grades UTK – 5^th  open at 7:30 am and at 7:50 am for PALS. Please be sure students arrive on time. Our attendance counselor Ms. Bautista will be available to provide support. Please remember that parents must check in at the office and receive a visitor’s pass before entering campus.

Our school will continue to use John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success and its Character Traits. Each month we will focus on a different trait as follows;

• August – Enthusiasm                                                                          
• September - Hard Work                                                            
• October – Friendship                                                                 
• November - Loyalty and Cooperation                   
•  December - Self-Control          
• January - Alertness and Action          
• February - Fitness and Skill                        
• March - Determination            
•  April - Poise and Confidence
• May - Team Spirit

We will also continue to use our Best Practices of Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Kind as outlined by our school rules.

Our rigorous academic program will prepare our students to succeed and meet grade-level Common Core Standards. Our English Learners will receive added support in the Learning Center from our Coordinator; Mrs. Silva, so that they can meet the Reclassification Criteria and be ready for middle school.  Students in grades 3^rd – 5^th will be taking the Smarter Balanced Assessment in May 2024. We will provide our students with added technology experiences that will help them become more aware of technology applications and implement them in their learning. Our teachers will work together to plan, review data, and implement any needed interventions to make sure every student gets the best learning experience possible at Germain.

All this however is not possible if students don’t come to school every day or if they arrive late. We need your support. Remember, students must be in their seat by the 8:00 am bell.

I look forward to a great year. If you have any questions or concerns, you can reach me by email at [email protected], calling the main office at 818-341-5821, or stopping by the office. I will do my best to answer you within 24 hours.

Respectfully,

Luis Lopez

Principal