Taking FLITE!

This week was a special one as we unveiled our model for a partial Spanish immersion plan. FLITE (Foreign Language Immersion and Teaching Enrichment) has two opportunities for our students to learn Spanish: a partial immersion program beginning with next year's 1st graders, and an enrichment offering through our specials rotations for all students (which is scheduled to begin in 2012-2013).
The Sandpiper School Council approved our model on January 7, and it was presented at the January 11 PTO meeting. Our efforts were also presented at the PVUSD Governing Board Meeting, where the Board members expressed their excitement and appreciation to finally have an immersion program in our district.
On January 18, we will have our first open house to introduce the immerson side of FLITE to interested parents. If you have a kindergarten student (or younger) and would like to know more about language immersion, please join us at 6:30 pm in the media center.
I am excited that all of our students will soon have the opportunity to enjoy the many benefits that come from learning a second language, and I am confident that FLITE will attract new students to Sandpiper so we can continue to be a vibrant part of the Sandpiper community!

Observations from the Classrooms
January is our poetry month, and our students have been busy looking at the world through the eyes of poets. We will end this month with our poetry contest and a visit from the "Poetry Patrol!"

Our PE classes began their track and field events this week, which is a favorite for many. The younger students are especially excited as they get their first experience with the high jump and long jump.

TREKKERS
On January 21, Sandpiper students will begin their Trekkers program. Each Friday, we will have a 1/4 mile track set up and encourage students to run/walk during their recess. Last year, our students ran/walked more than 2,000 miles in 10 weeks, and I will challenge them to beat that this year.

Family Night
Did you make a resolution to get back into shape? Then bring your family to our first family night of the new year: Yoga and Yogurt! Bring a towel or mat to Kokopelli Hall for a free yoga session on January 19 at 6:30 pm. Afterwards, enjoy some yogurt from Yogurt Builders (pre-orders only... forms were sent home with our students on Thursday).