EC Principal Letter
Dear ANCS Elementary Families,
We had a beautiful week of celebrating reading last week. It started with the book fair on Monday. It was so lovely watching our students excited about getting new books and then immediately digging into them with smiles on their faces. Then we had our Family Reading Night on Wednesday. It was nice to see so many families come to school to enjoy reading together and making reading-related crafts. Finally, the week ended with the book character parade. The sun came out just in time for us to parade outside and around the school building. Everyone had a great time and the joy was contagious.
I want to thank Jessica Shelley, our teacher librarian, for all her work and effort organizing the book fair and Family Reading Night. Many thanks also goes out to all the teachers and parents/guardians who volunteered to make these events happen. Finally, thank you to all of you who supported the book fair, and/or came to Family Reading Night, and/or helped to cheer on our students for the parade. We really appreciate all of you!
Speaking of reading, students in each grade are required to complete a book over the summer. It is our hope that participating in this activity will provide our students with a shared summer experience. This will contribute to them having a common language and experience beginning the first day of school. Additionally, it allows teachers to plan community building opportunities for the beginning of the school year. Classes will engage in discussions, activities, and lessons surrounding these texts when they return to school. Please know that the books were chosen to create opportunities for dialogue, not to necessarily be a challenging read for each student. It is fine for the student to listen to a recording of the book or have the book read aloud to him/her. The school purchases the books, but we encourage a contribution here if you are able. Books will be coming home with students on the last day of school. The selected books are as follows:
- Rising Kindergarten: Kindergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day by Vera Ahiyya
- Rising First Grade: Let’s Talk About Race by Julius Lester
- Rising Second Grade: 48 Grasshopper Estates by Sara de Waal
- Rising Third Grade: The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson
- Rising Fourth Grade: El Deafo by Cece Bell
- Rising Fifth Grade: When Stars Are Scattered by Omar Mohamed and Victoria Jamie
I am happy to let you all know that morning meetings have been running very smoothly. It has been great seeing parents/guardians of students who are performing attending meetings and being able to take part in getting our day started in a positive way as a school family. To close out the year, we are opening up the meeting to all families who would like to attend. There is space to sit right behind our fifth grade, or you can stand in the back. Please do not sit with your student, as there is just enough room for all the students in the class spot. I also encourage you to participate in singing, dancing, the mindful moment or any other activity that is happening while you are there. I hope to see you in morning meeting at some point this year.
Finally, Milestones testing is happening this week for our third and fifth graders. Fourth grade begins testing next week. So far, this is going very smoothly. If your child is testing, please make sure they get a good night’s sleep and arrive at school on time. Thank you for your support with this.
As always, I am happy to answer any questions you may have. I hope you have a wonderful remainder of your week!
Wishing you well,
Lara
Lara Zelski
Lara Zelski began working at ANCS in 2007. Previously, she worked at the Howard School and taught art, Spanish, reading and math. She taught 6th, 4th, and 2nd in DeKalb County. She taught 4th and 5th grade in Decatur and then moved to Title One reading and math instruction for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. She taught 5th grade at the ANCS elementary campus for two years.
