WELCOME TO EDGEMONT ELEMENTARY!

  Upcoming  Events & Other Information

 

Edgemont Elementary will provide a French / English Dual Immersion Program for 1st Graders in 2009-2010   More than forty years of research consistently documents the power of immersion programs to help students attain high levels of second language proficiency.  No other type of instruction, short of living in a second-language environment, is as successful. Young children especially thrive in this type of instructional environment.  Dual language immersion offers a rich bilingual experience  for young learners  when their minds are developmentally best able to acquire a second language.    Edgemont will have a French / English Dual Immersion program for 2009-2010 for 1st Grade students.  We now have enough applicants to fill 2 classes and we are 2/3 of the way to filling a 3rd class.  Therefore, we will continue to accept applications on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis (to qualified applicants) until we have sufficient numbers to carry the class, but no later than July 15th, 2009.

Students from other schools and districts are welcome and encouraged to apply.  We still need at least 9 students to be able to carry a 3rd French Immersion Class in 1st Grade.   Help us spread the word!  This is a great opportunity for our students and school!   Email your friends this link to make them aware of this opportunity: www.edgemont.provo.edu/my_home/immersion.htm   Additional information, answers to questions, research, and applications and commitment forms are available online.  Click here for more information & applications   Apply NOW!  Don't miss out on being able to give your child the GIFT of a second language!   Applications are due no later than Wednesday July 15, 2009!   Click HERE for an Application   For MORE Information, click HERE or call us at 801-221-9984 or 801-376-2276   We look forward to hearing from you!

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Changes for Our 5th/6th Grade Teachers

Our New 5th/6th grade teachers for next year will be:

Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Conrad, and Mr. Jennings

Since so much was changing for next year with our 5th/6th Grade Teachers, and with one change happening the last week of school, we decided not to announce classes/ teachers for the 6th graders on the last day as we traditionally do.   Mrs. Dayton and Mrs. Conrad have accepted the assignments to teach in place of Mrs. Barth & Miss Porter next year, with Mrs. Dayton planning to teach the 6th grade students that have been in Mrs. Barth's class and Mrs. Conrad planning to teach those 6th graders that have been in Miss Porter's class, so as to maintain as much continuity for these 6th graders as possible.  In addition, we hired Mrs. Rigby to teach full time in the class that she co-taught with Mrs. Hanks this past year. So, our 5th/6th grade teacher team for next year will be: Mrs. Dayton, Mrs. Rigby, Mrs. Conrad, and Mr. Jennings

 

As we inform you of these changes and new teaching assignments, I feel we need to give parents the opportunity to request classes or teachers now that this information is known and settled, but I would ask that parents make a request ONLY IF YOU STRONGLY FEEL A CHANGE IS NEEDED.  

 

As with the requests and class assignments that are normally made in May each year, please understand that we do our best to balance class sizes and gender ratios, as well as individual student needs and academic groupings.  Due to the difficulty in meeting a request for every student, we hope to limit parental requests unless there is a significant reason to be considered.  It is not expected or mandatory that you make a special class request for your child.  In fact, we hope to make very few changes with the 6th grade students for next year as we hope to keep them with most if not all of the same grade level group as they had this past year.  However, if you have strong feelings and good reason for us to consider with placement, I would invite you to fill out and submit a written class request form.  Every attempt will be made to grant legitimate requests, but please understand it is not always possible to grant every request.  That will especially be the case this year since we do want to keep these 6th graders with the same classes if possible.  A class request form is enclosed for your convenience, and a copy can also be downloaded online HERE (CLASS REQUEST form). The submission deadline for these forms will be Thursday, July 9, 2009 at 4 p.m. and can be turned into the school office or submitted to me by email (DennisP@provo.edu is my email address)  Class/ Teacher Assignments will then be announced on Thursday July 16th, and will be posted both on the school door and online HERE (6th Grade Class Placement).  Changes made after that point will be made only if and when space becomes available in a particular class. 

 

I hope the surprise of these changes will soon pass, as I feel we have excellent and well-respected teachers that are excited about the new opportunities to be teaching these 5th/6th grade classes.

Thank you for your support in this time of change.

Sincerely,

Dennis Pratt, Principal

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Kindergarten Sees Unprecedented Scores With BYU Literacy Program Teachers Use New, Emotionally Engaging Methods to Educate Kindergarteners

Edgemont kindergarten classes see nearly 100 percent of their students at or above reading level with the help of an innovative program created at Brigham Young University.

 

A program titled Systematic and Engaging Early Literacy (SEEL) is designed to educate younger learners through the use of emotional experiences had within the classroom.  Dianne Amesse, a kindergarten teacher at Edgemont Elementary, said the results she’s seen from the program outperform any other she has tried. 

“I wouldn’t use anything else but SEEL,” she said. “I’ve never seen such great results.”

Jolie Hill, The Director of Project SEEL, has organized the research and development for this unique and successful program.  She said the amount of fun and emotional connections used in SEEL set it apart from the other educational programs available. 

 

“SEEL not only exposes children to letters and patterns at the sound a print levels, it provides them with multiple opportunities for playful engagement,” Hill said.  “Activities are designed to stimulate an emotional connection that gives students the ability to remember and apply skills, setting SEEL apart from the other literacy programs available.”   For more information, CLICK HERE.

 

Registration for Edgemont's Kindergarten classes is going on NOW! 

If you are interested in hearing more about SEEL and how teachers, students, and families at Edgemont benefit from its playful curriculum, please contact teachers Dianne Amesse (DianneA@provo.edu) or Kristen Ellis (KristenE@provo.edu).  More information can be found at www.education.byu.edu/projectseel

If you'd like your student to have the benefits of the SEEL program, Kindergarten Registration is going on now at Edgemont.  Official Enroll for your child will be held on April 10th at 1:45 or 3:00.  For more information on enrollment contact secretary Ann Davis at AnnDa@provo.edu or by phone at 801-221-9984.

 

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Edgemont Elementary PTA Newsletter: May 4, 2009
Edgemont Express
Diana Bryson, President
Ali Conger, Editor

Yearbooks!

Yearbooks are still available for purchase. Cost is $20 for the first, and $16 for any additional. Contact Linda
Pattberg at 801-224-5515 or linda.pattberg@gmail.com for more info.

Edgemont Express Available via Email!

To receive this newsletter via email, send a message to edgemontexpress@gmail.com. If you are receiving
both email and printed copies of the newsletters, let us know your child’s name and classroom so we can remove
them from the printed newsletter list and save trees, time, and money.

President’s Message

I am writing my last newsletter ever and I thought it would be with elation, "Yay it's over!" kind of sentiments. But in reality it is grievous. I have grown to love Edgemont even more than before. I have enjoyed getting to know the students, faculty, parents and programs. I have been continually surprised and grateful to the many parents who give of their time and talents. We have had many instances of generosity throughout the year that I would never have known about otherwise. Thank you for allowing me to represent our school, thank you for doing what you have done. We will keep Edgemont as awesome as ever! 

When I think about April this year I have a hard time not thinking about how cold it was! I was a little stressed out for the Extravaganza because of the weather situation. But happy, positive, eagle thoughts were sent flying by all involved and we were spared the storm! Dina Driggs and her committee and huge army, it takes that many, of volunteers pulled off an amazing party yet again. Thanks to all of you who come and support it. Because, let's face it, a party if not a party without partiers. One parent told me that their son couldn't sleep the night before because he was so excited!

This year's Golden Apple recipient was the wonderful and talented Dianne Amesse!  So many parents had such amazing things to say about her but the one that sums it up best is, "I think she is concerned about the one and the many,  making sure eah student in her class is cared for and progressing while also making efforts to improve Edgemont education as a whole."  She is our personal "Miss Honey."  Thanks for all your hard work and love!

Coming up we have our 5K headed up by Cindi Pearce.  Thank goodness she is running this because she atually thinks about stuff like having parents at intersections, and I wouldn't have.  Barbara Bowlden is the head of Teacher Appreciation Week  and we really appreciate our teachers and her committee thanks for her efforts. Thanks to my awesome board who kept me on track and actually came to my meetings and make sure that I didn't do anything too wild and crazy.  This is a really long message and it is probably time to sign off so "Live long and prosper" Eagles and thanks for reading Nancy!

With Lots of Love,

Diana Bryson

Important Information/ What’s Happening

Regarding Student/Class Placements for the 2009-2010 School Year

Dear Parents,

We are starting to get a few inquiries about student placement for next year.  As we make teacher and class assignments for the upcoming year, every effort is made to place each student in a class and with a teacher that will be the best "match" for that individual, while still seeking to balance class size, gender ratios, individual student needs, and academic groupings.  It is not expected or mandatory that you make a special class request for your child.  Only if you have strong feelings and good reason for us to consider for placement would I encourage you to fill out a request.

The four-step process works like this at Edgemont:

1)  If parents feel there are particular  educational needs and a particular teacher is needed to address these needs, they are encouraged to submit a Class Request for identifying the needs (forms for this purpose are now available in the main office and online at www.edgemont.provo.edu; they will be due May 8th.)

2)  The principal  reviews these requests and assigns the teacher that best fits these needs;

3)  The current  teacher is asked to make a recommendation for next year's teacher and class; and

4)  The teachers in the next grade level are asked to review these placements and recommend changes they feel are needed.

It is difficult or even impossible to fulfill a request for every student.  We hope to limit parental requests unless there is a significant reason to be considered.

Due to smaller budgets and the fact that not all budget decisions have been finalized by the district for next year, we still have not made decisions on which teachers will be teaching which grades next year.  Therefore, IF you choose to submit a request for student placement next year, please make sure you describe the qualities you want in a teacher, NOT the name of a teacher since there will be changes in the grade levels teachers will teach next year.

Thank you!

Dennis  Pratt

Students of the Month!

Teacher  Student
Ellis Phoebe Clark
Clark Aubrey Burdick
Garner Andy Gibson
Hale Alyson Larsen
Cummings Dakota Christensen
Hamblin Eliza Carlisle
Conrad Jacob Hill
Dayton Ashley Larsen
Quinn Mary Barlow
Bishop Isaac Clawson
Hoehne Isaiah Duncan
Doman Emmaline Thompson
Wall Hally Ross
Porter Jong Bae Won
Rigby/Hanks Colby McClain
Jennings Benjamin Dow
Barth Tanner Kohler
King Noah Bradfield
King Jared Tanner

Thanks for Another Great Extravaganza!

Many of our helpers at the carnival come every year and sacrifice their
time with their children. For example, the Pitts family comes and brings
their ponies each year. Steve Kearney spends all night making sure your
children are safe on the climbing walls he built. Robyn Puhlam brings students
from her Hair Academy to help make your children look terrific with
the updos, manicures and gel application. Also, many of our teachers and
faculty come and work in the carnival to support the PTA. There are too
many of you to mention you all, but we love you and appreciate all you do.
Thank you again, to you, our patrons, for coming and supporting us each
year at our School Carnival. Not only do we love the fun of the carnival,
we love the opportunity it affords us to get together as a community in a
stress reduced, happy setting. Thank you, to all of you, who helped in your
positive attitudes to keep the rain from not appearing until we had everything
cleaned up and packed away. We are so grateful to everyone and thank you once again for all your hard work.

Dina Driggs
Extravaganza Chairman

Principal’s Corner: The End of the Year Is Upon Us

As we near the end of another great school year, there are a few things I'd like to communicate to you.

Summer School

Summer school will begin on June 3rd.   It is  made possible froma generous grant from the Provo School District Foundation and a Youth Connections grant from the Utah Dept. of Worforce Services.  Enrollment is open only by teacher recommendation for students who will be significantly benefited by continuing their academic learning into the summer. Registration is going on now, so pick up a registration from and get it turned in ASAP. Last year classes filled up gefore the last week of school and we had to turn some students away, so don't delay.

Community Council Nominations

The School Community Council is a group of parents and educators who work together to improve education and meet the academic needs of a school. One of the primary purposes of the Community Council is to improve student achievement by developing a Student Achievement Plan. This coming year we will hold elections for two of our parent positions on the council. We'd like to thank Katie Geary and Sharon Memmott for their service the past two years, and all the support and help they have given to improve our school! At Edgemont we hold elections for these positions at Back to School Night, which we have scheduled on Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, from 6-8 p.m. If you or someone you know is interested in being nominated for one of these positions, please contact the main office by the first week of August.

School Trust Lands

Every year for the past few years every school in Utah has received a sum of money from the Utah School Land Trust
Fund. This past year we received over $24,000, which we have used to greatly enhance our program to meet the needs of Gifted & Talented students, as well as a few other smaller needs. This serves a very important need in our school, and we feel very privileged to have this additional money. We are very pleased to our state elected officials and others for their continued support of getting these Trust Funds to the schools, and we hope that each year these funds will continue to grow. So, the next time you see one of our state legislators or other elected officials, please let them know how much we appreciate this additional funding for our needs.

Teacher & Staff Recognition & Thanks to Those Leaving

I would be remiss if I did not take a moment to honor and recognize a few of our staff at the end of this year. We have such an outstanding group of teachers and other staff that all of them deserve our applause and commendation, but several of our staff have received special recognition this year, including the following:

* Kathi Conrad, as Edgemont’s Teacher of the Year

* Dianne Amesse, as the Edgemont PTA Golden Apple Recipient

* Stephanie Davis, as Provo School District’s Classifed Employees of the Month (May)

In addition, we have a number of our staff who are leaving us in the next few weeks, and we would like to honor and express our sincere gratitude and appreciation for their service here.  They include Tiffany Barth, Melissa Porter, AnneMarie Doman, Jonathan Hoehne, Terri Rigby, and Belinda Robinson.  They are all moving on to other opportunities, yet have done many wonderful things to bless the lives of the children here, and we thank them for the great influence for good they have had in our school.

Many Thanks!

Finally, may I again express my appreciation to our PTA President, Diana Bryson, the PTA Board and Community Council members. Like all of the wonderful parents we have at Edgemont, each and every one of these individuals have selflessly served our community, and we are so appreciative of all they have done to make this another great year! Thank you all, and may you ALL have a wonderful, safe, and well deserved Summer Break!

Sincerely,
Dennis Pratt

More News...  Important Dates

May 4th-8th: Teacher Appreciation
May 11th: No School
May 22nd: Talent Assemblies (10:00 am/1:30 pm)
May 25th: Memorial Day, No School
May 28th: Field Day (9:30am, early out @ 1:30pm)
May 29th: Last Day of School!
May 29th: Recognition Assemblies (9:15 & 10:30)
May 29th: 6th Grade Celebration (10:15-11:30)
June 3rd: 1st Day of Summer School
June 30th: Last Day of Summer School

MAY BIRTHDAYS!              

May 1 Maria Griffiths            
May 1 Audrey Nelson
May 2 Tanner Van Orden
May 3 Olivia Fletcher
May 3 Sean McCraley
May 3 Hunter Thorstenson
May 5 Nicole Pitts
May 6 Jessica Cox
May 10 Jackson Perri
May 11 Sage Crook
May 12 Abigail Broberg
May 13 Megan Hale
May 13 Nicholas McWhorter
May 14 Christel Bons
May 14 Anna Elmer
May 14 Ethan Mendez
May 15 Alma Espinoza
May 17 Shaylee Sperry
May 18 Mackay Callister
May 18 Britney Sewell
May 19 Addison Sobisky
May 19 Natalie Van Orden
May 20 David Hurtado
May 20 Jacob Olsen
May 20 Bruce Wright
May 22 Lluliana Gonzalez
May 22 Kesley Rumsey
May 23 Rebecca Hill
May 23 Jacob Simpson
May 24 Jeremiah Parkin
May 24 Hannah Sybrowsky
May 27 Emma McBride
May 27 Emmaline Thompson
May 28 Brooklyn Christensen
May 28 Juliana Nordstrom
May 28 Kathryn Nordstrom
May 28 Natalie Wright
May 29 Isabel Andrus
May 29 Coleman Ford
May 29 Dallin Merrill
May 30 Shelby Smith
May 31 Kate Stewart
May 31 Julian Timmerman

All Pro Dad’s Day is Thursday May 14th

May 14 from 8-9am in the lunchroom.
Dr. Marlin Christiansen is the guest speaker.

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Lunch-money Payments Online

Provo school district is pleased to announce that your child's lunch account can now be accessed online. This will give you much more control over payments and help you to manage the balances better. You can link to it from the home page of any elementary school by clicking on the "Child Nutrition" link in the Quick Links menu. You can begin by setting up your account here.

 

School Calendar

Apr. 27-May 1  School Service Days

May 1-1/2 day of school (teacher inservice)

May 1- 5K Fun Run @9:30

May 4-8-Teacher Appreciation Week

May 11-No School  (Teacher Work Day)

May 22-Talent Assemblies 10:00 and 1:30

May 25-No School-Memorial Day

May 28-Field Day 9:30/Out at 1:30

May 29-Last day of school /Out at 11:30

            Recognition Assemblies 9:15 upper, 10:30 lower

            6th Grades Celebration 10:15-11:30

June 3-Summer School Begins MTWH

June 30-Summer School Ends

 

 

BYU's Kinnect Dance group came to Edgemont to perform. The kids had a fun day of dance!

 

 

WAY TO GO!

It's a great day,

Edgemont Elementary was well represented in the Robotics competition at BYU this Saturday. Ben Swift, Thomas Won and Jong Bae Won built a robot and put it through its paces over the obstacle course. At first it kept tipping off the pyramid but they did not give up. The boys altered the design time and time again until the balance was just right and they succeeded in going over the top of the obstacle. (This was accomplished in the time liimit they were given.) Well done to the Robotics Club!!

Rhonda Hinckley

 

Mayor Billings, Miss Provo Read to Edgemont Students

Edgemont Elementary students had the special treat of listening to and visiting with Provo City Mayor Lewis Billings and Miss Provo, providing a unique opportunity for the students to meet and interact with those who make a difference in Provo. Edgemont Elementary’s faculty places a special emphasis upon literacy and public service and responsibility. To be able to mix all of those topics into one opportunity for the students was third-grade teacher Judi Dayton’s dream come true.

"The teachers here at Edgemont want students to understand just how important being able to read well is for everyone," Dayton said. "We also stress the importance of social studies and being good, participatory citizens in our community. To have the mayor and Miss Provo here to read to the students showed them great examples of those who take pride in Provo and work hard to make it better while showing how important reading in their own lives."

 

Parent Calendar 2008-2009

Mission Statement

The mission of Edgemont Elementary School, an adventure in educational excellence, is to lead the way in building a stimulating learning environment, in partnership with student, family, school, and community, that prepares individuals to contribute responsibly to society and continue life-long learning.

February 2, 2009
Edgemont Teacher Receives Award, Featured on KSL News

        Lori Willis, a special education teacher at Edgemont Elementary, received the High Five Award from KSL News. With every student in the cafeteria awaiting her arrival, along with her family, a cameraman and Brooke Walker, a Channel 5 news anchor, Lori was completely surprised by the amount of people who were there to thank her for her tremendous service. "Lori quietly serves the students far beyond anyone’s expectations," said Denita Mortenesen, the parent who nominated Lori for the award. "The students know they have a friend in Lori."

"This special woman is the prime example of going the extra mile," said Dennis Pratt, Principal of Edgemont Elementary. After working over eight years at Edgemont, Lori’s small acts of kindness, little thank you notes, and giving current or former students books, Lori has become a favorite throughout the school for her genuine kindness. "She is one of those unassuming people that does many little and big things that make your world a better place because her path has crossed yours," Pratt said. Please watch the news story video on the KSL Web site!

 The Things Kids Say!

Hi Friends,
Last week when our class went to the Beane Museum and we saw the reptile show. The young man doing the show brought out a large jar with white snake eggs floating in formaldehyde. It was to demonstrate they were soft shelled, unlike chicken eggs. But a 5 yr. old boy said " I think they look like banana pickles which made us laugh because he was right , they did ! It makes me chuckle even it now, to think of how these little ones see the world.

In the show we were taught there are 4 types of reptiles: crocs, turtles, lizards, and snakes. We were shown a non-living sample and a living sample of each which came out of a large box and crawled on the floor in front of us. In the end the young man told us about dinosaurs and a little girl said in all seriousness, " You don't have dinosaur in that box , do you?

Mrs. Amesse- Kindergarten Teacher

Mr. Hoehne's 4th grade class collected over 1800 cans  and will give the proceeds to Primary Children's  Hospital!

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Unprecedented Achievement in Edgemont's Kindergarten with BYU Early Literacy Program

After-School Program Classes & Information

Attendance  Policy and Procedure  @ Edgemont Elementary 

Pre-Approved Absence Form

Class_Request Forms (Due the 1st Full Week of May)

Class Supply Lists (Click here, then select your teacher's name)

Community Council Meeting Schedule

Current PTA Newsletter and Past PTA Newsletters

District Safe School Policy  and  Spanish Safe School Policy

General Information Brochure

Gifted & Talented Program Information

Halloween Costume Guidelines

Letter to Reduce Sweets & Restrict Homemade Foods at School & District Wellness Policy

Parent PowerSchool Access Info (How to Access Student Grades & Attendance)

Student Handbook