Principal's Message - November 23, 2008

Dear Families,
Educational Laptop Program News: On Tuesday, November 18, LAUSD and Apple reached a contractual agreement. Next week it goes to the Board of Education for a vote of approval. After that, we will work with the District to clarify our school’s student laptop leasing situation. More news soon!

Principal’s Coffee and Chat: As mentioned in last week’s e-blast, Monday, December 1st, at 8:30 am, there will be another one of our series of discussions with the Principal. I will be updating you on the many events that have and will be going on at our school. The special topic will be “Why Gender Matters”.

Thankfulness: Thanksgiving should be one of our most cherished family traditions. These family traditions are vital to observe even as your children get older. Here are five reasons why:

Family traditions create good feelings and special moments to remember. They are fun. Enjoying this time together as a family will create positive emotions for all members. These are the memories that will last a lifetime.

Family traditions give every member of the family a stronger sense of belonging. Being part of a family is more than living in the same home or having the same last name. It is about relationships and family bonds. Since family traditions are something you do together, they strengthen the bonds you have between each other creating a stronger sense of belonging.

Family traditions help your children with their identity. Trying to figure out who you are is one of the main jobs of the adolescent. A family that observes consistently its traditions provides a strong foundation for children and teens to stand on when they’re searching for and defining their sense of self.

Annual family celebrations, like Thanksgiving, help parents impart the family’s values to their children. Showing your children what having the ability to love is all about happens naturally when you spend quality time together – like during a traditional family holiday.

Family traditions help to offer children a sense of security which is a powerful tool to use against negative peer pressure, drug use influences and other problems. During these special times you can find more opportunities to talk with your kids about some of the serious issues that they face. Even if your child is getting older, remember to adhere to the rituals that help define your family. You still need them – and so does your child.

Positive Behavior: Like all character training, thankfulness is mostly taught by parents modeling positive behavior. So remember to say “please” and “thank you”. This is especially helpful when asking for and receiving something from your child or spouse. Often we use our manners more with friends or strangers, neglecting those we love. If this sounds like you, change this habit and in time, so will your kids.

Also, try to do charity work as a family. For instance, make it a ritual for everyone to go to the Goodwill after your yearly closet cleaning. Your son or daughter will not only remember this trip but they will learn graciousness from it.

Finally, don’t forget to praise your child for being polite and expressing gratitude!

Yours truly,
Joan Ingle, Principal

Thought for the Day: When eating fruit, think of the person who planted the tree
Vietnamese proverb

STAR Winter Camp registrations are now available online at our Pali web site.
Click about Pali,
then Click on STAR education to download the form.

Please turn off your engine,
while waiting in the carpool lane.

It is good for the environment.

And it is good for our health too!