Dear Parents,

On behalf of the Pacific Drive Staff, I’d like to welcome you and your student to the 2018-19 school year! I hope your family had a restful summer vacation filled with memorable moments. With the a new year before us, our staff has prepared and planned an instructional program that includes skills needed to succeed in the 21st century!

This year our areas of focus will include Common Core State Standards, 21st century skills specifically in the area of Computer Science and we’ll continue with our Visible Innovation Program. The Common Core Standards emphasis is on developing critical-thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills that students need to succeed in both school and career. We’ll also move beyond the basics of 21st century skills and embrace Computer Science skills. Our children will learn coding and programming which will give them the tools to become creators of new technology. These skills are vital for our children to excel in an ever changing and technological world! Our Visual Innovation Program (VIP) will be implemented in 5th and 6th grade and every student will be assigned an iPad. Our students will be able to utilize the iPad at school and at home, 24/7. Our goal is to inspire passion for learning in our students and provide them with a tool to pursue their interests beyond the school day in the areas of their choice such as writing, arts, engineering, science, or wherever their learning takes them. Students in grades kindergarten through 4th grade will also have access to a variety of devices (iPad, iPad mini & laptops) to use in their classrooms. The technology will be used to learn skills and to produce and create products that demonstrate their learning.

Attendance is a priority at Pacific Drive School and we acknowledge students and classrooms for their efforts. Our overall average daily attendance was 97.7% last year and our goal this year is to reach 98%! Please help us reach our goal by instilling the importance of attendance and punctuality.

Pacific Drive School has adopted a dress code to promote a positive learning environment. This policy will ensure that all students, Kindergarten through 6th grade, DRESS FOR SUCCESS by wearing appropriate and safe clothing. The detailed information is posted on our school website. For your convenience, the policy information is available in our school office along with order forms for school spirit wear: polo shirts, tee-shirts and sweat shirts.

In closing, I look forward to year filled with incredible learning experiences! In order to make this a reality we’ll need your support and cooperation because TOGETHER we can make Pacific Drive a school of excellence for the 21st century!

Respectfully,

Dr. Kelly S. Castillo