Hello Parents,

This month, we learned so many new and exciting things!

Our first graders are learning how to write complete sentences using correct spelling and grammar. They are also beginning to recognize when to use addition or subtraction to solve math problems.

Our second graders are learning how to put words in alphabetical order and how to use a dictionary to find words and understand their meanings.

We have also started a new learning routine in our classroom. Students are beginning to learn American Sign Language (ASL). They are practicing how to sign the alphabet, colors, and express their feelings using silent language. It has been a fun and meaningful way to build communication skills!

We are also proud to recognize this month’s award recipients:

High Flyer Award
Savannah

Readers
Joaquin
Nikky
Adrian
Savannah

Perfect Attendance
Gala

We would also like to give a big THANK YOU to Dr. Major for helping improve our classroom. Thanks to this support, many students are showing great improvement in their reading, writing, and ability to stay focused throughout the school day.

Thank you for your continued support!

News & Information:

The third and fourth grade class started their skills labs.

"The iINNOVATE Regional Skills Lab is a new career-connected STEM initiative for the Central Coast that empowers all students, regardless of background, to explore regional careers and build confidence early."

https://k12skillslab.org/3/powerskills

Our fifth skills l is "Rocket Scientist; Blast off! Design and Launch Your Own Rocket." In this lab students will learn what a rocket scientist does. They will also learn about the different parts of a rocket and how they affect the flight of one. They will also get to design and test a part of a rocket collect data.

Dear Parents,

We had a great month in our classroom. We had students who got an opportunity to go bowling to Cal Poly for reaching their A.R reading goal.

Also students work hard on doing their last diagnostic iReady test on mathematics and English Language Arts. 

As we head to the end of the year please remind your child of the importance of putting in effort everyday in class and at home. It makes a huge difference when a student tries.

Thank You,

Miss Rodriguez

Learning Focus

Reading:

3rd: RL.3.9 Compare and contrast the themes, settings, and plots of stories written by the same author about the same or similar characters (in books from a series). RL.3.1 Ask and answer questions. RL. Describe characters RL.3.4 Determine word meanings.

4th: RI.4.5 Describe the overall structure (chronology, comparison) of events, ideas, concepts, or information in a text or part of a text. RI.4.1 Make Inferences. RI.4.4 Determine word meaning.

Math:

3rd: Unit 6: Geometry

4th: Unit 5: Geometry and Measurement

Grammar:

Parts of Speech

Spelling:

Unit 5: Long a, e

Vocabulary:

Student work on five academic vocabulary words per week.

Writing:

Step-Up-to-Writing: Informative Essay

Science:

Twig- Module 3: Time-Traveling Tour Guide

Social Studies:

Chapter 2: California's Early History

Second Trimester Award Recipients:

Roberto Hernandez, Evelyn Leon, Jose Gonzalez, Anna Maldonado, and Iris Martinez

Cal Poly Bowling Fieldtrip for A.R

Calendar of Upcoming Events

• • Spring Break 3/3 - 3/10
  • Fairness Award 3/27

Strengthening Multiplication with Area Models

Dear Families,

This month in math, we are focusing on fortifying multiplication skills by building deep conceptual understanding before moving toward full fluency.

In class, students are learning to use the area model strategy to multiply multi-digit numbers. The area model helps students break numbers apart using expanded form, which strengthens their understanding of place value and how multiplication truly works.

For example:
35 × 54 becomes
(30 + 5) × (50 + 4)

Students create a rectangle divided into sections and multiply each part separately before combining their products. This visual model builds strong number sense and prepares students for the standard algorithm with confidence and accuracy.

Our goal is not just to “get the answer,” but to understand why the math works.

Why Fluency Matters

While we are strengthening conceptual understanding in class, multiplication fluency (quick and accurate recall of basic facts) is essential for long-term success in math.

Students who know their multiplication facts automatically:

Solve multi-digit problems more efficiently

Experience less frustration

Build confidence

Perform better in division and fraction work

Mastery of multiplication facts up to 12 × 12 is a critical 5th-grade skill.

How Families Can Help at Home

You can support your child by practicing multiplication facts for 10–15 minutes daily. Consistency makes a big difference.

Here are simple ways to practice:

• Flashcards
• Timed practice challenges
• Multiplication war (card game)
• Skip counting aloud
• Online practice programs (e.g., Reflex Math, XtraMath)
• Writing fact families (ex: 6×7, 7×6, 42÷6, 42÷7)

Encourage your child to explain how they know the answer. Verbalizing their thinking strengthens retention.

Our Goal

By combining:
✔ Strong conceptual understanding (area models)
✔ Daily fluency practice
✔ Parent partnership

We will build confident, capable mathematicians who truly master multiplication.

Thank you for your continued support at home. Together, we can ensure every student develops both understanding and fluency.

If you have any questions about our multiplication strategies, please feel free to reach out.

Warmly,
Ms. Castro

Hello San Ardo Community. Currently, in the 7th and 8th grade class, we are working on getting 8th graders prepared for the academic expectations of becoming a high school student while preparing the 7th graders for the rigor of 8th grade.

In class, our students are about to start reading a novel named Bless Me Ultima for English Language Arts, where they will focus on the different types of conflict in literature while continuing to learn critical thinking and writing skills and how to draw evidence to prove their ideas about the novel.

For Social Studies They are going to conclude a unit on the Roman Empire and will get started on Islamic Civilization between 600 CE and 1600 CE. They also get to know about current events around the world through our daily watching of CNN10 News.

In Science, the students will get into a unit on Sleep and a Neurotransmitter called Dopamine. 

For Math, Mrs. Black and I are continuing with preparing the students for state testing where we are focusing on teaching the students math fundamentals that will help them through more advanced math seen in the state tests. Also we will be going over a unit on Ratios.

We have parent teacher conferences coming up from March 9th through March 13th. I look forward to meeting with parents again.

IReady Diagnostics are coming up from March 16th through March 27th.

Behavioral Expectations

We are now in our 3rd and last trimester of the year.  Behavioral expectations in class and on campus are going to be raised. Students from my class are expected to respect everyone in class, in interventions/arts, and during recesses. Also, all of my students are expected to respect any adults on campus regardless of their position of employment or status as volunteers.  Failure to do so will affect their eligibility to participate in future field trips including the 8th grade promotion trip to Knott's Berry Farm in southern California.

NOTE TO PARENTS: Please make sure your students are getting enough sleep.  Sleepy students cannot learn properly and it affects their mood and attitude.

Welcome to April!

Spring is here, and we are continuing preparations for state testing (ELPAC and CAASPP). The more familiar students become with the types of questions they'll see on the tests, the more automatic it will become to answer the questions.

In addition to preparing for ELPAC and CAASPP, we continue to work on foundational reading skills.

In the literacy classes, I use a lot of the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) materials to build basic sound skills. Students use "Elkonin" boxes (sound boxes) to separate sounds in a word. It is helpful to "segment" out the sounds (below=b*e*l*ow=4 sounds) and blend sounds to make a word (b*e*l*ow = below). If students can find patterns (ow=o), then when they see other words with that pattern, they can "decode" them (follow, swallow).UFLI materials

As students get the sounds "down" (notice a different sound pattern with "down"), they will start noticing and working on affixes (prefixes and suffixes added to base words that make the word change meaning). 

Please stop by any time to get books or check out any resources for your child. It's a pleasure to work with them!

Best,

Mrs. Bobbitt

To contact Mrs. Bobbitt:

kbobbitt@sanardousd.org

--or just stop by!

4/1 - Dr. Reimer to Santa Cruz to present to US Marines & Native Sons of the Golden West  

4/3 - 4/12 Spring vacation 

4/15 - Board meeting 4:00 p.m.

4/15 - Walk to School Day - Safe Routes

4/16 - Dr. Reimer to MCOE for superintendent's council

4/22 - Earth Day and Walk to School Day - Safe Routes

4/27 - Character Counts Fairness award 8:30 a.m.

4/29 - Walk to School Day - Safe Routes 

4/30 - Day of the Child special activities 

Dear San Ardo Families and Community,

As we welcome the month of April, I want to take a moment to share important updates, celebrations, and expectations as we move into the final stretch of the school year.

Spring Break Reminder
Spring vacation will take place April 3–12, 2026. We hope this time provides our students and families an opportunity to rest, recharge, and enjoy time together. We look forward to welcoming students back ready to learn on April 13.

Preparing for CAASPP Testing
Upon our return, students in grades 3–8 will be preparing for the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP). These assessments are an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their learning. Families can support students by ensuring:

Consistent attendance

Adequate sleep each night

A positive mindset and encouragement

We appreciate your partnership in helping students do their best.

Eighth Grade Promotion Expectations
As we approach promotion season, we want to remind families that participation in eighth grade promotion activities is a privilege tied to academic progress, attendance, and behavior. To be eligible, students must meet the following district expectations:

Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA in core subjects (grades 6–8)

Demonstrate satisfactory citizenship and effort

Have 15 or fewer absences in 8th grade (unless waived for medical reasons)

Have no more than 10 days of suspension (grades 6–8 cumulative)

Clear all financial obligations

Students who do not meet these expectations may still advance to high school but may not participate in promotion ceremonies or activities.

We encourage families to stay in close communication with teachers and the office if there are concerns. Our goal is to support every student in successfully meeting these milestones.

Day of the Child Celebration – April 30
We are excited to celebrate El Día del Niño (Day of the Child) on April 30, 2026. This special day honors the importance of children, their well-being, and their contributions to our community. Students can look forward to engaging activities that celebrate culture, learning, and joy.

Looking Ahead
April is a busy and important month filled with learning, preparation, and celebration. We ask all students to continue demonstrating positive behavior, responsibility, and pride in their work as we head toward the end of the school year.

Thank you for your continued support of our students and school community.

Warm regards,
Catherine Reimer
Superintendent/Principal
San Ardo Union Elementary School District