Principal Newsletter // January 29th, 2024

Jan 29

Dear Appleton Community…

THE BEST PREDICTOR OF ACADEMIC SUCCESS IS...

If I could share one piece of advice that makes all the difference in the world for a child’s academic success or one “magic bullet” to academic success it would be this… reading volume outside of school hours is the best predictor of academic success!

The combination of time spent reading and the number of words students actually consume as they read is defined as reading volume. Viewed across a year, there are striking differences in reading achievement between the high-volume readers outside of school and those students who avoid reading.

Now take those numbers and multiply them by 6, the number of elementary years from Kindergarten through 5th grade. As you can see, there is a major advantage for the child where reading outside of school is a priority.

Reading outside of school hours has a profound influence on students’ cognitive abilities, their vocabulary development, and knowledge of the world. Keep in mind that children spend 1,190 hours a year in school versus 6,475 hours outside school. I know it can be tough to get in those minutes. But it is worth it!

Happy Reading!

Audit Finds Excellence!

Two recent audits by the D51 Finance Department found our Appleton secretary, Lisa McClelland continues to serve your children with excellence. Comments from the audits include: “Lisa, your records are impeccable.” “Neat and orderly.” “No exceptions found.” “Excellent work!” “Thank you for your dedication and hard work.”

4th Grade Music Program - February 29 at 6:00pm

Please be aware that the South Gym is NOT handicapped accessible. This historical 1938 gym provides the best viewing for audiences because it has a sound system, stage, bleachers, and a large gym for dances. Please let us know well in advance if there will be a member of your family or a friend who may need help getting up the stairs and we will be ready to help. Our other option is to hold the concert in the North Gym. Due to decorations, props, and moving heavy PA equipment, please give us plenty of notice if we need to move the concert to the North Gym, which is handicapped accessible. We will be happy to accommodate. Thanks so much!

Need To Buy Furniture?

If you are planning on buying furniture, consider American Family Warehouse. They will give a percentage of the sale to the Appleton PTA if you mention you would like the donation dedicated to our school.

White Iced Tickets on Sale Now

The White Iced Celebration for the D51 Foundation is Saturday, Feb. 3 at the CMU Ballroom. Check out this link to this D51 Foundation sponsored event.

PTA Meeting in February

Start planning now to attend out PTA meeting in February. PTA is such a crucial part of the student success here at Appleton, and we need YOU to be involved! Plan on joining for about an hour in the library on February 15th, starting right after school (4:10). It takes all of us working together to keep Appleton a strong and growing place for kids to learn and thrive.