Welcome to a new school year Torrey Pines Families!
As we all scramble to fit every last bit of “summer fun” into the month of August, and stretch the to do lists all the way to September 5th, I hope you are all getting excited about the start of a new school year! My kids are excited and a little nervous too!
Torrey Pines Elementary School is a unique and embracing place! Families in our TPES community already know about the amazing things that come with the TPES experience, and if you are new to TPES, WELCOME! We are excited to meet you!
As a parent or guardian of a TPES student, you are a member of the TPES Foundation. The Foundation exists to support TPES in lots of ways! What makes TPES so unique? A big part of it is parents like you who donate time, energy and financial resources to “make it happen”.
During this first month of September, I want to invite all Torrey Pines families to Participate in the Torrey Pines Experience! There are so many ways! Become a room parent, volunteer to help out at an event like the carnival, or help students in the art room, sign up for Ralphs and E-script programs that support TPES, collect Boxtops for Education, join us for pizza Wednesdays, buy a T-shirt with the brand new TPES Logo, become a Bronze Plaque Donor; there are SO MANY ways! Participation makes the special programming so unique to Torrey Pines students possible!
Why Participate? I believe volunteering connects you with what your kids are doing on campus. Your volunteer hours “make it happen”! Your time is precious to Torrey Pines! The fundraising that supports special programming needs volunteers like you! Funds raised enables the Foundation to supplement the district- allocated budget that Mr. Solo and the school administration have to work with.
The Technology Program
The Foundation funds a technology program in which our tech savvy and fully credentialed technology teacher Mrs. Lin instructs students using laptops and age/level appropriate software, hardware, Internet and other programming that is integrated into the core curriculum at every grade level. The district does not fund a basic computer/technology instruction. As parents, we believe technology is a necessary part of successful learning.
The Art Program
Our fabulous art teacher Mrs. Yzaguirre instructs on art creation and appreciation, vocabulary of art including principals of design, technique, process, and art history. Students engage in age appropriate art projects using a wide range of mediums and methods in a functional and well-stocked art room!
The Choral Music Program
Our inspiring music teacher Ms. Tang teaches choral music to each grade during their rotation day. The program motivates students to think about the music critically and actively participate in a positive and engaging environment. Introduction to musical instruments and vocal instruction is a fun experience for our kids!
The PE Program
Our PE program exposes kids to so many different sports and physical activity options with our long-time Coach Sergio! As parents, we strongly believe in supporting healthy habits and fostering healthy bodies as well as minds.
Smaller, Effective Class Sizes
By committing Foundation funds to supplement district funding, Mr. Solo is able to hire additional teachers in order to reduce class sizes from the district prescribed student-teacher ratios in the upper grades. As a parent, THIS is the very reason I became involved in the Foundation’s efforts to raise funds that will supplement district allocations.
At TPES, students have a tremendous community of teachers, parents, students, and community supporters. Led by Mr. Solo, students participate in excellent academic instruction as well as opportunities to grow as compassionate people and good citizens, all in a secure environment fostered by the positive energy that surrounds Torrey Pines Elementary.
Stay Informed!
Look for our weekly e-Twig on Fridays! We hope that the Friday e-Twig will help families plan for events in upcoming week. The e-Twig is sent to every parent electronically, and contains important dates and information about what will be happening at school or with our students the following week.
The Branching Out newsletter is our version of a school newspaper, and will be issued also via e-mail about every other month. It showcases our talented students and their amazing work, as well as special events and exciting happenings at TPES!
The TPES website is an excellent source of information, please check it regularly! Please join us for our Open Foundation and Parent Information meeting and coffee on Thursday September 8th at 9am in the auditorium.
September is always a busy month, getting back into the grove of school! Our first major fundraising event is the La Jolla Art & Wine Festival. It is our only collaborative event, where we join La Jolla and Bird Rock Elementary schools, along with dedicated La Jolla community members in a community event in down town La Jolla on Saturday October 1st and Sunday October 2nd. The festival donates all of its proceeds to La Jolla, Torrey Pines, and Bird Rock Elementary Schools.
Lastly, if you ever have questions about the Foundation or the programming supported by the Foundation, Please email or call me anytime!
Happy Back to School!
Erin Brown, TPES Foundation President
