Dear Families,

All of us at Herman Leimbach want to make this a very successful year for your child. The goal of our school is to provide each student with a challenging and rigorous curriculum. As a staff we believe that by empowering our students, we provide them with opportunities to become successful members of society. Every child can achieve!

Our school offers a variety of programs in order to provide the best possible education in the healthiest, safest learning environment. Here are some highlights: our staff members provide a standards-based curriculum, with extra support available for students with special needs. Grades 3-6 have accelerated classes, which extend beyond the core curriculum. We have an academic intervention teacher who works with designated students who show promise of rapid improvement or who need intensive support. Learning Center staff assists those who need extra help to make gains in reaching grade level standards. We also offer an after school "Lions Club" and the City of Sacramento START program where approximately 200 students have assistance with homework and tutoring as well as enrichment opportunities in technology, fine arts, physical education and more. Our MESA/Science Club, Visual and Performing Arts Club, Newspaper Club and our regional band program provide students with options to match their interests.

Consistent with the need to provide differentiated instruction to maximize student success, Herman Leimbach Elementary will continue to participate in the Early-Out Wednesdays. On these days, teachers collaborate for the purpose of planning instruction to meet students' needs. Our school also emphasizes character development. All classes use the Second Step program to help children learn to make good choices, avoid conflicts, and learn responsible behaviors. Monthly themes are built around civic values and ethics and correlate with the curriculum standards. Selected students are recognized at monthly assemblies. We are working hard on an attendance campaign, since students who attend regularly learn more. Students with perfect attendance are recognized at monthly awards assemblies and enter a drawing for various prizes. Classes that have perfect attendance are recognized as well.

Parent support and involvement are essential to the success of Herman Leimbach Elementary students. While some parents serve as classroom volunteers, others support student success by providing space, time and encouragement for daily homework and by reinforcing the importance of education and regular school attendance. Parents can voice their perspectives and offer suggestions for improvement in our school through participation in committees and other parent forums.

Our district's mission is to provide a learning community that challenges ALL students to realize their greatest potential. With family and community support, we are committed to making that happen for every child at Herman Leimbach. This goal takes a tremendous team effort. I urge you to join forces with us as we embark upon this exciting year of educating our future leaders of tomorrow.

Sonjhia Lowery, Principal
Herman Leimbach Elementary