From The Principal

Welcome back Wonderland families to the 2012/1013 school year!  I also want to extend a special welcome to our new families that will be starting on their educational journey with us this year.  I know that parents and children alike have butterflies in their tummies as they get ready to let go of tightly held hands on the first day of school.  Raising children is really a long series of “letting goes” and this is probably the hardest.  We understand that here at Wonderland and I assure you that the next hand they hold will be that of one of our passionate and dedicated teachers who will open up an educational world of wonder and excitement that will create in them a lifelong joy of learning.

Wonderland Avenue School staff and I are proud of the program that we offer and we see the fruit of our efforts in ever increasing test scores and academic accomplishments.  However, while our test scores are impressive, they are only one chapter in a much larger book that tells the whole story of our students and their successes.  As your children move through the grades they will experience a well-rounded curriculum that will expose them to art, music, dance and theater. Literature, history, math and science will also be integral parts of their experience and taught in ways that excite and bring out the joy that learning can be.  They will learn to use advanced technologies as a creative means to an end and not an end in itself.  They will learn to be critical thinkers and engaged and active participants in their own education.  Writing will be infused at every level of activity.  As a staff we will work tirelessly to ensure that your children will be prepared for full participation in a 21^st century global community.

We also take the social and emotional growth of our students seriously and our staff continues to train and receive professional development in Way of Council, our program that is designed to give children the skills to speak and listen from the heart and to grow in compassion and empathy for others as they share in their stories.

This year will undoubtedly bring more discouraging economic and educational news from Sacramento and even the district.  However, I want to assure you that it is my personal mission to ensure that our students continue to receive the quality education they deserve.  In this effort, I will be calling on our families to join forces with me and the incredible Wonderland teachers and staff by becoming active members of our community by volunteering in one of the many opportunities that abound at our school.  The role of the family in education is the cornerstone of any school’s success and I welcome you to find a place to share your energy and talents.

This is looking to be a very promising year and I thank you in advance for all you will do to make this the great educational community that it is.  Whether your child is a new Kindergartner with butterflies in their tummy or a seasoned fifth grader ready to take on the world, we are grateful for the role we will play in their continued development and deeply understand the trust you have placed in us.  I look forward to seeing you all and say once again…

We few, we happy few, we band of students, teachers, staff and families that make up our Wonderland community:  Welcome back!

Don Wilson
Proud principal of Wonderland Avenue School