Principal John Warren

Greetings from the Principal,

I would like to welcome you to the 2007-2008 school year.

It is with great pride that I welcome you to Topock Elementary School. Topock School has always been a special place to me. I started teaching sixth grade at Topock in 1995. It was that very same year that my students and I embarked on an adventure of hiking the Grand Canyon that soon became a tradition with Topock Students. I have had the privilege of being the first teacher in Mohave County to be awarded the Silver Apple Award in 1998 as well as Mohave County Teacher of the Year in 2001and runner up for Arizona Teacher of the Year.

Each year I have enjoyed successes as an educator, athletic coach and now, as Superintendent of Topock Elementary School, I share in the excitement of a structured learning community built for your child/children’s complete success.

Topock School is labeled as a performing plus school in the state of Arizona and I am determined to make our school even better with each year.

We live in an era of high stakes testing. For your child/(ren) to graduate from high school he or she must pass all three portions of the AIMS test. This is a goal we should accomplish now! It is in your child’s best interest to take learning seriously with the goal of graduation in mind. Being academically prepared and passing all portions of the AIMS testing while at Topock Elementary School is excellent training for future success.

I have assembled a truly dynamic staff of educators and support staff that love children, love teaching, and are committed to the success of each and every student. We are energized about the many possibilities that await each of our students throughout the school year. It continues to be an exciting time to be a part of the Topock Elementary learning community. I invite each of you to participate in the many activities that will take place throughout the year. Together, we will make your child’s elementary educational experience a memorable and successful one.

Throughout this year, we will address the Topock Elementary School Character Counts Education along with academics, attitude and attendance.

ATTENDENCE...We need your child at school every day possible. Students can never fully make-up instruction missed when they are absent. Please choose carefully before your child stays home…attendance truly makes a difference in student achievement and your student’s academic success.

ATTITUDE… How your child feels about school, perceives school, and becomes involved in school absolutely affects his/her ability to learn. How you as parents become involved in your child’s education, how you communicate your expectations and the level of support that you show for Topock Elementary School also affects your child’s attitude about school. As we explore student’s attitude and behaviors in school, we are asking you to be a part of the Topock Elementary School decision-making process. Be involved in your child’s education. Be involved in your child’s Character Education.

While we expect students to attend school and come with an open and positive attitude, ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT is always our primary focus. You may be asking yourself, “What role can I play in raising the academic achievement of my child?”
· Check your child’s agenda daily.
· Review your child’s projects and homework before they are turned in.
· Provide structured routines for completing homework so that it becomes a
regular habit for your child.
· Communicate regularly with your child’s teachers.
· Encourage your child to get involved in at least one school club or
activity. Research shows that students who are involved in clubs and activities have better attendance, better attitudes about school, and higher academic achievement.

Character education is a huge focus for our staff and students this year. The components’ of Character education are the pillars for success as individuals all through life and set the moral standards which shall guide your children into lives as productive members of society and a lifetime learning experiences.

In closing, as the principal of Topock Elementary School, I would like to let you know that my door is always open. Please come by whenever possible. I am always willing to listen to your concerns and address any issues of importance to you, your children or the school. Most of all, I want you to know that your child’s well being, safety and education are of the utmost importance and concern to me. Please know that I and the Topock School Family will do all that we can to help your child be successful at Topock Elementary School.

Sincerely

Principal John Warren