Principal's Newsletter #5 (revised)

Dear Bel Aire Families,

This month, you may hear your children referring to Mr. Nettell. "Who is this Mr. Nettell?" you might ask. Dave Nettell is a veteran educator who has partnered with Bel Aire teachers for years. He focuses on Social Emotional Learning and his work aligns with the Responsive Classroom approach that we take at Bel Aire. He's a resource for students, as well as teachers, and it's been great having him at Bel Aire these last few weeks.

From Dave's website:

Dave Nettell is a life-long learner, educator, and consultant to parents and schools. Mr. Nettell is a Professor of Education at Antioch University, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara. He is a former classroom teacher, curriculum specialist, and administrator. He was also the Director of Education, Public Information, and Volunteer Programs at the National Park Service’s San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park. He continues to work at the Park as a volunteer crew member aboard the 1891 sailing schooner Alma. Mr. Nettell also served for many years on the board of directors and as a team leader on the Fort Miley Ropes Course in San Francisco. Dave is the proud parent of two children (and a son-in-law and daughter-in-law.) He is known as “Grampa” by Riley, Eloise, Eleanor, and Benjamin.

He works with children and adults to develop and enhance trust, healthy risk-taking, and cooperation so that communities and individuals can be kind, safe, and productive.

John DiCosmo

Principal

Calling all Bel Aire runners! Cross Country season is starting!

Do you like to run? Join the xcountry team! This year we will have a series of 4 races each between 1 and 1.5 miles. Races are designed for 3rd-5th graders and are run on trails or the beach. The runs are for fun, but also for those who want to experience the joy of competition and setting goals. If this interests you, all you need to do is show up about 1/2 hour before the start time with your water bottle, Bel Aire T-shirt and running gear. Details below:

Thursday, September 29, 4pm: (The old) San Geronimo Golf Course

Thursday, October 6, 4:30pm: Upton Beach, Stinson Beach

Thursday, October 13, 4:00pm: Miwok Meadows, China Camp, San Rafael

Thursday, October 27, 4:00pm: (The old) San Geronimo Golf Course—Series Championship!

If your child is interested in one or all of these events, please contact Sarah Weller in the PE department. We are also looking for a team parent to organize carpools and snacks. Thank you! Sweller@reedschools.org

Bel Aire Family Handbook

Upcoming Dates:

October 4th - Bel Aire PTA Meeting (Note: NEW Date)

October 12th - Walk & Roll Wednesday

October 18th - 20th - Bel Aire Scholastic Book Fair

October 20th - 4:30-7:00 p.m. Book Fair Family Night, 5:00-7:30 p.m. Fall Festival

Get your ewallets ready and mark your calendars for the upcoming Bel Aire Scholastic Book Fair taking place from October 18th - October 20th. The fair will be open daily for students during classroom hours, snack and lunch recess. Volunteers are needed to help put on this great event. Sign up HERE. Please also join us for family night on Thursday, October 20th from 4:30-7:00pm. All purchases from book fair benefit our school and help support our students. Check out our website for more information: https://www.scholastic.com/bf/belaire

Save the Date: Fall Festival Family Night, a beloved Bel Aire event, returns on Thursday, October 20th from 5:00-7:00. Join the Bel Aire community in celebrating the arrival of fall with traditional festival games, food trucks with dinner for the whole family, a fun photo booth, arts and crafts, Scholastic book fair, spirit wear for sale and many other fun things to do!

As we prepare for the event, we need your help with this brief survey so we have enough food & games for the whole family. We will be looking for parent volunteers to make this a successful event. Stay tuned for the Sign Up Genius.

Safe Routes to School: Great job to all of the walkers, riders, busers, and scooters last week! It was wonderful to see everyone and we hope you enjoyed the pencils, erasers, and magnets. Congratulations to our raffle winners! Hope you like your sea creature socks and see you at the next Walk & Roll Wednesday on October 12th!

Please see the following information regarding the recommended biking/walking route as well as some general safety tips. Please also note that Safe Routes to School recommends that students walk their bikes in a safe manner through the parking lot at the Cove Shopping Center. As you know, this area is highly trafficked and it would be easy to miss a biker so walking your bike and using the crosswalks is recommended.

https://www.saferoutestoschools.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Bel-Aire-routes-10-21.pdf

BUDDY UP is a new contest to get students to walk (park and walk), bike, carpool or ride the bus together. Now through October 31, sign up your group of two or more students from neighboring families to travel to or from school. Tell us your success story! Habits are more likely to stick when families support each other. There’s safety in numbers and groups are more easily seen by drivers. Best of all, friendships and fun memories are formed! There will be a $50 award for 5 winning groups. Notifications will be sent out in early November!

Bel Aire PTA: Thank you to everyone who joined us for our last Bel Aire PTA Meeting. If you are interested in learning more about the PTA or want to get involved, please join us for our next meeting on Tuesday, October 4th at 8:30 a.m.(Note: date change due to Yom Kippur, otherwise Bel Aire PTA meetings are generally on the first Wednesday of the month) For more information, contact Bel Aire PTA Site Chair Laura Smith, lauracarolinesmith@gmail.com

Please follow the RUSD PTA Instagram page @rusdpta

If you have any great photos you’d like to share; please email them to the RUSD PTA Secretary @ mickeybruce7@gmail.com

Mrs. Bontz displayed 4th grade student artwork in the BA Office! Feel free to borrow a book from the parents' book shelf next time you visit.

Dr. McGrath wishing a farewell to 4th graders as they depart for the Mosaic Outdoor Education Project.

5th Grade Student Council Board Candidates

Dear Bel Aire Families,

Available now - the R4R Limited Edition Hat! Get your's today HERE

RUSD Mission & Vision: Each student will be challenged and inspired to reach their fullest intellectual, social-emotional and creative potential to positively impact the world.

John DiCosmo

Principal