Excerpts from The Hall Weekly Bulletin - March, 12, 2007 : Volume 12:26
Calendar		Principal's Message
This Week Wednesday, March 14 • 7:30pm | Parent Edu. Speaker | NC Thursday March 15 • Enrollment at Redwood | Scheduled Student Appointments • 3:30-5pm | School Site Council Meeting Friday March 16 • NO SCHOOL | Staff Development Day Upcoming Saturday March 17 • 9:30-12:30 | Campus Improvement Day Monday March 19 • 8:45am | Superintendent’s Coffee Chat | il Fornaio • Teen Transition Day for Eighth Graders Tuesday, March 20 • 1:15pm | General Hall PTA Meeting Thursday March 22 • 12:30 | District Advisory Committee | District Office Friday March 23 • 7:30pm | Twin Cities Music Festival | Hall Wednesday, March 28 •6pm | School Board Meeting | Hall Library Friday March 30 • 6pm | Wizard of Oz Performance Saturday March 31 • 6pm | Wizard of Oz Performance April 9 – April 13 • NO SCHOOL | Spring Recess Wednesday, April 25 •6pm | School Board Meeting | Hall Library April 30 – May 11 • STAR Testing Period		California Distinguished Schools I am very proud to announce that Hall Middle School has been selected for a site visit as part of the California Distinguished Schools program.  This program was created to recognize schools for their exceptional programs and commitment to student learning.  According to the Department of Education, the program: “Honors some of the state's most exemplary and inspiring public schools.  Schools selected for Distinguished School Awards are strong, well-rounded community schools”.  In order to be eligible for this recognition schools must meet student performance standards and complete a comprehensive application that addresses the following topics: school vision, use of student assessment to guide instruction, curriculum, instructional practices, professional development, academic guidance, support services, health and safety, and school culture. Each application is scored against a rubric.  Schools whose applications meet or exceed the standard are selected for a site visit.  Our visit is scheduled for March 20 of this month.  A visiting committee will spend the day at Hall to visit classrooms and meet with staff, parents and students to confirm our application.  It is an honor to have reached this level, as only a handful of schools in Marin have made it this far. The application process has been rigorous and has involved all staff members who have contributed to our application, providing essential information about classroom practices and school programs. We are proud to be considered for this recognition and are hopeful that we will be selected for this distinction. Throughout the process I was reminded that the success of this school is built upon our strong teaching staff, involved parent community and wonderful students. Progress Reports Progress Reports were mailed home last Friday.  These report cards are sent at the midpoint of the semester to students who are in danger of not passing a class.  This means that any student earning a “C-” or below in a class has been sent a Progress Report.  We ask that you sign and return your child’s Progress Report so that we are sure that you have received it. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s grades, talk with your child first, then contact the teacher directly.  - Daniel Norbutas & Andy Boone - Hall Principal & Assistant Principal School News Join Us for the Wizard of Oz! Please mark your calendars for the upcoming performances of the Wizard of Oz, performed by the spectacular Neil Cummins third and fourth graders at 6pm on March 30 and 31 in the Neil Cummins gym!  Tickets may be purchased at the door or in advance. ($5 suggested donation; 5 and under free)  Please look for the order form in next week’s backpack mail.  We hope you’ll join us on our amazing adventure to the wonderful world of Oz!