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Coleman Elementary School

Principal's Post: Sunday, March 22, 2026

Posted Date: 03/22/26 (04:00 PM)
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The Principal's Post
Families:

As we prepare to kick off state testing for students in 3rd-5th grade in two weeks, I have wonderful news to share with you. This year, 16 of our students have officially been Reclassified as Fluent English Proficient (RFEP). We will celebrate our 16 Tigers at Terra Linda High School on Thursday.

In my four years here at Coleman, this is the largest group of students we have reclassified in a single school year. Seeing this number grow year after year is a direct reflection of the grit our students show every day, the tireless work of our educators, and - most importantly - the steady support you provide at home. This is a huge milestone.

What This Achievement Represents

Reclassification is one of the highest honors a student can earn in California. It means a student has fully mastered academic English across Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. Students become eligible for reclassification when they reach an overall level four on the English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC), and reach the district grade level criteria for the i-Ready ELA exam or a level 3 or 4 on the CAASPP (California's State test in grades 3-12)

Extraordinary Effort:
  • Unlocking New Horizons: This status is a "key" that opens doors to more electives, advanced honors courses, and specialized programs that set the stage for college and beyond.
  • The California State Seal of Biliteracy: (SSB) is a gold seal affixed to high school diplomas or transcripts, recognizing students who have achieved high proficiency in English and at least one other language. Awarded upon graduation, it promotes linguistic diversity, enhances resumes, and highlights skills to employers and colleges.
  • Bilingüismo es mi superpoder: We aren’t just celebrating English proficiency today; we are celebrating students who are becoming bilingual and biliterate - a massive gift in our global world.
 

Book Recommendation: Permission to Feel by Dr. Marc Brackett

In Permission to Feel, Dr. Marc Brackett argues that emotional intelligence is a learned skill, not an innate trait. He introduces the RULER framework (Recognizing, Understanding, Labeling, Expressing, and Regulating) as a systematic way to master our emotional lives.
The Core Shift
The book’s central premise is that we must move from being "Emotion Judges" (who suppress feelings as "bad") to "Emotion Scientists" (who approach feelings with curiosity). Brackett emphasizes that:
  • Emotions are Data: Feelings provide essential information for decision-making and relationships.
  • Suppression is Costly: Ignoring emotions leads to "emotional leakage," manifesting as burnout, anxiety, or physical health issues.
  • Permission is Power: Validating the full range of human experience reduces stress and builds deeper connections.
The Bottom Line
By creating "emotion-positive" environments in schools, offices, and homes, we can increase productivity and well-being while dismantling the stigma around feeling.
Geen Month

Coleman Handbook Highlight


Independent Study at Coleman

Please plan your family vacations to coincide with school breaks. This will support your child’s learning and commitment to the school. If this is impossible and your child will be absent for 1-15 days, an independent study contract should be requested. 

All Independent study inquiries begin with a written request from the family to the front office and the teacher at least 10 days advance notice. Feel free to call the front office or stop in and drop off a written request. “The Superintendent or designee may continue to offer and approve independent study for an individual student upon determining that the student is prepared to meet the district's requirements for independent study and is likely to succeed in independent study as well as or better than the student would in the regular classroom setting.” Students should be on grade level or above in math, reading, and writing and have good attendance.  Any requests beyond ten days must be approved by the Assistant Director of Student Services, Susan Akram.  Independent study contracts will not be approved if the absence dates are after March 27th.

Length of Independent Study; Pursuant to Board Policy 6158.
 

Important Resources, Links & PTO Weekly Newsletter


The Weekly Wrap - the Coleman PTO Weekly Newsletters

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

Coleman Family Google Calendar HERE

  • Monday, March 23, from 5-6 pm: School Site Council SSC https://srcs-org.zoom.us/j/81440694698?jst=2
  • Thursday, March 26, at 6 pm, in the Terra Linda High School Gym - Multilingual Learner Reclassification Ceremony
  • Friday, March 27: Shelter-in-Place Drill
  • Monday, March 30 - April 4: Group English Language Proficiency Assessment of California (ELPAC)