Happy Labor Day, Bulldogs!

The Bulldog Bark

Frank Vessels Elementary School

Issue 6: September 8 - September 12

A Great Place to Learn and Grow!

Go for the Gold!

2024/25 PBIS Award Winner!

Congratulations, Vessels students, staff, and community!

We are proud to share that Vessels has once again been recognized as a California Coalition for PBIS Platinum Award winner for our outstanding work with Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)!

This marks the third consecutive year that we have earned this prestigious honor. The award reflects the dedication of our entire community, students, staff, and families in creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment where every child can thrive.

At Vessels, we live our core values every day: respectful, responsible, safe, and ready to learn. This recognition matters because it shows that our shared commitment to these values truly makes a difference, not only in fostering academic success but also in shaping kind, confident, and capable young people.

Together, we have built a culture where students feel valued, supported, and empowered. That is why this award is so important to us. It is proof that when we work as one, our students succeed.

Peace Week at Vessels: September 15–19

Vessels will be celebrating Peace Week from September 15–19, joining schools around the world in recognizing the International Day of Peace (September 21). This week is all about learning that peace begins with kindness, respect, and the choices we make each day.

Students will engage in lessons and activities that help them understand what peace looks like at school, at home, and in our community. They’ll practice empathy, problem-solving, and the power of kindness in building a better world.

To make the celebration even more special, we will have themed dress-up days throughout the week so students can show their school spirit and commitment to peace.

Peace Week is a wonderful reminder that even the smallest acts, like a smile, a helping hand, or a kind word can create a ripple effect of positivity. Together, we can make Vessels a peaceful and welcoming place for all.

Dear Families,

As a principal (and a parent myself), I know that math can sometimes feel like the broccoli of school subjects, healthy, necessary, but not always a child’s first choice. The great news is that math doesn’t have to be boring, stressful, or full of tears. With the right tools, it can feel more like a dessert, a fun activity, a rewarding experience, and something kids actually look forward to.

Here are some excellent websites and apps that can help your child build confidence in math while having fun at home. Many of these are free or low-cost, and they work well on computers or tablets.

SplashLearn (Pre-K–5)

A game-based world where kids explore math at their own pace. It covers everything from counting to fractions in colorful, interactive ways.

Math Playground (K–6)

Full of puzzles, word problems, and brain teasers. Perfect for kids who like challenges and logic games.

Coolmath4Kids (K–6)

A math playground with lessons, quizzes, and games that sneak in learning while kids are having fun.

ABCya! (Pre-K–6)

A favorite among teachers. Organized by grade level, ABCya! Offers math games that feel like playtime.

Prodigy Math (K–8)

A fantasy-style adventure game where math is the key to winning battles. Kids enjoy the storyline, and parents appreciate the practice.

Zearn Math (K–6)

Used in many schools, Zearn is a complete digital curriculum with lessons that align with classroom learning. Excellent for reinforcing what your child is already doing at school.

Bedtime Math

Provides a daily math riddle to do with your child. A quick way to make math part of everyday routines.

Tips for Home

Play alongside your child—your excitement makes math feel meaningful and fun.

Keep practice short and consistent—10 to 15 minutes a few times a week makes a big difference.

Celebrate effort, not just correct answers—praise for trying builds confidence.

Mix technology with real life—have kids count snacks, measure ingredients, or figure out how many minutes until bedtime. Every day, math matters.

Helping your child with math at home doesn’t require flashcards, worksheets, or endless drilling. With today’s interactive websites and apps, learning math can feel like play. When children feel confident and enjoy math, they are much more likely to succeed in the classroom.

Thank you for supporting your child’s learning at home. Together, we can make math both meaningful and fun.

PBIS at Vessels

We need your help! Please join the Vessels PBIS Team - Click here to find out more!

Coffee with the Principal

Join us for the first Coffee with the Principal this year! We will discuss Peace Week, steps to success, and all things PBIS. We are excited to see you on Zoom, Friday, September 12, at 9:00 a.m. Click here for the Zoom link!

Join the Vessels PTA

Help us reach our goal of 100% participation this year! Please click here for more information and updates on activities and fun throughout the school year! Thank you, Vessels PTA!