Ms. Hong
Principal, Van Ness Elementary School
Principal Hong’s Opening Message
2022 – 2023
There’s a sense of renewed excitement and calmness as I begin my sixth year as the Principal at Van Ness. The many challenges of COVID-19 compliance have lessened, and it feels a bit more normal than the past few years. We’re still monitoring the COVID-19 cases to ensure safety of all, and I appreciate the ALL-STAR FAMILIES’ for your continuous support with this matter.
As we begin the 2022-2023 school year, I’m pleased to inform you that we are continuing with our STEAM-based instructional program with the four C’s embedded: Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication. Our teachers will engage in more in-depth professional learning opportunities to grow in STEAM-based instruction as well as in Project-Based Learning. All the enrichment programs are aligned with our STEAM vision, and I’m thrilled to provide the following programs: Computerwisekids, Mandarin Foreign Language, EnrichLA Gardening Program, Y Play Program, Orchestra, Dance, Theater Arts, and Visual Arts, and Robotics. For our social-emotional learning (SEL), we are still using Sanford Harmony curriculum as a guide to address important character development. I’m a firm believer that a balance of a rigorous instructional program with all the enrichment programs and SEL offered at Van Ness will help to develop the Whole Child.
Aside from instruction, lots of events are scheduled throughout the year to keep our students and families engaged. School and home partnership is critical in student success. Please stay connected and get involved. Let’s have a GREAT 22-23 School Year!!!
Mensaje de apertura del director Hong
2022 – 2023
Hay una sensación de entusiasmo y tranquilidad renovados cuando comienzo mi sexto año como directora en Van Ness. Los muchos desafíos del cumplimiento de COVID-19 han disminuido y se siente un poco más normal que en los últimos años. Todavía estamos monitoreando los casos de COVID-19 para garantizar la seguridad de todos, y agradezco a las FAMILIAS ALL-STAR por su apoyo continuo con este asunto.
Al comenzar el año escolar 2022-2023, me complace informarles que continuamos con nuestro programa de instrucción basado en STEAM con las cuatro C integradas: creatividad, pensamiento crítico, colaboración y comunicación. Nuestros maestros participarán en oportunidades de aprendizaje profesional más profundas para crecer en la instrucción basada en STEAM, así como en el aprendizaje basado en proyectos. Todos los programas de enriquecimiento están alineados con nuestra visión STEAM, y estoy encantado de ofrecer los siguientes programas: Computerwisekids, Mandarin Foreign Language, EnrichLA Gardening Program, Y Play Program, Orchestra, Dance, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts y Robotics. Para nuestro aprendizaje socioemocional (SEL), todavía estamos usando el plan de estudios Sanford Harmony como guía para abordar el desarrollo importante del carácter. Soy un firme creyente de que el equilibrio de un programa de instrucción riguroso con todos los programas de enriquecimiento y SEL que se ofrecen en Van Ness ayudará a desarrollar el niño completo.
Aparte de la instrucción, se programan muchos eventos durante todo el año para mantener a nuestros estudiantes y familias comprometidos. La asociación entre la escuela y el hogar es fundamental para el éxito de los estudiantes. Por favor, manténgase conectado y participe. ¡Tengamos un GRAN año escolar 22-23!
As I walk through the empty campus, it saddened me to see that our wonderful school has been deserted due to the pandemic. So I wrote a short poem expressing how I feel at this moment. Please understand that I’m not a poet.
I Wish… By Pauline Hong
I wish I could greet everyone by name each morning as students enter school.
I wish the playground could be filled with cheerful students engaging in active play, eating snack,
running around the green space, or just relaxing in our garden.
I wish the classrooms could be filled with students excited to learn and all the beautiful artworks
and student work displayed all around the room.
I wish I could spend time sharing about our life stories, telling jokes and really
getting to know each of my Van Ness families.
I wish we could have all the fun events throughout the year. Halloween, Winter Program, STEAM Festival, etc.
Oh, I wish I could give a BIG HUG to all my precious All-Stars!
All these may not be possible now, but soon we shall return to fill this wonderful school
with beautiful students, staff, and families. Then, my wish shall come true.
It’s going to be a great year!
Sincerely, Pauline Hong
