At Fortuna Elementary School District, we are dedicated to providing the best education for your children. Our teachers and staff use proven strategies based on the research of John Hattie, one of the world’s leading education experts. His studies show what really works to help students succeed, and we are excited to bring these best practices into our classrooms every day!

We know that students do even better when schools and families work together. You play a huge role in your child’s learning, and there are many ways to get involved. Here are a few simple but powerful things you can do to support your child’s success:

1. Talk About Learning – Ask your child what they learned each day, not just what they did. Encourage them to explain their thinking, which helps deepen understanding.
2. Set High Expectations – Hattie’s research shows that students do better when adults believe in their ability to grow. Praise their effort and progress, not just their grades.
3. Make Reading a Habit – Reading together, discussing books, and encouraging independent reading help build strong skills in all subjects.

You can also use best practices at home to help your child grow. For example, providing a quiet space for homework, setting routines, and encouraging a "growth mindset" (believing that effort leads to improvement) can make a big difference. Teaching your child to set goals and reflect on their learning will also help them become independent and confident students.

We appreciate your partnership in making sure every child in our district has the opportunity to thrive. Thank you for all you do to support your child’s education. Together, we can help them reach their highest potential!

Sincerely,

Tim Grimmett
Community Schools Coordinator
Fortuna Elementary School District