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Gettingreferencesinorder NovatoUnifiedSchool Half 6x4.75 Howtoaskforaletterofrecommendation K nowledge,skillsandpersonalitycanget students far, but having the right people in their corners can open doors for new opportunities that students might otherwise never have considered. Perhaps this is why recommendations are so coveted when applying to schools. The correct approach and proper timing can mean the difference between receiving a recommendation or not. Who to ask The first step for students is to decide who they want to ask for a recommendation. Select those teachers who know you well or can validate how you performed or improved in class. Opt for a teacher whose class you recently took so the recommendation reflects the student you are today and not the student you might have been when you were younger. It can also help to ask for a recommendation from teachers or staff who have sufficient experience. Their input may carry more weight than someone whose career is less accomplished. Remember to consider the requirements of a college or university as well. Schools frequently ask for recommendations from specific people, such as a teacher in a certain subject. Ask early Teachers may be inundated with college letter recommendation requests around application deadlines and at the end of semesters. It's better to leave plenty of time than to put teachers under pressure. The same rule applies to anyone else you're asking to write you a recommendation. Request in person Underscore the importance of the recommendation by making it a personal request. Schedule an appointment with the individual and discuss why you believe he or she would be the right person to provide the recommendation. Make the process easier Provide all of the necessary items to help the person along. This can include a brief résumé, academic progress report, required forms, and so on. Also offer any college- or employer-directed requests. As the deadline looms, offer concise reminders that you will need the recommendation. Offer to pick it up personally. Make copies or scan and save the original just in case a mix-up in the admissions office occurs. n Backtoschoolnightsareagreatopportunitytomeetyourchild'steacherandgettoknowtheschool. Novato schools are continuing to work every day to ensure that our students receive a well-rounded, high-quality education featuring competitive academic programs, modern instructional technology, and great teachers in our classrooms. We are proud of our award-winning schools and outstanding students in Novato and we are looking forward to another great year. BACKTOSCHOOLNIGHTS BelowisalistoftheBacktoSchoolNightstakingplacewithintheNovatoUnifiedSchoolDistrict. Starting times vary, please check with your school for the actual start time or check online at www.nusd.org August 23 LynwoodElementarySchool 1320LynwoodDr.,415897-4161 Melissa Diaz, Principal August 28 Grades6-8meettheTeachers Hamilton School 5530 Nave Drive, 415 883-4691 Steve Hospodar, Principal August 29 TK - Kindergarten San Ramon Elementary School 45 San Ramon Way, 415 897-1196 Amanda Langford, Principal Sinaloa Middle School 2045 Vineyard Road, 415 897-2111 Jim Larson Principal August 30 Hamilton School 5530 Nave Drive, 415 883-4691 Steve Hospodar, Principal August 30 Loma Verde Elementary School 399 Alameda de Ia Loma., 415 883-4681 Tehniat Cheema, Principal Lu Sutton Elementary School 1800 Center Road, 415 897-3196 Jennifer Dudley, Principal Olive Elementary School 629 Plum Street, 415 897-2131 Elizabeth Sesma-Olinyk, Principal Pleasant Valley Elementary School 755 Sutro Avenue, 415 897-5104 Dana Sadan, Principal Rancho Elementary School 1430 Johnson St, 415 897-3101 Angela Kriesler, Principal August 30 Ready, Set, Grow! (formerly Early Intervention) 1430 Johnson St, 415 897-3101 Krystal Ahmad, Program Specialist Grades 1-5 San Ramon Elementary School 45 San Ramon Way, 415 897-1196 Amanda Langford, Principal meet & Greet NOVA 720 Diablo Ave., 415 897-7653 Kessa Early, Principal September 4 San Jose Middle School 1000 Sunset Parkway, 415 883-7831 September 6 San Marin High School 15 San Marin Drive, 415 898-2121 Mark Sims, Principal September 13 Novato Charter School 936 C Street, 415 883-4254 Nikki Lloyd, Director Novato High School 625 Arthur Street, 415 898-2125 Matt Baldwin Principal September 19 Marin Oaks High School 720 Diablo Ave., 415 897-7653 Kessa Early, Principal AMarketingSupplementoftheMarinIndependentJournal | marinij.com BacktoSchool July22,2018 9

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