Charter Chatter
A weekly newsletter written to parents of the Tracy Learning Center
Sept. 26, 2014 No.8
| Virginia Stewart |
Virginia’s Voice
A new report released today by the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools looks at next generation learning models in schools – those using time, talent, and technology in innovative ways. Specifically, the report evaluates current practices at four innovative schools and makes recommendations for policymakers to better support this type of personalized learning to help increase student achievement.
Breakthroughs in Time, Talent, and Technology: Next Generation Learning Models in Public Charter Schools, authored by Shonaka Ellison and Gillian Locke of Public Impact, explains three core aspects of next generation learning:
- Time, structuring the day around a pace more suited to the students they serve rather than a strict bell schedule;
- Talent, hiring and cultivating teachers around their particular expertise, exploring innovative tutoring models, and utilizing master teachers; and
- Technology, incorporating digital self-paced learning with multiple ways for students to receive and understand new content.
As the report states, “The term ‘next generation’ connotes for many the idea of “technology enabled,” or using technology to enhance a certain product or process. But next-generation models move beyond technological innovation. These models’ core goal is to truly personalize learning so that each student can reach his or her potential. To do this, next generation models must use time and talent—in addition to technology—in ways that differ significantly from the traditional school model.”
We work very hard to incorporate the three core aspects at the Tracy Learning Center and provide students with time needed to learn in a day diversified for learning a variety of things. We hire the best teachers we can attract and we incorporate technology in all aspects of the curriculum.
| Misc. Announcements |
Drop Off and Pick Ups
We have recently had several complaints of unsafe drivers. A student was almost hit while crossing with the crossing guard due to people not slowing down or watching for pedestrians. PLEASE SLOW DOWN AND WATCH FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS CROSSING THE STREET. It is imperative for the safety of “our” children for drivers to drive safe so please SLOW DOWN!
Home Coming Parade Day Release Times
We will be releasing students early for the parade on Friday, Oct. 4, 2014:
PCS – 2:30pm
DCS, PHSA – 3:00pm
and MHS – 12:05pm (This is a correction!)
Parade begins at 4pm. Students attending must be supervised by his or her parent.
Hearing Van
The hearing van will be here on Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014 to test K, 1, 2, 5, 8,and 9th grade students.
Picture Re-takes
Picture re-takes for all students is October 15, 2015, Order forms will be available. Please bring your order forms will be available. Send in your child’s previous pictures if you were dissatisfied on picture day.
The hearing van
| PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Sept. 29-24
Mon. – Pizza Tues. – Beef Pigs in a Blanket Wed – Chicken Patty Sandwich Thurs. – Beef or Bean Nachos Fri. – Beef Hot Dog |
| Primary Charter |
In Initial Phase, we said good-bye to summer and hello to fall. We are wrapping up our unit on seasons and ready to move on. Students showed what they learned through writing, projects, and even during math activities. What a fun way to welcome the new season!
Reminder: As the weather grows cooler, students will have more and more items to keep track of. Be sure to label all articles of clothing to ensure a safe return.
What a “sweet” week Phase 1 had!! We learned all about Fall in Science and P1 even got to taste test apples! Red was the favorite over green. P8 learned all about Johnny Appleseed and made some really cute hats. We have begun writing friendly letters in Writer’s Workshop. We will exchange letters next week and then write back to each other. What fun it will be to have pen pals! We are looking forward to Spirit Week next week….don’t forget to wear your PJ’s on Monday!!
Phase 2 is excited for Spirit Week next week! P6 started making Lion King masks for our Primary float. Every PCS student is welcome to walk in the parade next Friday. Each class will pick a few students who get to ride on the float. This week P6 started opinion writing and P3 worked on expository writing. We are learning about Native Americans in social studies including what they ate, wore, and how they lived.
Primary Dress up Days for Spirit Week:
Monday: Pajama Day
Tuesday: Twin Day
Wednesday: Sports Day
Thursday: Awkward Day (mismatched clothes, crazy hair)
Friday: Disney Day or Primary shirts/blue and gold
DCS 5th/6th
5th/6th
Star Student:
Congratulations to Alan Chavez for receiving the Star Student award this week! We appreciate Alan for always treating classmates and teachers in a respectful manner. Alan comes to class prepared with supplies and a mind that is open to whatever learning each lesson may hold for him. Alan was especially successful in Math this week. Way to go!
Homecoming Parade:
The parade is scheduled for Friday, October 3rd. Please note that our students will be released from school at 3:00 PM this day. If you are interested in volunteering for this event please contact Ms. T (ttakeuchi@tracylc.net).
Science Olympiad:
Our first Science Olympiad meeting of the year will be Thursday, October 2 in room D5 from 4:30-5:30. Information and applications for Science Olympiad will be distributed at this meeting. Students who are unable to attend the meeting may pick up an application form from Ms. Pelaez on Friday, October 3rd.
SWO:
Students have begun working on the Personal Awareness SWO project and scrapbook. Scrapbook pages for this SWO may be submitted to Ms. Pelaez any time before the October 17th due date.
Organization:
Student back packs are starting to look heavy as they fill with work. Please ask your child to sort through his or her bag to lighten the load and keep current work easily accessible
PHSA 7th and 8th
This week the leadership class discussed what they could for their homecoming float. Ms. Powers suggested picking a song to create the float. Mr. Warmerdam split the group up into three groups sot they could brainstorm idea based on FROZEN.
On Friday, September 19, the students voted on the best idea. Then we started building the float. We are making great progress. Everyone in leadership is working and using their talents to make the float a good one. This is our first team project.
Mrs. Stewart and Ms. Kay are concerned with the behavior of some students in Mr. Gardea’s homeroom. This class has about seven students who are constant disrupters and we have seen little or no change in the behavior even after discipline. These students were all warned today about their behavior and know that they will be suspended if behavior does not consistently improve. It is not acceptable for a class to be unruly or disruptive and rude to a teacher. Mr. Gardea is new and is working very hard to set up routines with his classes but he cannot do this when there are constant disruptive students. We are very pleased with the many in the class who are trying and are doing well. We will not let a few ruin things.
| MHS |
The quarter is almost over next week promises to be one of the busiest weeks of the year. We have mid terms in all classes which will change the schedule a great deal, homecoming activities including the Powder Puff game on Wednesday evening, the homecoming dance on Friday night, the homecoming parade through downtown on beginningFriday at 3:30 and the Homecoming game at Tracy High on Saturday night. There are spirit dress up days next week and a rally on Thursday. We have homecoming court nominees to crown and to top it off all SWO projects for quarter one are due next week! The SWO will be turned in during the class period as it occurs on the Mid Term schedule. I want to provide all parents with the schedule for mid term testing. It is true that some Seniors and Juniors have been excused from days when they do not have a class period that is testing. The schedule is as follows:
Monday September 29th
8:05 – 10:05 (Per. 1 Review)
10:05-11:50 (Per 1 Mid-Term)
LUNCH (11:50-1:00)
1:00 – 1:55 (Per. 2 Review)
2:00 – 3:55 (Per. 2 Mid-Term)
Tuesday September 30th
8:05 – 10:05 (Per. 3 Review)
10:10 –11:50 (Per. 3 Mid-Term)
LUNCH (11:50-1:00)
1:00 – 1:55 (Per.4 Review)
2:00 – 3:55 (Per.4 Mid-Term)
Wednesday October 1st
8:05 – 10:05 (Per. 6 Review)
10:10 –11:50 (Per. 6 Mid-Term)
LUNCH (11:50-1:00)
1:00 – 1:55 (Per.7 Review)
2:00 – 3:55 (Per.7 Mid-Term)
Powder Puff Game 6:00 pm
Thursday October 2nd
8:05 – 9:55 (Per.8 Review)
10:00 – 11:55 (Per. 8 Mid-Term)
Lunch (12:00 -12:50)
12:55-1:55 (Period 1)
1:55-2:55 (Period 2)
2:55-3:55 (Period 3)
Friday October 3rd
8:05-9:05 (Period 4)
9:05-10:05 (Period 6)
10:05-11:05 (Period 7)
11:05-12:05 (Period 8)
EARLY RELEASE – Homecoming Float Builds 8am-4pm/Parade at 4:30
As I said a very busy week next week but also a very spirited and exciting one! We as a staff look forward to seeing you at the various events and are focused on preparing the students to do their best on their mid terms.
Mr. Saldate
This week we had two speakers in the Junior Career Education class. Millennium High School would like to thank our speakers Alyssa Mupo, the Hire Me First Coordinator in Tracy and Johana Orellana from California State University Stanislaus.
Community Service
The counseling office has many community service opportunities this weekend. If you have not already completed your required hours for your 1st quarter SWO, stop by the counseling office or visit the website and sign up today! Remember it’s never too early to start fulfilling next quarter’s hours. Please keep in mind community service hours are updated by Fridays.
Coming Soon! 7th annual Community Service Fair
Over 20 non-profit organizations will be present to allow students to opportunity to sign up for volunteer opportunity. All students will have the opportunity to meet representative from these organizations and learn about the volunteer needs through out the community.
Student Tutors Community Service Volunteers
Student tutors are needed to assist with Homework Support. Any students interested in volunteering please pick up an application from Mrs. Saldate or the Counseling Office.
Home Football Games Volunteers
Mr. Hepner needs help after the football games to pick up trash and clean up the event. Anyone interested in assisting him at the Homecoming game can contact him for their duties. Anyone interested in assisting at future games can ask him for more information.
6th Grade Science Camp Volunteers needed!!!
Any Junior or Senior interested in being a science camp counselor can attend pick up an application in the Counseling Office. Applications are due October 9th
College Info
PSAT Sign Ups Now Open!!!!
The PSAT will take place on Saturday, October 18th, from 7:30am to 11:30am in rooms M-1 and M-2. The cost is only $15.00. Space is limited. There are only a few spots left. Registration will be taken in the Counseling Office. Please bring payment when you register open to 9th, 10th and 11th grades.
CollegeBoard has a new partnership with Khan Academy! Students can download a real, full-length SAT practice test, watch Sal work through real SAT problems, and get even more practice using our interactive exercises, which feature tons of previously-unreleased problems from real SATs grouped by topic and difficulty level. If you’re taking the SAT in 2016 or later, we have even more exciting news for you. By spring 2015, you’ll have access to state-of-the-art learning tools–exercises, software diagnostics and videos–designed by Khan Academy and College Board specifically for the redesigned SAT. Stay tuned! Visit https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/sat for more information.
Tracy Unified School District College Fair
The Tracy Unified School District College fair will be held Monday, September 29th from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at West High School. Breakout Sessions will include UC Admissions, West Point- Military Academics, CSU Admissions, Personal Statement, and NCAA Athletic Recruiting Education. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase. For contact information: 209-830-3370×3007 or ltomlin@tusd.net
Other News
Everyday Counts
Next week marks the end of the month and the end of the Everyday Counts competition. All students who had perfect attendance during the month of September will be entered into the drawing for some great prizes. This event was sponsored by University of the Pacific.