Charter Chatter
A weekly newsletter written to parents of the Tracy Learning Center
Oct. 10, 2014 Vol. 10 No.10
| Virginia Stewart |
Virginia’s Voice
It seems that we have several young children who are using hands and feet instead of words when they are upset or angry. Not only is it important for schools to help students achieve success academically, it is important that schools help students become productive and proud citizens who know how to deal with people effectively. This has to start early. Students need to learn how to express feelings in a positive way. It is ok to be angry if we learn how to voice our concerns and disappointments in a positive and productive way. At school, we continue to remind students to use words not hands. Hitting or pushing results in more hitting and pushing which results in someone being hurt and does nothing to resolve the problem.
It is important for the future of our world, that we help all young citizens learn how to get along and solve things peacefully. By helping just one child improve in this, we are in fact helping the future of our world and helping to move the possibility of peace just a little closer.
| Misc. Announcements |
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Picture re-takes for all students is Tuesday October 14, 2015, Order forms are in the front office. Please bring your order forms will be available. Send in your child’s previous pictures if you were dissatisfied on picture day.
Monday. October 13 is a regular school day.
Next Holiday is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2014, Veteran’s day
| PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Oct. 13-17
Mon. – Pizza Tues. – Chicken Taquitos Wed – Chicken Patti Wednesday Thurs. – Chicken Corn Dog Fri. – Hot Dog |
| Primary Charter |
This month we are working hard on what a Proud Individual looks, sounds, and acts like. In Initial Phase, we spend a lot of time helping students become aware of how they behave both academically and socially. This can take some practice. We have seen a lot of progress, but we have a way to go. Please talk with your student about the importance of being proud of their actions. Together we can help ensure that these little ones have a very successful year!
Phase 1 had an awesome week! Many students reached their AR Goal and had or will have an AR party….Congratulations!! In Social Studies this week we learned more about maps and our country. We had fun mapping how far students traveled in the United States. We are eagerly looking forward to our first field trip to Countryside Farms on the 22nd. Please make sure you have returned the permission slip and money. It is due on the 17th.
This week in Phase 2 we discussed what it means to be a Proud Individual, which is one of our SWOs (School Wide Outcomes). Besides being proud of yourself (and not in a bragging way!) being proud also includes taking pride in your work and classroom. Taking pride in work means that it is neat and the student did their absolute best. Pride in your classroom environment also includes keeping the classroom clean and keeping binders and backpacks organized. It is a good idea to clean out backpacks every week. This will encourage organizational skills, neatness, and create a Proud Individual!
DCS 5th/6th
5th/6th
Star Student:
Congratulations to Carson Edwards for receiving the Star Student award this week! We appreciate Carson for his energetic enthusiasm. Carson embraces challenging assignments and collaborates well with all students during group work. During recess Carson finds ways to interact with a great variety of children, playing many different games. Carson’s joyful spirit makes him a star at DCS.
Language Arts:
Many students who were falling behind on their AR points started to get back on pace. If your child is behind his or her goal please encourage finding books your child can enjoy reading. If you are not sure where your child stands in AR you can look in your child’s agenda. AR points are included in the grades teachers write in student agendas.
Fundraising:
Mrs. Rodieck has introduced two fantastic fundraising opportunities this week, a raffle to raise funds for Science Camp scholarships and a partnership with Del Osso Farms to help our school pay for more general enrichment opportunities. Thank you for your participation. We are impressed by the skilled salesmanship some students are exemplifying as they sell raffle tickets.
SWO:
The Personal Awareness SWO will be due next Friday, October 17th. All scrapbooks must be submitted to Ms. Pelaez. All personal symbol projects must be submitted to Mrs. Wallace.
Science Olympiad:
Completed Science Olympiad applications were submitted this week. Students who are chosen will be notified by e-mail no later than Friday, October 17th.
PHSA 7th and 8th
We are beginning to see a significant turnaround with the students which indicates to me that when we pay attention to things, they can and will improve.
This week in Social Studies, Mr. Warmerdam’s classes did a comparison essay regarding the Articles of Confederation and the Constitution. They did a very good job. The class average is going up even though the students had to memorize the first ten amendments of the Constitution.
IN PE, the students have completed the first mile of the ever. Coach Lopez’s class is currently doing Ultimate Frisbee while Coach Easterday is working on basketball skills. Coach Lunn is a great mentor and help in the class.
The three algebra classes are graphing equations and we are very pleased with their progress.
In Science the students are covering ions and isotopes which is great preparation for high school chemistry. Grades are quite good in science.
In Language Arts, the students are enjoying reading, The Giver. The book is a movie, but we believe in the end the students will like the book even better. Students have been asked not to read ahead.
SWO work in moving along well in class. The cooperative collaborator SWO is due on November 7th. Starting next week we will have work time on Tuesday and Thursday for SWOs. Teachers are giving a great deal of support and guidance and it is our hope all will pass.
| MHS |
Midterms are over and it’s time to refocus on the 2nd half of the semester. Progress report cards were mailed out yesterday. Please be on the lookout for them. If you do not receive them in the mail by next week, contact the main office to verify that we have the correct mailing address on file. As a reminder, we offer a free homework support room on Tues, Wed, and Thurs in room M14 from 4pm – 4:45pm.
On October 23rd, Mrs. Stewart will be conducting a “How to Be An Effective Student” workshop in the homework support room from 4pm – 4:45pm. Students and parents are welcome! Additional information was included with the progress reports.
Thank you to the wonderful visitor we had this week in our Career Education classes: Linda Verdun-Brown from Humphrey’s College Stockton Campus, Dr. Hu from New Smile Orthodontics, and Jan Bents from University of Utah.
Community Service
We held our 7th Annual Community Service fair this week. It was a success! All MHS students were able to connect with over 24 local non-profit organizations throughout the community. They learned about current volunteer needs, services, and resources. Students signed up to volunteer for current and future opportunities. Ask your student what he or she learned and what organizations they had a chance to meet.
There are a lot of community service opportunities this weekend. Please click the link below to view all of the opportunities. http://tracylc.net/uploads/3/2/6/9/3269718/october__2014.pdf
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.
College Early Start Program – Spring Enrollment for Delta
Parents of students who are interested in taking classes at Delta College for the Spring 2014 semester need to carefully read the important steps listed on the website at http://tracylc.net/college-early-start.html Please remember that students participating in the College Early Start program must follow dates and deadlines and receive prior approval to take college classes while attending high school. TLC provides reimbursement for tuition for those who have prior approval to take specific classes with proof of payment and a successful course completion with a grade of “C” or better. Textbooks and additional fees are not reimbursable.
Letter to Parents: http://tracylc.net/uploads/3/2/6/9/3269718/delta_college_parent_and_student_registration_procedures.pdf
Check List: http://tracylc.net/uploads/3/2/6/9/3269718/delta_college_early_start_procedure_checklist_spring_2015.pdf
Dates and Deadlines: http://tracylc.net/uploads/3/2/6/9/3269718/spring_2015_important_dates_to_know.pdf
Scholarships
There are three scholarships with deadlines this month. Please stop by the counseling office or check the link for more information. http://tracylc.net/counseling-home.html
Other News
“How To Be An Effective Student” Workshop for Students and Parents
Please join Mrs. Stewart in learning tips and strategies on how to be an effective student in and out of the classroom setting. Open to 9th grade and 12th grade students and parents. Questions? Contact Counseling Office 209-627-8299
When: Thursday, October 23rd from 4:00pm-5:00pm
Where: MHS Room M14 (Across from MHS restrooms)
Anyone attending this Saturday’s Football game is encouraged to wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness month. This weekend’s game is being called “Kick-off for a Cure” and portion of the gate proceeds will be donated to “Susan G. Komen for the Cure.” Falcons come out and show your support for a good cause.
T & J Educational Tutoring Annual Fall Festival
The T & J Educational Tutoring Annual Fall Festival will be held Saturday, October 18th at 320 W. 11th Street in Tracy from 11:00am-3:00pm. This is an opportunity to meet their tutors. The first 25 people to attend will receive a free gift.