Charter Chatter

A weekly newsletter written to parents of the Tracy Learning Center

Mar. 13, 2015                                                                                                  No.29

Virginia’s Voice

Many of you have asked me what I think of Common Core. I know when something new comes to education, it is usually very controversial.  I do not feel that way about Common Core.  This is not a new curriculum; rather it is a new emphasis on thinking rather than memorizing.

The tests the state has used for years has measured what students know.  It is multiple choice and very specific.  Students can study and learn the answers.  The new tests are more creative in that they are computer based and they present problems to be solved.  It requires computer skills and problem solving.  It is harder but more challenging.

We are preparing students for a future full of changes and unknowns.  The only way to prepare them well is to help them to become lifelong learners, creative problem solvers, and good communicators verbally and with technology.

The Tracy Learning Center has been and will always be focused on helping students to think and solve problems.  We were never comfortable with state tests. These tests asked students for specific memorized answers.  We felt we conformed more to those tests than to the ones coming from the state.

There was a pilot test last year from the state for common core, none of the schools received any feedback because it was a trial, but our students seemed comfortable and ready for the challenge. So, bottom line, we are welcoming Common Core as an approach to learning and we plan on approaching it using much of the same curriculum we currently teach.

Misc. Announcements

Illnesses

Just a reminder if your student is ill and unable to attend school please calls Kay Fagundes at (209)831-5240 or email kfagundes@tracylc.net . Students should not return to school until their symptoms subside and he/she is fever-free for at least 24 hrs. We have had so many sick children at school and the majority of these illnesses are highly contagious.

PCS Spring Picture Day and 8^th Grade Promotion Picture Day

PCS Spring Picture Day and 8^th Grade Promotion Day Picture Day will be on Friday, March 27^th. Picture Information will be coming home approximately 2 weeks prior to this date.

Khol’s Cares Scholarship Program

Go to Kholskids.com to nominate a young volunteer ages 6-18 (and not be a high school graduate), who has made a difference in your community. Top winners each receive $10,000 towards higher education. Nominators must be 21 or older.

PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week  March 16 – March 20 Mon. –   Pizza Tues. –  Chicken Taquito Tuesday Wed  – Beef Hamburger Thurs. – Beef, Bean Burrito Fri. –  Mac and Cheese

Primary Charter

Thank you to all the Primary students who participated in the See’s candy fundraiser!  Orders will be here the week of March 23rd.

Please read the information that is being sent home today about Pennies for Patients.  Primary is trying to raise $3000!  Please help us reach our goal!

This week in Initial Phase, students and teachers have been busy assessing for report cards.  It is always exciting to see the growth from trimester to trimester.  These review weeks are an integral part of spiral review.  As we revisit concepts, students are able to recall information and apply it in new learning experiences.  We are always amazed to witness what they remember and apply in the new scenario.

This week in Phase 1 the students continued to learn about economics. P8 focused on spending and saving money. They discussed how they could earn money, what they would like to save their money for and they learned how to budget their money. P1 continued to learn more in depth about economics.

The students are finishing up their FANTASTIC poems! They have done just a great job and the teachers are so proud of their work! We are filled with little poets in Phase 1!

The book fair was this week. Both classes had the opportunity to go and take a look at all the books. They had so much fun! The teachers even had wish lists. Thank you to all the generous families that donated books to the teachers, we greatly appreciate it!

This week the students received a small box for Pennies for Patients. Each student can keep this box at home and return it when it is full. They can continue to do this however many times they want. Our school’s goal is $3,000!! It’s a high goal but with all your help we can make it!

Phase 2 students are wrapping up our trimester of science and are eager to get started on the science fair projects.  These are due on Monday, March 23rd.  We will not give students any class time to work on these; all work must be done at home.  Please do not wait until the last minute to start your project!  Parent help is accepted but please let students be creative and explore science on their own.  We will have them set up in the gym during the week of conferences so that parents can admire all the hard work!

Discovery Charter

TDAP Vaccine

A required by California law (Health and Safety Code 120325 – 120375), parents need to provide proof of a Tdap vaccine. All students entering 7^th – 12^th grades in the coming school year must have proof of a Tdap booster shot. Documentation must state the shot was given on or after their 7^th birthday. This means ALL current 6^th – 11^th graders must get up to date NOW.

It is important that you begin now, to ensure your child get their vaccination and to avoid appointment delays.

Getting them up to date now, will not only protect them against Pertussis but also ensure class placement and prevent exclusion from school this school in the coming year.

Remember to ask your physician about other vaccines your child may need, and bring your child’s yellow immunization card to the visit. Please return a copy of ALL up to date immunizations to school prior to the beginning of the next year school year.

Star Student:

Congratulations to Vernon Real for receiving the Star Student Award for the Week of March 23rd 2015. Vernon always works hard and is kind and helpful to all those around him. The teachers appreciate his willingness to lend a hand and help anyone who needs help.

                                                Spring Conferences

DCS Parent Conferences are around the corner. This spring we will be inviting parents to conference with whichever teachers they wish. All Academic CORE teachers will be available. Conferences will be on a first come basis, and last up to 10 minutes. Come early to sign up with whichever teachers you would care to conference. Your name will be called in the order that is on the sign in sheets.

No appointments will be accepted at this conference time.

When:                   Tuesday, March 24

            Where:                  M 2

            Time:                    5pm -7pm

We look forward to seeing you there!!

Mrs. Beckner              Math

Ms. Takeuchi              Math

Ms. Rodieck                Language Arts

Mrs. Delgado              Language Arts

Ms. Pelaez                  Science

Mrs. Wallace               Social Studies

A note went home with your child Last week.

  

Social Studies:

Mrs. Wallace’s first two classes will have their

Evening at the Wax Museum event on March 19^th and 20^th.  A Note went home last week.

Science:

Science Olympiad is just around the corner. (March 28^th) Ms. Pelaez

and all the parent coaches are looking forward to a great competition this year.

 

Drama Exploration:

What a Fantastic Flash Mob and Unity performance:

Science Fair Projects for STEM Exploration:

Lot’s of hard work went into the student’s projects.

                     

Save the Date – Wednesday, April 15, 2015 – Poetry Fest

This year’s Poetry Fest will be the Evening of 4/15.  Come and hear some great original poetry from this year’s 5th and 6th grade students.  You can even share some of your own.  Refreshments will be provided.  If you would like to help out, please contact Ms. Rodieck at lrodieck@tracylc.net.

Have a great weekend!!!

PHSA 7^th and 8^th

Mrs. U: In Algebra, Mrs. U’s students are working on Solving Quadratics. Currently they are measuring the size of a picture and changing it into a picture that is three times the size of the original.

Mrs. King: In Pre-Algebra, Mrs. King’s students are working on Systems of Equations. All of the student’s in her class are adapting to the change in teachers very well and they are enjoying having such an experienced teacher as Mrs. King.

Mr Warmerdam: In Social Studies, the students are continuing their unit on slavery. Currently, they are reading about John Brown and Nat Turner.

Ms. Barrett: In Science, the students are working on Ionic Formulas.

Mrs. Sierra & Mrs. Saldaña: In English, the students are wrapping up Every Soul A Star and are beginning a Poetry unit that will introduce the students to Shakespeare.

The Year Long SWO due date is April 16th. Please remind your students that this is something that they need to be finishing up at home.

PHSA is asking all parents for donations of Kleenex, Lysol wipes, Paper towels, Pens, Pencils, etc. Anything you can give would be greatly appreciated.

On March 25th, PHSA will have a night for Parents to come out and pick up their student’s report cards and speak to the teachers. There will be two sessions available for Parent’s to attend. The first session will begin at 4:30pm – 6:00pm and the second session will begin at 7:00pm -8:00pm. If you have any questions or concerns regarding grades or behavior this would be the perfect opportunity to come and address any issues you may have. We look forward to seeing you.

An amazing showing from our PHSA Science Olympiad. We have every member place in an event.  With only a team of 9 people, PHSA placed in the upper half of all the teams.  A great accomplishment, we are all proud of how well you represented our school!