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 8th Grade Promotion Picture Day
PCS Spring Picture Day and 8th Grade Promotion Day Picture Day will be on Friday, March 27th. 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 7th – 12th 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 7th birthday. This means ALL current 6th – 11th 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 19th and 20th. A Note went home last week.
Science:
Science Olympiad is just around the corner. (March 28th) 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 7th and 8th
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!
MHS Charter Chatter March 13, 2015
College Early Start Program – Summer and Fall Enrollment for Delta
The counselors will be hosting a College Early Start meeting Monday, March 16th during lunch in room M-1. Any students interested in taking a class at Delta during the summer or Fall needs to attend this meeting. Parents of students who are interested in taking classes at Delta College for the Summer or Fall 2015 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.
Sacramento State Summer Academies for High School Students
Sacramento State is offering weeklong academies this summer so high school students can explore exciting careers, make new friends and discover new interests. Here is the schedule of offerings for 2015:
Week 1: June 22 – 26:
Health Careers 101 Forensics Fire Academy Get Bright With Biotech: The Biology of Glow Intro to Engineering & Robotics Civic Duty Theater and Performing Arts |
Week 2: July 13 – July 17:
Intermediate Engineering & Robotics Forensics Fashion Academy Law Enforcement Multimedia Journalism |
These academies fill up fast, so register early! And as a bonus, if you sign up for more than one academy, you’ll receive a $50 discount. To see the complete schedule and to apply online, go to www.cce.csus.edu/acads, or call to learn more at 916.278.6249. Here’s to making the most of this summer!
College Info
College bound seniors: The priority deadline to apply for financial has passed. If you have no completed your FAFSA or Dream Act Application you are still eligible for federal financial Aid. Submit your application electronically as soon as possible.
Congratulations to Serena Cho on becoming one of the ten Seymour Memorial Awards finalist from our region. The California Scholarship Federation and the California Junior Scholarship Federation sponsor this award. Serena is receiving a $2,000 scholarship and will be considered for an additional $3,000 scholarship at an awards ceremony later this month.
Congratulations to the following students on their acceptance to the following Colleges and Universities:
San Jose State University
Matthew Adrineda
UCLA High School Summer Program
During the summer, UCLA offers high school students two ways to engage in a college experience that will challenge and inspire them. Your students can enroll in academic courses where they will study alongside UCLA students on our beautiful campus or online. They can also select one of our precollege Summer Institutes in art, politics, science, and more. Most of these Summer Institutes offer a residential plan that includes supervision, lodging, and meals. For more information call 310.825.4101 or email info@summer.ucla.edu or visit www.summer.ucla.edu
Senior Info
SCHOLARSHIPS: There are many local scholarships available at this time for our college bound seniors. Visit the homepage of the MHS Counseling and select Financial Aid/ Scholarships page at www.tracylc.net or click on http://tracylc.net/financial-aid–scholarships.html for detailed information on where to obtain an application and how to apply for various scholarships.
Other News
SAT Practice Test at the Tracy Library
The Tracy Library will be hosting a SAT Practice Test on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Any student interested in taking this practice needs to sign up with the Tracy Library please call the libraries at 1-866-805- READ (toll-free). Space is limited.