Charter Chatter

                   A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

 

Dec.18, 2015                                                                                                              No.19

Virginia Stewart

 

I ways think of August as the new year, so with that as my mind set, we are half way through a great and exciting year at Tracy Learning Center.  In reality though, we are actually starting another great year.

 

This new year marks the 15 year of the Tracy Learning Center.  We began 15 years ago, which seems so amazing to me.  We grew from one school, Discovery with 125 students to our present enrollment at Primary, Discovery, and Millennium of approximately 1200 students.  This year we added to our family and now include a PreSchool for 2.5-5 year olds and a TK program for those who are almost ready for Kindergarten but missed the December cut off.  This is a new beginning for us and one we are very pleased to add to the TLC family.

We are also proud of each of you.  We value our parents as partners in the learning process.  We appreciate your support of our schools.  You have a choice and we are pleased you have chosen us.

Our gift to you is that we offer a longer school year, and a longer school day.  I know at times that may not feel like a gift, but in reality there is strong evidence to support that those who attend schools offering more days or longer days have students who perform better, learn more and excel in academic competition.  We have data to support that.  We have a staff willing to give those extra days that start in August and end in June.  It really is a gift!

We wish you a very happy new year!

 

Misc. Announcements

 

Crab Feed

SAVE THE DATE and EARLY HOLIDAY GIFTS:  February 6, 2016 10^TH Annual Tracy Learning Center Crab Feed

What an awesome event for our school! Crab, pasta, salad, bread, dessert, raffles, dancing and so much more.

This event sells out each year. Please consider purchasing your tickets early. Great holiday gifts.

Our raffle committee will be putting out a flyer after the holiday for a $5.00 donation from each family, a gift basket and/or gift cards.

Please contact Donna Baker at (209) 321-9157 or email donna@donnabaker.com.

 

 

WINE LOVERS…. I know that many of you love wine and may have an extra bottle from the holiday.

Can you kindly consider donating a bottle of wine to the Crab Feed that will be included with an amazing wine rack.

Please contact Donna Baker at (209) 321-9157 or email donna@donnabaker.com

 

 

Next Holidays – December 21 – Jan. 3, Return to school on Jan. 4, 2016

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!!

 

PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Jan. 4 – 8 Mon. –   Pizza Tues. Taco Tuesday Wed  – Chicken Patty Sandwich Thurs. Bean and Beef Nachos Fri. – Chicken Quesadilla

 

 

T K

 

 

Thank you to all of the families who attended our Holiday Performance on Thursday!  The students worked so hard learning their songs and movements to put on a great show for you.  We are so thankful for such amazing and supportive families in our TK program.  We hope you have a wonderful break.  We will see you on January 5, 2016!

 

 

 

Primary Charter

Initial Phase: Wow! It is hard to believe that we are almost 100 days into this school year already.  The rest of the year will fly by and before we know it, we will send all of these little guys off to first grade! As much as they have earned this Winter break, please encourage your student to read everyday, write as often as possible, and add and subtract daily.  Please have a safe and healthy break and we look forward to the new year. Happy Holidays from p-6!

Phase 1 had a very exciting, fun filled, last week of learning! We finished up our How-To Essays and will return to Narrative writing when we return from break. This week in Social Studies we learned about lots of different winter holidays, including Hanukah and Diwali. We also learned how people celebrate Christmas in other parts of the world.  Our Winter Concert was a huge success!! The students did a great job.  It was so nice to see so many parents, friends, and family members there to see it.  We also had an awesome Polar Express Party!  We enjoyed our last day with hot chocolate, treats, and being comfy in our PJ’s!    Thank you for all the wonderful gifts and holiday wishes!!!  We have amazing parents.  Have a safe and happy holiday season!!!

 

Phase 2 students were hard at work this week.  We learned more about famous Americans in social studies.  Some groups worked on final projects and reports for the end of their language arts books.  All of the classes did an awesome job during the music performances…each room had a great turn out!  A big thank you to Mrs. Watson for all her hard work in coordinating the music performances.  Have a great winter break and we will see you in 2016!

 

 

^{Discovery Charter}

 

WINTER BREAK –The DCS team would like to extend our wishes to you and your family for a safe and wonderful two week break.  May you find peace and wonderment along with pleasure and happiness during the holiday season.  As much as we enjoy the break, we do miss seeing your child each day and are looking forward to teaching again on Monday, January 4, 2016 when we return.

SLEEP OVER – We had a great response to the First Annual DCS Sleepover!! Thank you to all parents who allowed your child to spend the night OR to simply spend some time after school with friends. It is going to be an AMAZING event filled with fun and exciting activities!! If your child is attending the Sleepover, they received a “Sleepover Note.” Please take time to review the note.  If you have questions, contact Ms. T or Mrs. Hawkins (email addresses are below) with any questions. ttakeuchi@tracylc.net or shawkins@tracylc.net

5^th Annual TLC’s Got Talent Auditions – Auditions will be held from January 4th through January 13th. Students may pick up their forms in the Counseling Office, the Front Office, or from their teachers.  Auditions will be held January 19th through January 22nd beginning at 4:00.

BAND CONCERT –THANK YOU MR. ZEPEDA!! The band concert was amazing. The music was festive, the band members were professional, and the crowd was SUPER PLEASED with the wonderful sounds!  We are already anticipating the next concert.  What a great job.

TLC Canned Food Drive: Thank you to EVERYONE who donated cans to our canned food drive.  People of Tracy in need appreciate your thoughtfulness.

Holiday Cheer– Our students became engineers, artists, mathematicians, designers, and business people as they discussed, drew, laid out, and designed classroom doors on Monday and Tuesday.  You can see from the pictures below, the DCS hallway was absolutely amazing! Ask your child to help decorate your house, they are great designers.

 

 

 

 

DHSP

 

DHSP Charter Chatter:

It is hard to believe that Winter Break is upon us already!! Only six more months to learn everything we need to learn this school year!!

 

 

English:

Mrs. Stewart’s English class is reviewing grammar and reading SAT style.  It is important to know how to apply good reading skills and grammar skills to select correct answers on college SAT tests.  While the students are not great, practice has helped each one improve. All students in the class will take the PSAT at the end of January.

In addition to grammar, the class spends time developing vocabulary,  with essay writing, rhetorical reading, and literature as well.  The class is doing well.

 

There was a good size turnout at the CJSF in Mrs. Sierra’s room this week. This is a community serviced based club that offers endless opportunities, including, but not limited to, looking amazing on college applications and even scholarships! By joining CJSF at the middle school level, students will not have a waiting period when joining CSF at Millennium. For more information, email Mrs. Sierra at msierra@tracylc.net

 

Academic Pentathlon is well underway! We are learning about the history of modern day India. Upon returning from break, we will begin our math and science units. Teams have yet to be determined, but spots are limited. Students will be chosen based on level of commitment, participation in class and overall grade in this elective.

 

Math:

The math classes are doing well. It is exciting to see students grasping these very important concepts.

 

Social Studies:

Students took their Unit Test for the Crusades this week.

 

The 8^th graders got to hear about all the wonderful programs Millennium High has to offer. The high school counselors will be going over an abbreviated version of this information for the 7^th graders some time in January. It is always good to find out what is happening in the grades yet to come so you and your student can make well informed decisions.

 

Science:

We just finished resistors and going into sources of electricity and voltage next…

 

Exploration:

Leadership had a very busy week!!

The final rankings for the Den Door Decorating contest were:

1^st Place Siberian

2^nd Place Bengal

3^rd Place Sumatran

4^th Place Malayan

 

The winter canned food drive was a success. Each Den participated.

Malayan brought in the most items with 105

Followed by Sumatran with 92

27 for Siberian, and 23 for Bengal!!

Leadership activities at Unity continue to be a blast. Just take a look:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Band:

The band concert was wonderful!!

As was the “by invitation only” performance at Amazon!

 

 

If you do not want your student to have his/her photo published please notify Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net

DHSP teachers welcome parent communication, please contact us if you have questions, concerns, or ideas!

Mrs. U. at rulricksen@tracylc.net

Mrs. Dominguez at ddominguez@tracylc.net

Mrs. Saldana at asaldana@tracylc.net Mrs. Sierra at msierra@tracylc.net  Mr. Compton at rcompton@tracylc.net  Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net

Have a Fantastic Holiday Break!!!

See everyone back on Monday, January 4,2016

 

 

 

 

MHS

 

 

For all of TLC

 

Charter Chatter December 18, 2015

Report cards were mailed homed this week. There is some important information included with the reports cards, so please be on the lookout for them.  If you did not receive a report card, please contact the main office to verify your mailing address. Monday, December 14^th marked the beginning of the second semester. It’s a new start, let’s kicks things off on the right foot.

 

In January and February, Mrs. Stewart and the counseling staff will be meeting with all students for their annual counseling review.  Fast track classes and next year’s schedule will be planned.  Only 10th grade parents will be invited for an appointment.  Time is extremely limited and we encourage 10th grade parents to rearrange schedules as necessary to attend their scheduled time. Appointment letters will be mailed out when we return from the holiday break.

 

College Info

College bound seniors: most colleges will be notifying applicants the status of their admission in early Spring by either mail or online via a student portal on the individual college web site.  We anticipate hearing about the acceptance letters.  All students accepted to a college or university should let the Counselors know as soon as they are notified.  Best of luck to all of those who applied!

 

San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 13th Annual Student Financial Aid and College Awareness Workshop (STUFA) Sunday, January 26, 2016 at the Alex G. Spanos Center at University of the Pacific Services are FREE and include: One on one assistance filling out financial aid forms, Tax preparation assistance and Scholarship information. For more information please call (209) 946-7705 or email: iruiz@pacific.edu visit http://www.icangotocollege.org/events.htm for more information.

Community Service Opportunities

Brookdale Retirement Home: Theme for the month is England. Brookdale is looking for someone to showcase the English culture (i.e. Dance, Art, Music, etc.) Speak on the English colonies, or holidays in December (Hanukah, Kwanza, Etc.) Christmas caroling

If interested please contact Lisa Santos: Lisa.santos@brookdale.com

**Also looking for bingo callers, and performers of any culture/ discipline

 

Children’s Christmas Party: Sunday, December 20 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (volunteer positions are filled) Location: Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) – ring doorbell to 8-10 volunteers are needed to help decorate and assist children with various activities, singing, Contact: Danette Poole at 209-815-0476 (text) or dpoole@newpennfinancial.com

 

SSCO – POSADAS: December 21, December 22, December 23 from 5pm-9pm Guadalupe Center 126 W. 1st Street Tracy  3 volunteers needed Nice Black Bottoms and Nice White Top for serving Contact: Annie 209-814-6580 Anita: anitalou8@yahoo.com

 

 

Senior Info

Attention Seniors!!!! Your graduation status letters were mailed out this week. Please be on the lookout for this information and what you still need to complete.

 

      Charter Chatter

                   A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

 

 

Dec.11, 2015                                                                                                         No.18

Virginia’s Voice

This is always a challenging time of year, the time between Thanksgiving and Winter break.  We are serious about school and learning, but there are so many distractions and the three weeks in between come and go so quickly.  I am sure you feel the same way at home.  It seems we just cooked the turkey and suddenly we were getting ready for the next holiday.

After winter break, we settle back down to a serious continuation of the second trimester and the second semester of high school.  We are also into important times.  Our high school seniors are hearing from college applications, and our eighth graders are making decisions about the high school they wish to attend.

Speaking of selecting a high school, we are very pleased with the students in grade 8 who are continuing on to Milennium High School.  We believe we offer an extraordinary program.  We have our version of advanced placement and IB.  Our program is allowing students to attend college classes.  College classes are weighted grades, we also pay the tuition for these classes and many of our students leave our high school with a year of college completed.  The reason we chose to allow our students to take college classes was to ensure the colleges would accept the credit.  All Advanced placement (AP) and IB   classes are not automatically accepted for college.  We have had students enroll at Berkley and Davis and have one or one and a half years of college completed when they began.  There are other reasons our high school is a good choice: we have competitive athletic and academic teams, students are grouped according to the level of challenge required, teachers know the students and communicate through Aeries on a regular basis, and over 84% of our students go on to college.

 

Misc. Announcements

 

Crab Feed

SAVE THE DATE and EARLY HOLIDAY GIFTS:  February 6, 2016 10^TH Annual Tracy Learning Center Crab Feed

What an awesome event for our school! Crab, pasta, salad, bread, dessert, raffles, dancing and so much more.

This event sells out each year. Please consider purchasing your tickets early. Great holiday gifts.

Our raffle committee will be putting out a flyer after the holiday for a $5.00 donation from each family, a gift basket and/or gift cards.

Please contact Donna Baker at (209) 321-9157 or email donna@donnabaker.com.

 

 

WINE LOVERS…. I know that many of you love wine and may have an extra bottle from the holiday.

Can you kindly consider donating a bottle of wine to the Crab Feed that will be included with an amazing wine rack.

Please contact Donna Baker at (209) 321-9157 or email donna@donnabaker.com

 

McHenry House Appreciation

We received a very nice thank you letter from the McHenry House Director thanking the TLC for raising $832.92 in coins. The McHenry House provides shelter to homeless families along with parenting classes, counseling and other services. The TLC has been very generous and are efforts have been greatly appreciated.

 

Next Holidays – December 21 – Jan. 3, Return to school on Jan. 4, 2016

 

PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Dec. 14 – Dec. 18 Mon. –   Pizza Tues. Taquito Tuesday Wed  – BLT or Tuna Sandwich Thurs. Chicken Corn Dog Fri. – Beef and Gravy and Mashed Potatoes

 

 

T K

 

TK students will be doing a holiday performance for their families on Thursday, December 17th at 2:30pm.  This will be a brief presentation by the students.  They are allowed to wear holiday clothes but are not required to do so.  We will be serving refreshments following the student performance.  We hope to see you there!

 

See Pink Eye information under PCS Section.

 

 

 

Primary Charter

We have had several students  who were recently diagnosed with Pink Eye from both T-K and PCS. If your student develops any of the symptoms listed below he or she should stay home from school and see his or physician to determine if this condition needs medication prescribed and whether or not it is contagious. Often times Pink Eye is either viral or allergic so medications are not always prescribed but only your Physician can determine this.  A note from the physician clearing your student is required upon his/her return to school.

Please notify the school at T-K (209)229-1575 and TLC (209)831-5240 if your student is not going to be in attendance. We appreciate your cooperation and communication in this matter.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) can include:

• Pink or red color in the white of the eye(s) (often one eye for bacterial and often both eyes for viral or allergic conjunctivitis)
• Swelling of the conjunctiva (the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelid) and/or eyelids
• Increased tearing
• Discharge of pus, especially yellow-green (more common in bacterial conjunctivitis)
• Itching, irritation, and/or burning
• Feeling like a foreign body is in the eye(s) or an urge to rub the eye(s)
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes sometimes occurs, especially in the morning
• Symptoms of a cold, flu, or other respiratory infection may also be present
• Sensitivity to bright light sometimes occurs
• Enlargement and/or tenderness, in some cases, of the lymph node in front of the ear. This enlargement may feel like a small lump when touched. (Lymph nodes act as filters in the body, collecting and destroying viruses and bacteria.)
• Symptoms of allergy, such as an itchy nose, sneezing, a scratchy throat, or asthma may be present in cases of allergic conjunctivitis
• Contact lenses that do not stay in place on the eye and/or feel uncomfortable due to bumps that may form under the eyelid

 

^{Discovery Charter}

 

BAND CONCERT –Thursday 12/17 –  Grades 6 – 12 will perform at the band concert at Kimball High Theater. Doors will open at 6:45 and the concert will begin at 7:00.  Cost is $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for 11 – 17 year olds, while 10 and younger are free.  What a great way to spend the evening! We hop you are able to attend.

TLC Canned Food Drive: DCS students are collecting cans through December 17^th for A Brighter Christmas. Our goal is to collect 700 cans.

ORDER NOW!!! The basketball team has “FUTURE FALCON” t-shirts available for $13.00. They are amazing shirts and will help the team raise needed funds. If you are interested, please email shawkins@tracylc.net.

The Nutcracker– The Children’s Dance Theater of Tracy presented dances from “The Nutcracker.” The event was amazing. You may purchase tickets at The Grand Theater. Shows will be held Saturday December 19^th or Sunday December 20^th at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. It is a great performance.

 

 

 

DHSP dancers performed for unity. They were wonderful and fun to watch. After their dance (as seen below), DHSP along with DCS students led us in our morning cheer.

SLEEP OVER –  DCS’ FIRST ANNUAL SLEEPOVER to be held on Friday January 8^th, 2016. $30.00 per child (overnight) or $25.00 (up-to-midnight). Children will enjoy spending time with their teachers and friends while enjoying dinner, snacks, games, and more! Please email Ms. T or Mrs. Hawkins for additional information (email is listed below). Permission slips are due 12/18.

DCS teachers welcome parent communication, please contact us if you have questions, concerns, or ideas!

Ms. Rodieck – lrodieck@tracylc.net; Ms. Pelaez – lpelaez@tracylc.net; Mrs. Beckner – sbeckner@tracylc.net

Mrs. Hawkins – shawkins@tracylc.net; Ms. Zaca – szaca@tracylc.net; Ms. Takeuchi – ttakeuchi@tracylc.net

Coach Easterday – deasterday@tracylc.net  Coach Penirian – mpenirian@tracylc.net  Coach Lopez – blopez@tracylc.net

 

 

 

 

DHSP

 

DHSP Charter Chatter:

One more week until Winter Break. The year is flying by. DHSP started off their Spirit week on Friday with Santa Hats/Reindeer Antlers. The kids were all decked out.

Unity had an intense Den Competition this week with Team Bengal winning:

 

English:

Mrs. Stewart’s English class is reviewing grammar and reading SAT style.  It is important to know how to apply good reading skills and grammar skills to select correct answers on college SAT tests.  While the students are not great, practice has helped each one improve. All students in the class will take the PSAT at the end of January.

In addition to grammar, the class spends time developing vocabulary,  with essay writing, rhetorical reading, and literature as well.  The class is doing well.

 

There will be a CJSF meeting in D-12 on Tuesday, December 15th, for students at lunch. This is a community serviced based club that offers endless opportunities, including, but not limited to, looking amazing on college applications and even scholarships! By joining CJSF at the middle school level, students will not have a waiting period when joining CSF at Millennium. For more information,  email Mrs. Sierra at msierra@tracylc.net

 

Academic Pentathlon is well underway! We are learning about the history of modern day India. Upon returning from break, we will begin our math and science units. Teams have yet to be determined, but spots are limited. Students will be chosen based on level of commitment, participation in class and overall grade in this elective.

 

In English class students are learning many life lessons through the adventures of Mowgli and his jungle friends. The novel is turning out to be quite a pleasant surprise with much to offer.

 

Math:

Algebra II and Geometry just took the high school semester finals. How Exciting!!

All other Math Classes are working hard and doing well !!!

 

Social Studies:

Students completed a quiz about the Crusades this week along with a poster project in class. Mrs. Wallace was very pleased with the results. Next Friday will be the Unit test for the Crusades.

 

Science:

We just finished resistors and going into sources of electricity and voltage next…

 

Exploration:

Leadership has been super busy with candy grams sold, and promoting all of the Spirit activities:

 

Spirit Days for December:

Friday 12/11 Santa Hat/Antler Day

Monday 12/14 Cozy Day (PJ’s)

Wednesday 12/16 Cindy Lu Day (crazy hair day)

Friday 12/18 Sweater Day (we will have a competition here for specific categories)

The winter canned food drive is off to an amazing start. Each Den is busy bringing in canned and boxed foods to help out those in need. The lead Den at the moment is Malayan with 68 items; followed by Sumatran with 31 items; Bengal with 22; and Siberian with 11.

 

 

Band:

For anyone interested in joining us for the Band Concert:

The following groups will be performing:

6th Grade Band

7th – 8th Grade Band

High School Beginning Band 9th-12th

High School Advanced Band 9th-12th

 

It will be at the Kimball High Theater. Doors will open @ 6:45pm and the concert will begin at 7:00pm. It is Thursday 12/17. Cost is $5 for adults, $3 for students/family 11-17yrs, Free 10 years or younger.

Our band was invited to perform at the Amazon facilities in Tracy next week. Quite the honor!! Way to go Mr. Zepeda!!!

 

If you do not want your student to have his/her photo published please notify Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net

DHSP teachers welcome parent communication, please contact us if you have questions, concerns, or ideas!

Mrs. U. at rulricksen@tracylc.net

Mrs. Dominguez at ddominguez@tracylc.net

Mrs. Saldana at asaldana@tracylc.net Mrs. Sierra at msierra@tracylc.net  Mr. Compton at rcompton@tracylc.net  Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net

Have a Fantastic Week!!

 

MHS

 

Finals are over and grades will be posted soon. Report cards will be mailed out next week. There will be some important information included with the reports cards, so please be on the lookout for them.  If you do not receive a report card by the end next week, please contact the main office to verify your mailing address.

The beginning of the Spring semester begins this Monday, December 14th.

 

In January and February, Mrs. Stewart and the counseling staff will be meeting with all students for their annual counseling review.  Fast track classes and next year’s schedule will be planned.  Only 10th grade parents will be invited for an appointment.  Time is extremely limited and we encourage 10th grade parents to rearrange schedules as necessary to attend their scheduled time. Appointment letters will be mailed out when we return from the holiday break.

 

Our Spring senior interns will be starting their internships when we return from winter break in January.  We are very proud of our students and how they conducted themselves with our local business partners.  We received excellent feedback regarding their interviewing skills and professional demeanor throughout the entire placement process.  Keep an eye out for our students at the following businesses and non-profit organizations throughout our community:

 

2016 Spring Internship Placements
Armor Up – The Almost Everything Store	Delta College Athletic Training Room	Sutter Tracy Community Hospital Ob/Gyn Department
Astoria Gardens	Great Beginnings	Sutter Tracy Community Hospital Physical Therapy
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Clydesdale Property	In Shape Club	Sutter Tracy Community Hospital Wound Care Department
Boys and Girls Club (Jacobsen Unit)	In Shape Fit Club	The Photographic Art Studio
Boys and Girls Club (Monte Vista Unit)	In Shape Sport Club	The Tracy Press
Boys and Girls Club (Southwest Park Unit)	Main Street Music	TLC IT Department
City of Tracy Department of Engineering Services	MHS Athletic Department	TLC Maintenance and Ground
City of Tracy Police Administration	My Best Friend’s Closet	TLC Pre-K Program
City of Tracy Police Explorer Program	Premier Auto Services	Tracy Grand Theater Center for the Arts
City of Tracy Recreation Division	Signscape Graphics, Inc.	Uneed2
Community Partnership for Families of San Joaquin	Skyview Aviation	VBR Children and Family Services
Creative Design, Inc.	Sow a Seed Foundation	VCA Old River Animal Hospital
Custom Sounds	Stephen M. Tsang, M.d., Inc.	Hawkins-Thompson Child Development Center

 

College Info

College bound seniors: most colleges will be notifying applicants the status of their admission in early Spring by either mail or online via a student portal on the individual college web site.  We anticipate hearing about the acceptance letters.  All students accepted to a college or university should let the Counselors know as soon as they are notified.  Best of luck to all of those who applied!

San Joaquin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 13th Annual Student Financial Aid and College Awareness Workshop (STUFA) Sunday, January 26, 2016 at the Alex G. Spanos Center at University of the Pacific Services are FREE and include: One on one assistance filling out financial aid forms, Tax preparation assistance and Scholarship information. For more information please call (209) 946-7705 or email: iruiz@pacific.edu visit http://www.icangotocollege.org/events.htm for more information.

 

Community Service Opportunities

Brookdale Retirement Home: Theme for the month is England. Brookdale is looking for someone to showcase the English culture (i.e. Dance, Art, Music, etc.) Speak on the English colonies, or holidays in December (Hanukah, Kwanza, Etc.) Christmas caroling

If interested please contact Lisa Santos: Lisa.santos@brookdale.com

**Also looking for bingo callers, and performers of any culture/ discipline

 

Moose GALA Dinner: Friday, December 11 5:30 p.m. – until ? (serving begins at 6 p.m.) Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) Volunteers: 2 dish washers and 6 servers are needed – black and white server attire Contact: Alex Zamora 209-815-6408 or azamora@pacbell.net

 

Children’s Christmas Party: Sunday, December 20 10 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (volunteer positions are filled) Location: Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) – ring doorbell to 8-10 volunteers are needed to help decorate and assist children with various activities, singing, Contact: Danette Poole at 209-815-0476 (text) or dpoole@newpennfinancial.com

 

SSCO – POSADAS: December 21, December 22, December 23 from 5pm-9pm Guadalupe Center 126 W. 1st Street Tracy  3 volunteers needed Nice Black Bottoms and Nice White Top for serving Contact: Annie 209-814-6580 Anita: anitalou8@yahoo.com

 

Senior Info

Spring Semester Interns!!!! All interviews are finished and our Spring Interns have been placed! A list of the participating businesses will be posted soon.  Please be aware that the internship begins for students when we return to school the week of January 5th.  The first internship class is on Tuesday, January 5 or Wed, January 6th from 12:10pm until 12:50pm. Since this class only meets once a week, attendance is crucial to the success of your student’s internship. Please make sure to plan any appointments around this class.

 

Attention Seniors!! If you have not already taken your Senior Picture at the Photographic Art Studio please do so as soon as possible. This is one more item to check off on your to do list for graduation. Please call 209-830-8830 to set up your appointment.

 

Other News

Sow A Seed Community Foundation’s annual Boys-to-Men Conference is back!

The conference, which is entitled “Born to Win: Know Yourself. Know your worth. Live your best!” is sponsored by Sow A Seed Community Foundation and co-sponsored by Kimball High School.  The primary goal of the event is to help young men identity some tools and resources that will help them achieve success in all areas of their life.  They will also learn career options and ways to avoid common social pit falls that lead to peer-pressure, poor academic achievement and/or unhealthy relationships and affiliations. Registrations can be faxed to 209-740-4047 or you may register online at www.sowaseedcf.org . For More Information or questions please contact 209-229-4559.

 

 

Dec. 4, 2015                                                                                        No.17

Virginia’s Voice

Many of you may be considering the high school you wish your student to attend.  This is an important decision.  We would like you to take into consideration Millennium High School.  Millennium is part of the Tracy Learning Center.  The Tracy Learning Center was started in 2001 and now consists of students in three charter schools.  We have a Pre-school, Primary (grades TK to 4^th), Discovery (grades 5 to 8) and our high school.

Millennium High School is a comprehensive high school.  We focus on having students ready for college or vocational training.  Amazing as it may sound 85% of our graduates go on to attend college.  We offer a full complement of sports, drama, band, and rigorous academic classes.  We have chosen not to use the traditional routes of AP or IB classes; instead we allow our students the chance to enroll directly into college classes which are guaranteed transferable to UC or CSU schools.  Many students graduate with more than 15 college credits completed.  But that is not all; we offer to pay the tuition for the classes.

We will be conducting a parent information night on January 13, 2016 at 7:00pm, if you wish to learn more about Millennium High School.  We have no boundaries so all that apply, as long as we have room, are accepted.

Our other schools are equally great.  Discovery Charter, the oldest of the three charters is a great middle school alternative.  It is small and personal and we allow for advanced placement in math.  Many of our eighth graders are enrolled in high school math classes.

The Primary School is second to none in the area.  Our students excel and love school.  There is a long waiting list, but many parents think it is worth the wait.  We accept 66 Kindergarten students each year.  Unfortunately, we need to hold a public lottery since so many apply.  This year, Primary added the TK program for children who are will not be 5 by the cut off in September, but are ready for a modified full day kindergarten program.

Finally, this year we added a Pre-School for 2 1/2 and 4 year olds.  It is an outstanding program.  We offer a great student teacher ratio, have an exciting environment for learning, and help our students use technology for exploration and learning.

 

If you have not considered the Tracy Learning Center Schools as an alternative to the schools in your neighborhood, we suggest you visit our website at www.tracylc.net to learn more about us.

 

Misc. Announcements

Crab Feed

SAVE THE DATE and EARLY HOLIDAY GIFTS:  February 6, 2016 10^TH Annual Tracy Learning Center Crab Feed

What an awesome event for our school! Crab, pasta, salad, bread, dessert, raffles, dancing and so much more.

This event sells out each year. Please consider purchasing your tickets early. Great holiday gifts.

Our raffle committee will be putting out a flyer after the holiday for a $5.00 donation from each family, a gift basket and/or gift cards.

Please contact Donna Baker at (209) 321-9157 or email donna@donnabaker.com.

 

 

 

 

WINE LOVERS…. I know that many of you love wine and may have an extra bottle from the holiday.

Can you kindly consider donating a bottle of wine to the Crab Feed that will be included with an amazing wine rack.

Please contact Donna Baker at (209) 321-9157 or email donna@donnabaker.com

 

McHenry House Appreciation

We received a very nice thank you letter from the McHenry House Director thanking the TLC for raising $832.92 in coins. The McHenry House provides shelter to homeless families along with parenting classes, counseling and other services. The TLC has been very generous and are efforts have been greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

Next Holidays – December 21 – Jan. 3, Return to school on Jan. 4, 2016

PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Dec. 7 – Dec. 11 Mon. –   Pizza Tues. Taquito Tuesday Wed  – Beef Hot Dog Thurs. Chicken Teriyaki Fri. – Beef or Chicken Tacos

 

 

T K

 

Our TK classroom has had a busy week exploring maps!  We learned how to use map keys and the compass rose.  We understand directions and we ‘Never Eat Soggy Waffles’!  Ask your child what this helps them remember on a map!  The students had fun going on classroom treasure hunts, making a map book of their world, and solving a classroom map puzzle.  These skills will come in handy next week as we begin an adventure around the world!

 

 

Primary Charter

Dear TLC Primary Parents,

A letter went home with your child this week with information about our Primary Music Winter Programs.  All the primary students will be performing holiday songs in their classrooms on Wednesday, December 16 or Thursday, December 17.  These programs will be during their regular music class times.

The Performance Schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, December 16

9:00 am  P3

10:30 am P7

1:10 pm P6 (students with the first name initial “A” to “K”-Kailyn Snyder the only K name)

2:00 pm P2

Thursday, December 17

9:00 am P8

10:30 am P1

1:10 pm P6(students with the first name initial “K” to “Z” – all other K names in this group )

2:00 pm P5

Students will be encouraged to wear holiday sweaters or shirts.  They can also wear Santa hats or elf hats. The hats should not have flashing lights, so as to not be distracting.  Reindeer hats will be up to my discretion, if they block the view of students behind them, they will not be allowed.  They do not need to dress up to perform, it is just a suggestion.

I hope to see you at the Primary Winter Programs!

Musically,

Mrs. Watson

TLC Music Director

 

Primary parents:

Thank you to everyone who participated in the See’s candy fundraiser!  Orders will be here the week of December 14th.  We have also extended the deadline for the Texas Roadhouse Drive-thru meal fundraiser!  This is an easy way to help our school AND you don’t have to cook that night!  It’s a win-win for everyone!  The dinners will be available for pick up between 4:30 and 6:30 in the MHS carline onDecember 17th.  Please see the order form in the green folders today.  Thank you!

 

If it is higher than 40 degrees outside, Primary students will have outside recess and Unity.  If the temperature is lower than 40, students will have inside recess.  Please keep this in mind when sending your child to school in the morning.   55 degrees or higher, students will have outside lunch.  55 degrees or lower, students will eat inside and play outside. Jackets and layers are important this time of year!

 

Initial Phase:  This week kicked off our winter study unit and the kiddos have been busy learning about how to choose warm clothing, what a thermometer looks like in cold weather, and they have been busy writing about winter.  We talk daily about choosing proper dress for school during this time of year.  In addition, we are helping the kids learn how to be responsible with their items by making sure they put them in their backpacks (and zip it up) when they are in the classroom.  This is a hard concept to learn and we will keep incorporating this lesson in our daily routine.

 

 

Phase 1 students were surprised by the appearance of their Scout Elves, Dunkin, Brownie, and Skittle!  They have fun coming in each morning looking for them.  We have been incorporating lots of winter and holiday themed projects into our learning.  The whole phase is reading The Polar Express!  We are learning many new vocabulary words, exploring similes and metaphors, and understanding sequence.  We learned all about Kwanzaa, continued our procedural writing, and started up with our Rowley Math this week.  What a fantastic learning week!!

 

 

Phase 2 students came back from Thanksgiving break ready to learn and refreshed for the new trimester!  We will be shifting our focus from science to social studies this trimester.  Our first unit will be on famous Americans in history.  If your student is in need of some new reading material at home, biographies are an engaging, high interest topic that we always find to be popular with readers at all levels.

        

 

 

^{Discovery Charter}

 

We all seemed to enjoy our break, we are back to school through December 18^th before we begin our winter break.  We have challenged students to stay on green, and to complete all of their homework.  Please help them to accomplish this goal.

Dance Elective – Our dancers had a great time dancing for parents and peers this morning. They also performed for the DHSP students who enjoyed watching their DCS peers.

Practicing before the big day

 

The big day! They danced well.

 

December Girls Basketball – The 6^th grade girls had a game on Wednesday.  The girls have such amazing team pride, at lunch they stood together during recess stretching, and going over plays.  We will post our schedule soon.

 

Science Camp Fundraiser – Thank you to everyone who allowed their child to be involved in the science camp fundraiser. Without fundraising, we will not be able to attend science camp. We appreciate your support.

SWO – DCS’ Collaboration SWO is due by December 9^th; presentations for those who are done will start on December 7^th.  Please ask your child to review their rubric with you.  If you have questions you may contact your child’s PE coach (emails are below).

 

SLEEP OVER – WE have had a great response to our FIRST ANNUAL SLEEPOVER to be held on Friday January 8^th, 2016. REMEMBER PARENTS!!! You can have an evening of quiet while allowing your child to have an evening of fun with their friends and teachers.  For $30.00, your child will be in a safe environment.  We promise to feed them and allow the to play games, watch appropriate movies, create art, lounge with friends, AND MORE, while spending time with their teachers and their friends at DCS’s Sleepover! It is SUPERSAFE and SECURE!!!! If you would like your child to enjoy the festivities without spending the night, we have an alternative choice for you. For $25.00 your child may stay with us up-to-midnight, they will be fed and can enjoy all activities listed above. Please email Ms. T or Mrs. Hawkins for additional information (email is listed below).

Science Olympiad: Thank you Coaches and Participants! Continue to read your Science Olympiad Calendar. It is your responsibility to attend meetings as assigned.  If you have any questions??? email Ms. Pelaez: lpelaez@tracylc.net.

DCS teachers welcome parent communication, please contact us if you have questions, concerns, or ideas!

Ms. Rodieck – lrodieck@tracylc.net; Ms. Pelaez – lpelaez@tracylc.net; Mrs. Beckner – sbeckner@tracylc.net

Mrs. Hawkins – shawkins@tracylc.net; Ms. Zaca – szaca@tracylc.net; Ms. Takeuchi – ttakeuchi@tracylc.net

Coach Easterday – deasterday@tracylc.net  Coach Penirian – mpenirian@tracylc.net  Coach Lopez – blopez@tracylc.net

 

 DHSP

 

DHSP Charter Chatter:

The second Trimester is off and running!! Only two weeks until Winter Break!!

 

English:

Mrs. Stewart’s English class continues to grow leaps and bounds. It is apparent that they are learning TONS in that class.

 

Math:

Students are working hard to be successful in math as always.

 

Social Studies:

Students are deep into the study of the Crusades. This past week they learned about Pope Urban II and his launching of the first of nine Crusades that began in 1095 AD and, most historians believe, lasted off and on until 1291 AD.

 

Explorations:

The next round of Explorations began this week. Students and teachers alike seem very excited about the new round of classes.

 

Sports:

The girls Basketball team had their first game Wednesday night. There was standing room only!!

 

If you do not want your student to have his/her photo published please notify Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net

DHSP teachers welcome parent communication, please contact us if you have questions, concerns, or ideas!

Mrs. U. at rulricksen@tracylc.net

Mrs. Dominguez at ddominguez@tracylc.net

Mrs. Saldana at asaldana@tracylc.net Mrs. Sierra at msierra@tracylc.net  Mr. Compton at rcompton@tracylc.net  Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net

Hope everyone has a great weekend. Look for more in the DHSP Charter Chatter next week!!

 

MHS

Charter Chatter December 4, 2015

 

Finals Schedule

Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Room/Proctor This is where students should go to test	8-10 English	10-10:30 Break	10:30-12:30 Social Studies
M1/Reyes/Saldate	ERWC and ENG 4 Mrs. Saldate/Reyes Period 1 and 3		OPEN
M2/Saldate/Singh	English 1 (2 blocks) Ernst Period 2 and 3		Gov/Econ Mr. Saldate/Singh Period 1 & 2
M3/Muscarello	English 1 Lamanna Period 8		Geography Shotwell Period 6
M4/Snyder	Open		Open
M5/Aleman	English 1 Ernst Period 7		Geography Mr. Singh Period 3 (Last Name A-L)
M6/Griffin	English 1 Ernst Period 8		Geography Mr. Singh Period 3 (Last Name M-Z)
M7/Woods	English 2 Ernst Period 1		Geography Shotwell Period 7
M8/Shotwell	English 2 Ernst Period 6		Geography Shotwell Period 8
M9/Lamanna	English 2 Lamanna Period 3		World Shotwell Period 1
M10/Ernst	English 2 Reyes Period 4 (Last Name A-L)		World Shotwell Period 2
M11/Robinson	English 2 Reyes Period 4 (Last Name M-Z)		World Mr. Singh Period 8 (Last Name A-L)
M12/Holmes	English 3 Lamanna Period 2		World Mr. Singh Period 8 (Last Name M-Z)
M13/Young	English 3 Lamanna Period 4		U.S. Shotwell Period 4
M14/McCartney	English 3 Lamanna Period 6		U.S. Mr. Saldate Period 6 (Last Name A-L)
M15/Brown	English 3 Mrs. Saldate Period 8 (Last Name A-L)		U.S. Mr. Saldate Period 6 (Last Name M-Z)
M16/De La Torre	English 3 Mrs. Saldate Period 8 (Last Name M-Z)

 

Thursday, December 10, 2015

Room/Proctor This is where students should go to test	8-10 Math	10-10:30 Break	10:30-12:30 Languages
M1/Reyes/Saldate	Intro to Algebra (ALL) Aleman Period 1 and 7		ASL 1 (All) Morelli Period 2 and 3
M2/Saldate/Singh	Pre-Calculus (ALL) McCartney Period 3 Griffin Period 6 and 8		ASL 2 (All) Morelli Period 1 and 4
M3/Muscarello	Geometry Muscarello Period 1		Spanish 1 Brown Period 4
M4/Snyder	Basic 2 Muscarello Period 7		Open
M5/Aleman	Geometry Muscarello Period 4		Spanish 1 De La Torre Period 1 and 8
M6/Griffin	Geometry Muscarello Period 6 & 8		Spanish 1 De La Torre Period 4
M7/Woods	Algebra 1 Aleman Period 4 Griffin Period 7		Spanish 1 De La Torre Period 7
M8/Shotwell	Algebra 1 Aleman Period 3		Spanish 2 De La Torre Period 6
M9/Lamanna	Algebra 1 Aleman Period 8		Spanish 2 Brown Period 2
M10/Ernst	Algebra 1 McCartney Period 2
M11/Robinson	Algebra 2 McCartney Period 7 Muscarello Period 3
M12/Holmes	Algebra 2 McCartney Period 4		Spanish 3 Brown Period 1 and 6
M13/Young	Algebra 2 McCartney Period 6		C and C Brown/Torres Period 3
M14/McCartney	Calculus Griffin Period 3
M15/Brown	Basic 2 Duenas/Long Term Sub Period 1 and 4		Spanish 2                Brown Period 8
M16/De La Torre	Basic 1 Duenas/Long Term Sub Period 2		Spanish 3              De La Torre Period 3

 

Friday, December 11, 2015

Room/Proctor This is where students should go to test	8-10 Science	10-10:30 Break	10:30-12:30 Life Skills/Careers/Personal Finance
M1/Reyes/Saldate	Intro to Bio (ALL) Grant Period 1 and 8		Life Skills Griffin Period 1
M2/Saldate/Singh	Earth Science (ALL) Snell Period 6 and 7		Life Skills Woods Period 1
M3/Muscarello	Biology Holmes Period 1		Life Skills Lamanna Period 7 (Last Name A-L)
M4/Snyder	OPEN		OPEN
M5/Aleman	Biology Holmes Period 2		Life Skills Lamanna Period 7 (Last Name M-Z)
M6/Griffin	Biology Holmes Period 3		Math Test Make Up Room
M7/Woods	Biology Holmes Period 4		Open
M8/Shotwell	Biology Holmes Period 8		Social Studies Test  Make Up Room
M9/Lamanna	Chemistry Robinson Period 1		English Test Make Up Room
M10/Ernst	Chemistry Robinson Period 2		Life Skills Holmes Period 6 (Last Name A-L)
M11/Robinson	Chemistry Robinson Period 4		Science Test Make Up Room
M12/Holmes	Chemistry Robinson Period 7		OPEN
M13/Young	Forensic Science Gudino Period 2		Life Skills Holmes Period 6 (Last Name M-Z)
M14/McCartney	Forensic Science Gudino Period 4		Personal Finance Duenas/ Long Term Sub Period 3
M15/Brown	Forensic Science Gudino Period 6
M16/De La Torre	Forensic Science Gudino Period 7

 

 

 

College Early Start

For those students who completed and submitted their CES forms by Thursday, November 19^th, you received your approved forms this week and need to make sure you have registered and paid for your classes on December 3^rd.

 

College Info

College bound seniors: most colleges will be notifying applicants the status of their admission in early Spring by either mail or online via a student portal on the individual college web site.  We anticipate hearing about the acceptance letters.  All students accepted to a college or university should let the Counselors know as soon as they are notified.  Best of luck to all of those who applied!

 

Community Service Opportunities

Brookdale Retirement Home: Theme for the month is England. Brookdale is looking for someone to showcase the English culture (i.e. Dance, Art, Music, etc.) Speak on the English colonies, or holidays in December (Hanukah, Kwanza, Etc.) Christmas caroling

If interested please contact Lisa Santos: Lisa.santos@brookdale.com

**Also looking for bingo callers, and performers of any culture/ discipline

 

Hospice Butterfly Auxiliary Children’s Magic and Mischief Event: Sunday, Dec. 6 1:00pm-4:00pm Contact: Ms. Holmes dholames@tracylc.net or Anita McManus at anitalou8@yahoo.com

 

Senior Info

Attention Seniors!! If you have not already taken your Senior Picture at the Photographic Art Studio please do so as soon as possible. This is one more item to check off on your to do list for graduation. Please call 209-830-8830 to set up your appointment.

 

MHS Financial Aid Information Night! Thursday, December 10th at 6pm in room M-1 is MHS’ Financial Aid Information Night. Important topics will be covered such as the types of financial aid available for college and application deadlines will be discussed. Reminder postcards were mailed last week.

 

Other News

 

Sow A Seed Community Foundation’s annual Boys-to-Men Conference is back!

The conference, which is entitled “Born to Win: Know Yourself. Know your worth. Live your best!” is sponsored by Sow A Seed Community Foundation and co-sponsored by Kimball High School.  The primary goal of the event is to help young men identity some tools and resources that will help them achieve success in all areas of their life.  They will also learn career options and ways to avoid common social pit falls that lead to peer-pressure, poor academic achievement and/or unhealthy relationships and affiliations. Registrations can be faxed to 209-740-4047 or you may register online at www.sowaseedcf.org . For More Information or questions please contact 209-229-4559.

 

 

Job Opportunity!!!  T and J Tutoring is seeking new tutors!  If you are interested, attend their meeting this Saturday at 9:30am at 320 West 11th Street.  This is a $10 an hour position.  For more information please visit the Counseling Office