Charter Chatter
A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC
Sept. 9, 2016 Vol. 6
| Virginia’s Voice |
In a recent discussion in my English 78 class, we talked about the pros and cons of receiving free college education. There were mixed ideas about such a thing. However, what it really made us realize is that all Americans have access to a free education for thirteen or fourteen years. We all realized that it is imperative that we make the most of that gift and that in the end it can lead to scholarships that will pay for some of college. I wondered how many of our students actually appreciate the gift of a free education and all that it offers. Then I thought about the plight of the inner city students who have no choice of the schools they attend. I can just imagine, for example, what a school in Chicago must be like. Imagine having no choice and no ability to decide to go to a private school. That was when I also appreciate the ability to have charter schools as alternatives. I agree, all charter schools are not equal, but they are a choice. I wondered how many of our students realize what a privilege it is to have access to a free education and a choice!
| Misc. Announcements |
Picture Day
T-K Picture Day – Oct. 11, 2016 (no re-takes)
Old River Golf Course
18007 S. MacArthur Drive
Tracy CA
Interested in becoming a sponsor
OR
Registering as a participant??
Email Coach KV at kvigil@tracylc.net for more information. Deadline for sign-ups have been extended to next Friday September 16th!
Parent Volunteers
Parents who plan on volunteering in the classrooms this year must give the office a new contract and make sure his/her TB Test has been done within the last 4 years and have given the results to the office along with a copy of your California Driver’s License and Volunteer’s Contract.
Volunteers can begin volunteering after Sept. 12, 2016. Please make these arrangements with your child’s teachers.
Head Lice
We have had one known head lice case in Primary this year. Please check your students head and scalp regularly for any lice or nits. If you see any consistent scratching or rubbing of the scalp please give a very thorough exam. Necessary treatment must be given if there are any lice or nits (eggs) present. Students should not return to school until treatment is done. If you have any questions please consult a physician or pharmacist. We do not want the spread of these contagious subspecies.
Homecoming Parade – Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016
Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2016
Dismissal Times
MHS 12 noon
T-K and PCS 2pm
DCS 2:30pm
All participants line up at 3pm
Parade starts at 3:30pm
There will not be any study clubs on this day but Kids (snack) Club will be open.
| PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Sept. 12 – 16
Mon. – Pizza Tues. – Teriyaki Meatballs Wed – Beef Lasagne Thurs – Beef or Bean Burritos Fri. – Beef or Veggie Burgers
|
T K
We would love to have volunteers in our classroom! If you would like to volunteer in our TK class and you have not turned in the required paperwork, please let the teachers know. We will be sending home a schedule on Monday to set up times for you to come in and help in our room!
TLC’s Homecoming is fast approaching! Please read the newsletter for important information regarding TK and homecoming week! We are excited to be building a float and participating in the homecoming parade. The homecoming parade will be held on Wednesday, September 28 at 3:30. Students will be dismissed from TK that day at 2:00pm. Please make arrangements for your child for this early dismissal day!
Primary Charter
Initial Phase
This week in Initial Phase, students have been exploring weather and our new science program Koantum. We have explored appropriate dress, thermometers, and seasons. Primary Spirit wear came home this week. We like to show school spirit every Friday by wearing school spirit wear or blue. In addition, we have a “special” spirit day the FIRST FRIDAY of each month. Look for the entire year’s schedule in this weeks green folder. Finally, parent volunteers start on Monday. We had a lot of parents sign up. So, we conducted a lottery for trimester 1 volunteers. If you did not get a spot, don’t worry, we will draw again in Trimester 2. Have a well deserved, relaxing weekend.
Phase 1
Phase 1 students had another great learning week! They had a lot of fun making their recipe books with rice recipes from different countries. They also learned a lot of fun and interesting facts about those countries. Ask your student what their favorite country is and try cooking that rice dish! Students practiced counting, adding, and subtracting money by shopping in the student store. They love spending their hard earned money! Other things we have been learning about include: verbs and verb tenses, properties of addition, and writing super sentences, Next spirit day theme will be Farmer Day on October 7th. Start planning now! Please make sure to check your student’s folder for more upcoming events.
Phase Two
Phase two students continue to do a great job! In Social Studies, students began their Native American research projects. In groups, students will be researching a California Native American tribe and putting together a project / presentation. Ask your student all about it!
This week, P3 had a great time walking to the library! It will be P8’s turn on Thursday, September 15th.
Please remember that parent volunteers will begin on Monday, September 12th. You will receive more information in your green folders.
Discovery Charter
Students came back from their three day weekend ready to work! In our 4 days, we worked on many concepts. Please talk to your child to find out what they are working on, and what they are learning.
Science Olympiad: 6th grade students interested in participating in this year’s Science Olympiad must take a test during lunch on Tuesday, September 13th in order to be considered for the team. If there are more applicants, than spaces, the score on the test will be used to determine starter vs. alternate positions.
SCIENCE CAMP TICKET FUNDRAISER CONTINUES! – Ask your child about the Science Camp fund raiser!!! Your child has been asked to sell raffle tickets at the price of $10.00 each. 100% of the money will go towards science camp with one lucky “Free Science Camp For A Week” winner. ALL MONIES NEED TO BE TURNED IN BY SEPTEMBER 13th. The raffle will be held soon after – Please sell as many tickets as possible. SAVE THE DATE: Children will leave for science camp on Monday, January 9th. Any science camp questions should be emailed to Ms. Pelaez at lpelaez@tracylc.net.
Spelling Bee: We have announced Spelling Bee dates and have provided students with their Spelling Bee word lists. If your child has not expressed interest, and you would like them to join the Spelling Bee, have them talk to their Language Arts teacher. The Spelling Bee will be held at Tracy Learning Center on November 8th – the winner of the 4, 5, 6 division and the winner of the 7, 8, 9 division will move onto the County Spelling Bee. If you would like more details, please contact………….. Ms. Rodieck lrodieck@tracylc.net or Mrs. Hawkins shawkins@tracylc.net
On Wednesday, our unity was filled with music from the 40’s as Discovery High School Prep students showcased Coach C’s Swing Dance. Student’s in Discovery High School Prep and Discovery Charter School are learning about WWII. They are learning about WWII history, art, dance, and the changes that the war brought to people all over the world.
PLEASE REVIEW YOUR CHILD’S AGENDA. THEIR AGENDA HOLDS DATES, HOMEWORK, PROJECTS, and other valuable information.
HOMECOMING: Homecoming is coming fast. Your child received a parent volunteer slip. If you can volunteer time, supplies, or funds for our float, please complete the form. If you have questions, contact Ms. T at ttakeuchi@tracylcnet
If you have questions, concerns, or if you want to discuss your child, please contact their teacher:
Mrs. Beckner: sbeckner@tracylc.net (math and academic pentathlon)
Mrs. Hawkins: shawkins@tracylc.net (language arts (dance and movement with Coach C))
Coach Lopez: blopez@tracylc.net (PE)
Coach P: mpenirian@tracylc.net (PE)
Ms. Pelaez: lpelaez@tracylc.net (science, science Olympiad, (Spanish with Mr. Gomar))
Ms. Rodieck: lrodieck@tracylc.net (language arts, genius hour)
Ms. T: ttakeuchi@tracylc.net (math, leadership)
Coach Williams: dwilliams@tracylc.net (PE)
Ms. Zaca: szaca@tracylc.net (social studies, newspaper)
DHSP
English:
English 78 We have completed our first month and our first novel. Number the Stars was a good introduction to Pentathlon and to World War II. We enjoyed the book and the historical information we gained as a result of this historical fiction book. In addition to reading, we are working on PSAT practice, vocabulary mastery, descriptive and functional grammar and of course writing and discussion.
The average in this challenging class is improving as students gain skills and work on improving.
This week in Ms. Langston’s Language Arts, we are honing our persuasive essay writing skills, advancing in diagramming, introducing perfect tense, and adding to our growing vocabulary.
Leadership: Float building continues!!!
Art:
The Art Elective Class has finished up two more projects. One is a ceramic Fantasy Castle, using the slab method of construction. The other is a portrait of a Mad Scientist drawn with charcoal and chalk pastel. Both pieces of art were very well done by the students.
Math:
Algebra 2 is finishing up their unit on graphing and should be ready for a test next week.
Algebra 1 is wrapping up their inequalities unit and will be testing next week
Intro to Algebra is starting to add and subtract fractions. We continue to practice our basic math skills with our War card games
P.E.
Football Friday Kickoff!
Next Friday, September 16th, is Football Friday! We are asking all students to show their spirit in wearing any NFL, College, or pop Warner Jersey/attire. If students do not have any football jersey/attire then Den colors will count since it is a DEN day!
Washington D.C. 2017!!!
It’s not too late to sign up for the DC trip. Students will visit the Washington Monument, Arlington National Cemetery and the Holocaust Museum. What an opportunity to see our nations capital with classmates. It’s exciting to see how many students have already signed up for this great opportunity. Please contact Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net for assistance.
If you do not want your student to have his/her photo published please notify Mrs. Wallace at dwallace@tracylc.net
Please feel free to contact any of your student’s teachers if you have any questions or concerns.
Math: Mrs. Dominguez ddominguez@tracylc.net
Math: Mrs. King lking@tracylc.net
Language Arts: Ms. Langston alangston@tracylc.net
Language Arts: Mrs. Cerezo acerezo@tracylc.net
Science: Mrs. Ramirez aramirez@tracylc.net
Social Studies, 7/8 Learning Director: Mrs. Wallace dwallace@tracylc.net
Enjoy your weekend.
| MHS |
Last Chance!! Field Trip Opportunity for Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors
Construction Careers Trades Fair and Delta College Field Trip will be held on Friday, September 16, 2016. Students will have the opportunity to experience first hands many construction trades as well as view three different Career Technical Careers such as Nursing, Automotive, Culinary, Electron Microscopy, etc. programs at Delta College.
PSAT
The PSAT will be held on Wednesday, October 19th, 2016 at 7:30am. Signups for the PSAT will have begun. The test fee is $18.00 and is due when you sign up for the test in the counseling office.
Community Service Opportunities
Tracy Buccs – September 10th, 2016 Kimball High School – 4 student volunteers for help between the hours of 7am to 12pm and another 4 between the hours of 1pm and 6pm. Contact: Contact Marlene – buccsvolunteers@yahoo.com
Other News
Tutors wanted!!!
If you are interested in tutoring on campus please stop by the counseling office for an application. Give Every Child A Chance is a tutoring/mentoring program that needs volunteer tutors too! If you are interested in tutoring 7th-12th grade students here at Tracy Learning Center for two community service hours a week (which can go toward a block letter!).