Charter Chatter

A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Oct. 21, 2016                                                                                                      Vol.12

Two weeks ago, I met with three parents who shared their concerns about safety on our school campus.  They raised some issues and we came up with some possible solutions. We do not want to do anything structural at this time because we will be remodeling and building a whole new building for Primary and Discovery within the next two years.  The committee however would like to set up volunteers to work as a school watch committee.  They would like a parent to monitor the front gate and the primary bathroom area.  We would provide a safety vest and badge and the parents could sign up for times they would be available.  It requires registering as a volunteer with the front office.  If you are interested in being part of the School Watch, please let the office know by calling Kay at 831-5240.  The next meeting will be on  November 2, 2016 at 10:15am in the front office.

Crab Feed

SAVE THE DATE:  February 4, 2017 11^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.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with our Raffle Committee. If you are creative WE NEED YOU!

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

Golf Tournament

A big thank you to the following for sponsoring our 2nd Annual Golf Tournament: Custom Exteriors, California First, Associated Compressor & Equipment, Mr. Rooter, At Home Real Estate Group,  Der Manouel Insurance, Administrative Resource Inc., B&R Landscaping, TNT, Delta Disposal, Gary’s Flooring, Sac-Val, Assad Insurance, Academy Mortgage, Roto-Rooter, Taylor Farms, Athletic Perfection All Star Cheer, Dr. Schack (Tracy Chiropractic Office), Home Buyers Realty, Winco,  Debra Verde and  The Dugout.

Thank you as well to all those that participated, donated and volunteered their time to make this year another success. We couldn’t have done it without you. We look forward to making next year even bigger and better at a new location. Stay tuned for details!!!

If you would like to be on the golf tournament list and first to hear about open registration please email Coach KV at kvigil@tracylc.net.

Coach KV
Millennium High School Physical Education
Assistant Boys Varsity Basketball
51 E. Beverly Place
Tracy Ca 9547

T K

This week in TK the students had fun learning about pumpkins in science.  We wanted to be ready for our field trip to the pumpkin patch next week, so we learned all about the life cycle of a pumpkin.  Students became experts in the 6 stages of a pumpkin’s life and understand how the cycle will repeat.  They are excited to show off their knowledge on the farm next week!

If you have not turned in your permission slip for the field trip please do so as soon as possible.  Thank you to everyone who has volunteered to chaperone.  We had an abundance of volunteers and had to choose our chaperones by random drawing.   If you were not chosen to attend, you will be given priority on our next trip.  Thank you for your continued support of our classroom!

Primary Charter

This week in Initial Phase we are talking a lot about independence.  For instance, we have been encouraging students trying at least three times before asking for help with opening food items, fruit, or water bottles.  You can also use the rule at home as a means to foster independence.   We talk a lot about “controlling our actions.”  We offer concrete strategies, such as; bubbles in our mouth, to control talking and hands in pocket, to control movement, instead of ‘telling” them exactly what to do.   Little tricks like these can help pave the way to independence both in and out of the classroom.

Phase 1 students completed their unit on Native Americans and have an amazing “museum” filled with information and artifacts.  What a great time they had discovering how the Native Americans lived and learning all about them!  Many students have reached their AR goals already and many are very close.  We have seen a great improvement in scores and participation.  In math we are really working on using analytical thinking to problem solve and logic to check our work.  Math problems only have 1 answer but how you get that answer is the strategy.  Our students are exploring many strategies.  Phase 1 students are excited for Red Ribbon Week next week and for the Halloween parade!  Please check your child’s green folder for information about the parade as well as the Haunted High.

Phase 2 students are continuing their study of the California Missions.  We are excited about our upcoming field trip to Mission San Juan Bautista.  All chaperones have been selected and notified.  We appreciate everyone who volunteered to go with us!  We will send home more field trip information as the big day gets closer.

^{Discovery Charter}

Every-other-Friday, community members share their occupations with our 5/6 students.  We have had a variety of presentations to include community service officers, a veterinarian, the Mayor of Tracy, and business associates.  The presentations teach our students what type of jobs are out there, and what it takes to get into various occupations.  If you are interested in presenting, please contact Ms. Pelaez at lpelaez@tracylc.nert or Mrs. Hawkins at shawkins@tracylc.net.

Science Olympiad: Next Tuesday, October 25^th from 4:15 – 5:00.  This practice is for all of the ‘1:00 events.’  Check your calendar for all other practices.

Haunted High will be held on Friday, October 28^th at 5:00 – 6:30 (KID FRIENDLY) in the gym; 7:00 – 10:00 (BIG KIDS AND TEENS).  $7.00 for admission, food (tri-tip, hot dogs, nachos, and more) at an additional cost. ****BOUNCE HOUSES AND CARNIVAL GAMES.  YOUR 5/6 TEACHERS WILL BE AT THE GATE TO GREET YOU!!!!!! 100 points to any students who attend Haunted High…..see you there J

SCIENCE CAMP will be here before you know it.  Ms. Pelaez held a Science Camp meeting on Thursday. r She reviewed the Science Camp packet, and other important details about camp.  Please contact Ms. Pelaez with questions: lpelaez@tracylc.net.  The cost to attend camp is $350.00 per student.  Students will attend camp the week of January 9^th.  (grades 5/6)

NEWSPAPER (EXPLORATION) : If you would like to read the latest edition to Ms. Zaca’s newspaper class, go to:

Spelling Bee:  Students in 4^th through 6^th grade will be given time on Friday’s to study with Ms. Rodieck and Mrs. Hawkins.  Any students interested in competing in the Bee, will be invited during lunch (5/6) and at 2:00 (4^th). The Spelling Bee will be held at Tracy Learning Center on November 8^th – 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

MONDAY AT UNITY – OUR TOP 5 DEN WINNERS…….

Ms. T and Coach Williams        Mrs. Beckner and the               Ms. Zaca and the            Ms. Rodieck and Ms. Pelaez

SIBERIAN TIGERS (3^rd)            MALAYAN TIGERS  (4^th)           BENGAL TIGERS  (1^st)    SUMATRAN TIGERS (2^nd)

Many days, students work together in collaborative groups to learn from one another and to work on projects.  Below, students work together in reading groups, technology groups, and peer-to-peer teaching groups.

In class, we present and debate.  In the pictures below, students collaborate and discuss their teams debating strategies.

EXPLORATION TIME: Exploration is held 3 days per week for one hour each day.  Students are able to join one class, every 6 weeks.  Academic Pentathlon and Band are year-round classes.  On Monday, the 24^th we will begin our new set of classes.  They include:

Academic Pentathlon (year round): students have been meeting every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to learn about World War II.  They study words, history, art, the science behind the war, and much more.  Please ask your child what they are working on (if they are in that class).

Band (year round): students meet 4 days per week to learn the appreciation of music, and the foundations of what they will need for their future as band students at Discovery High School Prep, Millennium, and beyond.  5/6 will play in the winter concert and play at Great America.

Leadership: Students in leadership are responsible for decorating the gym for academic events, school events (such as the 6^th grade breakfast, Pre-K graduation, Spelling Bee, etc). They are given jobs to include photography for our year book, tutoring for grades K – 4, teacher aides for grades K – 8, the green committee (recycle and other programs), and daily unity.  Students learn to work together, to work with adults, to take responsibility for their positions, and to communicate effectively with staff, peers, and our community.

Spanish: This year, students are learning the basics of Spanish.  They work with their teacher, Mr. Gomar, to learn to count, ask questions, and state information.  Walking into Mr. Gomar’s class is enchanting.  Students have pictures and materials to show the information while saying the information in Spanish.

Dance:  Students are learning the importance of stretching and hydrating.  They are listening to a variety of music and learning about rhythm and genre.  Students work together with Coach C to create new dances or to learn current dances.  Dances include swing dancing (WWII) through slides, and current dances.  At the end of exploration, students will perform their dance at unity.

Movement:  Students are watching videos about exercise, yoga, dance, and more.  They are learning that movement is positive and necessary for good health.  In class, students help one another and find laughter through their learning.  Many students ask to stay in movement for the entire year…..but, they need to move on to embrace the full exploration experience.

Genius Hour:  In genius hour, students are able to take something they know about or want to learn about, research the information, and create a presentation to show others how to do it OR to teach others about their topic.  This exploration allow students to use technology, interview peers/staff, learn something new OR master something known, create presentation boards, and present to a group of peers/adults.

Newspaper: Students have press passes, computers, and writing tablets.  They act as writers, editors, photographers, and graphic artists to create a newspaper.  Students interview teachers, staff members, and peers.  They then collaborate to put their work together in a newspaper format.  The latest edition can be found on: http://discoverytigers2016.weebly.com/

CONGRATS to our 2016 Anti-bullying Poster Campaign Winners!!!

PLEASE REVIEW YOUR CHILD’S AGENDA.  THEIR AGENDA HOLDS DATES, HOMEWORK, PROJECTS, and other valuable information.

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

We are continuing our literary and theme study as we progress further into our novel, Soldier X. Students are able to identify key themes and instances in the book where the theme is showcased. We have also added to our repertoire of diagramming skills this week with more advanced concepts, such as direct address, appositives, possessive nouns, interjections, and much more. As always, we are striving to expand our growing vocabulary with new SAT words. We are keeping very busy in D-12!

Mrs. Dominguez

Next Week is Red Ribbon Week! Each day will have theme:

This years bracelet slogan is “RESPECT- TLC Family First”

10/24 (Monday) -“Team up to make good choices”

10/25 (Tuesday)- “I am a jean-ius. I make good choices!”

10/26 (Wednesday)- “Peace out to bad choices”

10/27  (Thursday)- “My future is bright because I make good choices”

10/28 (Friday)- “Respect. Family First- Den Day”- 

Mrs. Cerezo

This week is our vocabulary challenge! Students in my class have been working hard studying all of the vocabulary words that relate to our book, Soldier X. They have been doing a wonderful job!

Millennium’s Falcon Speech and Debate team started last year as a club founded by Sim Bhatia (2016) and Coach Beth Lamanna, whose numbers grew from 7 to 27 by the end of our first year.  For the 2016-17 season, Captains Jordan Keys, Alexis Diaz, and Samantha Carmona, together with Coach Lamanna, have welcomed over forty new members to our class this year, many of whom came to us from Discovery. We are so excited to grow in our skill and learning together! Competitions take place monthly and range from Lodi all the way down to Merced, hosted by various high school teams in our Yosemite Forensic League.   Last season, Millennium was ranked 10th out of the 15 active schools in the league by the end of the year.  Today, with the season only just begun, we are already 7th and climbing!  Here are the ribbons and medals the talented speakers of our awesome team have won in competition so far this season:

At our Varsity Only tournament on September 3rd, Samuel Zelalem took home 1st place in Impromptu.

At our Novice Only tournament on September 17, we had some huge wins with our first-time competitors in speech and debate events:

Puneet Kaler — 4th place in National Extemporaneous

Christian Silva — 5th place in National Extemporaneous

Joshua Diaz — 5th place in Original Advocacy

Nicole Engen — 3rd place in Original Advocacy

Manal Siddiqui — 6th place in Original Prose and Poetry

Matthew Carlos and Manal Siddiqui — 5th place in Duo Interpretation

Sara Satoh and Omar “Lyric” Mendoza — 4th place in Duo Interpretation

Kyle Lipich — 3rd place, Congressional debate, tied with MHS student below

Nicholas Clark — 3rd place, Congressional debate, tied with MHS student above

Diego Gomez Sanchez — 1st place, Congressional debate, tied with student below

Jalen King — 1st place, Congressional debate, tied with above

Our most recent tournament was on October 15, with over 300 kids from 15 schools competing.  Here are the wins our Falcon debaters brought home from this highly competitive Debate Only tournament:

Omar Mendoza and Sara Satoh, 4th place DUO Interpretation, novice division.

Puneet Kaler, 5th place Congressional debate, novice division.

Kyle Lipich, 4th place Congressional debate, novice division.

Diego Gomez Sanchez, 3rd  place Congressional debate, novice division.

Sam Zelalem and Ryan Ott, 2nd place Parliamentary debate, varsity division.

Speech and Debate is always in need of parent and teacher volunteers to act as judges at our events! There is no special training needed ahead of time, and you will be given all the information you need at the tournament. Judging is a fun and interesting way to get insight in to the speech and debate world while being entertained by the leaders of tomorrow!  Please contact Miss Lamanna at blamanna@tracylc.net if you are able to help us. Our next tournament is November 19, 2016, from 7:30 a.m. to approximately 6:00 p.m., at Bear Creek High School.

attachments: Novice students compete at Lodi High School in Modesto on September 17th while Varsity students serve as judges.

Veteran team members Samuel Zelalem (2017) and Ryan Ott (2017) display their 2nd place medals for their win in Varsity Parliamentary Debate on October 15th at Enochs High School.

  PLEASE JOIN US…

8^th Grade Parent Information Night

Thursday, November 3^rd, 2016

Millennium High School

6:00 PM – TLC Gymnasium

You will have an opportunity to learn about school culture at MHS and our academic programs available to your student. We hope to see you here!

College Early Start

The application and registration process to apply for Spring 2017 Delta College classes has began. Students who are required or interested in enrolling in classes for the Spring must begin the application process immediately. Please remember that for students to be approved to enroll in college classes while in high school, students must successfully meet deadlines, follow instructions for applying, and have a good current academic record of 3.0 or better.  For more information, parents can visit the Counseling page of the www.tracylc.net and click on College Early Start link. College Early Start forms are due Thursday, November 10^th.

Students seeking tuition reimbursement from Fall semester classes should be turning in their reimbursement request form with proof of grade and payment for Delta College classes attended

San Francisco State University and FIDM Field Trip

Millennium High School students’ grades 10th – 12th will be visiting San Francisco State University and FIDMs SF campus on Tuesday, November 15th from 7:155am to 4:30pm.  Students will be eating lunch at SFSU. Any student attending the trip will need to bring a sack lunch or money for lunch on campus. The cost of this field trip is $10.00 Space is limited. Please return the completed permission slips with payment as soon as p ossible. Spaces are available on a first come first served.

Community Service Opportunities

Arbor Day- Saturday October 22, 2016 9:00am Lincoln Park Tracy Students will be planting 150 trees in Tracy. Bring shovels, gloves and water (hole are pre-dug for the trees) Students should dress in clothes that can get dirty but is appropriate to wear to school. Contact: Keri Dowell keri_dowell@yahoo.com or Pete Mitracos pete@mitracos.com

SSCO Recognition Luncheon for Frank Garcia, Jr. Sunday, October 23 noon – 5:30 p.m. Guadalupe Center (126 West 1st Street, Tracy) set-up tables, clean-up, decorate Contact: Esther Kelly at 209-407-0735

SSCO Day of the Dead Celebration set-up Friday, October 28 4 p.m. Guadalupe Center (126 West 1st Street, Tracy) Volunteers are needed to set-up tables, decorate, and assist where needed Contact: Anita McManus at 209-814 -6580 or anitalou8@yahoo.com