Charter Chatter
A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC
Dec.16, 2016 Vol.19
| Virginia’s Voice |
The staff at Tracy Learning Center wishes you and your family a happy holiday season and a very good new year. As all of us reflect on the year, we all come up with things we wished we had done better. That is the heart of new year resolutions. It is important to be realistic, to look at what we are doing and to make changes. Growth is an important part of life. We, at TLC, continually look at how we can improve and work to make changes that will make things better. Schools that never change, never improve. We appreciate your support of our school and our programs and we value you and your children.
Speaking of improving, I attended the Band concert on Wednesday and found myself wishing for more. It was excellent. I am amazed at how quickly the bands have improved and developed. Mr. Zepeda is to be commended for the bands he has formed and the level of excellence each level has achieved. Bravo!
On Thursday, we will hear our first singing concert of Primary children in our gym. We have moved from little classroom performances to a full primary program. It took investing in risers to make this happen, but again, we needed to allow a good program to have the venue it deserved.
| Misc. Announcements |
Annual Jog-A-Thon
The jog-a-thon is going school wide this year! With that said, I am in need of more sponsors. If you are a business owner and would like to advertise your company on our race day shirts, please contact me at kvigil@tracylc.net. I will get you more information on how you can become a proud sponsor of this great fundraiser! Thank you in advance for your support!
Crab Feed
SAVE THE DATE: February 4, 2017 11TH 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.
As chairperson of this event it’s always important to recognize ROCK STARS!! Tiffany Alexander who runs our raffle committee has already been working hard since August on our amazing donations. We already, have our donation for Disneyland tickets!
Winter Break
Dec. 19 – Jan. 2, 2017 – Students and Staff return to school on TUESDAY – Jan. 3, 2017
| PCS/DCS Lunch Menu Week Jan. 2-6
Mon. – Holiday Tues. – Pizza Wed – Chicken Patty Sandwich Thurs – Nachos Fri. – Chicken Quesadilla |
Pre K
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL OUR TLC FAMILIES!!!
T K
TK parents and students are amazing! You all managed to keep a big secret and surprise Mrs. Brown with a surprise baby shower! She had no idea and is so appreciative of your thoughtfulness! Thank you for your kindness and generosity. We will keep you all posted when the baby arrives. We would like to extend a big thank you to Briya’s and Alyssa’s families for baking for this event!
Thank you to all of the families that attended our holiday performance. The students had so much fun learning their songs and dances. We hope you all have a wonderful holiday vacation. We are excited to see you back in the new year!
Primary Charter
Morning Tardies
We have had many late PCS students this year. Students are tardy once the Unity Bell has rung (8:13am). If your student arrives at this time or later he/she must come into the office for a tardy note. If a student receives a 4th or 5th tardy in a trimester he/she will sit in the office for lunch detention and any further tardies may result in suspension days. It is important to get our students in the habit of arriving on time and parents are the key to this success.
Neighbors Driveways/Complaints
We have had several recent complaints about our TLC drivers who block our neighbors driveways. These neighbors are very upset when they are unable to pull in or out of their own driveways. Please be respectful and cautious of how you drive and park.
Initial Phase
WOW! There are no words that can describe the level of pride we felt at our musical performance last night! The students practiced very hard for a few weeks and it showed! In one 10 minute program we saw stellar examples of all of our SWOs at once! Student shined as positive cooperators, proud individuals, polite citizens, and productive workers! Have a safe and happy break. Enjoy your families and the time you spend together making memories.
Phase 1
Phase 1 students had a busy and exciting week full of fun and learning! This morning we had special visitors from the North Pole! How lucky we were to see them. Sadly we said goodbye to our elves…until next Christmas. In math we learned how many cool geometric holiday pictures can be made. In Writer’s Workshop we finished up our letters and got them off to Santa in time! Phew!! We are right in the middle of our AR goals. Please have your students continue to read over the break so they can jump right back into it. Please have a safe and happy holiday and a wonderful new year. School resumes on Tuesday, January 3rd. Enjoy your break!
Phase Two
Ho! Ho! Ho! Phase two students had a fun and busy week! This week students learned about holiday traditions around the world. Thank you to all parents that volunteered and shared your family traditions with us! Our students did an outstanding job during our first PCS Winter Concert! Thank you to all that attended and helped make this event possible! On Friday PCS had a special surprise visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus! Our students received special gifts like candy canes or silver bells! Make sure you ask your student all about their special week!
Winter Break is Monday, December 19th , through Monday, January 2nd . School resumes on Tuesday, January 3rd.
Friday, January 6th is Centenarian Day! Show your school spirit by dressing like you’re 100 years old!
Happy Holidays! Have a safe and wonderful winter break!
Discovery Charter
Physical Education Department:
At the end of January, all Physical Education/Health classes will be covering the Family Life unit in which students will receive instruction on Family Life/Human Development, Disease Prevention, and Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harassment. The unit of instruction has a tentative start date of January 23-27, 2017. Curriculum will be available in the front office to view and on the permission slip is a link for the video that is shown. Permission slips were sent home Friday, December 16th, and please return signed ASAP after break!!!
Please contact PE Department for any questions:
Coach Lopez- blopez@tracylc.net
Coach Penirian- mpenirian@tracylc.net
Coach Williams- dwilliams@tracylc.net
Happy Holidays to our awesome parents and guardians. Your support, your care, and your warm hearts make our lives at Tracy Learning Center extra special. Wishing you joy and peace during this holiday season, and throughout the year. May you have the best holiday season ever!
THIS WEEK IN DCS:
We decorated our halls with the theme of Winter Wonderland.
We would like to answer your questions, concerns, or discuss your child….
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)
IMPORTANT DATES:
December 19 – January 2 – Winter Break
January 3 – Return to School
January 9 – 13 – Science Camp or Stay Camp (for students not attending Science Camp)
January 16 – School Holiday (Martin Luther King Day)
Discover High School Prep
Charter Chatter:
The last week before break has been very full. Everyone certainly deserves a couple of weeks off to rest and play.
The week started with the Den winners for the previous week being recognized for their achievements;
Social Studies:
Mrs. Wallace’s Social Studies 2B did a holocaust simulation this week. The purpose was to gain a sense of empathy for those who were alive and in hiding during WWII. Students wrote reflections about the simulation and shared with the class.
Band had their Fantastic winter concert. The kids performed great under the direction of Mr. Zepeda.
FAMILY LIFE PARENT/GUARDIAN PERMISSION SLIP
DCS PE/Health
Dear Parent(s) or Guardian(s):
At the end of January, all Physical Education/Health classes will be covering the Family Life unit in which students will receive instruction on Family Life/Human Development, Disease Prevention, and Sexual Abuse/Sexual Harassment. The unit of instruction has a tentative start date of January 23-27, 2017.
Our 5/6, and 7/8 classes will be separated by gender during instruction regarding puberty, human development, disease prevention, sexual abuse, and sexual harassment. You are invited and encouraged to review all of the materials used. The curriculum will be available for your viewing in a grade specific binder. These binders will be located in the front office starting on January 3rd, 2017. If you would to preview some of the material we will cover please visit https://filmideas.com/digital-previews.php, and click on My changing life: Transitioning to Middle School Series.
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 Holiday!!
MHS Charter Chatter
Report cards were mailed home this week. There is important information included with the reports cards, so please be on the lookout for them. If you do not receive a report card, please contact the main office to verify your mailing address.
In January through March, Mrs. Stewart and the counseling staff will be meeting with all students for their annual counseling review. During this meeting 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 were mailed with the first semester report cards.
PSAT
Paper results from the PSAT have arrived and the counseling office will host a meeting to explain and interpret your student’s results the first week we return in January. If you or your student has any questions regarding the test please contact the counseling department.
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 the student portal on each individual college’s 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!
Congratulations to the following students on their college acceptance
Grand Canyon University Madison Faulk
Cal State East Bay Chloe Miller
University of Norther Colorado Collin Harrington
Northern Arizona University Mae Sandhu $16,000 Scholarship
Community Service Opportunities
Snack Club Program at TK Site – Mon-Friday 3:30pm-4:30pm at the Tracy Learning Center TK Site (238 West Grant Line Rd). High school students are needed to help with snack club program Contact: Mrs. Tyler styler@tracylc.net
Gift Wrapping with VBR – Gift wrappers are needed any time this week before 530pm at VBR. Anyone who would like to volunteer is welcome to show up.
Environmental Alternatives (Foster Care) is in need of volunteers this Saturday, December 17! Winter Wonderland is a party that Environmental Alternatives is hosting at St. Paul’s (1635 Chester Dr, Tracy, CA 95376) for our foster families. Volunteers are needed to assist at the party with food, crafts, general assistance to social workers. The party is 2:00pm-7:00pm. Volunteers should be at least 12 years old and assisted by a parent. Volunteers 16 years old and over can come for community service hours. This is a great way to give back to our community and meet the foster families that help our kids. Contact (209) 839-8021 to register
Suretec Adopt-A-Family is looking for volunteers to help deliver food and gifts to over 400 families with more than 1.100 children in need, this Saturday, December 17, beginning at 10:00 AM (from two warehouses – Livermore and Tracy). The Tracy warehouse is located at the Northgate Village Outlets at 1005 E. Pescadero Ave., Suite 201. Contact Cheryl Sanders at (209) 830-3700 ext. 214 to volunteer.
Moose Lodge Children’s Christmas Party – Sunday, December 18 3:00 pm Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) – ring doorbell to enter facility. Similar to the Children’s Halloween Party, 8-10 volunteers are needed to help decorate and assist children with various activities. Please dress festively! Contact: Danette Poole at 209-815-0476 (text) or email dpoole@newpennfinancial.com
SSCO Posadas Wed, Dec 21 6pm–9pm, Thurs, Dec. 22 6pm–9pm, Friday, Dec 23 6 pm–9 pm Guadalupe Center (126 West 1st Street, Tracy) 3 volunteers each evening are needed to pass out snacks, make hot chocolate, clean-up, sweep floor, and assist with the piñatas please arrive in black and white server attire Contacts: Anita McManus at 209-814- 6580 or anitalou8@yahoo.com
Animal Rescue of Tracy Thursday, December 22nd through Saturday, December 24th West Valley Mall, Tracy volunteers to gift wrap presents at the West Valley Mall, Tracy. Sign-up sheets are at the Animal Rescue site in the mall near JCPenney in the alcove area
Interested volunteers are asked to visit the website and complete an application; if under the age of 18, please select “junior” or youth application. ebsite: animalrescuetracy.org or contact Sammi at psychosassa@yahoo.com Gift wrapping supplies needed: tape, boxes, bows, ribbon, labels, tissue (the Mall provides unlimited wrapping paper) …and bring scissors!