Charter Chatter

                                      A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Jan. 27, 2017                                                                                                      Vol.23

The Tracy Learning Center is an organic living community made up of parents, siblings, staff and individual students.  We rejoice in the celebrations and successes of our family each time we hear something of note.  We are proud of the relationship we have with parents and students and the efforts we make to communicate well.  And of course, we feel the sorrow and pain when one of our family members suffers loss or injury.  It seems this month, we have shared a great deal of sorrow.  Our prayers and thoughts are with the families experiencing loss.  We are family; we care and are willing to do what we can to help.

Crab Feed

Mrs. Stewart has purchased Two 2017 Crab Feed Tickets which we will be raffling off as an additional fund raiser for this year’s Crab Feed.

Tickets can be purchased in the office for $10 or 3 tickets for $20. We will sell these tickets until Jan. 26^th and will draw the winning ticket on Friday Jan. 27, 2017.  A minimum of 10 tickets must be sold or raffle will be canceled and money returned to purchaser.

One ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive these Two Crab Feed Tickets for this year’s event.

6th Annual TLC’s Got Talent Show Auditions

Audition Forms are available now through January 26^th. Auditions will be held the week of January 30 beginning at 4PM. Pick up your form in the Counseling Office, Front Office or from your homeroom teacher. Show Date & Location: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

We look forward to seeing all of our talented students!

**Proceeds from the show benefit the class of 2017**

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 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.

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!

for life…hire me as your realtor”

Pre K

T K

TK students spent the week in science learning about living and non-living things.  They learned what living things are, what they can do, and what they need to survive. They participated in a voting game to specify if a series of pictures were living or non-living.  Students became experts and were able to sort and classify living and non-living things.  They did a great job learning this week in preparation for some exciting animal studies next week.  We can’t wait to see the students apply their new knowledge in the weeks to come!

Primary Charter

Initial Phase

This week we wrapped up our study of Chinese New Year.  We learned that this year was the year of the rooster, the Chinese fable “the Great Race” Which zodiac was ours, and Chinese New Year traditions.  Students made a red lantern and took them home.   What a fun week!

Phase 1

What a great learning week we had in Phase 1! Students have had a great time learning about Chinese New Year.  It is the year of the Rooster.  Students got to learn what Chinese Zodiac symbol they are. We got to make dragon masks, red envelopes, origami, and learn Chinese numbers.  Chinese New Year begins January 28 and is celebrated for 15 days.  Gong Hey Fat Choy!  Next week we will continue to work on our “How To” essays.  We have many expert writers in Phase 1!  In Math, students continue to develop a deeper understanding of Geometry, shapes, and fractions.  In Language Arts, there have been many engaging and meaningful discussions about their literature books. Please keep reading daily.  We hope to see you at the 11^th Annual Crab Feed, Saturday, February 4^th.  Donations are still being accepted. Reminder – our talent show is coming up in March!  Auditions are being held the week of January 30^th.  Please see your students’ teacher for a form if you are interested.

Phase Two

Students have been busy ‘scientists’ exploring and learning about weather, weathering, erosion, and/or deposition. Ask your student about all the exciting projects and activities they have been doing in their classroom!

Our annual talent show is March 30^th!  Auditions are being held the week of January 30^th.  If you are interested, please get the form from your students’ teacher.

Remember to mark your calendars!  Our next spirit day is Friday, February 3^rd.  On this day, students will show their school spirit by wearing their pajamas to school!

Hope to see you at the Crab Feed on Saturday, February 4^th.

There is no school on Monday, February 20^th, in honor of Presidents’ Day!.  School will resume Tuesday, February 21^st.

Have a great weekend!

^{Discovery Charter}

THIS WEEK….We celebrated Tracy Learning Center.  Having the choice to attend a great school, is a choice we want to celebrate.  Students learned about “Keeping Choice Alive.”  In class, we discussed what choice means, and we agreed, 100%, we all are happy we have choices.  Throughout the week, students created poems, wrote essays and letters, and created cheers.  Each morning, they came in excitedly asking to carry a poster.  They wanted to thank the parents, teachers, and their peers for using their right to choose…Tracy Learning Center as their schools.  Teachers reflected on their choice to teach at Tracy Learning Center.  They talked to students about their choice to work for any school district, and told of the many reasons they choose to teach at TLC.  It was nice to share our common “choice” and love for our fantastic school.

 IMPORTANT DATES:

February 2 – Ms. Rodieck’s GENIUS HOUR FAIR – More information to be announced soon

February 4 – ANNUAL CRAB FEED DINNER

February 9 – DCS Dance – More information to come home (be on the look out)!!

February 17 – SWO is due (review your child’s agenda and information)

February 20 – No School – Holiday

February 21^st and 22^nd – SWO Job Fair – your child will bring home the date/time of their presentation.

NEEDS:

Your child will need a tri-fold board.  If you are unable purchase a board, we will have a limited supply on hand.  Your child may purchase a board from Ms. T for $3.50. 

KLEENEX – lots of sniffles

WIPES – need to sanitize

We want to make sure you understand everything about your child’s education – always feel free to email questions to your child’s teacher(s):

Mrs. Beckner: sbeckner@tracylc.net        Mrs. Hawkins: shawkins@tracylc.net

Ms. Pelaez: lpelaez@tracylc.net                Ms. Rodieck: lrodieck@tracylc.net

Ms. T: ttakeuchi@tracylc.net                     Ms. Zaca: szaca@tracylc.net

Coach Lopez: blopez@tracylc.net             Coach Penirian: cpenirian@tracylc.net

                                Coach Williams: dwilliams@tracylc.net

DHSP

Discover High School Prep

Charter Chatter:

It was great to get to go outside for lunch this week. The fields are still closed, however just being out in the fresh air was nice.

Leadership:

DHSP Leadership will be having a Winter Dance on January 27th from 5:30-7 in the gym. Look for pictures in next weeks Chatter.

Social Studies: Important dates for Wax Museum:

Monday/Wednesday, February 6/8……..Trifold/Set completed

25 points (project) p.80 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, February 13/15……….Costume and props           check

15 points (classwork) p. 82 in Agenda

Date to be determined………Costume and props turned into class

25 points (project) p.84 in Agenda

March 7, 8, 9 Daytime Presentations in the gym

75 points (tests/quizzes) pg. 84 in Agenda

Evening performances to be determined (Den Points) p. 84 in   Agenda

Wax Museum practice:

Language Arts:

English 78 will took the PSAT on January 23^rd.

Language Arts classes are in full swing on the second SWO for this year; a research project that encompasses all aspects of World War II.

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. Ulricksen   rulricksen@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

Charter Chatter January 27, 2017

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.

COSMOS- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science

Want to spend a month on a college campus exploring topics in STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Application period is from January 17^th – February 17^th, 2017. Dates for the program are July 9-August 5, 2017 *UC Irvine ends on August 4, 2017* For more information please visit https://cosmos-ucop.ucdavis.edu/app/main

Guiding Outstanding Learners to Discover (GOLD) – July 23 –  August 4, 2017

Click for more information.

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!

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

Tracy Chamber of Commerce 2017 Chamber Awards Gala – Friday January 27th 4 pm – 10 pm @ the Tracy Community Center.  Pizza will be provided for student volunteers that are staying later than 8 pm and community service hours will be signed off for student participation in this event.  Please sign up in the counseling office for specific duties and shifts.

Poet Christian Crab Feed – Friday, Feb 3, 2017 3:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Tracy Community Center. Volunteers needed: for set up (3:30pm), to serve (6:30pm) and for clean-up (10:30pm) – black and white server attire.

Tracy Latin Athletic Club (TLAC) Crab feed – Saturday, February 4, 2017 Tracy Community Center (950 East Street near E. 10th …next to Senior Center, City Hall)  Volunteers: 10 – 12 (please sign up early!) Set-up: 10:00 a.m.- noon Event time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. (will need volunteers between 5 – 5:30 p.m.) Clean-up: 9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Contact: Danette Poole at 209-815-0476 (text) or dpoole@newpennfinancial.com

      Charter Chatter

                                            A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Jan. 20, 2017                                                                                                      Vol.22

This next week is National School Choice Week.  While we agree that all schools do not fit all students, we strongly believe in the ability for parents and students to have a choice in the schools they attend.  Our charter first started in 2001.  We opened our doors to students in grades 5 and 6 and began at the middle school level.  We enrolled 125 students for our first year.

We have grown to three schools, (Primary TK to 4, Discovery 5-8, Millennium High School 9-12).  That growth took place slowly and it was well planned.  Today we enroll over 1200 students.  Last year, we opened our preschool program for 2.5 to 4 year olds.

When new schools of choice open, they experience many concerns.  The first one to face is the economic fears of existing outside of the established public school setting.  I remember as a new director for our first school worrying if I could pay the PG&E bill. As a previous school administrator, I never had to worry about such things…the district took care of it.  The next worry is whether or not parents will want to send their children to a newly established school.  Once, those worries cease though, those of us who have begun charter schools realize what a special gift it is to establish a school that has freedom to design programs that truly meet the needs of the students enrolled.

Our charter schools are proud to say that we place the needs of our students first, We are student centered when developing our schedules and classroom programs.  We have the freedom to make changes without the obstacles others bigger school districts have to face.

We always remain grateful to the parents who decide to enroll their children in our schools.  We take the education and progress of each student seriously.  We are pleased that we are able to offer a choice to the parents in Tracy.  Our only regret is that we have long waiting lists that never seem to move and that we have parents who wait long years to receive a phone call that their child has reached the top of the waiting list and is being asked to enroll.

Crab Feed

Mrs. Stewart has purchased Two 2017 Crab Feed Tickets which we will be raffling off as an additional fund raiser for this year’s Crab Feed.

Tickets can be purchased in the office for $10 or 3 tickets for $20. We will sell these tickets until Jan. 26^th and will draw the winning ticket on Friday Jan. 27, 2017.  A minimum of 10 tickets must be sold or raffle will be canceled and money returned to purchaser.

One ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive these Two Crab Feed Tickets for this year’s event.

6th Annual TLC’s Got Talent Show Auditions

Audition Forms are available now through January 26^th. Auditions will be held the week of January 30 beginning at 4PM. Pick up your form in the Counseling Office, Front Office or from your homeroom teacher. Show Date & Location: Grand Theatre Center for the Arts Thursday, March 30, 2017 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM

We look forward to seeing all of our talented students!

**Proceeds from the show benefit the class of 2017**

Stephanie Arganbright

Counseling Assistant/ Community Service Coordinator

Millennium High School

51 E. Beverly Place

Tracy, CA 95376

209-627-8299

sarganbright@tracylc.net

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

Happy Friday!

Hoping you are keeping dry.

We are just 2 weeks from our 11^th Annual Tracy Learning Center Crab Feed.

Tickets are going fast. Don’t miss out on yummy crab, pasta, salad and rolls.

Amazing raffles, silent auction and dancing. Dessert Auction.

Tickets are $50 each or you can reserve a table for 8.

Please call or email Donna Baker at (209) 832-1940 or donna@donnabaker.com.

Thanks a bunch for supporting this super fun event.

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!

Pre K

Our preschool welcomed parents and siblings for a cozy pajama party movie night last Friday and it was a wonderful success!

T K

This week TK celebrated our 100th day!  We were so excited to see how much the students have learned in the first 100 days of school.  We explored the number 100 in many ways this week.  Students practiced skip counting, building with 100 items, drawing 100 things, and using ten frames to count to 100, just to name a few.  The students enjoyed exploring how people change from birth to 100.  We had fun math centers on the 100th day.  The students seemed especially excited about eating 100 snacks!  We can’t wait to continue learning with them for the next 100 days!

Primary Charter

This week in Initial Phase students have been working on a engineering challenge.  Students re-read the familiar text The Three Little Pigs.  We had a class discussion of how we can protect the little pigs from the Big Bad Wolf using 3-D shapes.  After our discussion, students were placed into groups to come up with a plan.  Then, students had the opportunity to create their building using toothpicks and Dots candies!  Finally, the Big Bad Wolf (teacher blowdryer) came and huffed and puffed and tried to blow down the houses!  Ask your student what happened to the houses.

This activity has so many opportunities for collaboration, critical thinking, planning, and problem solving that helps our students prepare for the rigor of the real world.  We are always so impressed with what they come up with and how they really think outside the box!  Here are some pictures of what they came up with!

Phase 1 students had another successful learning week, despite the weather!  In Writer’s Workshop we are learning the art of procedural writing.  We started with something almost everyone loves….Pizza!!!  How to Make a Pizza requires materials, ingredients, steps, and directions.  We also learned/reviewed all about topic sentences, closing sentences, and transitional words.  In Social Studies, we learned all about Inauguration Day.  Did you know that there is an Inaugural Parade and Ball?  The new president has to take an oath ad be sworn in.  We learned a lot of interesting facts about the President’s job and qualifications.  In math we learned that fractions can be fun! You can find fractions everywhere.  We continue to work on reading comprehension, vocabulary development, spelling and phonics patterns daily.

This week in Phase 2 we learned about weather, clouds, precipitation, and how extreme weather can affect us.  We even saw some stormy, extreme weather in action this week!  Some groups are also reading about how to stay safe in a tornado.  We are also learning more about Thomas Edison.   Did you know he wasn’t a good student when he was in school?  Our students are doing a great job researching in language arts and we are also working on our summarizing skills.

We hope to see you at the 11^th Annual Crab Feed, Saturday, February 4^th.  Reminder – our talent show is coming up in March!  Auditions are being held the week of January 30^th.  Please see your students’ teacher for a form if you are interested.

^{Discovery Charter}

NEXT WEEK….January 23 through January 27, grades 5 and 6 will celebrate National School Choice Week.  Ask your child how each day was celebrated, and what they know about “Keeping Choice Alive!”

This week, in unity, we celebrated our den’s Top 5:

This year’s Academic Pentathlon theme is WWII.  In 5/6 all students are learning about WWII.  The curriculum surrounding WWII is very interesting.  Students seem to enjoy reading about the war while learning about the lives that were changed, the geography that was affected, the music and art of the 40’s, and the way WWII continues to affect the way we live today.  Students are able to compare the Axis versus the Allies.  They can review a timeline from 1939 to 1945 and tell about important events of the times.  In the pictures below, peers  teach one another about WWII: 

A look at last week…..Kids hanging out before Science Camp and Painting during Stay Camp

Grades were updated in your child’s agenda this week.  Please be sure to review grades in the agenda and/or on AERIES….as always, contact your child’s teacher if you have any questions:

Mrs. Beckner: sbeckner@tracylc.net

Mrs. Hawkins: shawkins@tracylc.net

Ms. Pelaez: lpelaez@tracylc.net

Ms. Rodieck: lrodieck@tracylc.net

Ms. T: ttakeuchi@tracylc.net

Ms. Zaca: szaca@tracylc.net

Coach Lopez: blopez@tracylc.net

Coach Penirian: cpenirian@tracylc.net

Coach Williams: dwilliams@tracylc.net

 DHSP

We hope everyone has a safe (and dry) weekend!

Go TIGERS!!!!

Charter Chatter January 20, 2017

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.

Did you buy your yearbook?  Fill out the form and return it to the front office with payment.  The deadline is February 28th so get yours TODAY!

mhs-yearbook-order-form

COSMOS- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science

Want to spend a month on a college campus exploring topics in STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Application period is from January 17^th – February 17^th, 2017. Dates for the program are July 9-August 5, 2017 *UC Irvine ends on August 4, 2017* For more information please visit https://cosmos-ucop.ucdavis.edu/app/main

Guiding Outstanding Learners to Discover (GOLD) – July 23 –  August 4, 2017

Click for more information.

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!

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

Moose Crab Feed Dinner – Friday, January 20, 2017 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Tracy Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) – ring doorbell to enter facility. Volunteers needed: 2 dish washers and 6 servers are needed – black and white server attire. Volunteers MUST contact Alex Zamora for scheduling **Contact: Alex Zamora 209-815-6408 or azamora@pacbell.net**

Portuguese Hall Crab Feed Dinner – Saturday, January 21, 2017 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at the Tracy Portuguese Hall. Volunteers: servers are needed – casual attire (something appropriate for school). Volunteers if you have not already sign up please contact Diane Silveira 209-988-5460.

Tracy Chamber of Commerce 2017 Chamber Awards Gala – Friday January 27th 4 pm – 10 pm @ the Tracy Community Center.  Pizza will be provided for student volunteers that are staying later than 8 pm and community service hours will be signed off for student participation in this event.  Please sign up in the counseling office for specific duties and shifts.

Poet Christian Crab Feed – Friday, Feb 3, 2017 3:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. at the Tracy Community Center. Volunteers needed: for set up (3:30pm), to serve (6:30pm) and for clean-up (10:30pm) – black and white server attire.

TLC Charter Chatter

Jan. 13, 2017                                                                                                                                     Vol.21

The student of stay science camp and away science camp both enjoyed a wonderful experience and I am sure are pleased to be back to normal on Tuesday.  It is a rich and rewarding experience and one our students rarely forget.

The sun was out on Friday giving the students a chance to run off energy and to feel the pleasure of outdoor eating once again.

Tickets for the annual crab feed are on sale.  This Feed is one of our largest fund raisers of the year and a good time is had by all.  Tickets usually sell out, so be sure to get yours soon.

Please be certain to check student grades often if your student is in grades 5 to 12.  Grade checking is possible on Aeries and parents and students who check grades often usually have better grades in the end.

Crab Feed

Mrs. Stewart has purchased Two 2017 Crab Feed Tickets which we will be raffling off as an additional fund raiser for this year’s Crab Feed.

Tickets can be purchased in the office for $10 or 3 tickets for $20. We will sell these tickets until Jan. 26^th and will draw the winning ticket on Friday Jan. 27, 2017.  A minimum of 10 tickets must be sold or raffle will be canceled and money returned to purchaser.

One ticket will be drawn and the winner will receive these Two Crab Feed Tickets for this year’s event.

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 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.

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!

Pre K

We are discovering so many wonderful things about winter this month as we explore how it changes the environment, how it changes us, and how it changes animals. This week we’ve been exploring winter foods and clothes and getting creative with indoor snow play on this wet and windy week!

T K

Primary Charter

Initial Phase

This week in Initial Phase we celebrated our 100th day of school!  Students did a wonderful job on their capes, 100 day hats, 100 day write, and 100 day art project.  We are now half way through the school year.  Each day we are closer to first grade.  We work very hard each day to prepare our students for the rigor that is ahead of them.  We are pleased with their progress and we are sure the transition will be seamless!

Phase 1

Phase 1 students had a great week celebrating the 100^th day of school!  We loved seeing all the creative necklaces!  Students learned about the number 100 all across our curriculum.  What a great accomplishment for our students to be halfway through the school year.  In Writer’s Workshop students have begun their Procedural Writing with How to Make a Pizza.  With so many other things our students are experts on, it will be fun and interesting to read their creative work.  There have been some Internet issues in some classrooms which have affected students’ ability to take AR quizzes.  Please be sure that teachers will make appropriate adjustments to their goals.  Please continue to read daily.  Don’t forget…the Crab Feed is coming up February 4, 2017.  Reserve your table now before it sells out!  Monday, January 16^th is a holiday. No school on that day.  Have a great 3 day weekend.

Phase Two

Wow!  We have reached the 100^th day of school!  Our students did a great job making shirts that represented the number 100!  They were creative and fun!

Mark your calendars!  Our next spirit day is Friday, February 3^rd.  On this day, students will show their school spirit by wearing their pajamas to school!

Please remember there is no school on Monday, January 16^th, in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.  School will resume Tuesday, January 17^th.

Have a great weekend!

^{Discovery Charter}

The week of Science Camp and Stay Camp has been an amazing experience on so many levels for every student in DCS.  Science Camp found students at the beach, walking through trails in the rain, learning about the many natural elements in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Students spent time together in their cabins, the outdoors, on hikes, and while learning.  Please visit http://pelaezscience.weebly.com/science-camp.html  to see additional pictures of Science Camp. 

At Stay Camp, students created paintings, made piñatas, bowled, took a city bus to the movie theater, and ended their week playing games, watching a movie, singing karaoke, experiencing dance offs, and playing late into the night.

Mr. Woods talked to students about sports,  hygiene and life, successes, and his reasons for teaching.

Mrs. Hatch talked to students about dental careers.

IMPORTANT DATES:

January 16 – School Holiday (Martin Luther King Day)

Discover High School Prep

Charter Chatter:

Another week of rains and rainy day schedules. The kids have adapted quite well to being indoors so much.

Leadership:

DHSP Leadership will be having a Winter Dance on January 27th from 5:30-7 in the gym. If any parents would like to help chaperone or help in any way, please contact Mrs. Dominguez at ddominguez@tracylc.net

Social Studies: Important dates for Wax Museum:

Monday/Wednesday, January 9/11 ……… Copy of Written                                              Monologue turned into Mrs. Wallace (the Book)

10 points (classwork) p. 72 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, January 23/25…… Monologue     Memorized, ½ or more of          board complete

25 points/ 10 points (project) p.76 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, February 6/8……..Trifold/Set completed

25 points (project) p.80 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, February 13/15……….Costume and props        check

15 points (classwork) p. 82 in Agenda

Date to be determined………Costume and props turned into class

25 points (project) p.84 in Agenda

March 7, 8, 9 Daytime Presentations in the gym

75 points (tests/quizzes) pg. 84 in Agenda

Evening performances to be determined (Den Points) p. 84 in        Agenda

Language Arts:

English 78 will take the PSAT on January 23 from 2:10 to 4:45.  This is the first time the students will see how well they score on a test that is the entry level SAT form for applications for college.  They have practiced all year and are showing some improvement but the most improvement comes from learning grammar and learning to read non-fiction for more detail.  Of course another key is developing a significant vocabulary.

Language Arts classes are beginning to work on the second SWO for this year; a research project that encompasses all aspects of World War II.

Our Language Arts class is doing the same. We are also                           learning how to incorporate evidence from our article in our                           comparative writing.

Math:

Geometry is working on Patty Paper Constructions,                                                   which has been so much fun.

Algebra is diving into graphing linear equations; so far                                    the kids are dominating the slope formula.

Intro to Algebra is learning how to make equivalent fractions and        simplify. This is a new concept to some, but many are doing        phenomenal.

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. Ulrickson rulrickson@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 three day Weekend!

Charter Chatter January 13, 2017

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.

COSMOS- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science

Want to spend a month on a college campus exploring topics in STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Application period is from January 17^th – February 17^th, 2017. Dates for the program are July 9-August 5, 2017 *UC Irvine ends on August 4, 2017* For more information please visit https://cosmos-ucop.ucdavis.edu/app/main

Guiding Outstanding Learners to Discover (GOLD) – July 23 –  August 4, 2017

Click the Flyer for more information.

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!

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

Moose Crab Feed Dinner – Friday, January 20, 2017 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Tracy Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) – ring doorbell to enter facility. Volunteers needed: 2 dish washers and 6 servers are needed – black and white server attire. Volunteers MUST contact Alex Zamora for scheduling **Contact: Alex Zamora 209-815-6408 or azamora@pacbell.net**

      Charter Chatter

                                        A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Jan.6, 2016                                                                                                                                           Vol.20

The first week back will be a challenging one with the rain.  Please be patient in car line and take your time coming and going to school.  Accident are more frequent in this kind of weather.

We are very pleased to be back in school.  The break was a good one and a long run and everyone seemed ready to be here.

The high school has begun Semester Two and we will have seniors ready for graduation before we know it.  The counselors and I will begin one on one counseling with each student in the high school to develop their FASTTRACK and next year schedule.  My how the years go by!

Discovery is doing well.  Our 5/6 graders will be involved in away or stay science camp next week.  They are doing well with their grades and behavior and have been enthused with their rallies and den points.  They have great spirit.  Our 7/8 students are becoming more serious and grounded and we have added a new teacher to the team who will take over for science on January 16.  This teacher will be introduced by Mrs. Wallace and comes to us with a science credential and lab job  experience. This week she spent observing 5/6 science to be sure there is a continuity between the two programs.

Primary is doing well. We have several teachers who are on or will be on maternity leave, so that is a bit disruptive but will be covered by good substitutes.  Please be patient with these changes. Those having babies are so excited to add to their families and while they care about their classes and students they want this time to bond with their new additions.

Kindergarteners are growing and maturing and are now acting more like first graders. I read to them once a week and I see such a difference from the start of the year.  The team of teachers for P6 are incredible.  TK, at Grantline, is wonderful.  It is a wonderful program for young fives who are not quite ready for Kindergarten.  Once they finish TK, they are ready for our full day kindergarten program here.

And our newest addition, Preschool, is blooming.  The children are doing very well in our full day program.  The children are engaged in an exciting monthly unit program and are excited about learning and exploring toys and technology.  The parent community of preschool is outstanding in their involvement and commitment.  Preschool is accepting applications for next year’s enrollment.  They are offering a full day or half day program next year.

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

TICKETS ARE ON SALE FOR OUR 11^TH ANNUAL TRACY LEARNING CENTER CRAB FEED.

Happy New Year! Wishing you and your family a happy and healthy year.

We are just one month away from our 11^th Annual Tracy Learning Center Crab Feed.

We look forward to selling this event out again this year.

All you can eat crab, pasta, salad and bread. Dessert auction, silent auction, raffle and dancing.

An evening of yummy food and a great time for $50 per ticket.

You can also reserve a table of 8 for $400.

Please consider donating a gift card, a bottle of wine, a dessert and/or a gift basket.

Remember you can profile your company on our placemat. Business card sized ads are $25.00.

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

Thanks a bunch and oodles of hugs for making this event so successful!!!!

Purchase Tickets:

 Donations:

Pre K

Over the holiday break preschool celebrated the new year by hosting Art & Apple Cider a fun exposition of preschool work done during our study of art, color and shapes. It was a blast!

T K

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 4^th or 5^th 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.

^{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 16^th, 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:

January is a very busy month for students at Discovery.  We returned from break, will attend Science Camp or Stay Camp next week, and have a holiday on Monday, January 16^th.

SCIENCE CAMP: Monday, January 9^th through Friday, January 13^th.  

**Monday, January 9^th –

• STUDENTS MUST REPORT TO THE GYM BETWEEN 8:00 – 8:30
• BUSSES WILL LOAD AT APROXIMATELY 10:15, You are welcome to wait with your child (this is not mandatory)
• NO MORE THAN 2 BAGS OF LUGGAGE
• BRING ONE DISPOSABLE LUNCH
• INSIDE LUGGAGE – PACK A BIG, GARBAGE BAG (for wet clothing)
• ALL MEDICATION MUST BE IN ITS ORIGINAL CONTAINER, WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME
• ALL MAIL IS DELIVERED AT BREAKFAST, IF YOU WOULD LIKE YOUR CHILD TO RECEIVE A LETTER THERE WILL BE A LETTER DROP OFF IN THE GYM (Monday morning)

**Friday, January 13^th– Students return by the end of the school day.

STAY CAMP: Monday, January 9^th through Friday, January 12^th. STAY CAMP STUDENTS: NO SCHOOL ON FRIDAY.

**Monday – Thursday (regular school hours).

**Tuesday (weather permitting) – bowling (students will walk to and from the West Valley Bowl)

**Thursday – Taking city busses, students/teachers will watch the movie, Sing, at Cinemark 14

Sleep Over begins at 6:30pm and will end at 9:00am on Friday – no school Friday

**$25.00 donation please (THIS IS NOT MANDATORY!!)

THIS WEEK IN DCS:

Sahej Sethi received an honorable medal and certificate from the San Joaquin County Office of Education for her participation in the Spelling Bee.  Sahej representing Tracy Learning Center’s 4 – 6 grade students.  We are super proud of her!!

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:

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

Welcome back!!! January certainly has brought a lot of rain so far. The students are handling eating lunch inside like real troopers!!

Leadership:

DHSP Leadership will be having a Winter Dance on January 27th from 5:30-7 in the gym. If any parents would like to help chaperone or help in any way, please contact Mrs. Dominguez at ddominguez@tracylc.net

Social Studies: Important dates for Wax Museum:

Monday/Wednesday, January 9/11 ……… Copy of Written                                                        Monologue turned into Mrs. Wallace (the Book)

10 points (classwork) p. 72 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, January 23/25…… Monologue      Memorized, ½ or more of         board complete

25 points/ 10 points (project) p.76 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, February 6/8……..Trifold/Set completed

25 points (project) p.80 in Agenda

Monday/Wednesday, February 13/15……….Costume and props check

15 points (classwork) p. 82 in Agenda

Date to be determined………Costume and props turned into class

25 points (project) p.84 in Agenda

Date to be determined Presentation

75 points (tests/quizzes) pg. 84 in Agenda

Evening performances to be determined (Den Points) p. 84 in Agenda

Language Arts:

Ms. Langston’s classes are working on comparative writing.

Mrs. Stewart’s English78 continue their weekly practice of the PSAT.

Mrs. Zo’s class is reading Farewell to Manzanar a fascinating story of Japanese internment during WWII

Math:

The Algebra classes are working on Polynomials

Science:

The Science classes are learning about simple machines and machines.

The Social Studies classes are working on understanding The Bill of Rights.

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 3^rd, 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

Charter Chatter January 6, 2017

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

A meeting was held on Thursday to explain and interpret your PSAT student’s results. If you or your student has any questions regarding the test please contact the counseling department.

COSMOS- California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science

Want to spend a month on a college campus exploring topics in STEM- Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics? Application period is from January 17^th – February 17^th, 2017. Dates for the program are July 9-August 5, 2017 *UC Irvine ends on August 4, 2017* For more information please visit https://cosmos-ucop.ucdavis.edu/app/main

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!

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

Moose Crab Feed Dinner – Friday, January 20, 2017 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Tracy Moose Lodge (35 East 6th Street, Tracy) – ring doorbell to enter facility. Volunteers needed: 2 dish washers and 6 servers are needed – black and white server attire. Volunteers MUST contact Alex Zamora for scheduling **Contact: Alex Zamora 209-815-6408 or azamora@pacbell.net**