Charter Chatter

 A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Nov. 30, 2018                                                                                                                            Vol 16

Chronic Absences

Just recently, I attended a webinar in which the state was discussing chronic absences.  This term has an exact definition.  The definition is that a child is chronically absent if the student misses 10% of the school year.  We have a 205 school year, but we only receive state funding for 180 of those days.  The rest is supported by our general budget and costs us approximately $600,000 a year.

Why do we use $600,000 of our general budget for an additional 25 days of school?

We have this as part of our charter.  We believe that longer years in school provides students with more learning opportunities and less regression of learning over a very long summer.  We see it in the test score results, we know it makes a difference.  We are often discouraged when students and parents see these extra days as not important.  They are to us.

How do our schools score with chronic absences?

Unfortunately, we have several students who are absent way more than the ten percent.  When looking at those students who exceed the ten percent, we were alarmed to see some of the absent students have exceeded 30 days.

Please be certain that you student attends school as regularly as possible.  There is a correlation between attendance and learning.  It is very hard to stay connected to school work when students miss a day of school almost each week.  Test scores and grades are affected when attendance is poor.

____________________________________________________________________________________________

DANCE THIS SATURDAY!

Daddy Daughter Dance is this Saturday under the white tent at Millennium High School 1904 N. Corral Hallow. Tickets are still available at the door as well as photo packages.

 Parents Club Update

Next PEP Mtg is Monday – Dec. 17, 2018 at 6:30pm in P2 (last week’s Chatter had the incorrect date on it)

Lunch Menu – Week Dec. 3 – 6

Mon. – Pizza

Tues. – Chicken Chimichanga

Wed- Turkey or PBJ Sandwich

Thurs – Chicken Patti Sandwich

Fri – Beef Hot Dog

TK Charter Chatter

This week, TK began to study holiday traditions around the world! We learned that children in Africa celebrate Kwanzaa by lighting seven candles on the kinara.

We also learned that children in Australia go caroling and enjoy a yummy slice of pavlova. Children in Brazil greet one another during Christmastime by saying” Felitz Natal,” and watching fireworks.

Finally, children in Canada decorate

christmas trees and participate in cookie exchanges. They also get a visit from Santa Claus! The fun will continue next week, as we learn about the holidays in: England, France, Greece and Germany.

PCS

Daddy Daughter Dance is this Saturday under the white tent at Millennium High School 1904 N. Corral Hallow. Tickets are still available at the door as well as photo packages.

Initial Phase

We hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving break! We are all happy to be back at school! Students came in on Monday ready to jump into our second trimester and dive into curriculum. This time of year always seems to fly by. Some students haven’t turned in their decorated house, you can still send it in and we will put it on display! Also, please send in your family recipe as soon as possible! We already have received some family recipes— thank you to those who already turned theirs in! We look forward to this project every year, it is always a big hit!

Phase One

We had an exciting week in Phase One with the arrival of a scout elf in each classroom. The students have been on their best behavior knowing that their elf is watching! The students have completed various elf crafts to celebrate their new classroom addition. Pictured below are P5’s elf crafts on display:

In Writer’s Workshop, Phase One has started writing friendly letters. The students have learned songs, watched video clips, and completed crafts in order to learn the five parts of a friendly letter. Have your student share with you all that they have learned!

Phase Two:

This week our phase 2 students started learning about the California Missions.  Did you know there are 21 missions in California and they are all along our coastline?  We are learning why the missions were started and how they were designed.  We are also working on holiday writing and activities.  Take a look at some of the creative PCS projects that are in our hallway!

With cold and flu season upon us please make sure you teach your child how to stay healthy!  Don’t put hands/fingers in mouth, wash hands before and after eating or using the restroom and always cover your cough!

DCS

Discovery 5/6

Important Upcoming Date:
Monday, December 3^rd:  5/6 Schoolwide Super Quiz

Cooperative Collaboration SWO:
The Family Life unit is winding down and Physical Education coaches will be introducing our 2^nd SWO to the students on Monday, December 5^th.  This SWO project will be completed entirely at school, as it will require students to be working in a group during their PE classes.

DCS Survival Skill:
Encourage your children to be Lifelong Learners.  As teachers, we talk a lot about loving to learn new things and we try to give our students opportunities to explore their passions and curiosities both inside and outside of school.  We have so many talented students who attend TLC and we are constantly amazed with their skills they have learned on their own or with the help of someone else!

Student Spotlight- Ivan A. is a 5th grader who is an amazing artist. He has been drawing since he was three years old. Although he draws everything, he loves drawing people the most because he finds spending extra time perfecting the details is peaceful for him. When he gets older he hopes to have a job that involves art in some way (Submitted by Ms. Sabedra)

7^th/8^th

Charter Chatter

Week of November 26-30th

CJSF:

CJSF is hosting a Brighter Christmas Can Food Drive! This drive begins December 3rd and continues until December 14th. This is a Nest Challenge and the winners will receive a surprise reward!

Language Arts:

Cerezo:

Students are continuing to read Hamlet. All classes have read up to Act 4 and are starting to really see the drama and intrigue of the play. It has been exciting to see each of the students bring the characters to life.

Before break students learned about Jasper Johns and his “Flag” which was created using a collage method. The students themselves put this into practice by creating their own 1960’s related collages. (Pictured below)

We have also begun to host our weekly study sessions for Pentathlon. If your students received a permission slip or welcome letter, remind them that each Wednesday from 4:15-5:15pm, students will be studying and preparing for the competition in D12.

Math:

Mr. Singh:

Varsity has started a new unit on Factors, Fractions and Exponents.
Honors is studying a unit on Properties of Triangles.  They received a project today that is due Tuesday, December 11th.
NO LATE WORK WILL BE ACCEPTED.
Scholastic will be starting a new unit on Solving Inequalities.

Mrs. King:

Hopefully you all had a great Thanksgiving and now our thoughts turn to the winter holidays.

7/8 Math would like to make a few suggestions for stocking stuffers for our students: pencils, extra erasers, dry erase markers, highlighter, red pens, Texas Instrument calculators

Great Teacher Gifts would be kleenex, band aides, hand sanitizer, pencils for the classroom, dry erase markers for the classroom, lined white paper. Thank you.

Science:

This week in ⅞ science, we are moving onto the Life Science portion of the ⅞ curriculum. The first unit we will be covering is “Characteristics of Living Things” during which we will explore and discuss the hallmarks of single cell and multicellular organisms.

Science Olympiad: We are still waiting to hear back on our second team as it is currently on the waiting list for full registration. The members of Team 1 have already been posted. Students selected for Team 2 will be notified once we are moved off of the waiting list.

Social Studies:
This week, students learned about the sacrifices African Americans made that went unnoticed by millions of Americans during the Civil Rights Movements. They discussed the struggles of John Lewis and his march from Selma, Alabama to the Capital (known as Bloody Sunday) and how it finally took the murders of three activists for Congress to finally pass the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Students are buckling down with their studying, as the Unit 2 Test is just around the corner: December 14th!

Physical Education:

Students are finishing up their Family Life Units this week! In all it has gone very well. Please remind your students to dress appropriately for the colder and rainy weather and to make sure that they are attempting to get the mud off of their shoes before entering the classrooms!

Verbal Expressions:

Ms. Dane’s Enrichment classes are busy working on Reader’s Theater productions of :Spiderella” our eight legged hard working arachnid who desperately wants to attend the Bug Ball with her wicked stepsister ladybugs, while, ‘The Brementown Rappers’ with MC Donkey, Fun Lovin Dawg, Kitty-O and Da Rooster are on their way to a major recording contract. Backgrounds, Stick puppets and stop motion backed with Garage Band beats rounds out the project.
Stay tuned for a link to our shows and private Youtube channel to see the students in action.

MHS

MHS is Homeward Bound!   After an extended separation from TLC our High School is almost ready to come home to our new and improved campus.   We are all excited to be back under one roof but a few changes have to be made to make it happen.

We will keep you posted but as of now MHS Finals have been moved to Monday through Wednesday December 17-19.  The half day schedule will still be in place but we are pushing them back one week.  That Thursday and Friday (December 20th and 21st) will be the first days of the second semester.

During those Finals days, we will be using the afternoons to move furniture and supplies.

We appreciate your understanding and flexibility through this time.  It is difficult to balance all the things that have to happen but our staff and students always rise to the occasion.  We will keep you updated if anything has to be adjusted.

8^th Annual TLC’s Got Talent Show-Wednesday February 20, 2019

TLC’s Got Talent Show is coming up soon and auditions have begun! This year audition video submissions will be required in order to qualify for an in-person audition. Email your audition video to: mhscounseling@tracylc.net and return your participation form to the TLC Main Office or MHS Counseling Office. Please Note: All audition videos and participation forms are due by Friday December 14, 2018. For any questions, please contact the MHS Counseling Office at 209-627-8299 or email: mhscounseling@tracylc.net

Delta College Early Start Registration

CES Forms have been returned to students and registration opened for them on Thursday, 11/29 at 3:45.  If students have not registered yet, they need to as soon as possible, as classes fill up quickly!  Please see Ms. Moore’s instructional video about how to register for a class:  https://soapbox.wistia.com/videos/mHRF4BxpjM

Last chance to order your corsage for the Daddy Daughter Dance. Turn in your order form and money by tomorrow Monday November 26th. Dance will be at the current Millennium campus under the white tent. 

      Charter Chatter

A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Nov. 16, 2018                                                                                                                           Vol 15

Our sincerest condolences go out to all of the families who have been affected by these horrific fires both in Northern and Southern California. Words cannot express how sad we are for those that have lost their love ones and/or their homes from these horrendous fires.

We do understand there has been a lot of concern with our students staying in school with this poor air quality this week. We have had the students inside all day and are constantly monitoring any air quality changes. When students came to the office with any respiratory complaints parents were immediately notified. We received the following letter from the TUSD Superintendent (see below) that we would like to share with all of our parents.

We certainly hope to see improvement soon and wish you all a very safe, restful and Happy Thanksgiving!

—————————————————————————————————————–

Dear Colleagues,

The recent fires have created a challenging situation for our district and others.  Because of rapidly changing conditions, we have been monitoring the air quality by the hour and communicating as needed to the school sites.  We have thoughtfully considered whether or not we should be closing schools at this time.  Believing that the Tracy community consists of a high percentage of parents who commute to work, we have determined that it is best to keep schools in session at this time.  It is in the best interest of our students to be supervised at school rather than left alone at home because parents are unable to find daycare on short notice.  Keeping students in a classroom is likely the same health wise as if the student stayed home.  None of these decisions are easy but we are trying to make the best decision for our students.

Communication has been shared with your site administration requesting that students stay indoors as much as possible today.  Your assistance in making this happen is much appreciated.  We have checked with Banta, Jefferson and Lammersville School Districts and they are open today, keeping students indoors.  It is probable that tomorrow we will find ourselves in a similar position where we will be keeping students indoors.

If you have any questions that I can help with, please do not hesitate to contact me or Rob Pecot, Director of Student Services.

Thank you,

Brian Stephens, Ed.D.

Superintendent

Tracy Unified School District

Phone: (209) 830-3201

Fax:     (209) 830-3204

mailto: bstephens@tusd.net

IMPORTANT INFO

Thanksgiving Week Holidays…  Monday – Friday, Nov. 19 – 23

New Trimester  – Tardies

Just a reminder if your student arrives late more than 5 times each trimester (must arrive prior to the start of PCS Unity – 8:13am or DCS Unity – 7:55am) a meeting will be set up to place these students on an attendance contract. If tardies continue, these students will lose their priority as a Tracy Learning Center student.

 Parents Club Update

Next PEP Mtg Dec. 19, 2018 at 6:30pm in P2

Lunch Menu – Week Nov. 26 – 30

Mon. – Pizza

Tues. – Steak Burrito

Wed- Turkey or PBJ Sandwich

Thurs – Chicken Patti Sandwich

Fri – Beef Hot Dog

TK

This week in TK, we learned all about Thanksgiving! We went on a hunt around our classroom for images of: a turkey, mashed potatoes, yams, pie, and all sorts of other foods that you’d find during a thanksgiving feast. We also created a place-mat and each made pilgrim hats to wear during the feast. Plus, we listened to many holiday-themed stories, and learned about the first feast between the Pilgrims and Indians. Finally, we had a great big Circle Time discussion about all of the things that we are thankful for. Family, friends, food, and pets were among some of our answers.

PCS

Initial Phase

Teachers had such a wonderful time meeting with all of our awesome P2 families at conferences this week! We always love getting the opportunity to tell you how great your kids are! We are so thankful to have such kind and supportive families in our class this year! We hope that everyone enjoys their Thanksgiving break and is able to take the time to relax and have fun spending time with family and friends. Teachers and students are very excited about our new project. Students will be decorating a house with Christmas cheer! Look in your green folder for more detailed directions. Decorated houses will be due on Monday, November 26th. We will be displaying the houses in the hall!

PHASE ONE

DCS

• Thanksgiving Break begins 11/19-11/25
• If you did not attend Parent Teacher Conferences, you will receive your students report cards in the mail

5/6 

It was great to meet with so many parents this week during conferences.  Teaching your students is a team effort.  We really do value communication and believe that this benefits us all.  To all our staff, students and parents we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving and look forward to starting a fresh, new trimester on Monday November 26th.

Language Arts:

Cerezo:

This week each class has begun to study our first piece of artwork from the 1960’s –Jasper Johns Flag. Students learned about Johns methods to create this show stopping piece. All students will invoke Johns technique of using collage this Friday in their own attempt at artwork.

All classes are also finishing up Act Three of Hamlet.

Thank you to all of the parents who attended Parent Teacher Conferences this week!

Ernst:

This week is our parent/teacher/student conferences.  We really do appreciate seeing and talking to each of you about your student.  If you were not able to make it, your student’s report card will be mailed home.

Please remember for all 8th grade students, if you plan on attending Millennium High School, applications are due by November  30th in order to reserve your spot!

Any student who did not receive a passing grade in either SWO or Community Service, it is required that they complete both of those.  For 8th grade students, it is required that they have passed all of their SWOs and have all of their Community Service hours in order to participate in promotional activities.

From all of us at Discovery Charter School we hope you enjoy this holiday season.  School resumes Monday, November 26th

Technology:

This week the 7/8 Technology class is being introduced to internet safety and functions as well as taking their first typing test of the trimester.

Social Studies

To all the parents who were able to make it to Parent Teacher conferences, thank you! I know how hard it is to move things around busy work schedules to make it to these and it’s greatly appreciated! For those who were not able to come, thank you still for raising such great kids who make me proud to be their teacher! I appreciate all that you do for your children in order to make them better people for tomorrow 🙂

Votings Right Act has a huge impact on not only African Americans, but all groups of people in America! Students went back even further in time (1870s) to learn about the Jim Crow Laws to gain a better understanding of the impact the voting rights act had on African American communities in the south.

MHS

Winter Formal will be held at the current Millennium campus (the Corrall Hollow site) under the heated white tent on Friday, December 7th. The dance will be from 7:30-10:30. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $20 for couples. Formal or semi-formal attire is expected. Tickets go on sale when we return from break.

Winter Formal will be held at the current Millennium campus (the Corrall Hollow site) under the heated white tent on Friday, December 7th. The dance will be from 7:30-10:30. Tickets are $15 for individuals and $20 for couples. Formal or semi-formal attire is expected. Tickets go on sale when we return from break.

Mr. Vieira is collecting donations on behalf of Dutch Brothers Coffee for the people who have been affected by the California wildfires. Mr. Vieira will be matching the total amount of donations that students and staff bring in. Dutch Bros will then match up to $150,000 donated as a company. Bring Donations to room C6 before or after school, or contact Mr. Vieira at avieira@tracylc.net. Thank you for your generosity.

Spring College Early Start Registration

All CES Forms have been submitted to Delta!  Students will receive their forms back along with instructions on how to register when we return from Thanksgiving Break.  Students are not automatically in the class they chose – they must register online at www.deltacollege.edu!  Registration for our students will take place on Thursday, November 29th after 3:15pm.  They can register from any computer.

Attention Seniors: College Applications Due Soon!

UC and CSU Applications are due on November 30th!  Your counselors are happy to review any application before you submit, if you give us access by Wednesday 11/28.

Throughout the year, there are certain times when it seems that there is an abundance of community service.

opportunities.  With the holiday season around the corner, it is important to remember the true purpose of community service.  In the midst of a flurry of shopping, partying, and spending, it’s easy to forget about the multitude of people who are less fortunate.  Encourage your students to participate with non-profit organizations such as Brighter Christmas or help at a local senior center serving holiday dinners.           Parents, please stress the importance of reliability and follow through when your students sign up to volunteer.  We pride ourselves in having reliable, hardworking, and dedicated students volunteering and hope to maintain strong relationships in the community while students learn the value of being a good citizen.

Hours are updated daily on the Aeries portal in your student’s gradebook. Please help us encourage your student to complete their hours and submit their forms to the Counseling office on a regular basis.  To date, our student body has volunteered over 77,000 hours in our community! Keep up the great work!

To sign-up for Brighter Christmas, please see the following link: https://www.justserve.org/projects/a8d80c7a-df73-4098-bfe7-2b7cea4defed

Charter Chatter

A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

  Nov. 9, 2018                                                                                                                            Vol 14

Although e-cigarettes have been around for more than a decade, vaping rates have skyrocketed in recent years, especially among teens. E-cigarettes are now the most frequently used tobacco product among adolescents — some 2.1 million middle and high school students were e-cigarette users in 2017 — far surpassing traditional combustible cigarettes.

JUUL, a popular vape device that comes in fun flavors, looks like a flash drive and can be charged in a USB port, is especially concerning. JUUL delivers high levels of nicotine, making the product extremely addictive. The company that makes and markets JUUL recently exceeded a $10 billion valuation faster than any company, including Facebook. JUUL sales now make up more than half of the e-cigarette market.

Last month the FDA announced that it will be cracking down not only on illegal sales of e-cigarettes to minors, but also the “kid-friendly marketing and appeal of these products” because “we see clear signs that youth use of electronic cigarettes has reached an epidemic proportion.”

Teachers, health professionals and parents are alarmed by this trend and trying to educate not only teens but also themselves, as it’s all still so new.

What is vaping?

Vaping is the act of inhaling and exhaling the vapor produced by the heated nicotine liquid (often called “juice”) of an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette or e-cig), vape pen, or personal vaporizer. It’s also commonly called JUULing (pronounced jewel-ing).

What originated as a smoking cessation aid has quickly became a popular — and addictive — product in its own right. Sarper Taskiran, MD, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Child Mind Institute, attributes the recent rise in popularity to packaging and advertising. “The teens are after innovation and they’re attracted by sleek design and ease of use,” he says. “They look like an Apple product.”

Although vaping companies emphatically deny that they are marketing to young people, critics note such features in their advertising as youthful images and colors, animation, actors who appear to be under 21, and suggestions that vaping makes you happier and improves your social status.

Although some of the health risks associated with vaping appear to be less severe than traditional combustible cigarettes (there’s no tar, for example), there are still risks.

Some known risks of vaping are:

• E-cigarettes contain high levels of nicotine. According to the company’s website, the nicotine content of one JUULpod is equivalent to one pack of cigarettes.
• Because of these high nicotine levels, vaping is extremely addictive — and teens are already more susceptible to addiction than adults because their brains are still developing, which makes them more likely to habituate to using drugs and alcohol.
• Addiction can impact the ability to focus. Dr. Taskiran has observed this with the adolescents he works with, who report that vaping initially increases their alertness and attention, but then experience a decrease in attention span. One student, for example, was able to sit through practice ACT exams but after JUULing for six months “can’t sit still because she starts craving, can’t think of questions, and just starts fidgeting.”
• E-cigarettes and similar devices contain carcinogenic compounds, and a recent study found significantly increased levels of carcinogens in the urine of teens who vape.
• A recent study found that vaping does, in fact, cause lung irritation akin to that seen in smokers and people with lung disease and causes damage to vital immune system cells.
• Taskiran notes that vaping increases heart rate and blood pressure, so can increase circulatory problems. One teen he works with started vaping and found that his swim times dropped because he can no longer sustain the heart rate required for swimming.

Since they leave little odor,  e-cigarettes are particularly easy to hide and even use discreetly in public places, including school. Kids are also vaping marijuana at increasing rates, which brings its own health risks.

Why parents should be concerned

One problem with vaping is that teens hear that it’s not as bad for your health as smoking cigarettes and think there is no harm.  “They really think that they are mostly flavors and that they are inhaling a pleasant gas,” says Dr. Taskiran.

A recent study of 12th graders found that kids who vaped (but were not previously smokers) were more than four times as likely to “move away from the perception of cigarettes as posing a great risk of harm.” The study and others like it have showed that teens who vape are much more likely to start smoking cigarettes.

The packaging does little to convey the risks. “They are very enticing the way they look. It’s not transparent at all. It says 5% nicotine, which sounds like nothing, so teens think 95% is water weight or vapor,” laments Dr. Taskiran.

Plus, he points out, smoking never stopped being cool. It’s still positively portrayed in movies, and JUUL in particular has re-branded it to make vaping an even cooler alternative. But vaping isn’t only for the cool kids — many teens are curious (with flavors like mango, cucumber and crème, who wouldn’t be?) and presented with the opportunity will give it a try.

Sarah, a mom of two in Ann Arbor, MI, was shocked to get a phone call the other day from her son’s middle school principal, requiring her to come get him immediately for “emergency removal and suspension.” He and two friends had been caught vaping on school grounds after school, and a passing parent took photos and sent them to the administration.

Though they didn’t find any devices on her son — a straight A student with no prior offenses — the school, like many others, is taking a hard stance. “The principal knows that vaping is common and shared that the businesses in downtown Ann Arbor are selling to teens without asking for IDs,” relayed Sarah. “However, she feels the need to let my son and his friends know that it’s a really, really big deal.”

At this school, students caught vaping have to sign behavior contracts, must attend a Teens Using Drugs Class, and cannot participate in any sports, clubs or special events for the rest of the year. If the kids had been across the street, not on school grounds, it would have been a different scenario. But the principal said that had they been in high school rather than middle school, she would have called the police.

Sarah remembers what it was like to be a teenager so doesn’t think trying it is that big of a deal, but is concerned about addiction. “Addiction runs in my family and I worry about my son. Of course, I worry about the damage that the chemicals can do to his lungs and body as well,” she says.

Although some places are tightening restrictions locally, kids can still go to a website, click a button that says they are at least 21 years old, and purchase online. “The majority of adolescents I see are purchasing JUUL from the Internet,” says Dr. Taskiran.

How to talk to kids about vaping

Dr. Taskiran advises parents to start by educating themselves, so they know what they’re talking about going in, and to take an inquisitive and curious approach to what their teen’s experience is. “The most important thing is keeping it as a dialogue,” he says.  “Declarative statements like ‘It’s bad for you’ just end the conversation.”

Dr. Taskiran recommends starting the conversation more generally by asking if a lot of kids at school vape. Once the conversation is initiated, you can slowly work up to asking things like, “What is your experience with that? What are the flavors like?” He also suggests getting a sense of what they know (or think they know) about the product, which gives you an opening to start educating them.

The silver lining of Sarah’s experience with her son is that he actually told his dad about the experience even before he knew he’d been caught. “They had a full one hour conversation about it after I was already asleep. He told my husband that he tried it for the first time and that it burned his throat and he didn’t like it.” She got the call from the principal the next morning before her son had a chance to tell her himself. “He’s a great kid and doesn’t really get in trouble except for talking in class because he’s bored. My goal has always been open communication and to keep him talking to us. He did!”

Of course, while parents need to educate themselves, the onus isn’t entirely on them. “Schools need to own this as well and provide educational strategies for both teachers and students,” says Dr. Taskiran. Prevention is a lot easier than treatment later on, he says, and notes that peer education can play a particularly important role.

If you are concerned that your child has become addicted there are plenty of treatment options. Dr. Taskiran recommends consulting with a clinician who is  well-versed in addiction treatments. “This is a true nicotine addiction,” he says. “People usually think this is different from cigarette use — but it can be more severe than cigarette use.”

Important Info –

Next School Holiday is Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov. 12, 2018

Thanksgiving Week Holidays…  Monday – Friday, Nov. 19 – 23

New Trimester  – Tardies

Just a reminder if your student arrives late more than 5 times each trimester (must arrive prior to the start of PCS Unity – 8:13am or DCS Unity – 7:55am) a meeting will be set up to place these students on an attendance contract. If tardies continue, these students will lose their priority as a Tracy Learning Center student.

Homework Support Room

We won’t be having homework support next week (Nov. 12 – 16), due to teachers being out off on Monday and conferences. Parents were notified on Nov. 5, 2018 and were reminded on Friday, Nov. 9, 2018..

 Parents Club Update

Next PEP Mtg Dec. 19, 2018 at 6:30pm in P2

MHS Cheer Fundraiser

Millennium High School Cheerleading is selling  personalized Starbucks hot cups and cold tumblers.  These make awesome holiday gifts.
Please make checks payable to MHS Cheer.
We will be selling these through 12/05 so we can delivery prior to winter break.
Contact coachd74@yahoo.com for more info.

Please include your child’s name and room number on the order form.
** order form for each style of cup is below each flyer.

Printable Order Forms:

PIE FUNDRAISER REMINDER:

Fundraiser ends Thursday, November 8th

The Pie Company will deliver the pies via freezer truck on Nov. 16 at our main site:

51 E. Beverly Pl. (next to the main office)

Pies must be picked up between 3:00-4:30

This is our only pick up day and time.

TLC cannot store orders that are not claimed before 4:30 on Nov. 16th.

All payments go inside the envelope.

Cash or check

Make checks payable to TLC or Tracy Learning Center.

Lunch Menu – Week Nov. 12 – 16

Mon. – Holiday

Tues. – Pizza

Wed- Turkey or PBJ Sandwich

Thurs – Corn Dog

Fri – Beef Hot Dogs

TK

Tuesday was election day in TK! We had many responsible students running for the title of TK Class President, and they each did a terrific job creating posters and developing speeches to impress their friends. The children in the running for class president demonstrate such qualities, as: kindness, an ability to listen to others, a willingness to problem solve, and a desire to lead their peers. Ultimately, Cameron  Johnson earned the title with the greatest number of votes by her peers.

PCS

Don’t forget that there will not be school this Monday, November 12th for Veterans Day. Enjoy your extra day off and we will see you back on Tuesday. Conferences are next week from Tuesday to Thursday. Everyone was assigned a date and time; if you are unsure of your time please email p2@tracylc.net.

After Thanksgiving Break (November 19th-23rd) we will start trimester two. If you would like to volunteer in our classroom for the second trimester please return the slip with your availability and be sure to be cleared with Ms. Kay in the office.

DCS

Spelling Bee Competition

This week was the first of the county Academic Competitions.  Fourth through Eighth grade students competed to go on to the county round in December.  Luke Alger will be representing the 4^th-6^th Grade Division and Aurora Thompson will be representing the 7^th-9^th Grade Division. Below are the winners from all grade levels.

The First Ever TLC Choir Concert Under-the-Stars

Mr. Dougherty’s High School Choir Class joined his DCS classes for a Concert Under the Stars.  It was a great evening full of awesome performances.  Below are some highlights.

Dates to remember:

-Parent Teacher Conferences are next week!

-Thanksgiving Break begins November 19th

-There is no school November 12th in observance of Veteran’s Day

**Congrats to this year’s 7th/8th Spelling Bee winner! 8th Grader Aurora Thompson

***And another Congrats to our Marching Band for Winning First Place in their division last weekend!

Language Arts:

Cerezo:

This week all classes round out their first trimester in language arts by taking a final. This will be the last assignment in their gradebook for the first trimester.

Beyond that, students have begun reading Act 3 of Hamlet and are continuing to illustrate the scenes in their very own Hamlet booklets.

Social Studies:

Students studied very hard this week to prepare for their vocabulary test they took on Wednesday. Students studied in groups playing heads up and their memory game, quizzing each other to make sure they aced their test! Next week students will finish up learning about the Great Society programs and dive into the Civil Rights Movement under President Johnson.

Test your Knowledge: Do you know any of these vocabulary words that our students just tested on?
-Civil Rights Act of 1964
-Voting Rights Act of 1964
-Filibuster
-Community Action Program

PE:

DCS PE is it’s first week of the “Family Life Unit!” For the next three weeks, Monday thru Thursday, Male & Female students will be in separate classes learning about the human body and why they are experiencing the natural “Growing Pains” and changes of  why their bodies, relationships and emotions are changing!!!

Also, as a friendly reminder, please remind students that they should be applying
“Deodorants/Antiperspirants/Baby Powder or Sanitary Wipes” in the morning before they are coming to school and showering daily; as their bodies have already begun puberty even though there may be no signs of it showing physically!

Science:

Grades will be dropping for science this week. Please email with any questions regarding grades. Science Olympiad applications have all been received, and students will be notified of their acceptance to the team on Monday. PLEASE NOTE: this year we were only able to get one team registered due to popularity of the event this year. We have a second team on the waiting list. Only 15-18 students will be selected. If the second team is moved from the waitlist, most students will be selected.

MHS

Thank you to all who attended MHS’ 8^th Grade Parent night! We had a great audience of families who were full of questions and personal experiences with the Tracy Learning Center.  Open enrollment is November 1 – November 30^th. For more information and an application, please visit: www.tracylearningcenter.com

We had an incredible group of Millennium students who toured UC Merced and Fresno State this week! Campus tours are a wonderful way for students to learn more about specific colleges, their programs, and opportunities while seeing firsthand the college environment before they apply. Spring field trips are already being planned, so keep an eye out for future announcements.

Throughout the year, there are certain times when it seems that there is an abundance of community service opportunities.  With the holiday season around the corner, it is important to remember the true purpose of community service.  In the midst of a flurry of shopping, partying, and spending, it’s easy to forget about the multitude of people who are less fortunate.  Encourage your students to participate with non-profit organizations such as Brighter Christmas or help at a local senior center serving holiday dinners.           Parents, please stress the importance of reliability and follow through when your students sign up to volunteer.  We pride ourselves in having reliable, hardworking, and dedicated students volunteering and hope to maintain strong relationships in the community while students learn the value of being a good citizen.

Hours are updated daily on the Aeries portal in your student’s gradebook. Please help us encourage your student to complete their hours and submit their forms to the Counseling office on a regular basis.  To date, our student body has volunteered over 77,000 hours in our community! Keep up the great work!

  PLEASE JOIN US…

8^th Grade Parent Information Night

 Wednesday, November 7^th, 2018

Millennium High School Room A1 & A2

1904 N. Corral Hollow Road

6:00 PM

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!   

     Charter Chatter

A weekly newsletter written to parents of the TLC

Nov. 2, 2018                                                                                                                               Vol 13

It was a busy week for us at Tracy Learning Center. I would like to comment on a few of the things that kept us very busy.

• Science camp – this event took place both away and here. The staff did a great job directing both aspects of science camp. Those who stayed had a great time with a guest scientist, Mrs. Holmes from our high school, an artist, Megan Lunn, who helped the students draw and paint a falcon, and the leaders of stay camp especially, Ms. Rodieck who kept calm and kept things moving along. Those who went away to camp, had a great adventure and wonderful help from both high school students, and from the DCS staff as well as high school staff. It was a very collaborative adventure.
• The Halloween Parade and Performance. We might have a hard time finding a place to park, but parents came in droves with phones in hand to take pictures of the Primary Parade and performance. The PE staff did a fabulous job teaching all of the Primary students a great dance for parent delight. The students then had a chance to Trick or Treat upstairs in the Middle School. Candy was distributed and there were guides as well as signs to greet them.
• Red Ribbon Week came to an end with a great emphasis on the importance of kindness, respect and doing one’s best. Hats off to Primary for a great display in their hallway for this week. It is important to keep this theme going all year.
• While it may have been a quiet busy, our charter renewals for Millennium and Primary were delivered to the Tracy Unified District office for review and approval. (our charters have to be renewed every five years). The documents that were delivered were over 100 pages each.
• There was a 7-8 dance yesterday afternoon. The word was that the snacks were great.
• TK had a full afternoon of activities including their own parade and they raised money for UNIFEC.
• The high school counselors visited and our enrollment for Millennium High School is underway. Usually 90% of our DCS students chose to come to MHS. HOWEVER, they must apply by the end of November to be ensured a spot for next year.
• And finally landscaping and a tentative date for the return of our high school is underway. The expected date for our high school to return to our site is December 12. I will keep you posted.

Thanks again for being a wonderful parent community. You support us in so many ways. I would also like to personally thank all of you who participated in Primary’s Read-A -Thon, the results were amazing.

Important Info

Next School Holiday is Veteran’s Day, Monday, Nov. 12, 2018

Thanksgiving Week Holidays… Monday – Friday, Nov. 19 – 23

More Driving Complaints….

We have also received complaints about parents parking partially on the sidewalks during DCS’ carline crowding the side walk for those walking. Please do not park on any part of the

Parents Club Update

Next PEP Mtg Dec. 19, 2018 at 6:30pm in P2

PIE FUNDRAISER REMINDER:

Fundraiser ends Thursday, November 8th

The Pie Company will deliver the pies via freezer truck on Nov. 16 at our main site: 51 E. Beverly Pl. (next to the main office)

Pies must be picked up between 3:00-4:30

This is our only pick up day and time.

TLC cannot store orders that are not claimed before 4:30 on Nov. 16th.

All payments go inside the envelope.

Cash or check

Make checks payable to TLC or Tracy Learning Center.

Lunch Menu – Week Nov. 5 – 9

Mon. – Pizza

Tues. – Chicken Chimichanga

Wed- Turkey or PBJ

Thurs – Corn Dogs

Fri – Beef Hot Dogs

TK

We had a spooky, fun Halloween! We participated in a costume parade, played all sorts of games, enjoyed a mummy hot dog for lunch, and had lots of ghostly treats! During class time, we rotated around the classroom to make witches, candy corn, jack-o-lanterns, and skeleton art with our teachers. There were so many creepy projects to make and activities to do! We also had lots of fun learning about the solar system this week. We sang a song about the 8 planets and learned a bunch of fun facts about each of them. Did you know that Saturn has 63 moons? And that the clouds on Venus rain sulfuric acid? Be sure to ask us all sorts of other cool facts about the planets!

PCS

Initial Phase

Trimester One Is Almost Done!

Where has the time gone? We can’t believe that we are approaching the end of the first trimester. Halloween was so much fun! Teachers loved seeing all the adorable costumes! Students did an amazing job being the stars of the show at the parade and rocked their Halloween dance performance! We only have two weeks left in the first trimester! Teachers

are looking forward to parent/teacher conferences; which are happening November 13th-15th. Please check your child’s green folder for their scheduled date and time.  Don’t forget that your disguised turkey is due by Monday, November 5th! We can’t wait to see all the creative ways students are going to disguise their turkey! Additionally, we have Monday, November 12th off for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Break is November 19th-23rd.

creative ways students are going to disguise their turkey! Additionally, we have Monday, November 12th off for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Break is November 19th-23rd.

Phase one

This week the students in Phase One had their annual Halloween parade and performance. They also had the opportunity to visit DCS upstairs and trick-or-treat in a few of their classrooms. PCS students love getting to do this every year!

Our Trimester 1 Project is due Monday! The students in Phase One learned about different cultures and traditions. They all received a paper doll to decorate and poster to complete based on their own nationality and culture. The students will spend the week presenting them.

There is ONE week left of our AR goal. Make sure your student is reading for 20 minutes every night and taking AR quizzes at school to ensure they reach their goal. Keep reading and GOOD LUCK!

We had a great Halloween week in phase 2!

Our leadership students prepared HUNDREDS of candy grams and we were able to donate over $500 to the Tracy Animal Shelter.  Great job!

We are also hard at work on our Native American tribe projects.  Students are creating a presentation (poster, slide show, trifold board) and an artifact.  We are extending the due date for this project but all supplies for the artifact should be here no later than Monday.

Here are some awesome, creative pictures of Day of the Dead Sugar Skulls that our students created with our wonderful art teacher, Ms. L.

DCS

5/6

What an amazing week in 5/6.  Stay Camp and Science Camp was filled with memories that will last forever.  We will keep posting pics as we get them.  We hope our students had as much fun as we did!!

General Updates:

-Trimester 1 ends next week on November 9th

-Parent Teacher Conferences are the following week (the week of November 12th)

-First Trimester SWO is due Monday, November 5th

Language Arts:

Cerezo:

All classes finished reading Act 2 of Hamlet this week. Although this act is pretty complex and difficult, the students did an amazing job at keeping track of the plot and making predictions for what is to come next! Students are working on creating their own Hamlet booklets wherein they illustrate each scene to help them keep track of the plot.

If your student wants to review each scene, please remind them that they can watch NerdStudy on YouTube if they search “Hamlet.”

Also, all classes have their final on Tuesday November 6th!

Ernst:

In Language Arts and Humanities, we are reviewing our first trimester and also studying the first two acts of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.  Students are encouraged to study this trimester’s vocabulary as well as notes they have taken on our previous novel and also the music and art of the 1960’s for Humanities. It is important that students use all of their resources, especially notes and the in- class study guides in order to be successful on their final.  The trimester 1 final is Tuesday, November 6th.
Please respond to your student’s homeroom teacher regarding conferences.  They are being held 11/13-11/15. If you cannot make the time reserved for you, your student’s report card will be mailed home.

Phase Two

Math:

Liew:

Varsity- Currently on MEAN, MEDIAN, MODE & RANGE. The Trimester Final Test will be on Friday.
Honors – Teaching them GREATEST INTEGER FUNCTIONS. Learning to use the graphic calculator.
Scholastics- Trimester Final Test today and learning SOLVING ABSOLUTE VALUE EQUATIONS.

Science:

This week, ⅞ science has started on the last unit of Academic Pentathlon content. We will be studying lasers and their uses through the end of the first trimester.

Applications for Science Olympiad are also due by this Friday. Due to the popularly of the event this year, we currently have been allowed one team (15 students). We have a second team on the waiting list at this time.

Social Studies:

This week some classes started their vocabulary cards to prepare for next week’s vocabulary test. The test will contain 15 terms they have learned the past few weeks such as medicare, medicaid, the civil rights act of 1965, and filibuster. While social studies analyzed the effects of the Great Society on America, Leadership students worked hard preparing for the Dance that was held on Thursday. With treats such as brownies and cake pops, students danced to old and new songs while they participated in games such as “Pin them Stem on the Pumpkin”, “Candy Corn Guess”, and Freeze dance!

Technology:

In technology this week my classes are working on their final project. For this project they are being asked to plan a 14 day rv road trip to somewhere in the U.S. that they would like to travel. When finished with this project it will encompass all of the essential skills that they have learned this trimester.

Verbal Expressions:

My classes have been working on puppets, stop motion and the SWO rubric.  These are a team building and a construction understanding project.

Tower Competition!

MHS

  PLEASE JOIN US…

8^th Grade Parent Information Night

Wednesday, November 7^th, 2018

Millennium High School Room A1 & A2

1904 N. Corral Hollow Road

6:00 PM

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!

Make a Difference Day – Donation Drive

This week Millennium High School students grades 9-12 helped donate much needed household items to the McHenry House Tracy Family Shelter. The household items included tissues, cleaning/disinfecting wipes, toilet paper, and towel rolls. The total number of donated items are listed below:

• 5 boxes of tissues from Amur Nest
• 21 containers of cleaning/disinfecting wipes from Peregrine Nest
• 22 paper towel rolls from Kestrel Nest
• 115 toilet paper rolls from Saker Nest

Did you miss this morning’s announcements?

If your student missed the morning announcements at Unity, please check the Millennium High School homepage located on our Tracy Learning Center Website at http://www.tracylearningcenter.com/school/millennium/ go to Quick Links and click on Unity Announcements, please see example below.

Delta College Early Start Program – Spring Semester 2019

The process has begun for students interested in taking a class at Delta College this spring, and there are many steps to complete in the next week! Step One is to apply online at www.deltacollege.edu. Several days after applying, students must log in to retrieve their Delta ID #. Once they have their Delta ID #, they may sign up in the Counseling Office to take the Assessment. After taking the Assessment, students should bring their scores to the MHS Counseling Office and we will assist students in selecting which class to take. College Early Start forms are due to the MHS Counseling Office for approval on November 5th. For further details, please see the following College Early Start Webpage link: http://www.tracylearningcenter.com/counseling/college-and-carrer-planning/ . Please contact the Counseling Office at (209)627-8299 or MHSCounseling@tracylc.net with questions!

UC Merced & Fresno State Fieldtrip-Friday November 9, 2018 – IMPORTANT REMINDER

For those students attending next week’s fieldtrip to UC Merced and Fresno State; please ensure you arrive before 7:30AM at the Millennium High School campus. The bus will be leaving promptly at 7:30AM and returning approximately at 4:30PM. For questions, please contact the Millennium High School Counseling office at 209-627-8299 or email: mhscounseling@tracylc.net

MHS Football – Touchdown!

Josh Marlin, #5, going for a touchdown catch in 49-20 win against Stoneridge!