We have some HUGE updates that we want to make sure you are all aware of.

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San Joaquin Moves Closer to Reopening all schools

The news from the State yesterday included San Joaquin county moving from Purple to Red Tier.  This is great news and shows we are all doing our part to get this under control.  For schools, this means IF the county continues to stay on track, we will be allowed to bring students back to campus in 2 weeks with all safety precautions in place as defined by the state  (CA State Reopening Guidelines (PDF)).

TLC has a plan to reopen in phases.  This can all change but as of now:

Nov 2 Primary reopens for all students

Nov 9 Dcs opens for all students

Nov 16 Mhs opens for all students

We will keep you posted when we have more information

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PCS waiver is approved!   

For those who signed up to begin In-person learning, we will begin Monday, October 5th.  Classrooms are being set up and teachers are preparing material and supplies for those who wished to return to in-person learning. All drop-off and pick-up must be in car line.  No walkups allowed.  

More information to follow about protocols and requirements. As well as times, rooms and teachers etc.

IMPORTANT INFO FOR ALL PCS – Due to the class changes, we will not have online classes this Friday to allow staff to prepare.  SO, no school THIS Friday, October 2nd

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MHS Electives begin next week!

Millennium High School is bringing back all elective classes two days a week to start the second quarter. Starting Tuesday, October 6th, Millennium students will be required to attend all classes on their schedule every Tuesday and Thursday while we are in distance learning. Google classroom codes for all classes including electives can be found here: MHS Class Schedule for Distance Learning

While we are in distance learning, elective classes will continue every Tuesday and Thursday until the end of the semester. At the end of the semester, students will be earning a grade and credit for all elective classes like they normally would. 

Unless there has been an error, we will not be changing or switching electives on student schedules… Please do not ask our counselors for schedule changes unless it is important. Distance learning on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays will continue without elective classes until the end of the semester. 

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TLC Preschool is back!

Have you heard the news? Tracy Learning Center Preschool is re-opening soon! For more information please contact Amy Jones, Preschool Director (209)229-1575

Here are some steps we are taking to prevent Covid-19

• Frequent handwashing

• Teachers and children wearing face coverings in the classroom

• Children’s temperatures to be taken before entry into the classroom.

• Toys disinfected after each use

• Bathrooms, doorknobs or any other frequently touched areas disinfected frequently throughout the day

• Warm inviting welcome air hugs or air high fives

• More outdoor play

• Physically distancing while sitting, standing, and napping

• Use disposable meal service items

• Meals will be served by a staff member right now versus family style

• Windows open to allow fresh air

• Hours of operation will be 7:00am-5:00pm during Covid 19. Hours for Arrival will be 7am-8am only and departure time will be 4pm-5pm only.

MHS Electives begin next week!

Millennium High School is bringing back all elective classes two days a week to start the second quarter. Starting Tuesday, October 6th, Millennium students will be required to attend all classes on their schedule every Tuesday and Thursday while we are in distance learning. Google classroom codes for all classes including electives can be found here: MHS Class Schedule for Distance Learning

TLC Charter Chatter

A Message from the Director –

I wanted to send a quick update on the progress of our plan to offer in-person and distance learning for PCS students.  We have received a response from almost every student.  Thank you.  It is now our job to look at the numbers and determine how this will actually look if and when our application to the SJC Health Department is approved.

A lot of factors go into this process as we look at teachers and student grade levels.  Once we have our system in place we will be notifying everyone to ensure we keep you in the decision-making process.

Thank you to all our PCS parents.

PCS

Thank you to all our wonderful parents who responded to our questionnaire.   Your input is appreciated and we will be passing along more information as we get it.  Stay tuned to the Charter Chatter as well as your student’s classrooms.  🙂

DCS

MHS

Video Unity for this week:

Counseling News –

TLC Charter Chatter

A Message from the Director –

Thank you to all the parents and staff who attended the meeting regarding the waiver to open Primary.  Thank you for all the feedback you gave in the survey this week as well.  We are now in the process of requesting a waiver.  The waiver process takes at least two weeks.  We are looking at a possible reopening around October 1 to the 5th.  

Now that we have the survey data which appears to have half wishing to return and half wishing to remain virtual, we need to know who the students are.  We are trying to keep the students with at least one of the teachers in their assigned classrooms.  (Remember our Primary students are in a room with three teachers, who work with all of the students).  We cannot make those decisions, however until we know who will be coming back in person and who will not.

Thank you for your attention to this.  If you have questions our presentation did not answer, you may call the school and ask to speak to me.

I am excited at the thought of returning to school.  I am also glad that it appears that we can accommodate all of our parents with an either-or choice… this choice is available until all schools are open and all students are back. Our charter does not allow us to be a virtual school for students once we are all back in session.  But for now, this is a great way to start back.

PCS

We have had almost 300 responses to our PCS in-person learning option.  Thank you for your feedback, it is invaluable as we look at every aspect of reopening our doors to students.

Our application has been submitted and we will be working with the County Health Department over the next 2 weeks to make sure we are doing everything we can to ensure safety.

Obviously, this is a very fluid time and things change from week to week but we will continue to work with all parties involved and make sure everything is communicated to you.

The next step is getting concrete information about which students would like to return to campus if permitted*.

Please complete the following form.  You must complete 1 form for each student.  We need to know who will remain online vs who will be on campus.

PCS In-class/Distance Learning Sign Up

*Contingent on County Health Department approval.

DCS

Parents/Guardians and Students!

MHS

Video Unity for this week:

Counseling News –

Primary Hybrid Plan Meeting

We want to thank all the parents and staff who attended last night’s PCS Reopening Zoom Meeting.  Our goal was to inform you all about the process and plan to reopen our K-4 Primary school under the strict guidance of the San Joaquin County Office of Public Health.

We hope we answered many of your questions and concerns.  We understand these are difficult times and a decision like this is not taken lightly.  Our main focus will always be the safety of our students and we have been watching carefully as other schools across the state have opened their doors to reduced class sizes.

Below you will find the Slideshow and Zoom recording.  This coming week, we will be sending out additional information and surveys so that we may continue to use your feedback in developing a plan.  Thank you TLC families.  Stay safe out there.

TLC Primary Reopening Meeting – September 18th – Zoom and Slideshow

Hello PCS families. As other schools return to campus with a San Joaquin County Health approved hybrid teaching model, PCS K-4th grade will also be applying for the on-campus approval to begin part-time, in-class instruction beginning Thursday, October 1st. At this time, the County is only considering primary grades to return to in-person instruction.

If the SJ County Health office grants us the waiver to return to campus, we would like to move our Primary school to Plan 2 (https://tlccharterchatter.com/2020/07/06/tlc-planned-reopening-august-3rd/), or the Hybrid model, that was approved by our board.

This would mean Group A would attend school Monday and Tuesday on campus and Group B would be on campus Thursday and Friday. These groups were assigned in the Spring. On the other days, students would be at home with distance learning.

We need your feedback. We are asking all Primary parents to let us know if your student would be attending the hybrid model with part-time, in-class instruction with all the required safety measures and guidelines in place.

We will be holding a Zoom meeting on Friday, September 18th from 4-5pm PST (it will also be posted on our website after) to explain the process.

PCS Hybrid Learning Informational Meeting:

https://tracylc-net.zoom.us/j/81358223257?pwd=UUJBei8zQXBJYUhTSW8yczB2T3plQT09

Please take a moment to fill out the form and provide any questions or feedback. Will use this to guide our zoom announcement. We are asking for feedback now and not during the zoom meeting to help the process.

https://forms.gle/bdkptSycNNrwEwtr9

A Message from the Director –

The students and staff have settled into some good routines with distance learning and are doing well. Those with missing assignments or with other issues are being identified and we are doing all that we can to ensure the student success.
At times it is important to consider what structures are in place at home to help ensure student success. Many tines in our meetings with parents and staff to brainstorm ways to help, we come up with simple, doable suggestions. Here are a few:

• Limit phone accessibility during Zoom classes.
• Have a consistent space with a table for students to work and Zoom
• Have all supplies the students needs in a container at the work space
• Have a white board to write assignments down and when they are due
  • The white board makes it public for you to see as well and to help remind students of upcoming deadlines
• After class times, set up free times and homework or study times that are not interrupted
• Ask the student what they are learning and what is something going well and something that may need assistance
• Email the teacher if you are concerned – don’t wait
• Check Aeries regularly to see grades and to check to see if there is missing work ( red boxes in Aeries indicate missing work)
• Celebrate successes and give praise for the work your student is doing

PCS

We need to give a HUGE thank you to all our parents fof assisting in our classes. We understand how difficult it can be when distance learning but we do appreciate your support.

We hope our county continues to move in the right direction and we can soon be back on campus safely.

DCS

MHS

TLC Charter Chatter – Week of Sept 7th 2020

A Message from our Director

I hope everyone had an enjoyable and safe Labor day weekend.  The following is a great article that can help with Distance Learning.  I hope you found it as helpful and informative as I did.

8 Ways to Reduce Digital Distractions During Remote Learning & Homework

September 2, 2020 By Smart Social Leave a Comment

Staying productive to reduce digital distractions during online classes and homework time can pose a challenge to students. This is especially true now as many families have students who must complete some or all of their education online, and from home, during the pandemic.

Keep reading to learn tips from eight experts to help your student manage remote learning and homework time without letting social media, games, and apps get in the way.

1. Set up a designated school space in your home

I suggest setting up a homework/homeschool space in your home. Things to keep in mind:

• Try to choose a quiet space in a less busy part of the house, an environment that will naturally minimize distractions. It’s important to choose this area and stick with it
• Choose functional furniture and stock up on supplies. We suggest avoiding couches or lap desks and instead opt for a traditional desk or a small table and chair. Consider adding a soft cushion on the chair — when kids feel uncomfortable, they’re more prone to stirring and squirming, leading to distraction and disorganization. With regard to supplies, be sure to stock up on pens, pencils, and markers. We also suggest including a timer on your supplies list, which you can use to give your child a brain break for intervals of uninterrupted work
• Reserve space for a calendar and to-do list. Important, visible anchors like these will make your child’s in-house homeschool/homework space an area that encourages building on small tasks to reach larger goals

2. Have everyone in your family sign a screen time agreement to help reduce digital distractions

Parents ask me all the time how to know if their child is paying attention to their online class and doing their online assignment- or if they’re actually playing Fortnite or scrolling through TikTok. Unless you’re always in the same room as your child, it can be difficult to know exactly what your student is up to online. I always recommend having everyone in your family sign a smartphone and social media agreement and keeping the dialogue open about digital expectations and consequences.

The agreement can serve as an icebreaker for parents to cover key safety issues like screen time limits, sexting, cyberbullying, and more. It gives kids a glance at their own responsibilities as internet users and reminds them that using social media in a negative way or when they’re not supposed to can lead to consequences. Make sure the agreement is kept somewhere visible, like on the fridge or on their desk. Regularly referring back to the agreement will remind students of the commitments they made while they are taking remote classes or doing their online homework.

3. Help your students keep their senses activated

Parents need to recognize that many children cannot concentrate for long periods of time in an online class learning setting. So, distractions are not necessarily all bad. They may give a student a needed breathing space to refocus and settle their minds before they re-engage.

• Offer food to students that they can snack on between classes or while online learning (if the teacher allows). This helps them concentrate more effectively and adds comfort to the experience
• Give students fidget toys to keep their hands busy while they are learning online. This will allow them to get some of their excess energy out
• Let them access online in different physical positions: a chair, a bed, standing, a countertop. Switch up where they learn and see which setting is best for concentration
• Let students do something constructive if they are going to be distracted. That is one reason I wrote a word play book. A riddle book or joke book works too
• Provide students with paper and amazing colored pencils or unique crayons or cray-pas and let them doodle while learning online

The key is to keep their senses activated and to enable them to use distractions constructively.

4. Allow teens to take scheduled social media breaks to communicate with friends

Doing as much homework off the computer as possible will help minimize distractions and prevent burnout from too much screen time. For assignments that do have to be completed online, parents should recognize that it may be impossible for students to completely resist checking their social media or playing a quick game. Here, the flexible schedules of remote learning can actually be a benefit.

Parents should encourage their child to take short, regular breaks where they are allowed to do whatever they’d like on the computer as long as they then get back to work once they are done. Something like 25 minutes of studying followed by 5-10 minutes of TikTok is perfectly reasonable for teens, and may get better results out of your child than attempting to ban social media entirely.

During Zoom classes, when students really need to be dedicating their full attention, then parents can be stricter about forbidding social media. Confiscating phones during class time is probably a good idea, and in extreme cases, parents may want to discuss disabling apps for younger students.

In every case, parents should keep in mind that many students are stressed and missing their classmates, so a little more leeway regarding student’s attempts to digitally keep in touch with their friends is perfectly reasonable.

5. Create new study habits to embrace a new normal during remote learning

Use these tips to minimize distractions, maintain focus, and create new study habits to make the most of digital learning during the pandemic.

• Turn off unnecessary alerts: Getting incoming notifications and alerts can derail a student’s ability to concentrate. Make sure computer and phone apps, such as social media, weather, package delivery, and email, are set to be silent during class and study times
• Keep reminders handy: Get your student in the habit of writing down one to three goals or tasks they need to accomplish each day on a sticky note. Keeping these goals as a note on their computer or nearby can be an easy way to refocus when distractions arise
• Use a study partner: If your student would enjoy social interaction with another good student, having a dedicated partner may help them achieve more. Consider putting a time limit on their communication to make sure the lessons get completed
• Consider getting a tutor: At some point, your student is likely to have trouble with a subject. Make sure you communicate the importance of asking for help. If a teacher can’t spend enough time with your child, consider hiring an online or in-person tutor, such as an older student
• Match tasks with energy: If your student finds it difficult to concentrate on studies during a particular time of day, encourage them to work at a different time. For instance, if they have more focus at night, consider allowing them to study later
• Use study blocks: It can be challenging for young people to maintain focus for long periods. Consider setting a timer for study blocks, such as 30 minutes, and then a 10-minute break. This structure gives students a quick reward for putting in some hard work

6. Create structure with a daily plan

One approach to help students focus and to reduce digital distractions is parents helping their kids create structure at home. You do this by creating a plan for the following day at the end of every day. What assignments need to get accomplished? What order do they want to do them in? And by what time do they want to have them done?

For many students, learning remotely gives them the freedom to do their work when, and how they want. Schools not only provide social interaction, but structure to their life. By creating an at-home structure for school, remote students can be more productive by knowing what they need to do and by what time they would like to be done with it. This allows time for breaks, lunch, relaxing, etc.

7. Gradually build up restricted device time to reduce digital distractions

All students will eventually need the self-discipline to manage this issue themselves, but I have some suggestions for parents who are starting from scratch with kids who have never had any kind of device restrictions before.

Our first tip is to slightly limit something outside of school work. For example, a parent of one of my students started by limiting their kids to one hour of video games per day. This was a big adjustment for this student, but eventually, they came to really value this one hour.

Once the student is familiar with the idea of being restricted, apply the same tactic to another device. Our suggestion is to first deny access to their phone for a certain time in the evening, maybe during dinner. Reinforce that it is not permanent and make sure to give the device back on time in order to build trust.

From there, either increase the time period, add an additional hour somewhere in the day, and move into homework time if it’s going well. We suggest establishing a set time for homework and limiting phone access during that time.

This process can continue to scale as needed, but the trick is not to go too far in the beginning. Parents and teachers need to make it doable for students just starting out and then build up trust and consistency, so it simply becomes part of the routine.

8. Help your student understand the importance of the schoolwork and homework

As a certified elementary teacher and tutor, Zoie Hoffman has dedicated herself to spending time helping individual students reach their educational goals.

Hoffman says to have a mindset shift about what homework and school work is all about. Some kids think that homework is something they have to get through because their parents and teachers say so. Parents can help by placing the responsibility for getting those things done with their kids and help them understand why they need to do it.

Have discussions with your child about why homework is important. Here are some talking points:

• Homework allows students to move towards mastery
• The more they practice, the more results they’ll see in what they can do academically
• Routinely doing homework will help increase grades and help students better reach their goals

Conclusion

Parents should also show students how to reduce digital distractions when they are working or concentrating on a task. For example, put your phone away when you sit down to write work emails, pay the bills, or make a grocery list. If your child sees you without your phone during those times, it will speak louder than you simply telling them. Model what you want your child to do.

PCS

DCS

MHS