October Newsletter

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Zoom Link

https://zoom.us/my/h.rodriguez

Our Special Guest Corry Perez will guide us through drawing ourselves as a Tim Burton Character. All are welcome!

Students: you will find the club meeting on your Launchpad Calendar

Staff: if you'd like to join, please let me know and I will add you to the course

"Authenticity is a collection of choices that we have to make every day. It's about the choice to show up and be real. The choice to be honest. The choice to let our true selves be seen." -BRENE BROWN

The Passion First mindset teaches us that we are each a unique expression of human life, and that our lives should be focused on finding our unique genius and sharing it with the world to the maximum extent possible.

Cougar Kindness Award Nomination Form

MORE OUTINGS TO COME!

For more details please go to the ACTIVITIES PAGE and SIGN-UP!

Email aguevara@k12insightca.org with completed permission slips.

Permission Slip Required

Meets Every Other Thursday @3PM

For permission slips, please go to the ACTIVITIES PAGE

Counselors

Tracy Paulo Last Names A-Cm tpaulo@k12insightca.org

Nilma Alvarez- Drinkwater Last Names Cn-Ha nalvarez-drinkwater@k12insightca.org

Amanda Ponce Deleon Last Names Hb-Ma aponcedeleon@k12insightca.org

Cassandra Marcum Last Names Mb-Ro camarcum@k12insightca.org

Kelly Mortensen Last Names Rp-Z kemortensen@k12insightca.org

Have you ever been in a situation that reminded you of an experience and your hands began to sweat, your heart began to beat faster, at times negative thoughts came to your mind, and you worried about what could happen? If this is you, you are not alone. What was just described are some ways anxiety can present itself.

Anxiety you say? Yes, anxiety. This word carries so much weight. How about we begin by defining it? The American Psychological Association (APA) defines anxiety as “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.” Anxiety has also been described as a “feeling of dread, and uneasiness.”

Some Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Restlessness

• Uncontrollable feelings of worry

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sweating

• Heart beating fast

• Shaking, trembling

• Muscle tension

You can try these techniques when you feel anxiety is taking over:

1. Slow Breathing- Slowly inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Click here for a video of a breathing exercise.

1. Stay in the Present Moment- Remind yourself where you are (the now), not letting fears of something that has not happened yet take over. Click here for Present Moment Awareness.

1. Be Kind to Yourself- Know that those feelings do not determine who you are.

1. Practice Mindful Journaling- This allows you to express your emotions and reflect on them.

1. Challenge your self-talk- Analyze what your true current situation is and try to think of different outcomes for that situation, including a positive one.

1. Get to know Your Anxiety- Identify what makes you feel anxious, how it presents itself, and identify which technique helps you challenge your thoughts and become present in the moment.

For more information on how to create a Safe Place (Grounding Exercise) click here .

Please visit our Counseling Website for more resources, click here .

If you are in an immediate crisis, call 911.

Click the banner above.

If you are in an immediate crisis, call 911.

Create a Tallo Profile to Unlock Huge Opportunities! Tallo

The California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee (Cal-JAC) invites your students to attend their Southern California Firefighter Career Expo, an annual event to recruit talent for the fire service. Taking place on Saturday, October 17th at the SD Firefighter Candidate Testing Center, students will have the opportunity to…

• Meet with fire department recruiters.

• Attend workshops presented by firefighters.

• Try out the Candidate Physical Ability Test (CPAT).

• Learn about the FCTC Statewide Eligibility List (SEL) and how to be added.

• Get an up-close look at firefighting equipment.

• And more!

Event Details

Where: Firefighter Candidate Testing Center San Diego; 6144 Innovation Way, Carlsbad 92009

When: Sat, Oct 17th, 11 am – 2 pm

Who: Open to the public.

Cost: Free!

To Register: Complete this form.

*Note: lunch will be provided.

For questions, email the Cal-JAC team at caljac@cpf.org or call 916-648-1717.

The Scripps Research Outreach team would like to share a fun, free, and educational opportunity for students and families at Scripps Research Discovery Day, taking place on Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Scripps Research campus in La Jolla.

Discovery Day will feature hands-on activity stations, chemistry demonstrations, and opportunities to interact with Scripps Research scientists in a fun and casual setting. This is a great opportunity for students and families to experience scientific exploration and learn more about the work taking place at Scripps Research.

Below you will find event information. The event flyer is also attached to this email and can be shared with your students and families.

• WHAT: Scripps Research Discovery Day

• DATE: Saturday, October 3, 2026

• TIME: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

• LOCATION: Scripps Research Auditorium Courtyard, La Jolla

• COST: Free

• REGISTRATION: Pre-registration is requested. The QR code on the attached flyer can be used to register for the event. Additional information is available at scripps.edu/discoveryday.

• Briette Peterson: Director of Engagement (951) 389-4877 bripeterson@k12insightca.org
• Tricia Altman: Student and Family Champion (760) 383-0586 taltman@k12insightca.org

• Carmen Cardenas: Student Champion Clerk (781)649-3940 cacardenas@k12insightca.org
• Leahndrah Carrillo: Student Champion Clerk (805) 792-8904 lecarrillo@k12insightca.org
• Anica Garcia: Academic Growth Advocate (ISCA) (559) 900-1781 agarcia@k12insightca.org
• Jade Fries: Academic Growth Advocate (SD/SJ) (559) 797-1040 jafries@k12insightca.org
• Jeannie Sheffield: Retention Specialist (ISCA) (559) 549-4309 jsheffield@k12insightca.org
• Ruby Magana : Retention Specialist (ISSD & ISSJ) (559) 623-7012 rmagana@k12insightca.org
• Lyla Rodriguez: Bilingual Engagement Coach (951) 484-0886 lrodriguez@k12insightca.org
• Alyssia Guevara: Media and Community Liaison (408) 459-8223 aguevara@k12insight.org

  
  

BTSP VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

e-mail BTSPhelp@k12insightca.org

Tutor.com has partnered with Insight schools for 24/7 one-on-one free tutoring resources!

Click on the image above or go to www.tutor.com/isca in your browser.

Log in with your Star360 username and password to unlock extra support and help you need!

Register for the following webinars!

Our Navigating K12 webinars are designed to empower you with the tools, resources, and confidence you need to thrive in this new learning adventure. During the session, you’ll:

- Discover how to navigate the online learning platform with ease.

- Explore two amazing tools designed to support you and your student.

- Gain practical tips for setting up a productive at-home learning space.

- Learn about key resources and contacts to help you throughout the year.

- Get answers to your questions about schedules, extracurriculars, and more.

Please click here or on the image to register!

• Connect with one another
• Enjoy Interactive discussions
• Receive and share advice, ideas and encouragement

Learning Coach University #1 - Parent/Learning Coach Resources. We cover how to support your student in the New OLS, and to gain the ability to seek answers to your questions, plus so much more! Learn about: Learning Coach Community, ParentGuidance.org & events, One Stop Shop, Newsletters, LCs FAQ and connecting with Insight!

Media and Community Liaison

phone (408) 459-8223

email aguevara@k12insight.org

ISCA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access educational programs and activities. As required by Title IX, ISCA does not discriminate on the basis of gender, in its educational programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the Title IX non-discrimination matters:

Morgan Vincent , ISCA Title IX Coordinator, 50 Moreland Road Simi Valley, CA 93065. movincent@k12insightca.org (951) 894-9089

Additionally, you may contact the Office of Civil Rights by calling 1-800-421-3481.