SLVUSD Charter News
Vol 1.16 - Week of April 14, 2024
From the Principal
- Thank you to the Quail Hollow Homeschool actors and actresses, singers, dancers, and generally brilliant performers, along with our wonderful Teacher Katie, for an awesome The Rumplestiltskin Method - Learning to Learn - what a wonderful lesson for all of us!
- Is your child a writer? Ms Stockton, our Literacy Specialist (and NA Social Studies teacher) is presenting the "24 word" short story competition - due 04/24/24. Please encourage your creative child to participate. No violence, weapons or gore, but plenty of room for creativity! See the poster below for more info.
- Parents, please watch for mail in the next week, as you'll be receiving the next round of Map test results for your student. Map tests help us diagnose areas needing support, and give us a pretty decent prediction of how students will do in the State tests.
- Just note that Grades 2-5 did not take the test in March, so there are no reports going out to QHHS. Next year the pilot will continue with Map testing only in September and December, so that we don't "over test" in the Spring.
- Grades 6-8 did not take the Reading test in March, as they were taking the Lexia Power-up placement test instead (for reading and word study supplementation). They did take the Math test, so reports will be showing their growth and achievement scores. (We want to see 50th percentile for both - then your student is right on track.)
- Grades 8 and 9 took the Map Science test for the first time
- Grades 9 - 11 took both Reading and Math and should now see growth and achievement scores for both.
- SLV Baseball's Calamari Dinner & Silent Auction will be Saturday, April 20th from 5 pm - 9 pm at the Brumbaugh Residence - 200 Holiday Lane in Ben Lomond. Tickets are $25 and there is a tremendous Silent Auction. Come support SLV Baseball, have a great meal, see a lot of great people, and win some sweet prizes. Tickets available at Ben Lomond Liquors, and a limited number at the door.
- The SLVMS Panther Club is inviting all middle and high school families to attend the re-screen of Screenagers: Next Chapter on April 24 at the PAC 7 - 8:30pm. "The movie dives into the double-edged world of social media and screens. It explores how they can impact your life, for better or worse. This isn't a finger-wagging lecture - it's an open discussion about the digital world you live in every day. You'll meet teens who are figuring out, just like you, how to find a healthy balance with technology.
This movie will help you:
Uncover surprising facts about how social media affects your brain, mood, and relationships.
Learn tips and tricks to take control of your screen time and avoid distractions.
Hear real stories from teens about overcoming challenges and finding a healthy tech balance.
"Screenagers: Next Chapter" is your guide to figuring out your relationship with technology. It's about being more present with friends, family, and school, while still navigating the positive and negative aspects of the digital world."
Take a look at the busy month of April and May's upcoming dates and events below, as well as our first day of school for 2024-25 and first day of in-person classes for our homeschool programs!
Here's to a great week!
Kerry
Fun Nature Academy Trivia Night coming up!
Who: Nature Academy students, teachers, and staff and their families
When: Friday, April 19, from 6:00-8:00
What: Potluck dinner, small fundraiser, trivia rounds, and prizes!
The NA Parent Cooperative has sent out a sign-up for RSVPs and to bring a main, side dish, drinks, or desserts.
Please bring your own reusable dishware and utensils from home to make this a sustainable event!
If you only have a team of one or two, think about joining up with others. Max team size: about 6 people.
More info? Call Sarah Nash at 669-240-3750
This is a great opportunity to meet some other Nature Academy folks and socialize as a community. See you there!
April is National Arab American Heritage Month!
"During the month of April, across the country, cultural institutions, school districts, municipalities, state legislatures, public servants, and non-profit organizations issue proclamations and engage in special events that celebrate [the Arab American community’s] rich heritage and numerous contributions to society." (Arab America Foundation, 2024)
Please click here for a collection of books and other resources that our librarian Mabel has put together for our homeschool parents.
SLV Music & Art Festival
SAVE THE DATE for The SLV Music & Art Festival, Wednesday, May 22nd, 2024, 4-8pm at Roaring Camp!
The 3rd annual SLV Music & Art Festival is an outdoor, community event that features performances by: SLVHS choir and bands, SLVMS bands, SLVUSD Charter School band, SLVE and BCE 5th grade bands, and the SLV Community Band! There is an art show and sale (by donation) put on by the SLVHS Art Department! There will be multiple food trucks and also silent and live auctions that support the SLV Music Boosters. Please come and celebrate community while supporting our growing student musicians and artists!
Looking ahead over the next two weeks and beyond
April is Autism Acceptance and Diversity Celebration Month & National Arab American Heritage Month!
Mon, Apr 15
- Charter Band Rehearsal - MPR at 5pm
Tues, Apr 16
- Gaga ball pit reserved for elementary programs every Tuesday
- GleeProv Club meeting in the MPR at 2:45 - 4:30pm
Wed, Apr 17
- Papa Murphy's Grad Night fundraiser for online orders (See flyer below)
Thurs, Apr 18
- Student Council meets at 8:15am in the Library
- 3rd of our 4-session SVMI Math trainings for parents 9:30 - 12:30pm - click here to sign up!
- Lego in the Library! 12 - 1:15pm
- Dungeons & Dragons Club - Room 26 - 2:15 - 3:15pm
- SLVE Open House 5:30pm
Fri, Apr 19
- Mandatory Physical Fitness testing for 9th graders - QH field - 9:30am
- All Charter Homeschool Event: Capture the Flag - 10:30am - Quail Hollow Ranch Field
- SLV Charter Trivia Night fundraiser - 5 - 9pm in the MPR
Mon, Apr 22 is Earth Day
- Charter Band Rehearsal - MPR at 5pm
Tues, Apr 23
- Gaga ball pit reserved for elementary programs every Tuesday
- Parent Advisory Council meets at 9:15am in the MPR
- GleeProv Club meets in the MPR at 2:45pm
- SLV Charter Band performance - 5pm - SLVHS PAC
Wed, Apr 24
- Due date for 4/24/24 24-word short story competition
-"Screenagers" screening at SLVHS PAC 7 - 8:30pm - recommended for middle and high school families
Thurs, Apr 25
- Student Council meets in the Library at 8:15am
- Lego in the Library! 12 - 1:15pm
- Dungeons & Dragons Club - Room 26 2:15 - 3:15pm
- SLVMS Open House - 5:30pm
Fri, Apr 26
- CRHS and SLVHS Senior Prom - 7:30pm
Coming up:
May 1 - 30 - CAASPP testing Math and ELA (schedule to be shared by program teacher)
May 2 - 5:30pm BCE Open House
May 3 - Month 11 Attendance due
May 3 - 7pm - Charter Talent Show at PAC
May 6 - 10 Staff Appreciation Week
May 7 - 4pm - Charter Band performs at Felton Farmer's Market
May 10 - 12pm - Charter Field Day followed by Ice Cream Social
May 17 - All Charter Homeschool Skate Day
May 18 - Goodwill Truck is parked at SLVHS for donations
May 22 - 4 - 8pm - SLV Music and Art Festival at Roaring Camp
May 27 - No school - Memorial Day observed
May 29 - 9:30am - QHIA 8th grade Advancement - Bear Creek Rec.
May 31 - Month 12 Attendance due
May 31 - 10am - CRHS Graduation - Fall Creek amphitheater
June 1 and 2 - 9am - Redwood Mountain Fair
June 4 - 10:30am - CRMS 8th Grade Advancement - Natural Bridges Beach
June 6 - Month 13 Attendance due
June 6 - 10:30am - Nature Academy 8th Grade Advancement, QH Field
June 6 - 12:05pm - Last day of school, minimum day dismissal time for all programs
June 7 - 8pm - Senior Grad Night at SLVHS
Aug 8 - First day of School (NA); Homeschool independent study/academics begin
Aug 19 - CRHS in person classes resume
Aug 27 - Homeschool program in person enrichment classes begin
Nature Academy parents, don't forget to check the Nature Academy Google Calendar to be sure which bell schedule we're on! (You can also click here if you are not a Google Calendar subscriber)
- A1 Mondays are 3pm dismissal at the tricampus;
- A2 Mondays are 2:05pm dismissal at Nature Academy;
- O days are Tues/Thurs, dismissal 2:05pm;
- E days are Wed/Fri, dismissal 2:20pm (Wed) and 2:05 (Fri);
- Minimum Days dismiss at 12:05;
- Short Mondays dismiss at 1:19pm
- Excursion Days (dates not all finalized) - times are individual to the excursion
Student Council Update from Teacher Alex
Don't forget Student Council is collecting Izze cans for a school fundraiser! Please encourage your student to place their empty Izze cans in the bins provided around the campus - if the pull tabs are still on we get more in return!
Student Council meets every Thursday in the Library from 8:15 - 8:45am. Any Charter student is welcome!
Attention 5th, 6th and 7th grade parents!
Prior to 7th grade entry California law, Health and Safety Code 120325-129375 requires that your 6th grader must receive a Tdap booster vaccine. By law, schools are required to collect vaccines information, monitor immunizations, and enforce vaccine requirements for school.
Additionally, the California Health and Safety Code requires the District to notify parents of the recommendation that pupils are fully immunized against human papillomavirus (HPV) before admission or advancement to the eighth-grade level of any private or public elementary or secondary school.
HPV vaccines can be given starting at age 9 years. Talk with your healthcare provider or school nurse if you have additional questions.
Elementary Homeschool parent Math training opportunity
Jo Boaler and her team at Stanford University are presenting a professional development sessions in which they will share new math research, teaching materials and teaching advice. The new workshop is called “Number Sense Workshop for Educators (Grades 2-5)” and there are three date/format choices available. Click below for more information on this training covering a pivotal, essential topic for this student age group:
- April 30, May 9 & May 23: (series of 3 live online sessions, 3:30-5:30 pm PDT)
- May 2: (live online, 8:30 am-3:00 pm PDT)
- August 20-21: (2 days in person at Stanford)
(There is a fee for workshops. To inquire about a scholarship, please send an email to: pdinfo@youcubed.org.)
If you’re interested in following our Instagram account, showcasing news and events from SLVUSD Charter School, here is the info:
“I'm on Instagram as slvcharterschool. Install the app to follow my photos and videos, or click this link: https://instagram.com/slvcharterschool?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
(Please know that we will be very careful not to post pictures of students on the "Do not Photograph" list.)
And if you haven't started following the District Instagram accoount, look for "slvusd" and click "Follow!"
Community opportunities
Did you know that our district maintains a "Community Opportunities" website? This is for parents / students to receive information about current local events and opportunities for adults and/or children.
Note: The San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District does not sponsor or endorse any of the organizations or events that are located here. They are non-school sponsored events and are not being promoted by the school district. All postings are provided as a courtesy to the parents/students.
Homework Help at the Public Library
Bring your assignments to one of the FREE drop-in Homework Help sessions at one of the following public libraries.
Tuesdays from 3:00p to 5:00p.
Downtown, 224 Church St., Santa Cruz
Felton, 6121 Gushee St.
Capitola, 2005 Wharf Rd.
La Selva Beach, 316 Estrella Ave.
Open to all students up to grade 12.
Call 831.427.7713 for more information.
Guide to Resources for Families in SLV
Here's a handy one-pager listing various organizations and resources for families in the San Lorenzo Valley.
Mental Health resources
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - with a link to their March newseltter
Brightlife Kids, an organization that provides free online support in behavioral coaching for parents, caregivers and students aged 0 - 12.
Attendance matters!
Attendance Matters!
We hope to see a positive improvement in our attendance rates this year, and encourage our families to support your student in participating consistently, whether it be in a homeschool program where work completion = attendance, or in our classroom-based 5 day a week Nature Academy. Students who are absent 10% or more in a school year are typically "less proficient in reading, writing and math than their peers with good attendance" (Source: CA Dept of Ed.) Thank you for being our partners in supporting good attendance.
Volunteer information
New! Volunteer application hours - PLEASE NOTE: The Charter Office and SLVUSD Human Resources Office hours will process volunteer registrations on Tuesdays from 7:00-11:00 am and Thursdays from 12:30-3:30 pm. The Human Resources Office is located at 325 Marion Avenue, Ben Lomond, CA 95005.
All Charter parents are encouraged to register with the District as a volunteer and a field trip driver. (All parents are asked to drive on excursions...)
Please click here to access the required volunteer paperwork. Hard copy paperwork is also available at the Charter Office.
To use your personal vehicle to transport your own or other students, we will need updated driver information on file as well - please click here for the form.
Ø New Volunteer: You will be required to fill out the volunteer paperwork and obtain a signature from the principal. Once complete, please bring your signed paperwork to the Human Resources Office. You will be required to provide a current TB result. Also, all new volunteers will be required to be fingerprinted.
Ø Returning Volunteer: You will be required to provide current TB results. This documentation can be provided to the Charter office. The school site will forward current TB results to the Human Resources Office. You may also bring current TB results directly to the Human Resources Office.
Transportation
If your child takes the bus to or from school, please remember you will need to purchase a bus pass. Please click here to access the Transportation web page with all the information you will need.
ALL Nature Academy students have to be registered to take bus transportation on A1 days to the tricampus. (No need to pay.). Our office has taken care of this registration paperwork.
Students at Coast Redwood High who need afternoon transportation to the tricampus for concurrent enrollment classes can take the TK bus that leaves the District Office at noon each day. They will not need to pay for a bus pass. However they still need to register with Transportation. Rides will be denied if students are not registered.)
The Charter Office staff ask families to call in before 1:50pm if they have a message for their student about changing that day's bus transportation arrangement.
Athletics information (middle school)
Middle School athletes, remember that eligibility rules require you to carry at least a 2.0 GPA (C average) to remain eligible to complete in the middle school athletics practices and competitions.
Parents, please read this updated Spectator Code of Conduct from SLVMS Principal Shanna Urbancic.
Please click here for a link to the Panther Athletics website (SLVMS) and here for the Athletic Director's latest newsletter.
Please click here for a link to the Cougar Athletics website (SLVHS).
Parking lot safety
Student drop off and pick-up:
Please be mindful of safety during drop-off and pick-up. Drive slowly, and stay with your young child when walking to and from your car. Older students should walk (never run), and watch for moving cars when the are in the parking area.
- Parents/guardians of elementary-age students need to park and walk their students to their classroom and sign them in at their classroom.
- Middle school and High school students can walk to their classroom, where the teacher will take attendance, or students will sign in.
- If your student is taking the bus, they will be dropped off in the morning in front of the District Office.
- At pick up time, teachers will supervise all students until they are picked up - either at the bus stop at the top of Marion, or at the parent pick-up spot behind the District Office building.
NOTE: The driveway down to the main campus is not designed for walkers and cars at the same time. Buses need to take wide turns to exit the transportation lot. Please use the stairs when going up and down from Marion Avenue to the central campus area.
Parking:
- Parents of elementary and middle school students can park in front of the District Office Building.
- CRHS students who are driving to classes can park in the front parking lot and walk up the stairs to the CRHS building.
Bikes:
- Any student who is riding their bike to the campus needs to park their bike at the top by the Coast Redwood High School building, along the side of the path, and walk down the steps to the central campus area.
Nutrition services
- All SLVUSD students are eligible to receive a free breakfast and lunch through the cafeteria. Breakfast can be picked up any time from 8:15am - 8:45am, no order needed. Lunch must be ordered online*.
- Meals are be served from our Multi-use Room in the central area of the campus
- Lunch times vary per program, but generally happen in the 11:50 - 12:30 window
- Elementary students will have lunch cards (kept in the MPR).
- Secondary students will need to key in their student ID on a keypad
- Please be sure your online order is in by 9am on the day prior, to ensure hot lunch. Some limited cold lunch options will be available for anyone who didn't order in time.
- *Here is a link to the steps for setting up a LINQ account and ordering your child's lunch. (Free to all; no charge!)
- Please click here for important ordering information
- Link to SLV Student Nutrition Services website
- Please complete the Free/Reduced Lunch Application at https://family.titank12.com/
- Although a meal application is not necessary to receive free meals during the 2023-2024 school year, households are encouraged to complete a meal application to ensure that your school receives accurate funding. As well, your child’s eligibility for free or reduced lunch could qualify you for additional outside services or benefits including Free/Reduced Bus passes, student fee waivers, P-EBT, discounted utilities, and more.
After school childcare
SLVUSD partners with the YMCA to provide before and after-school childcare at Boulder Creek Elementary and San Lorenzo Valley Elementary. For more information, please reach out to the YMCA (831) 338-2128, or visit their website - YMCA CHILDCARE.
Triple P
Triple P/First Five of Santa Cruz County offer ongoing parenting classes for parents of students of all ages. Please click here to see their workshop offerings.
Triple P also offers 1:1 sessions for parents who are needing intensive 10 week session and add-on sessions for people who are divorcing or separating (Family Transitions), for couples wanting to work on their relationship (Enhanced) and for people wanting to work on their strong emotions, like anger (Pathways). If interested in 1:1 sessions, please contact First 5 of Santa Cruz: https://www.first5scc.org/contact
