VRA and IS Newsletter 07.20.26

A word from our new Principal at VRA and IS:

Hello, VRA and Independence families!

I am incredibly excited to join the Valley Robotics Academy and Independence School community as your new principal!

A little about me: I have spent my career in education serving students in a variety of roles, including teaching middle school, coordinating reading intervention programs, and working in school leadership. I am passionate about creating learning environments where students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Outside of school, I love spending time with my family, especially my one-year-old son, Tomás who keeps me on my toes!

I look forward to getting to know our students, families, and staff. I can't wait to meet you all!

Brenda Luna-Garcia

Reminder: Wednesday, November 11, 2026 is Veterans Day and the site will be closed.

The drop-off parking lot gate closes promptly at 8:35 AM, so if you arrive past that time, please bring your student to the main gate and buzz in.

Volunteer Requirement Update: To all our wonderful parent and guardian volunteers: a new mandate requires all volunteers (even if you are already registered with the school) to complete the short Mandated Reporter: Child Abuse and Neglect training video. Click here for step-by-step instructions: https://www.lodiusd.net/families/volunteer

As always, if you need to get a hold of anyone please contact the front office for VRA and IS at 209 331-8008.

Hey VRA families!

We can all agree that the 82 calves in this year’s Adopt A Cow program are special, but who will be named America’s Choice? The choice is yours! Voting is NOW OPEN for our America's Choice contest! You have from now until November 4 at 4 pm EST to join the fun and vote for Hazel alongside your local elections. Let’s come together for a friendly competition and build some excitement for 1st-3rd Grade's newly adopted calf! W

Voting opened on Monday, November 2 at 12:01 a.m. EST and will close on Wednesday, November 4 at 4 p.m. EST.

Dear Parents and Families,

The holiday season is a time for kindness, generosity, and caring for one another. We are excited to announce our 1st Annual School-Wide Socks for the Season Holiday Sock Drive!

We invite all staff, students, and families to join us in helping our neighbors experiencing homelessness feel warm, comfortable, and cared for during the colder months. Something as simple as a new pair of socks can make a big difference!

Here’s How You Can Help:

• Dates: November 2 – December 11

• What to donate: New socks only, please! We welcome all sizes for kids, teens, and adults.

• Student and parent drop-off locations: Donations can be dropped off in the Front Office or given to any staff member.

Every pair counts, and every donation is a chance to show compassion and support for others in our community. We hope you’ll join us in making this holiday season a little warmer for those in need.

All donated socks will be given to a local organization in San Joaquin County that supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Thank you for helping us spread warmth, kindness, and holiday cheer throughout our community. Together, we can make this season a little brighter for those who need it most!

☕ A Special Treat for Our Student Donors!

As a little thank-you for spreading kindness, students who participate in the sock drive will have the opportunity to enjoy a warm cup of hot cocoa on our final collection day, December 11, before school starts!

🧦 Sock Hop Special – December 11! 🎶

Students in grades 7–12 can bring a donation of new socks to the door on December 11 and receive half off admission to the Sock Hop!

Thank you for your participation!

Parents, please take a moment to check in with your student and verify that they are enrolled in at least one college class for the upcoming semester.

Your student needs meet with a Delta College counselor at least once each year to keep their educational plan, following the master agreement and on track to make sure they are enrolling in the right classes.

Please have your student call (209) 954-5151, ext. 6276 to schedule your appointment.

If your student needs help scheduling, an appointment please ask them to schedule an appointment with me.

***All Seniors are required to meet with a Delta College counselor if are they receiving their AA degree they must go through the Degree Conferral Process.

Please take a few minutes to check in with your student and ask them to:
✅ Check their Delta grades
✅ Make sure assignments and homework are being completed
✅ Check Canvas regularly for upcoming work and deadlines

🧬 10th Grade Biology Reminder:

Registration for Bio 10 has closed and we there were students who were not able to get in, Delta will offer Bio 10 again in the Fall and for any sophomores who did not get in fall will be the next opportunity to register.

Thank you for helping your student plan ahead and stay on track for graduation! 💙

The district has been working hard to enforce the "no phone zone" policy at every site and we want to ensure we are supporting as well. Please remind your students to put away their cell phones as they enter campus. We will kindly remind your student to put their phone away if they are seen however if they are seen again we will implement consequences.

Buy your VRA Gear now and support the PTO!

Please welcome our new Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO)! The current board members are:

• Corrine Wong - President
• Katie Descent - Secretary
• April Stewart - Treasurer

For any information and inquiries, please email Corrine at valleyroboticspto@gmail.com