Monday, February 22, 2016

Physical Fitness Test (5th, 7th & 9th only)


All students in grades 5, 7, and 9 are required to take a physical fitness test. The PFT.

Information about the test can be found here.

The easiest way to fulfill this requirement is to attend the Visions Park and PE Testing Day, in Cameron Park, that CT Callie Johnson is hosting. Here is the flyer. If you do plan to attend this event, please let me know as soon as possible, so I can tell her you are coming and she can put you on the list.

Alternatively, I can administer the test at one of our upcoming meetings, or you may do it yourselves at home. The test results are due on or before April 8th.


Washington DC 8th/9th Grade Excursion


Screen Shot 2016-02-09 at 12.29.21 PM.png
Visions in Education would like to invite our 2016-17 Home School Eighth and Ninth Graders to join us on An American Adventure.  We will depart Northern California and travel by plane to our nation’s capital, Washington DC.  We will spend five days and four nights touring such sites as:

• The National Air and Space Museum

• The Lincoln Memorial

• The Vietnam War Memorial

• Ford’s Theater (Site of President Lincoln’s Assassination)

• Mt. Vernon (Home of George and Martha Washington)

• The National Museum of American History

• The US Capitol Building

• The National Museum of Natural History

• Arlington National Cemetery

• The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

• The Library of Congress


See Flyer for more info.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/22
CT Professional Development in Carmichael

Tuesday
Ione
Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
Tyler & Lexi - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Leila - 11:00
Zora - 12:30
Clark's Corner
Jaye - 2:00
Lillian - 3:00

Thursday
Pioneer
Connor - 11:00
Xanett - 12:00
Emma E.- 1:10

Friday
Office Day

Monday, February 15, 2016

Proposal to Eliminate Charter Schools

From the WIRE, posted on February 12, 2016 by Jody Graf:


PROPOSED ANTI-CHARTER INITIATIVE IN THE NEWS

Visions has received numerous inquiries from our families and staff about a potential ballot measure, the Elimination of Charter Schools Initiative that has been cleared to begin collecting petition signatures for possible inclusion on the November ballot. The initiative calls for the elimination of charter schools by repealing all laws governing charter schools, effective July 1, 2017. It would require charter schools to convert to traditional public schools or close, at local school districts’ discretion. All remaining funding and property would be transferred to the state. Secretary of State Alex Padilla made this announcement this past Monday, February 8. The initiative is in its beginning stages and would need at least 365,880 valid signatures, by August 8, 2016 before it could qualify for the ballot.

The backers of the initiative are focused more on for-profit organizations and for-profit charters, which is a very small fraction of the charter schools in California. Visions is, as are the vast majority of California charter schools, operated as a non-profit public school; it is tuition-free and open to all students. Also, as with all charter schools, Visions is held accountable to state and federal academic standards.
In the meantime here are some things you can do:

  1. Share your experience about the benefits of charter schools with friends, family, your legislator, etc. The more voices that support parent choice in education, the harder it will be for misrepresentations about charter schools to take hold.
  2. Help inform your friends and family members that your school is a public school and that charter schools are public schools.
  3. Read the fine print in any ballot measure to make sure you understand what you’re signing. Sometimes the wording to get your attention is misleading.
We will continue to monitor this and keep you informed if there are further developments.
-Jody

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/15
President's Day - No School

Tuesday
Plymouth
Jezreel - 10:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 11:30
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Luke & Alex - 12:30
Jasmine & Roxie - 2:30

Thursday
Somerset
Teran - 1:00
Camino
Alex M. - 3:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, February 8, 2016

SBAC Test Prep Classes (Grades 3-8 & 11)


Visions In Education is offering free Smarter Balanced Prep classes for grades 3-8 and 11 in ELA and math. Make sure your student feels prepared to take the Smarter Balanced Assessments this year by signing up for the classes. Now open for enrollment, the classes are free and are offered in multiple locations throughout our service area. Students will become familiar with SBAC test-taking procedures through topics covering exposure to the technology that will be utilized and what to expect in the performance task portion of the test. The classes will also offer a short time for student and parent questions.

The Prep classes must have a minimum enrollment of five students, 48 hours prior to the date or it will be canceled.  If a class is canceled, parents/guardians will be notified by email 24 hours in advance.

Prep Classes will be offered in Carmichael, Lodi, Concord, Fairfield, Rescue, Jackson, and South Lake Tahoe on a variety of dates towards the end of February and beginning of March.

Note: SBAC Prep Classes will not review grade-level content—test-taking procedures will be the primary focus.

Click here to find the schedule for 2016 SBAC Prep Classes. The schedule will be finalized soon and registration for the classes will take place in Launchpad.Write down the Class ID numbers, double check for accuracy and go to LaunchPad to register.

For questions regarding SBAC Prep Classes, contact our Class Coordinators James Mayo (916-971-5193) and Christina Jonsson (916-971-5192).

If you are looking for more materials to prepare your student for the upcoming SBAC test, please click here.

Another great resource is SmarterBalanced.org.

College: Making it Happen Event



Sacramento State is hosting its annual “College: Making It Happen!” college information day on Saturday, April 2, 2016. This program, intended primarily for 6th through 9th graders and their parents, is designed to convey the importance of early academic preparation and to inform families that a college education is still both affordable and attainable. The program is free and open to the public.

The program includes motivational sessions, practical hands-on workshops, career exploration, campus tours, and information sessions on preparing academically and financially for college. Representatives and counselors from local colleges and universities, tutoring programs, community agencies and other student support services will be available to answer questions and provide information about their services.  Some presentations will be offered in Hmong and Spanish.

The event will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2 at Sacramento State University, Union Ballroom. Due to its growing popularity, pre-registration is required.

Register  at www.csus.edu/cmih
Flyer

“College: Making It Happen!” is sponsored by Sacramento State, UC Davis Undergraduate Admissions & Early Academic Outreach Program, Los Rios Community College District, ScholarShare, CAL-SOAP Consortium, Breakthrough Sacramento, and other educational and community based organizations.

Upcoming

  • Lincoln's Birthday (No school): Monday, February 8
  • LP 6 Ends: Friday, February 12
  • Valentine's Day: Sunday, February 14
  • President's Day (No school): Monday, February 15
  • LP 7 Begins: Tuesday, February 16
  • Last Day to Add/Drop Classes: Friday, February 19
  • Last Day to Order Curriculum and Materials: Friday, February 26
  • Alliance Redwoods Environmental Camp (5th and 6th Graders): Monday, February 29 to Friday, March 4th




  • Rescue Project Fair: Wednesday, March 2
  • LP 7 Ends: Friday, March 11
  • Last Day to Add a Voucher Vendor: Friday, March 11
  • Daylight Saving Time Starts: Sunday, March 13
  • LP 8 Begins: Monday, March 14
  • St. Patrick's Day: Thursday, March 17
  • Spring Break: Monday, March 21 through Friday, March 25

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/8
No School - Lincoln's Birthday

Tuesday
Ione
Gage - 11:00
Haley, Riley, Madeline, & Paige- 12:30

Wednesday
Jackson - Grace Church
Connor - 11:30
Ana & Baruch - 12:30
Emily - 2:30

Thursday
Jackson - Round Table
William - 11:30
Jackson - Starbucks
Wyatt - 12:30
Xannett- 1:30

Friday
Carmichael
Gage - 2:00 ?

Monday, February 1, 2016

Staples Ordering


Visions is excited to announce a new partnership with Staples! Starting on January 21st, you will be able to order educational materials and supplies from Staples. Not only will Staples be a new vendor, but the Staples ordering process will be convenient and quick.

You can now use the Launchpad Order Wizard to start a Staples order. You will then be routed to the Staples website where you can shop for items and add them to a shopping cart, and then checkout. (You will not need to type in the item numbers and descriptions into Launchpad as is done with other vendors.) 

When checkout is completed, you will be routed back to Launchpad, where the order can be approved by your CT and reviewed by resource center staff. Please see the specific instructions on how to order from Staples by clicking here.

Once an order has been approved and reviewed, Staples will process the order within a day or two, and ship items very quickly.

Please keep in mind that the Supplementary Materials Purchasing Matrix still applies when adding items to the cart for purchase. Staples may have items available in their store that are not approvable, so please do not order these items.

Visions is excited to be able to offer this new ordering opportunity to more efficiently serve our wonderful homeschool families and students!

Key Ordering Deadlines



• Last day to order curriculum: February 26, 2016.

• Last day to add a new voucher vendor: March 11, 2016.
• Last day to order computer or voucher: April 1, 2016.
• Pre-ordering for 2016-17 school year starts April 11, 2016.
• Last day to request a parent field trip reimbursement: June 3, 2016.
• Last day to turn in Textbook Transfer: June 6, 2016.
• Last day to request a community college reimbursement: June 3, 2016.
• Last day to return all returnable items: June 10, 2016.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/1
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
Tyler & Lexi - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Leila - 11:00
Zora - 12:30
Lillian - 1:35
Clark's Corner
Jaye - 3:00

Thursday
Pioneer Library
Xanett - 12:00
Emma E.- 1:10
Connor - 2:20

Friday
Office Day

Monday, January 25, 2016

Ski Days


Visions students and immediate family members are invited to enjoy a day of skiing or snowboarding at Sierra-at-Tahoe.

With multiple dates to choose from, students will be able to use student funds to learn the sport, and family members and non-lesson students will get the advantage of discounted rates.

Visions CTs Shelby Shupe and Ty Beekman are coordinating this annual event.

Remaining Ski Day Dates are:
Friday, February 5
Friday February 26
Friday, March 11

Click here for more information.
(This link will take you to the WIRE, so you will need to be logged in to Launchpad to view.)

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/25
Office Day

Tuesday
Plymouth
Jezreel - 10:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 11:30
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Luke & Alex - 12:30
Jasmine & Roxie - 2:30

Thursday
Camino
Alex M. - 11:00
Grizzly Flat
Teran - 1:00

Friday
Office Day

Monday, January 11, 2016

Testing News



A few parents have asked questions about upcoming state testing in the spring. Here is the information I have so far. Remember that it is still early days in the planning and dates may change. I do not have testing times yet. I will continue to update you as information is shared with me.

Who is taking tests and what tests will they be taking?
Smarter Balanced Tests:
• English language arts/literacy and mathematics in grades 3–8 and grade 11
Paper-pencil tests:
• California Standards Tests (CSTs) for Science—grades 5, 8, and 10

Where can we start practicing for these tests?
CAASP Practice Tests
http://www.caaspp.org/practice-and-training/

CST Practice Tests
Grade 5 Science
Grade 8 Science
Grade 10 Science

Other ways to get your child ready include:
  • Typing practice 
  • Computer navigation practice
  • Reading long stories and other text on a computer or tablet screen

Where and when will my student test?
Jackson - Grace Church
May 3 - 6 (CST and 11th grade SBAC Tuesday, SBAC all grades Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday if needed)

Rescue - Foothills United Methodist Church
April 26 - 29 (CST and 11th grade SBAC Tuesday, SBAC all grades Wednesday and Thursday, and Friday if needed)

Visions is required by the state to have over 95% of its students test, falling under that number endangers the Charter and puts Visions at risk for state compliance monitoring.

Upcoming

  • LP 5 Ends: Friday, January 15
  • Martin Luther King Day (No school): Monday, January 18
  • Teacher Work Days (No School): Tuesday and Wednesday, January 19 and 20
  • LP 6 Begins: Thursday, January 21
  • Lincoln's Birthday (No school): Monday, February 8
  • LP 6 Ends: Friday, February 12

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/11
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Gage - 11:00
Haley, Riley, Madeline, & Paige- 12:30
Zora - 3:00 (Clark's Corner)

Wednesday
Jackson
Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
Jackson - Grace Church
Ana & Baruch - 12:30
Emily - 2:30
Tristan - 3:30

Thursday
Pine Grove
Emma N. - 11:00
William - 12:15
Joy & Tobias- 1:30

Friday
Jackson - Starbucks
Xannett - 11:00
Wyatt - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Lilly - 2:00


Monday, January 4, 2016

LP5 & LP6 - Friendly Reminder

LP5 ends on Friday, January 15.
LP6 Begins on Thursday, January 21.

During our LP5 meeting we will generate semester grades (6-12), and create the digital copy of official report cards (K-5). K-5 - Please have your draft report cards ready for our LP5 meeting.

During our LP6 meeting I will be collecting official work samples for Visions. All Grades - Please have your LP6 semester plan complete for our LP5 meeting (so we can cement what topics you will cover for official work samples), and the remainder of your semester plan complete for our LP6 meeting.

Thank you!

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/4
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
Tyler & Lexi - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Leila - 11:00
Zora - 12:30
Lillian - 1:35
Clark's Corner
Jaye - 3:00 (12:05?)

Thursday
Pioneer Library
Xanett - 12:00
Wyatt - 2:20
Emma E.- 3:30 - (1:10?)

Friday
Office Day

Monday, December 14, 2015

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/14
Professional Development in Carmichael

Tuesday
Plymouth
Jezreel - 10:00
Somerset
Yarrow ~ 11:20
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Luke & Alex - 12:30
Jasmine & Roxy - 2:30

Thursday
Camino
Alex M. - 11:00
Grizzly Flat
Teran ~ 12:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, December 7, 2015

Spelling Bee

Visions invites 1st to 8th grade students to participate in the school-wide Visions Spelling Bee this Friday 12/11 from 9 to 1. More information on the Spelling Bee event page.

Scholastic Book Fair

Join us at our annual Scholastic Book Fair, December 7th – 11th, for a fun opportunity to purchase books and other educational items. Families have two options to make purchases (on site or through Launchpad) and each enrolled student is allotted up to $50 from school funds for the book fair. To learn more visit our Book Fair event page.

Picture Day


Visions will host a Picture Day at the main office during the week of the book fair (Thurs, Dec. 10).  For more information, visit our Picture Day event page.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/7
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Gage - 11:00
Haley, Riley, Madeline, & Paige- 12:30

Wednesday
Jackson - Grace Church
Wyatt - 11:30
Ana & Baruch - 12:30
Emily - 2:30
Tristan - 3:30

Thursday
Pine Grove
Emma N. - 11:00
William - 12:15
Joy & Tobias- 1:30

Friday
Hold for Carmichael IEP meeting

Monday, November 30, 2015

Upcoming


  • Scholastic Book Fair: Monday, December 7 - Friday, December 11
  • LP 4 Ends: Friday, December 11
  • Optional School Pictures: Thursday, December 10
  • Spelling Bee: Friday, December 11, 9-1 p.m.
    • Christ Community Church, Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael. Grades 1-8 will do a grade level preliminary spelling bee. The top three winners of grades 3-8 will progress to a final round. The winner of the final round is eligible to participate in the Central Valley Spelling Bee.
  • Winter Break: Monday December 21 - Friday, January 1

  • New Year's Day: Friday, January 1
  • School Resumes: Monday, January 4
  • LP 5 Ends: Friday, January 15
  • Martin Luther King Day (No school): Monday, January 18
  • Teacher Work Days (No School): Tuesday and Wednesday, January 19 and 20
  • LP 6 Begins: Thursday, January 21

Report Cards


First semester report cards for K-5, and grades for 6-12, will be due at our LP5 meeting.

K-5
I will bring a paper (draft) copy of the report card to our LP4 meeting. (For parents to fill out and have ready for our LP5 meeting.) I will create the final copy, submit one to Visions and one to you.

6th through 12th grade:
Parents will provide LP5 grades at our LP5 meeting. I will calculate the cumulative grades from LP1-LP5 and enter them in to Launchpad. Visions will create and send the report card to you.


For additional information on Grades and Report Cards, or to download copies of K-5 report cards, see the Grades and Report Cards Overview page on the Wire.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 11/30
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
Tyler & Lexi - 1:00

Wednesday
Grace Church in Jackson
Leila - 11:00
Zora - 12:30
Clark's Corner in Ione
Lillian - 2:00
Jaye - 3:00

Thursday
Pioneer Library
Xanett - 12:00
Joey - 1:10
Wyatt - 2:20
Emma E.- 3:30

Friday
Office Day
Somerset
Yarrow - 10:00

Monday, November 16, 2015

First Day of LP4

Today is the first day of LP4.

Please check that your semester plans are up to date through the end of the semester (through LP5). Thank you! Let me know if you have questions or need any help.

Spring semester plans will be due for our LP5 meeting. (At the very least, I'll need your LP6 plans that will correspond with the official 2nd semester work samples.)

I will be collecting second semester "official" work samples during our LP6 meeting (or LP7 meeting if we meet the first week of the LP).

Any questions?  :)

Thanksgiving Break


Next week is Thanksgiving Week.

I will be working on Monday and Tuesday so feel free to contact me if you need anything. I will be unavailable Wednesday - Sunday. School resumes Monday, 11/30.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 11/16
Office Day

Tuesday
Plymouth
David - 8:30
Jezreel - 10:00
David - 3:30


Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Jasmine & Roxy - 12:30

Thursday
Camino
Alex M. - 11:00
Placerville Library
Yarrow - 2:10
Teran - 3:20

Friday
CT - Small Group Meeting

Monday, November 2, 2015

Upcoming

  • Daylight saving time ends: Sunday, November 1
  • Sly Park Science Camp: Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 16
    • Overnight science camp for 5th & 6th graders only. Student enrollment by contacting Nancy Peterson at napeterson@viedu.org.
  • Veteran's Day (Holiday): Wednesday, November 11
  • LP3 Ends: Friday, November 13
  • Thanksgiving Week Break: Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27


  • Scholastic Book Fair: Monday, December 7 - Friday, December 11
  • LP 4 Ends: Friday, December 11
  • Optional School Pictures: Thursday, December 10
  • Spelling Bee: Friday, December 11, 9-1 p.m.
    • Christ Community Church, Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael. Grades 1-8 will do a grade level preliminary spelling bee. The top three winners of grades 3-8 will progress to a final round. The winner of the final round is eligible to participate in the Central Valley Spelling Bee.
  • Winter Break: Monday December 21 - Friday, January 1

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 11/2
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Gage - 11:00
Haley, Riley, Madeline, & Paige- 12:30

Wednesday
Jackson - Grace Church
Jaye - 11:30
Ana & Baruch - 12:30
Emily - 2:30
Tristan - 3:30

Thursday
Pine Grove
Emma N. - 11:00
William - 12:15
Joy & Tobias- 1:30
Pioneer Library
Wyatt - 3:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, October 26, 2015

Student Budget Transfer Season




Copied from The Wire...

We want to let Home School Academy families know that budget transfers will be accepted during the month of November (either by email, fax or mail) and they will be processed by early December, so that families may have funds in place for Spring semester ordering. Please email the Budget Transfer Form to rc@viedu.org, or fax them to 916-971-5379 or mail them to the attention of the Resource Center at our main offices at 5030 El Camino Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608.

The purpose of budget transfers is to allow families to have the ability to move budget dollars between student(s) accounts within the same family, should a certain student have a need for a greater amount of educational resources or services. Transaction ranges are limited to:

  • Individual student account deduction, limited to $100-$250 (no more than $250 from a single student).
  • Individual student account increase, capped at $500 (no more that $500 can be added to a single student).

If you have any questions on any of these items please submit them through our Help Form.

Thank you,

The Resource Center team

Sacramento Children's Museum Homeschool Days


Did you know about this? I didn't, but I know a family who went recently and LOVED it!

It is worth checking out :) And the museum is a Visions vendor so you can get a voucher for the cost of admission!

From their website:

DETAILS  During Homeschool Days, students will have exclusive access to all of the Museum's hands-on exhibits, and two different classes per age group will be offered. Classes are appropriate for Grades Preschool-6 and may include science, art, music, cultural, and/or literacy classes.

DATES/TIMES  The program will be offered the second Monday of each month from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. On-site registration and check-in begins at 12:30 p.m. Upcoming 2015 Homeschool Days are Nov. 9 and Dec. 14.

COST  Admission is $5 per person, which includes all classes and Museum play. Members and children under 1 are free. The Museum is a vendor with Horizons Charter Schools, Visions in Education, South Sutter Charter School, and Pacific Charter Institute and its entities.

CLASSES  Registration is required to take classes. To register, click HERE to sign up online, e-mail sherry@sackids.org, or call 916-638-7225 ext. 104. Classes are split by age group. However, if you would like your child to attend a class time outside of their age group or would like all of your children to attend the same class, you are more than welcome to sign them up for your preferred class time. Each class will be tailored to meet the needs of that age group. Please note: Registration is NOT required if you are coming for Museum play only.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 10/26
Professional Development

Tuesday
Ione
Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
Tyler & Lexi - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Leila - 11:00
Zora - 12:30
Lillian - 1:35
Jaye - 3:00 (Clark's Corner)

Thursday
Pioneer Library
Xanett - 12:00
Joey - 1:10
Wyatt - 2:20
Emma E.- 3:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, October 19, 2015

Where The Wild Fractions Are: The Power Of A Bedtime (Math) Story


I heard this story on NPR's All Things Considered last week...

"Parents who are uneasy about their own math skills often worry about how best to teach the subject to their kids.

Well ... there's an app for that. Tons of them, in fact. And a study published today in the journal Science suggests that at least one of them works pretty well for elementary school children and math-anxious parents.

A team from the University of Chicago used a demographically diverse group of first-graders and their parents — nearly 600 in all — across a wide swath of Chicago. One group got to use an iPad app called Bedtime Math, built by a nonprofit with the same name. (The app is also available for Android, but we're told most used the iPad version) The no-frills app uses stories and sound effects to present kids with math problems that they can solve with their parents."

See the rest of the story here.

Harvest Festival - This Friday

Friday, October 23, 2015 - 11:00 am - 2:00 pm
Sunrise Community Church, 8321 Greenback Lane; Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Bring the family and enjoy Visions annual Harvest Festival. 
Enjoy games and activities including Bean Bag Toss, Fishing Booth, Face Painting, Cake Walk, Crafts and more.  This is a no fee event.                          

Food and snacks will be provided.
(Turkey and vegetarian hot dogs, chips, popcorn and water.)

Register through the flyer.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 10/19
Office Day

Tuesday
Plymouth
David - 8:30
Jezreel - 10:00
Ione
Grace - 11:30
Alex & Luke - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Lily - 1:00
Jasmine & Roxy - 2:30

Thursday
Camino
Alex M. - 11:00
Placerville Library
Yarrow - 2:10
Teran - 3:20

Friday
Harvest Festival - Sacramento

Monday, October 12, 2015

Upcoming


  • LP2 Ends: Friday 10/16
  • Harvest Festival: FLYER: Friday 10/23.

    • Daylight saving time ends: Sunday, November 1
    • Sly Park Science Camp: Monday, November 2 - Friday, November 16
      • Overnight science camp for 5th & 6th graders only. Student enrollment by contacting Nancy Peterson at napeterson@viedu.org.
    • Veteran's Day (Holiday): Wednesday, November 11
    • LP3 Ends: Friday, November 13
    • Thanksgiving Week Break: Monday, November 23 - Friday, November 27


    • Scholastic Book Fair: Monday, December 7 - Friday, December 11
    • LP 4 Ends: Friday, December 11
    • Optional School Pictures: Thursday, December 10
    • Spelling Bee: Friday, December 11, 9-1 p.m.
      • Christ Community Church, Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael. Grades 1-8 will do a grade level preliminary spelling bee. The top three winners of grades 3-8 will progress to a final round. The winner of the final round is eligible to participate in the Central Valley Spelling Bee.
    • Winter Break: Monday December 21 - Friday, January 1

    Keyboarding Skills


    Looking for some cool resources to teach your students keyboarding skills?

    Being able to quickly maneuver around the keyboard is a valuable skill. Not only are our standardized tests being administered on the computer, but kids are using academic programs on the computer more and more these days.

    Here are some well reviewed paid programs:
    Typing Instructor for Kids Platinum 5


    Here are some free programs (beware of ads):
    BBC Dance Mat Typing
    http://www.bbc.co.uk/guides/z3c6tfr
    learninggamesforkids.org
    http://www.learninggamesforkids.com/keyboarding_games.html
    Typershark
    http://www.shockwave.com/gamelanding/typershark.jsp
    e-learningforkids.org
    http://www.e-learningforkids.org/computer-skills/lesson/keyboarding-skills/
    Typing master games
    http://www.typingmaster.com/games/typing-games.asp

    This Week's Meeting Schedule

    This is one of the rare LPs that we have four actual school weeks. Therefore, there are no regularly scheduled meetings this week. I will be busy working from home getting all of your work samples ready to submit to the school. I will be available by text, phone, or email to answer any questions you may have.

    Monday 10/12
    Jackson
    Emily - 12:30
    CT Meeting @ 1:30

    Tuesday
    Office Day

    Wednesday
    Office Day

    Thursday
    Office Day
    Somerset
    Available for make-up meetings at Crossroads Cafe, 6032 Grizzly Flat Rd, Somerset, CA 95684
    Gage - 11:00?
    Lily - 12:00?

    Friday
    Office Day


    Monday, October 5, 2015

    Studies Weekly Update

    I heard at our staff meeting today that Studies Weekly was inundated with a HUGE increase in orders this year, something like a 10 fold increase. That is why we have experienced such an issue with orders and shipping.

    If you still don't have your Studies Weekly order, or your order came and it was incorrect, please use the "Help with Orders" button on your Launchpad Order screen to notify the resource center so they can check on your order for you.

    Meanwhile, you can view all of the Studies Weekly newspapers online. You don't need a registration # or email to do so. Just go to Studies Weekly and register as a teacher.
    https://www.studiesweekly.com/online/

    CAASPP Results Coming


    The California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) results will be mailed out to families next week.

    The CAASPP report will include the Smarter Balanced results for grades 3-8 and grade 11. In addition, for students in grades 5, 8, and 10 the reports will have the Science California Standards Test (CST) results.

    Remember...
    • This is only one of multiple measures of how your student is doing
    • The results should be viewed as a conversation starter or “a tool” to help identify where your student is performing well, and where he or she might need a little bit extra support
    • These results cannot be compared with the old Standardized Testing and Reporting (STAR) system scores because it is measured on a different scale and the test varies greatly from the old STAR tests
    • With all new systems, it is understood that it takes three to five years to become familiar with new standards and learning strategies for scores to reflect a complete transition
    Below are some links to help you understand the CAASPP reports, and you can always email, text or call me with any questions you may have.

    Understanding CAASPP reports links:

    Are you curious as to how Visions students scored overall? How California students scored overall?
    (Downloaded from the California Department of Education website on 10/2/15) 
    Visions in Education CAASPP report 2015
    State of California CAASPP report 2015

    This Week's Meeting Schedule

    Monday 10/2
    CT Meeting

    Tuesday
    Ione
    Gage - 11:00
    Haley, Riley, Madeline, & Paige- 12:30

    Wednesday
    Jackson - Grace Church
    Wyatt - 11:30
    Ana & Baruch - 12:30
    Emily - 2:30
    Tristan - 3:30

    Thursday
    Pine Grove
    William - 11:00
    Emma N. - 12:15
    Joy & Tobias- 1:30
    Lily - 3:30

    Friday
    Office Day
    Pine Grove
    IEP at 10:00

    Monday, September 28, 2015

    Still Waiting on Curriculum?

    A number of families are still waiting on their curriculum. Some items on backorder, and the Studies Weekly has had some difficulties shipping this year.

    If you are still waiting on curriculum, you can do a few things.

    1) Wait another week or so to see if it arrives and use your list of grade level standards to create learning activities.
    2) If it was a TextbookX order, I can check the backorder list for you. Just email me what books you are waiting on, and I can check the estimated time of shipping.
    3) If you order was through another vendor, and it has been over 3 weeks since your order was processed (check on Launchpad), you can use the "help with orders" button on your Launchpad Order page to contact the resource center. They can check the status of your order.


    Also, if you don't have access to an online component of your curriculum, one that was supposed to be included in your order, use the "help with orders" button to request the access info from the resource center. 

    Let me know if you still have problems!

    Jurassic Quest Coming to Monterey

    Thanks to Bianca Sigala for sharing this info!


    Coming to Monterey October 23-25.

    This Week's Meeting Schedule

    Monday 9/28
    Office Day
    Somerset
    Yarrow - 11:00

    Tuesday
    Ione
    Khloe & Sadie - 11:00
    Tyler & Lexi - 1:00

    Wednesday
    Ione
    Leila - 11:00
    Zora - 12:30
    Lillian - 1:35
    Jaye - 3:00 (Clark's Corner)

    Thursday
    Pioneer Library
    Xanett - 12:00
    Joey - 1:10
    Wyatt - 2:20
    Emma E.- 3:30

    Friday
    Office Day
    Google Hangouts
    William - 1:00 ?

    Monday, September 21, 2015

    Quick Links From The Wire

    (Links will only work if you are signed in to Launchpad)
    K-8
    Sutter's Fort Environmental Program
    Science Camp for 5th and 6th grades

    High School
    ASVAB Career Exploration Program
    Pumpkin Ball
    PSAT
    Sierra College Parent Information Nights
    Sierra College Career and Tech Ed Exploration Day
    Foster Youth Training Program

    Meeting Scheduling

    Do meetings seem closer together than last year? I heard this question a lot this LP, so I thought I would share with you how our meetings are planned.

    We are required to meet once each learning period. Learning Periods can have from 15 to 20 school days, and some of them have holidays smack in the middle.

    I have used the Learning Period calendar to set up three weekly "groups". (I can't schedule four, because some of the learning periods don't have four weeks :) Your meetings will fall into the first, second, or third meeting-week group of the learning periods. These groups are represented on the calendar below in orange, green and yellow.




    There are no regularly scheduled meetings on Mondays and Fridays. Mondays are when Visions schedules our professional development meetings and our CT meetings. In addition, many holidays fall on Mondays. Fridays are my day to do paperwork.

    Since standardized testing has not been scheduled this year, we may need to be flexible in April or May.

    I'm hoping to be able to note all of your meeting dates on your semester plan by the end of our LP2 meeting.

    Let me know if you have any questions!

    This Week's Meeting Schedule

    Monday 9/21
    Office Day

    Tuesday
    Plymouth
    David - 8:30
    Jezreel - 10:00
    Pine Grove
    William - 12:00

    Wednesday
    Ione
    Grace - 11:00
    Luke & Alex - 12:30
    Jasmine & Roxy - 2:30

    Thursday
    Camino
    Alex M. - 11:00
    Placerville Library
    Marley - 1:00
    Yarrow - 2:10
    Teran - 3:20

    Friday
    Office Day

    Sunday, September 13, 2015

    Upcoming...

    Monday 9/21 - LP2 Begins
    Wednesday 9/30 - F.A.M.E Begins





    Monday 10/19 - LP3 Begins
    Friday 10/16 - Last Day to Add/Drop
    Friday 10/23 - Harvest Festival





    Sunday 11/1 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
    Monday 11/2 - Friday 11/6 - Sly Park Science Camp (5th & 6th Grades)
    Wednesday 11/11 - Veterans Day - No School
    Monday 11/16 - LP4 Begins
    Monday 11/23 - Friday 11/27 - Thanksgiving Break



    LP2 Begins Next Monday


    We are almost through the first LP of the year. It was a short but busy one!

    I will be inputting your LP2 assignments into Launchpad on Friday, so please have your semester plans updated (at least through LP2) by Thursday. Thanks!

    If we are meeting this week, I can help you update it then. If you have any questions about your semester plan, please contact me. 

    This Week's Meeting Schedule

    Monday 9/14
    CT Meeting
    Rancho Murietta
    David - 2:00

    Tuesday
    Ione
    Gage - 11:00
    Haley, Riley, Madeline, & Paige- 12:30

    Wednesday
    Jackson - Grace Church
    Emma E. - 12:00
    Ana & Baruch - 1:30
    Tristan - 3:30
    Emily - 4:30

    Thursday
    Pine Grove
    William - 11:00
    Emma N. - 12:15
    Joy & Tobias- 1:30
    Lily - 3:30

    Friday
    Office Day
    Phone
    Emma N. - 10:00
    Joey - 11:00