Monday, May 20, 2019

Upcoming & Notable


  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • SeaQuest Field Trip - Friday, May 24 - FULL
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Tuesday, June 11, 9:30 to 11 at Grace Church in Jackson


School Year Calendars:

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 5/20
CT Professional Development

Tuesday
Jackson Library
Uriah - 12:00
Hunter - 1:10
McKenna - 2:30

Wednesday
Somerset - Crossroads Cafe
Aria & Akira - 11:00
Placerville - Starbucks
Robert - 2:00

Thursday
Office Day

Friday
SeaQuest Field Trip

Monday, May 13, 2019

Upcoming & Notable


  • Make-up Testing - Rescue/Carmichael/Lodi - May 14 - 16
  • Jackson/Sutter Creek Field Day! - Thursday, May 16th (Can count as your LP 9 meeting)
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • SeaQuest Field Trip - Friday, May 24 - FULL
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Grace Church in Jackson - TBA


School Year Calendars:

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 5/13
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
Maya - 11:00
River Pines
Angel - 12:30

Wednesday
Ione
Charlotte - 2:30

Thursday
Jackson Field Day - 9:30 to 12:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, May 6, 2019

22 School Days Left!



That's right. Only 22 school days left in this school year. Wow that went fast.

With testing, field day, and the SeaQuest field trip counting as some of our meetings, I just want to make sure that you have everything you need.

Remember, you can request an extra meeting at any time if you feel it would help.

If you are counting testing, field day and/or our final field trip as a meeting, please make sure to:

  • Log your attendance
  • Update your semester plan 
  • Input progress grades for K-5 and grades for 6-12

If there is anything you need or you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact me.


Upcoming & Notable




  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Grace Church in Jackson - TBA


School Year Calendars:

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 5/6
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
Connor - 12:00

Wednesday
Virtual
Willow - 11:00
8th Grade Promotion - 12:30 to 1:30

Thursday
Ione
Charlotte ? TBD

Friday
Office Day

Monday, April 29, 2019

Early Ordering Notes


Early ordering is underway. You can order curriculum and materials for enrolled students, now through June 28. The resource center will begin processing these orders in early July.

What is GREAT about early ordering:

  • You usually get your materials before school starts
  • You can avoid the ordering backlog that happens at the beginning of the year
  • You can order materials for projects you have planned for LP1 and not have to wait for them

Early ordering is not so great when:

  • You are not sure of the curriculum or materials you will be using
  • You are not sure if you will continue with Visions next year
  • The vendor changes prices and/or availability of items before July

For more info, follow this link to the Ordering Updates page on the Wire.

Upcoming & Notable

  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Register by May 1st - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue/Carmichael - May 14 - 16
  • Jackson/Sutter Creek Field Day! - Thursday, May 16th (Can count as your LP 9 meeting)
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • SeaQuest Field Trip - Friday, May 24 - FULL
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Grace Church in Jackson - TBA


School Year Calendars:

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 4/29
Office Day

Tuesday
Testing
No meetings

Wednesday
Testing
No meetings

Thursday
Testing
No meetings

Friday
Testing
No meetings

Monday, April 22, 2019

SeaQuest Field Trip Deadline


The deadline to sign up for the SeaQuest field trip is Wednesday, April 24th. This is also the deadline for sending in funds for parents, siblings and students who have exhausted their funding.

Don't know if you are signed up? Due to privacy reasons, I can't share out the list. However, I'll be sending out a confirmation email to everyone who is on the list by end of day today. You can also email or text me to check for you.

Jackson/Sutter Creek Field Day



One of the highlights of Visions’ annual events is Field Days, a fun day of field games and activities organized by Visions staff and held at a variety of parks throughout our service area. This is a great opportunity for students and families to get to know and network with other home school families. And for kids to expend some energy!

Games are supervised by Visions CTs and staff, and the day ends with a family barbecue of hot dogs, chips, and lemonade.

You won’t want to miss this day of fun and activities!

Important Details
Day: Thursday, May 16
Time: 9:30 to 12:30
Location: Minnie Provis Park, Sutter Creek

*Note of location change: note that the location for this year’s Field Day has changed to Minnie Provis Park in Sutter Creek.

Come Prepared to Play
WEAR ATHLETIC SHOES! Students will compete in a variety of field games, so it’s important they come prepared to play. All participating children must wear closed-toe, sports shoes.
Adults are also asked to wear athletic shoes for a planned child-parent activity.
Visions will provide water and snacks for participating students.

Networking & Family Barbecue
While your kids are playing, take advantage of the opportunity to network with CTs, Administrators and other Visions home school families.
A family barbecue will be offered from 12-12:30. Vegetarian option is available. Please RSVP your food choice in Registration Form below.

How to Enroll
Field Days are FREE for all students, siblings, and family members to attend.
So that we may appropriately plan for food and staffing, please register your student(s) on the 2019 Spring Field Day Registration Form.
To save time on the day of the event, bring a completed permission slip (one per household).

Upcoming & Notable

  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • Early Ordering Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Register by May 1st - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue/Carmichael - May 14 - 16
  • Jackson/Sutter Creek Field Day! - Thursday, May 16th (Can count as your LP 9 meeting)
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • SeaQuest Field Trip - Friday, May 24 - Deadline to sign up - April 24
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Grace Church in Jackson - TBA


School Year Calendars:

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 4/22
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
Sterling - 11:00
Hunter - 12:10
McKenna - 1:15

Wednesday
Virtual
Billy* - 9:30
Jaxon & Sarah - 11:00
Jacob - 1:00

Thursday
Virtual
Elijah - 11:00

Friday
Office Day

Monday, April 8, 2019

Upcoming & Notable

SPRING BREAK IS NEXT WEEK!



  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • Early Ordering Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue/Carmichael - May 14 - 16
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • SeaQuest Field Trip - Friday, May 24 - Deadline to sign up - April 24
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Grace Church in Jackson - TBA


School Year Calendars:

Share of the Week - Living History Day


This looks like such an amazing event! (Thanks Heather!)

I'll be proctoring testing in Jackson, so I won't be able to attend, organize, or host a field trip, but if any parent would like to take the organizing on, I'd be happy to help. If you want to get a group together, I can't share out family email addresses, but I can share a flyer, form or email out that you create to my caseload and other local CTs.



National Civil War Association

THE CIVIL WAR COMES ALIVE!

LIVING HISTORY DAY FOR STUDENTS AND SCHOOL GROUPS
AT THE HISTORIC KENNEDY MINE IN JACKSON, FRIDAY MAY 3, 2019

RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION: Dennis Maine, Coordinator, 925-628-1823      www.ncwa1863.org

Step out of the classroom and back in time to 1863! The Civil War comes alive for students at the 2019 with living history activities presented by the National Civil War Association.

Learn about the life of a soldier … speak to Union and Rebel alike … see and hear cannons roar! Experience the sights and sounds of as many as 80 infantry, Cavalry horses, and camp followers at the historic Kennedy Mine property. See living history in the round including the medicine, music and the fashions of the mid-1800s. The re-enactors will set up an historically accurate camp, dress in period clothing and relive some of the most dramatic events in U. S. history.

·        Friday, May 3, Kennedy Gold Mine, 1127 North Main St, Jackson

·        Classes rotate through six 20-minute presentations

·        Morning and afternoon sessions are available 

·        Admission: $3 per student, teachers and chaperones free of charge

·        School Day living history education offered is aligned with California U.S. History curriculum for grades 4, 5, 8 and 10.       


NCWA events explore previously ignored events that took place in California during the Civil War, looking at the roles of Californios, women, Chinese-American soldiers, and the complexity of African-American experiences in the midst of War. The National Civil War Association is a volunteer non-profit public education organization, and is the second oldest continuously existing Civil War reenacting organization in Northern California.

Additional public Civil War Days at the Kennedy Mine will be held May 4 – 5. Details will be available soon at www.CivilWarKennedyGoldMine.com.


Flyer

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 4/8
Office Day

Tuesday
Crossroads Cafe - Somerset
Maya - 11:00
Alabama & Skylar 12:00
River Pines
Angel - 2:30

Wednesday
Ione - Corner Cafe
Willow - 11:30
Lilly - 12:30
Ione
Austin C. - 2:00

Thursday
Jackson Library
Leila - 10:00
Sterling - 11:00
Emma - 12:00
Connor - 1:00
Wyatt - 2:00

Friday
Office Day

Monday, April 1, 2019

Ordering Deadline

Just a reminder that the deadline for ordering curriculum, vouchers and computers for this school year is:

April 5th

Reimbursement requests can be submitted until June 30, 2019.

Early ordering begins on April 22, 2019 for Curriculum and Partner Vendors Only.  The Resource Center staff will begin processing early orders in early July.

Please check the Wire page for March ordering updates.

Upcoming & Notable



  • FAME - Wednesday, April 3
  • Last Day to Order Materials/Vouchers/Computers/MiFi - Friday, April 5
  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • Early Ordering Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue/Carmichael - May 14 - 16
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • SeaQuest Field Trip - Friday, May 24
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

  • Graduation Ceremony - Memorial Auditorium, Sacramento - Monday, June 3
  • Last Day of School - Thursday, June 6
  • Curriculum Returns - Grace Church in Jackson - TBA


School Year Calendars:

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 4/1
Office Day

Tuesday
Corner Cafe
Jacob - 11:00
Austin W. - 12:05
Virtual
Jasmine & Roxie - 2:00

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Jezreel - 11:00
Ana & Baruch - 12:00
Christian - 1:30

Thursday
Ione
Tiffany, Madison & Logan - 11:00
Charlotte - 2:30

Friday
Office Day
Robert - 10:30*

Monday, March 25, 2019

Good Job!


To all the students (and parents) who came to testing practice and/or the PFT test today. 
You were AWESOME!


SeaQuest Field Trip


Let's go to SeaQuest!

Date: Friday, May 24th
Time: 11:30 - plan to arrive 15 minutes early. The field trip itself is from 11:30 to about 1:00. You will have access to the aquarium all day after that. You can even go out to lunch and come back!
Where: 430 Palladio Pkwy #1801, Folsom, CA 95630
Website: https://folsom.visitseaquest.com/

Cost: $6.95 per person

Particulars
Please fill out the form for each Visions student. Visions will deduct $6.95 from enrolled student funds. If you have exhausted your student funds, please sign your student up and then follow the directions for payment for parents and non-enrolled siblings.

Sign-Up Form

Please print and fill out the Permission Slip and bring to the event.

Parent and sibling tickets are $6.95 each. Please make sure to put sibling names on the sign-up form and note if more than one parent will be attending. Then, send a check with the Event and Activities Form to Visions asap, but NO LATER THAN APRIL 24th.

Please contact me with any questions.

Note: You have the option of counting this group event for your LP10 meeting! If you choose to do that, we will communicate during LP10 via email, text, or arrange a quick 10-15 minute virtual meeting to go over final grades and report cards.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/25
Testing Practice and PFT Day!

Tuesday
Jackson Library
Billy - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05
Hunter 1:10
McKenna - 2:30

Wednesday
Pizza Factory - Ione
Jaxon & Sarah - 11:00
Corner Cafe - Ione
Skyler & Piper - 12:30

Thursday
Crossroads Cafe - Somerset
Elijah - 11:00
Robert - 12:05
Akira & Aria - 1:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, March 18, 2019

Curriculum Fair Tomorrow!




Tuesday, March 19
11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Christ Community Church
5025 Manzanita Ave, Carmichael

Check out the post on the Wire to see a list of participating vendors:
https://wire.viedu.org/come-to-visions-curriculum-vendor-fairs-on-march-19-20/

I'll be at the Handwriting Without Tears booth. Come by and say hi!

Upcoming & Notable

  • Vendor Fair - Tuesday, Mar 19, 11 to 1 
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 22
  • LP 8 Begins - Monday, Mar 25
  • Interim (Practice) SBAC Testing and PFT Testing in Jackson - Monday, Mar 25

  • FAME - Wednesday, April 3
  • Last Day to Order Materials/Vouchers/Computers/MiFi - Friday, April 5
  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • Early Ordering Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue/Carmichael - May 14 - 16
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday - 3/18
Office Day

Tuesday
Curriculum Fair - Carmichael

Wednesday
Curriculum Fair - Pleasant Hill

Thursday
Virtual
Sterling - 11:00
Wyatt - 12:00
Emma - 1:00
Connor - 2:00

Friday
Office Day

Monday, March 11, 2019

Upcoming & Notable


  • Last Day to Add New Voucher Vendor - Monday, Mar 11
  • Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, Mar 13 (Flyer)
  • Happening this weekend!Dandelion Days
  • Vendor Fair - Tuesday, Mar 19, 11 to 1 
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 22
  • LP 8 Begins - Monday, Mar 25
  • Interim (Practice) SBAC Testing and PFT Testing in Jackson - Monday, Mar 25 (Sign up by Thursday 3/14 here)

  • FAME - Wednesday, April 3
  • Last Day to Order Materials/Vouchers/Computers/MiFi - Friday, April 5
  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • Early Ordering Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue - May 14 - 16
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

Looking to Share Recommendations for ...


Curriculum, Resources, Materials and Activities.


It is time to start thinking about curriculum for next year. (Early ordering begins on April 28.)

What did you use this year that you liked? What resources helped you the most? What wasn't so great? Did you do any great activities? Find good vendors? Order some exceptional materials?

I'd like to get a list of favorite resources to post on the Blog as we get ready to plan for next year.

Please help by filling out this form sometime this week so I can post recommendations on next week's Blog. Thanks!


PFT Test and SBAC Practice Sign-Ups - Deadline Thursday!

Deadline to sign up is Thursday!

On Monday March 25th at 10 am (to 12 pm), Visions will host an SBAC Interim Practice Assessment (for grades 3-8 and 11) at Grace Church in Jackson. This is a chance for your students to practice with the SBAC assessments, at the site they will be testing, before the actual test dates. The interim assessments are shorter in duration than the end of year tests, and you will receive student scores.

Studies show that students who practice the assessments have lower anxiety and higher test scores than students who don't.


__________________________________


On the same day we will be hosting the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for grades 5, 7 and 9. The PFT is a state required test. Physical Fitness Testing will begin at 12:30.

Our Physical Fitness Test will consist of:

  • Height and weight measurements
  • 1 mile run
  • Push ups (untimed)
  • Trunk Lift
  • Curl-up/Sit-ups (untimed)
  • Shoulder Stretch

Here is a reference guide
Practicing these skills would help your student be more comfortable when the test arrives.

__________________________________

Please use this form to sign up for either or both of these assessments.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/11
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
Christian - 11:00
Maya - 12:00
Robert - 1:30
River Pines
Angel - 2:45

Wednesday
Virtual
Leila - 10:30
Willow - 11:30
Austin C. - 2:00

Thursday
Virtual
Alabama & Skylar and - 12:00

Friday
Office Day

Monday, March 4, 2019

Share of the Week




The Brave Learner: Finding Everyday Magic in Homeschool, Learning, and Life

I have to admit, I think I'm going to have to order a copy of this book for myself. Thanks Genevieve for the share!

Remember that "Educational Parent Resource Books" are now allowed to be purchased with student funds. (See the purchasing matrix under school supplies.)

https://www.amazon.com/Brave-Learner-Everyday-Homeschool-Learning/dp/0143133225

Upcoming & Notable

  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 8
  • Daylight Saving Time Begins - Sunday, Mar 10
  • Last Day to Add New Voucher Vendor - Monday, Mar 11
  • Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, Mar 13 (Flyer)
  • Vendor Fair - Tuesday, Mar 19, 11 to 1 
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 22
  • LP 8 Begins - Monday, Mar 25
  • Interim (Practice) SBAC Testing and PFT Testing in Jackson - Monday, Mar 25 (Sign up here)

  • FAME - Wednesday, April 3
  • Last Day to Order Materials/Vouchers/Computers/MiFi - Friday, April 5
  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • Early Ordering Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3


  • SBAC Testing - Grace Church, Jackson - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3
  • 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Grace Church, Jackson - Wednesday, May 8
  • Make-up Testing - Rescue - May 14 - 16
  • LP10 Begins - Monday, May 20
  • Memorial Day - No school - Monday, May 27

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 3/4
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
Jacob - 11:00
Austin W. - 12:05
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Wednesday
Virtual
Jezreel - 11:00
Ana & Baruch - 12:00
Lilly - 2:30
Billy - 3:30

Thursday
Virtual
Uriah - 9:00*
Tiffany, Madison & Logan - 11:00
Charlotte - 2:30

Friday
Office Day

Monday, February 25, 2019

Ordering Deadline


The deadline for ordering vouchers, computers, books and materials for the 2018-19 school year is coming up. This is a good time to check your account and plan for the rest of the year.

Ordering deadline for vouchers, computers, books and materials for the 2018-19 school year is Friday, April 5.

Remember that you are now allowed to order vouchers for services through June 30th with this year's funding.

Early ordering for next year begins on April 22 and continues through June 28.

If you don't end up using all of your student funds for the year, the remaining money is transferred to the Visions General Fund account. This money is used for things like enrichment classes, tutoring, extra benefits for students in need etc. It is not wasted :) However, there is no rollover to the next school year.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/28
Office Day

Tuesday
Virtual
Billy - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05
Hunter - 1:10
McKenna - 2:30

Wednesday
Virtual
Jaxon & Sarah - 11:00
Skyler & Piper - 12:30

Thursday
Virtual
Elijah  - 11:00
Akira & Aria - 1:30

Friday
Office Day - CT Meetings

Tuesday, February 19, 2019

Upcoming & Notable



  • Add/Drop Deadline (High School) - Friday, Mar 1
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 8
  • Daylight Saving Time Begins - Sunday, Mar 10
  • Last Day to Add New Voucher Vendor - Monday, Mar 11
  • Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, Mar 13 (Flyer)
  • Vendor Fair - Tuesday, Mar 19, 11 to 1 
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 22
  • LP 8 Begins - Monday, Mar 25
  • Interim (Practice) SBAC Testing and PFT Testing in Jackson - Monday, Mar 25 (Sign up here)

  • FAME - Wednesday, April 3
  • Last Day to Order Materials/Vouchers/Computers/MiFi - Friday, April 5
  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3

PFT Test and SBAC Practice Sign-Ups


On Monday March 25th at 10 am (to 12 pm), Visions will host an SBAC Interim Practice Assessment (for grades 3-8 and 11) at Grace Church in Jackson. This is a chance for your students to practice with the SBAC assessments, at the site they will be testing, before the actual test dates. The interim assessments are shorter in duration than the end of year tests, and you will receive student scores.

Studies show that students who practice the assessments have lower anxiety and higher test scores than students who don't.


__________________________________


On the same day we will be hosting the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) for grades 5, 7 and 9. Physical Fitness Testing will begin at 12:30.

Our Physical Fitness Test will consist of:

  • Height and weight measurements
  • 1 mile run
  • Push ups (untimed)
  • Trunk Lift
  • Curl-up/Sit-ups (untimed)
  • Shoulder Stretch

Here is a reference guide
Practicing these skills would help your student be more comfortable when the test arrives.

__________________________________

Please use this form to sign up for either or both of these assessments.


This Week's Meeting Schedule


Monday - 2/19
President's Day - No School

Tuesday
Corner Cafe - Ione
Austin - 12:05
Ione
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Jezreel  - 11:00
McKenna - 12:05
Alabama & Skylar - 1:10
Lilly - 2:30

Thursday
Jackson Library
Sterling - 11:00
Emma - 12:00
Connor - 1:00
Wyatt - 2:30

Friday
CT Meeting

Monday, February 11, 2019

Shares of the Week



Do you have a student age 7-13 who is interested in computers and coding? Check out the Piper Computer Kit. Thanks Shelly and Charlotte!


Tired of boring history curriculum? Take a look at History Unboxed. Yes, they are a little pricey, but the materials are quality and at least one of my families thinks they are well worth it! Thanks Veronica, Baruch, and Ana!

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Don't Forget Your Official Work Samples!
Monday 2/11
Lincoln's Birthday - School Closed

Tuesday
Crossroads Cafe - Somerset
Elijah - 12:05
Robert - 1:10
River Pines
Angel - 2:45

Wednesday
Corner Cafe - Ione
Willow - 11:30
Leila - 12:30
Ione
Austin C. - 2:00

Thursday
Crossroads Cafe - Somerset
Maya - 11:00
Alabama & Skylar and - 12:00

Friday
Office Day

Monday, February 4, 2019

Testing - Attention Grades 3 - 9, 11 & 12



Because public schools use taxpayer funds, they are required to participate in state testing to assess how they are meeting the needs of their students. All states that adopted the common core curriculum use the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) to test Language Arts and Math.

California's testing umbrella is called the California Assessment of Performance and Student Progress (CAASPP), it includes the SBAC, the California Science Test (CAST) and the Physical Fitness Test (PFT).
_______________________________________

Who takes what tests?
Students in grades 3 - 8 and 11 take the SBAC (Language Arts and Math)
Students in grades 5, 8, 11 (and 12th graders who did not take it last year) take the CAST (Science)
Students in grades 5, 7 and 9 take the PFT (Physical Fitness Test)

When is testing for our area?
SBAC and CAST testing will be held at Grace Church in Jackson Tuesday, April 30 - Friday, May 3 from 9 to 12. Remember, many students will only need to test Tuesday and Wednesday, or Tuesday through Thursday. The test is not timed, however, and students have Friday to finish if they choose to.

PFT testing is being held in various locations. The closest to us is in Jackson at Grace Church on Monday, March 25th at 12:30. Here is a link to the other PFT testing locations and days that is posted on the WIRE.

_______________________________________


What if I have previous plans for the assigned testing dates that I can't change?

SBAC & CAST
- Visions will be holding make-up SBAC and CAST testing at various locations May 14th - 16th. The closest locations to us are Rescue or Carmichael. If you know you will be out of town, please let me know asap as there is a lot of planning that goes in to staffing and computer set up for the assessments. If your student is sick or does not complete all of their tests during our testing window, they would be assigned a make-up session at either Rescue or Carmichael May 14 - 16.

PFT - Use the link above to find an alternate PFT testing site and let me know so I can register your student.

_______________________________________

Testing Info:
SBAC Site
Practice Tests (Just click "Sign In" to sign in as a guest). Choose the Smarter Balanced Practice Tests or the California Science Test Practice Test
Practice Test Scoring Guides

I HIGHLY recommend that students and parents begin practicing online now (maybe doing as little as one question per day). That way you can do it in small bites and not overwhelm students. Research has shown that students that spend time practicing for the SBAC earn higher scores. This is probably because they are familiar with the context. The test may present material in a very different way than you do at home, but with guidance and practice, students will understand what is being asked and can do their best at test time without anxiety.

*Note: when you sign in to the test practice as a guest, the practice tests do not save your progress from day to day or give you scores. You will need to keep track of your previous answers or just put in anything to get back to the question you stopped at. You will also need the scoring guide from the link above to assess your students progress as they go. This is not ideal, and can be a little frustrating, but with a little pre-planning it is still worth it.

Questions? Let me know :)

Upcoming & Notable



  • Add/Drop Deadline (High School) - Friday, Mar 1
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 8
  • Daylight Saving Time Begins - Sunday, Mar 10
  • Rescue Project Fair - Wednesday, Mar 13 (More info coming soon)
  • Vendor Fair - Tuesday, Mar 19, 11 to 1 
  • Ski Day - Friday, Mar 22
  • LP 8 Begins - Monday, Mar 25
  • Interim (Practice) SBAC Testing and PFT Testing in Jackson - Monday, Mar 25 (Sign up here)

  • FAME - Wednesday, April 3
  • Last Day to Order Materials/Vouchers/Computers/MiFi - Friday, April 5
  • Spring Break - Monday, April 15 - Friday, April 19
  • LP 9 Begins - Monday, April 22
  • SBAC Testing - Monday April 30 - Friday, May 3

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 2/4
Office Day

Tuesday
Corner Cafe
Jacob - 11:00
Austin W. - 12:05
Ione
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Jezreel - 11:00
McKenna - 12:05
Lilly - 2:30
Emma - 3:30?

Thursday
Ione
Tiffany, Madison & Logan - 11:00
Charlotte - 2:30

Friday
Jackson Library
Anna & Baruch - 11:00
Christian - 1:00