Home School Parent Meet Up

From the WIRE...

Dawn Rodrigues is our current Parent Ambassador. The Parent Ambassador is responsible for coordinating local meetups with other families and students. We encourage you to join a meetup to network with local home school families, build a community of support, share ideas and resources, learn best practices from other groups and provide feedback to Visions.

The next meet up is scheduled for:

Thursday, February 2, 2017
9:30 – 11:00
Christ Community Church
5025 Manzanita Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608

This meet up will include a veteran panel of home school parents. There will be a Q&A session and round table discussion. Please join us. Every parent voice is valued!

Please contact Dawn at parentambassador@viedu.org to RSVP and ask questions.

I know this is too far for most of you to attend. I hear that there are future meetups planned closer to area. I will keep you posted.

Upcoming & Notable

• School Resumes - Monday, January 9
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 16
• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 3

• Lincoln's Birthday - No School - Monday, February 13
• President's Day - No School - Monday, February 20
• LP 6 Ends - Friday, February 24
• Last Day to Order Curriculum - Friday, February 24
• For other ordering deadlines click here

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 1/9
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Joshua - 11:00
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Gage - 2:30

Wednesday
Jackson Library
Isabeau & McKenna - 11:00
Wyatt - 1:30
Emily - 2:30

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

• Jackson Lego Classes - open for enrollment today!
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

• School Resumes - Monday, January 9
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 16
• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 30

Early Testing Information

It's early days for testing information, so some if it may change. I will update the information as it comes to me.

SBAC Information

• What Parents and Students Should Know
• SBAC Practice Tests
• Grades 3 - 8 and 11
• Testing in Jackson scheduled for March 13 - 15
• Testing in Rescue scheduled for March 21 - 24
• Makeups in Rescue and Carmichael - April 25 - 27

California Science Pilot Test CAST - (Replaces the CST)

• The test is computer-based (no longer paper-pencil like the CST was)
• Because this year, and more than likely next year, is a test of the test, no scores will be reported
• Scores are not reported, but the CAST will be counted in our participation reports
• Grades 5, 8, and 12 (might be different high school grade next year) will test this year
• At our testing sites grades 5 and 8 will take the CAST on Day 1 of testing and then proceed onto the SBAC. Grade 12 will take the CAST on the final day of testing at each site to ensure we have enough chromebooks and space available. 

Physical Fitness Testing (PFT)

• Grades 5, 7 & 9. Regional PFT Testing available this year.
• Tentative testing date of 2/22 at Grace Church in Jackson. More info to follow.
• More info about the PFT.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/19
CT's at Professional Development in Carmichael

Tuesday
Ione
Joseph - 11:00
Tiffany & Madison - 12:05
Lucas - 2:00 (Pizza Factory)

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione
Wyatt - 10:00 (Clark's)
Justin - 11:00
Leila - 12:05
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
Office Day

Ski Days

Visions sponsored Ski Days have returned with new policies.

Read all about it on the Wire here. (Sign in to Launchpad to view)
https://wire.viedu.org/visions-sponsored-ski-days-return-new-policies-this-year/

Spring Enrichment Activities

Visions has made available the spreadsheets that summarize the spring activities. They can be found in a Google Drive folder here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B7iRyx2JhoIhclRSZFp1bXBNeTQ
(Sign in to Launchpad to view.)

Lego Classes in Jackson
Jackson Lego class registration info will be coming soon. But here is the info I've been provided by Christina Jonsson the enrichment class coordinator:

Dates:  
1/25, 2/22, 3/22
Times:  
K-3    12:10 – 1:30 pm
4-8     1:40 – 3:00 pm

Descriptions:
K-3: STEM FUNdamentals with LEGO, Winter
Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as Motorcycles, Aircraft Carriers, and Rail Racers! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. There is no prerequisite for this course.

4-8: STEM Challenge with LEGO, Winter
Apply real-world concepts in physics, engineering, and architecture through engineer-designed projects such as Belt-Drive Cars, Rail Racers, and Pneumatic Forklifts! Design and build as never before, and explore your craziest ideas in a supportive environment. There is no prerequisite for this course.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/12
Office Day

Tuesday
Camino
Alex - 11:00
Somerset
Yarrow - 1:00

Wednesday
Ione
Zora - 11:00
Lilly - 12:05
Hunter - 1:30
Charles - 2:35

Thursday

Jackson Library
Madelynn - 10:30
Billy - 11:30
Connor - 12:30
Emma - 1:30
Grace B. - 2:30

Friday
Office Day

Upcoming & Notable

• Scholastic Book Fair - December 5 - December 9 (Picture Day - December 8)
• Gingerbread House Event - December 7
• LP4 Ends - December 16
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

• School Resumes - Monday, January 9
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day - No School - Monday, January 16
• Fall Semester Ends - Wednesday, January 25
• Teacher Work Days - No School - Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 27
• Spring Semester Begins - Monday, January 30

Math!

At our recent CT small group meeting, math, and how to help teach math was the main topic. The presentation sparked a super involved discussion with people offering up some great ideas. Below are some resources that were shared with us.

The Mind Institute...Why Is Math So Important?  A great article with no specific reference to Common Core...more of a focus on learning and thinking!

http://blog.mindresearch.org/blog/bid/366158/Why-is-Math-So-Important

US News Opinion Article - training Parents to think about math in new and different ways (speaking to common core standards)

http://www.usnews.com/opinion/knowledge-bank/2015/11/04/everyone-benefits-when-parents-understand-common-core-math-programming

Washington Post: Pros/Cons of Common Core Math

https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/common-core-math-can-be-a-mystery-and-parents-are-going-to-school-to-understand-it/2014/11/01/af57efa0-604f-11e4-9f3a-7e28799e0549_story.html?utm_term=.f510388ef82e#comments

The following articles are all taken from youcubed.org.  It’s Jo Boaler’s website/organization.  She is a math professor at Stanford University and much of Friday’s presentation was based on her research and strategies.

Multidimensional Math (including a link to a TedTalk that is really interesting, and longish)

https://www.youcubed.org/multidimensional-mathematics/

Mindset and Math - Again from Jo Boaler (youcubed.org)

https://edsource.org/2016/stanford-professor-urges-teachers-to-rethink-math-instruction/93376

Parents and Math

https://www.youcubed.org/think-it-up/parents-beliefs-math-change-childrens-achievement/

NY Times Opinion Piece by a UC Berkeley Professor:  Psych-based...talks about mindset among other things.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/30/opinion/nudges-that-help-struggling-students-succeed.html?_r=1

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 12/5
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Joshua - 10:30 (Informal Observation)
Alexis & Tyler - 12:05
Rancho Murietta (Burger King)
Gage - 2:30 ish

Wednesday
Grace Church - Gingerbread House Event 9 - 12
Wyatt - During Gingerbread House Event
Isabeau & McKenna - 12:00
Emily - 1:00

Thursday
Ione (Clark's)
Jezreel - 12:00
Jaye - 1:00
Leila - 2:00
Plymouth
David - 3:30

Friday

Office Day

2016 Video Contest

From the WIRE...

Enter the "Why I Love Visions" Student Video Contest

Create a 60 second video explaining why you love Visions In Education and be eligible to win up to $300 in gift cards! Currently enrolled students in all grades and academies are eligible to participate.

Take a look at our YouTube channel to see last year’s videos.

SUBMISSION DATES:
November 16 – December 14

REQUIREMENTS:

• Final submitted video must be compressed to 50 MB or less.
• Only one entry per student will be accepted.
• Entrants must submit the permission and entry form. If they are a minor (under 18) the form must also be signed by their parent/guardian.
• Video entries must be received by 4:30 p.m. on December 14 to qualify.
• Entrants must review and agree to the official rules and regulations.

PRIZES:

• Grand prize: $300 in gift cards
• Second prize: $150 in gift cards
• Third prize: $100 in gift cards

Winners will win gift cards from Amazon, Walmart or Target!

WINNER SELECTION PROCESS:
Five finalists will be chosen by Visions staff and announced on December 22. The finalist videos will be posted to our YouTube page on December 22 and open for public voting until January 13. YouTube subscribers and visitors will be instructed to watch the videos and give their favorite(s) a “Thumbs up” to vote that video as a potential winner. “Thumbs down” votes will NOT count towards the entrants’ score. Winners will be formally announced by Visions on January 16. For more information take a look at our contest flyer.

PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM ON THE WIRE TO SUBMIT YOUR VIDEO.

Upcoming & Notable

• Scholastic Book Fair - December 5 - December 9 (Picture Day - December 8)
• Gingerbread House Event - December 7
• LP4 Ends - December 16
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

This Week's Meeting Schedule

Monday 11/28
Office Day

Tuesday
Ione
Joseph - 11:00
Tiffany & Madison - 12:10

Wednesday
Ione
Grace - 11:00
Bonnie - 12:10
Charlotte - 1:30
Khloe & Sadie - 2:35

Thursday
Ione
Justin - 11:00
Lucas - 12:05 (Clark's)
Jasmine & Roxie - 1:30

Friday
CT Meeting

Upcoming & Notable

• LP3 Ends - November 18
• Thanksgiving Holiday - November 21 - November 25 (Next week!)
• Student Budget Transfers -
• Budget transfers will be accepted during the month of November (either by email, fax or mail) and they will be processed as they are received. All transfers will be completed by early December so that families may have funds in place for Spring Semester ordering. More info and forms here.

• Scholastic Book Fair - December 5 - December 9 (Picture Day - December 8)
• Gingerbread House Event - December 7
• LP4 Ends - December 16
• Winter Break - December 26 - January 6

The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks

Google recently released The Hidden Worlds of the National Parks program which takes individuals on guided virtual reality tours through some of the National Parks.

The program is an great way for students to begin to utilize virtual reality and gives them an amazing experience while also learning about our National Parks. (Headphones recommended)

https://artsandculture.withgoogle.com/en-us/

Interactive Periodic Table

Are you studying the Periodic Table? Does it seem a little overwhelming and hard to follow?

If so, check this out: http://elements.wlonk.com/ElementsTable.htm

It is an interactive periodic table with pictures and words that is fun for adults and super kid friendly.

Do you know of other great educational resources to share? Email me and I'll post them on the Blog.

This Week's Meeting Schedule

This is one of those LPs with four school weeks, so there are no regularly scheduled family meetings. I will be doing paperwork, scheduling make-up meetings and attending other school meetings, but am available for help, or extra meetings, if needed.

Monday 11/14
Office Day

Tuesday
Camino
Alex M. - 1:00

Wednesday
Office Day

Thursday

Office Day

Friday

Office Day

Enrichment Activities Flyer

Visions has created a new flyer with information about Enrichment Activities.