If your child will be absent from school for any reason, please send an email to camsattendance@classicalacademy.com to let us know. If you will be picking up your student early, you can also email the attendance line with the time and date, and we will get your student an early release slip. This way, they are ready for you in the front office when you come to get them.

If your child misses class due to an absence, please make sure they complete their assigned work when they feel better. Do not hesitate to contact your cohort or their classroom teacher. They will be more than happy to provide you with the necessary materials and support to help your child catch up.

Spring Break

The campus will be closed March 30th - April 3rd for Spring Break. We hope you have a wonderful break and will see you all when we return on April 6th!

Monday, March 30th - Friday, April 3rd - Spring Break
Monday, April 6th - NO Office Hours
Tuesday, April 7th - Dance Lessons 7th Grade
Wednesday, April 8th - Dance Lessons 8th Grade
Monday, April 13th - Office Hours (9:00am-10:30am)
Tuesday, April 14th - Dance Lessons 7th Grade
Wednesday, April 15th - Coffee Chat via zoom (9:00am)s
Wednesday, April 15th - Dance Lessons 8th Grade
Thursday, April 16th - Career Day
Monday, April 20th - Office Hours (9:00am-10:30am)
Thursday, April 23rd - ASB Dance
Saturday, April 25th - Art Show @TCA
Tuesday, April 28th - Thursday, April 30th - CAASP Testing Week
Thursday, April 30th - Classical's Got Talent

Don't Forget!

Yearbooks are on sale! The last day to purchase a yearbook is April 16th!

CLICK HERE for the 2025-2026 Academic Calendar

Hello Parents,

Spring Break is next week, March 30-April 3. The school will be closed and all team members will be unplugged and away from their computers. I hope that you and your family enjoy a fun and restful Spring Break.

School reopens on Monday, April 6. We do not have office hours due to Professional Learning. We look forward to seeing your student back on campus on April 7.

Enjoy pictures from our super fun Spirit Day and Pep Rally!

Have a wonderful spring break and I look forward to seeing students back on campus on Tuesday, April 7.

Thank you for your partnership!

Jennifer Morrow, CAMS Principal

Fidget Guidelines (Effective After Spring Break)

We recognize that some students benefit from using fidgets as a tool to support focus, self-regulation, and attention. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in students misusing fidgets, causing distraction, noise, and mess.

To support a focused learning environment for all students, the following expectations will be in place after Spring Break:

Fidgets must be quiet, small, and non-distracting
Fidgets should be used appropriately and not as toys
Items such as Tech Decks, stuffed animals, Rubik’s cubes, or similar items are not considered fidgets and must remain in backpacks
Any fidget that is noisy, messy, or disruptive will be collected
Students with a 504 Plan, IEP, or social-emotional support plan may continue using fidgets as part of their supports, provided they are used appropriately and remain non-distracting in the learning environment
The counseling office will no longer check out fidgets due to the high number of damaged or lost fidgets
We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing these expectations so all students can learn in a focused and respectful environment.

Notice to Parents: Campus Beautification Requirement

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We would like to inform you about an important part of our school’s behavior and accountability system that will start when we return from Spring Break on April 6th. When a student receives four (4) or more steps in our discipline process, they will be required to complete two hours Campus Beautification for each additional step received.

Campus Beautification is a supervised activity in which students help improve and maintain the appearance of our school grounds. Tasks may include picking up litter, organizing materials, or assisting with light campus clean-up projects. The goal is to promote responsibility, respect for our campus, and positive decision-making.

Please note that Campus Beautification is held on Mondays 10:30am-12:30pm or Fridays 10am-12pm. If your child reaches four or more steps, you will be notified and given the specific date and time they are expected to report for this requirement.

We appreciate your support in helping reinforce positive behavior and pride in our school community. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Mr. Powell, Assistant Principal.

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Mr. Powell

A New Chapter and A New Face At CAMS....

Following Spring Break, Mrs. Milas will be transitioning out of the classroom as she begins to prepare for her future role as an Assistant Principal. We are grateful that she will continue supporting our students and staff in this new capacity! To support a smooth transition, Mrs. Farran will shadow Mrs. Milas during the week of April 6. She will officially be the Skills Lab teacher and oversee Mrs. Milas’s cohort beginning April 13

We are excited to welcome Mrs. Farran to the team as our new Skills Lab teacher! Mrs. Farran is an experienced educator who is eager to join our CAMS community. Mrs. Farran will be taking over Mrs. Milas's cohort and classes as Mrs. Milas transitions to her new role as Assistant Principal.

From Mrs. Farran:

"Hello everyone! My name is Veronica Farran, and I am your new Skills Lab Teacher. I am super excited to join the Classical Academy Middle School team and am looking forward to working with all of you. I originally graduated from San Diego State University and have spent many years working in education. It's the best job in the world! I love soccer, watching movies, and baking. I am looking forward to meeting you all soon and getting to know you better."

Art Show

Join us on April 25, 2026 from 10am-12pm at The Classical Academy Bear Valley Campus for our annual art show celebrating the creativity of our talented students! If you have taken the Art Exploration elective, your artwork will be proudly displayed as part of the exhibit.

We’re excited to showcase the amazing work created this year and to celebrate the artists behind it. We look forward to seeing students, families, and friends there as we come together to appreciate and celebrate art and the artists in our community!

Click HERE to Donate

See flyer for more information

Art Show Flyer 2026 w_ QR.pdf

CAMS Dance

Get ready to take off! ASB has been hard at work planning an unforgettable Around the World celebration just for you! It’s going to be a night full of great food, music, and fun with friends as we travel the globe together—no passport required!

April 23rd @ the Boys and Girls Club, Around the world themed 6:30-8:45pm
Tickets $20 presale beings 4/7 at Lunch or CAMS Front Office / $25 at the door
Live DJ! Churros, Gelato bar, Pizza, and Snacks! Prizes! Giveaways! Phot booth and much more!

See flyer for more info!

Around the World! Dance.pdf

Save The Date: 8th Grade Promotion

8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

Date: Tuesday, June 9th, 2025 11:00am

Location: The Classical Academy, 2950 South Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido 92025

Save the date promotion.pdf

Dance Lessons

Dance Lessons are coming! In preparation for our ASB Dance on April 23, Mrs. Howard, Musical Theater teacher, will teach all students group line dances. Students will learn The Cupid Shuffle, Footloose, and More! Students and teachers will walk to a dance studio at the CCAE for lessons. We have provided dance lessons every year and it is a highlight for our students!

Dance lessons will be on the following dates and take place during the students’ Skills period:

Tuesdays, April 7, and April 14: 7th graders
Wednesday, April 8: 8th graders

Students will walk to the dance studio at the CCAE and be accompanied by at least 3 adults. It is approximately a 5 minute walk from CAMS.

If you do not wish for your child to walk to the dance studio or participate in dance lessons, contact the front office.

East Coast Trip

2026 East Coast Trip Registration is NOW OPEN!!!

Registration for next school year's AMAZING trip is now open to all current Classical Academy (M Track, C Track, SORA) 7th Graders! Students are the priority, however family members are also welcome to join in on the learning and fun! Last year, the 90 spots filled up FAST and we couldn't open all of the final waitlist. Take a look at the information below, check out the website, and get registered for this opportunity of a lifetime for you and your soon-to-be 8th grader!!!

All flights, hotels, motorcoach transport, admission to sites, most meals, and dedicated tour guides are all included!

Dates: November 12 -19, 2026
Registration: Open now to first 50 and then a waiting list (lifted around 65 and back on at 90)
Deposit: $448
Deposit Due: April 24, 2026
Cost: $3,284

Ready to Register?: See link and attachment below OR check out our East Coast Trip Website!

Friday, March 6th: Parent Info Zoom call with Mr. Powell and Ms Baker at 10am. Zoom Call Link

East Coast Trip FAQ Website

If you have further questions specific to your situation, Mr. Powell loves talking about this trip so please do not hesitate to contact him either by phone 760-520-6800 or email tpowell@classicalacademy.com

2026 East Coast Trip Info.pdf

CAMS Yearbook

The yearbook is available for pre order in the CAMS front office for $55.

The last date to purchase a yearbook is April 16th.

Unsure if you already purchased a yearbook? Give the CAMS front office a call 760-520-6800

Please email camsyearbook@classicalacademy.com for more details.

Classical's Got Talent

Do you have a talent that you would like to share? Now is your chance!

Where: Ritz Theater

When: April 30th

For more information visit our website www.camsmusicaltheater.com

Talent Show.pdf

Canned Food Drive

Ready or not, our next service project is here! We are collecting donations to the North County San Diego Food Bank! Theses canned food items will be given to families in need in the North county area!

We will also be hosting a raffle at the dance for the students that donate to win some awesome prizes! Students that donate will receive a raffle ticket per item donated! Raffle tickets will be given to students that donate at the dance to enter into the raffle. Don’t miss out on your chance to win something!

Bring those cans into the front office, in a bag, with your name on it, anytime until Wednesday, April 22nd! We can’t wait to see how many items we donate this year!

canned food drive.pdf

Padres Charter School Night

Charter School Appreciation Night – St. Louis Cardinals vs. Padres

Family, friends, and charter school supporters are invited to join The Classical Academies at Petco Park to celebrate Charter School Appreciation Night on Thursday, May 7, 2026! Discounted tickets start at just $30.00 each and can be ordered online here: TCA @ Padres 2026

The first 40,000 fans will receive a Mason Miller Bobblehead, so arrive early to grab yours! The game starts at 7:10 PM, and tickets will be sent electronically to the email address you provide for easy printing at home. This event is expected to sell out, so be sure to get your tickets early. The final day to pre-order is April 27, 2026.

If you have any questions, please contact Caitlyn Avila at cavila@classicalacademy.com

UPDATED 2026 Padres Charter School Night.pdf

Volunteer Opportunities

Are you interested in volunteering at CAMS? This is a great opportunity to connect with other parents, check out our amazing campus and make an impact on our CAMS community.

We will have several opportunities throughout the year, click the link below to find out more!

Volunteer Opportunities

CAHS Upcoming Visual & Performing Arts Events

The CAHS Visual and Performing Arts Department has been hard at work, and we’re excited to share several upcoming events that showcase our students’ incredible talent and dedication.

We invite you to join us in celebrating their creativity and commitment at these special performances and exhibits. Please see the flyers below for event details.

March 27th - Jam Sesh with Band and Choir in Caiman Hall at 7pm.
Buy Tickets Here

April 8th - Song & Dance Showcase at the Center for the Arts at 7pm.
Buy Tickets Here

April 16th - 19th - Musical Theater presents Hello Dolly at the California Center for the Arts. Buy Tickets Here

April 25th - Spring Art Show at the Studio & PL Campuses 12pm - 2pm FREE

May 2nd - Spring Dance Showcase at the Grand Ritz Theater at 2pm and 6pm. Ticket go on sale in April.

Extracurricular Contact List (click for more info)

CAMS offers several school sponsored activities that students can sign up to participate in. If you would like to learn more about these activities check out the attached spreadsheet for meeting dates, locations, and contact information.

CAMS Extracurricular Contact List

CAMS Sports

For sports Schedule and updates, please check out our CAMS Sports Page

Weekly Events & School Info

Each week, we are recognizing students who go ABOVE and BEYOND in demonstrating one of the 8 Keys of Excellence. Students who are recognized as going above and beyond get to put a star up on our Above & Beyond wall, and get to be celebrated in front of the whole school during morning announcements. We want to develop a school culture where students are kind, determined, have a growth mindset, have integrity, help others, speak with good purpose, take ownership, make the most of opportunities, etc., so we want to celebrate students when we see them doing those things.

School Info & Resources

Helpful Info For 2025-2026 (Click for more info)

In case you missed it, here are several links to resources shared at our various meetings.

Parent Orientation Zoom Recording: Covers morning drop-off and afternoon pickup procedures, dress code, cellphone rules, and more! You can also view the Parent Orientation Slide Deck.
Parent Packet from Breakdown: Includes Bell Schedule, Calendar, FAQ's, and Student Signon Information
Parent Bootcamp Slidedeck: Mrs. Morrow & Mr. Powell's presentation during our CAMS Parent Bootcamp. Includes tips to support your role as the home educator.
Parent Bootcamp Schoology Training Slidedeck: Includes how to view assignment calendars, set up the weekly email digest, view the grade book, and more. **I will be offering 1:1 parent training starting in September. Be on the lookout for when I post more information on that!**
TCALearn.com/SchoologyParentTutorials: How to navigate schoology and support your student at home.
TCALearn.com/AccountDetails: Digital account details and technical support.
CAMS Carpool List: Looking to set up a carpool for your student? Check out our carpool list to connect with other parents about setting up carpools for your students.
1:1 Schoology Training: with CAMS Program Coordinator, Chrissy Klein (Link coming soon!)

School Meal Program (click for more info)

The Classical Academies is pleased to offer every student one free breakfast meal kit, and one free lunch meal kit each workshop day they are on campus. Both meals must be pre-ordered through the forms linked below and are available for pick up at the Snack Shack.

When students are on campus during a breakfast or lunch period, they will be able to choose from the available pre-packaged breakfast kit or pre-packaged lunch kit at the scheduled appropriate meal time. Breakfast is scheduled during the morning break from 10:03-10:17 and lunch is scheduled from 12:27-12:57.

Each pre-packaged breakfast kit includes breakfast cereal, dried fruit, unsweetened regular applesauce, graham crackers, and low-fat milk. Each pre-packaged lunch kit includes an entree like chicken salad, Wow Butter cup, or hummus, along with sides like sunflower kernels, cheese stick, or soy nuts. It also includes unsweetened regular or flavored applesauce or dried fruit, a vegetable juice blend, crackers/chips, and low-fat milk.

Our meal program is available to all students, regardless of eligibility status, who are on campus longer than two hours for an educational purpose. All kits must be pre-ordered online. A link to the order form is available below.

Questions? Speak to your school’s front office or email us at meals@classicalacademy.com.

Use this link to order your student’s breakfast kit: Breakfast Kit Order Form

Use this link to order your student’s lunch kit: Lunch Kit Order Form

Cell Phone & SmartWatch Policy (click for more info)

Hello Awesome CAMS Parents!

One of the things I have most appreciated about CAMS as a parent, teacher, and administrator, is the commitment to having students engaged in class and with each other during breaks instead of their cell phones or smartwatches! Yes these devices can serve as excellent vehicles for communication and learning; however, especially in the junior high setting, they often prove far more distracting and problematic on many levels.

The expectation for students is:

Any time on campus 8am - 3:15pm: cell phone and SmartWatch are turned off and in backpack
Student may text or call ONLY with staff approval in front office

If you need to get in touch with your student, please call our front office at 760-520-6800. We are very happy to deliver a message, have them come to the office to talk, etc.

If your student does not keep to this policy we will begin the following process:

1st Offense: Email home to you - phone/smartwatch held in office and student may pick it up at the end of the school day.

2nd Offense: Email home to you - phone/smartwatch held in the office and a parent or guardian must pick up the phone at the end of the day.

3rd Offense: You will receive a phone call from me to discuss/strategize on how we as a parent/admin team can partner together to keep this from continuing to happen.

Again, thank you for your support on this important piece of our school culture of student learning, focus, safety, and engagement!

Mr. Powell

Math Helpline (click for more info)

Math Helpline for 4th-8th Grade Students

The Classical Academies will be offering live online math help for students and parents! Come and work on current, recent, and approaching lessons with Ms.Aguilar!

The Helpline is available Monday through Friday. Click below to learn the times available.

Join by checking your Schoology math course or tcalearn.com/mathhelpline

Permission To Walk Off Campus (click for more info)

Is your student going to be walking off campus after school? If so they must have a permission to walk/bike off campus form filled out and turned into the front office. The form can be found HERE

Back to School Flyer in Green Red and White Doodle Style (6 × 4 in).jpg

Parent Training (click for more info)

Need help with schoology? Sign up for 1:1 support with our Program Coordinator Chrissy Klein.

Click HERE to sign up

See attached flyer for more information.

Badger Gear Store (click for more)

Medication Policy for 2025/2026 school year (click for more info)

If your student will require medication at school, at any time during the year, please print the required medication form here and turn it into the front office. We are not able to administer any medication (prescription or over-the-counter), without a doctor's signature, and the medication must be in the original container. Additionally, if your student will be carrying medication, you still need to fill out the medication form, have it signed my a doctor, and your student also needs to fill out the self-carry medication form. If your student requires an EPI PEN to be used on campus the following form must be filled out and returned to campus. This will better allow us to assist your student with possible reactions and side effects of your students allergies and gives us an action plan to care for your student properly.

Please note: We cannot accept any medication form for the 2025-2026 school year if it is dated before July 1, 2025. All forms must be signed & dated by your doctor after this date to be active for the school year.

CLICK HERE to read the medication policy TCA schools put into effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

25-26 Tiered Reengagement Notification (click for more info)

As a California independent study school, we are required to offer synchronous (live) instruction opportunities for students. This provides a chance for students to connect with a credentialed teacher in real time for academic support.

At Classical Academy Middle School, school hours are Tuesday - Thursday 8:25 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Additional synchronous (live) instruction opportunities are offered through office hours or by appointment. If you would like more information about times available to your student, please reach out to their teacher(s) directly.

Thank you for your continued support.

Counselor's Corner

Hello Parents and Happy Spring!,

This month, I am providing our school community with resources and information about social media safety and screen time balance!

As technology and online trends are continually evolving, we know that digital safety will always be an important topic of conversation for our youth. Our hope for our students at CAMS is that they will learn to navigate screens with boundaries and balance!

I would like to encourage you to host an entertainment screen-free week in your home sometime this month, as a healthy experiment to show the positive effects that come from having time away from relying on an entertainment screen! The organization, Screen Free, provides a variety of ideas that families can incorporate into a week free of entertainment screens. Below is their list of 101 screen free ideas and further helpful resources! As an added benefit, if your student commits to a week without screens (for entertainment purposes), they can fill out this reflection and have you, their parent, email it to me at aatkins@classicalacademy.com, and I will let them pick a prize out of the prize box in my office.

Screen Free Week: Resources for taking a break from entertainment screens

Lastly, I would like to share with you the Organization for Social Media Safety. This organization contains articles for families in effort to inform them of recent happenings regarding social media and provide tips to help support and protect our children online. A link to the website's articles and resources can be found below.

Organization for Social Media Safety Resources

For more information or a conversation about this topic, please send me an email! I would be happy to discuss this topic further with you and provide additional resources.

If you would like to refer your child for counseling, please fill out and submit my referral form!

CAMS Counseling Referral Form

Alissa Atkins School Counselor

Need A Break?

Sometimes life can be challenging and stressful. This Virtual Calm Room was created to serve as a break and to help you find new ways to identify & manage strong emotions and build your resilience. These resources will hopefully allow you to reset back to a calm state of mind and body.

Virtual Calm Room

Classical Academies AB 748 Compliance Poster (1) (1).pdf

CAMS Carpool

Are you looking to set up a carpool for your student? Fill out this form and we will post contact information here for you to connect with other parents. Your information will be shared here for the duration of the school year. If you would like your information to be removed from the Buzz please contact the front office.

Carpool Contact List (click for more info)

Parent Name: Nadia Ladygina

Parent Email: nadia.ladygina@gmail.com

Location: Kit Carson Park

Parent Name: Julie Laux

Parent Email: julielauxspeech@gmail.com

Location: Rancho Penasquitos, near 56 East and 15 North

Parent Name: Aileen Holbrook

Parent Email: baybrook2008@gmail.com

Location: San Marcos

Parent Name: Heidi Smith

Parent Email: heclark22@yahoo.com

Location: San Marcos / border Escondido nearch Woodland Park

Parent Name: Jessica Skakalska

Parent Email: jessica.dexter11@gmail.com

Location: South Poway, near Hilleary Park on Community Rd

Parent Name: Karlyn Dagraedt

Parent Email: JustDandyCreations@yahoo.com

Location: West Valley Parkway behind Home Depot and Albertsons area/ off Hale Ave

Parent Name: Stephanie Kempel

Parent Email: stephanie.kempel21@gmail.com

Location: Valley center on Lilac rd

Parent Name: Areli Quinones

Parent Email: areli.026@hotmail.com

Location: Mission ave across from mission middle school

Parent Name: Betsy Server

Parent Email: mtbbetsy121@gmail.com

Location: Rancho Bernardo East of 15, off Pomerado Rd

Parent Name: Steve Croll

Parent Email: iamcroll@gmail.com

Location: 4S Ranch

Parent Name: Carina Gregg

Parent Email: carina.gregg@gmail.com

Location: Valley center off Cole grade

*The information in this section is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. It is independent of Classical Academy Middle School and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by The Classical Academies. Please contact the service provider directly with all questions or concerns. *

Community Food Assistance Resources

San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) has compiled a list of local organizations offering free or low-cost food assistance across San Diego County. Please contact the sites directly for more information.

211 San Diego: Go online or call 2-1-1 to connect with food pantries, meal programs, and essential services.

San Diego Food Bank: Find a nearby food distribution site.

Feeding San Diego: Explore countywide food assistance options.

San Diego County Food Pantries: Visit for a list of regional food pantry locations gathered by SDCOE.

FCA Community Huddle - Tuesdays 3:15-4:15

Presented by Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA)

FCA invites local students, parents, teachers, and staff to participate in a community-led huddle. This free huddle encourages and challenges all individuals to live and grow in both their faith and campus life.

Location: Classical Academy Middle School

144 Woodward Avenue, Escondido

Program Schedule (All Sessions 3:15 PM - 4:15 PM)

FCA meets almost every Tuesday through May 26th

FCA will NOT meet on the Tuesdays listed below

- - 11/25, 12/23, 12/30, 1/27, 3/31

For more information, please visit our website or email nbentz@fca.org. North San Diego Inland FCA

Math & Science Tutoring for Students (Grades 6-12)

Presented by Emmanuel Faith:

Starting in October, we will host a weekly Math & Science Club on Monday nights from 5:30–7:30 PM at Emmanuel Faith Community Church. This is a free program for students in grades 6–12 that offers:

One-on-one and small-group tutoring in all levels of math and science
Support from retired/current teachers and professionals in STEM fields
Dinner and engaging activities each week

You can sign up through this link. The program begins Monday, October 13. We’re also exploring transportation options if needed.

Free Transit Passes For Students

Free Transit Passes for Students - Unlimited Rides on Bus, Trolley, COASTER & SPRINTER

SANDAG's Youth Opportunity Transit Pass allows anyone 18 and under to ride San Diego transit (bus, trolley, Coaster, and Sprinter) for free. There are several ways children and families can take advantage of this opportunity, such as using their existing online bus pass or getting a hard copy card through SANDAG.

In order to take advantage of the free pass, riders must have a Youth PRONTO app account or card. Riders who do not have a Youth PRONTO pass may either download one on a smartphone or pick up a free card from the MTS Transit Store, NCTD Customer Service Centers or select community organizations. For more information, visit the SANDAG website.

Comments, Suggestions, Great Ideas….

Do you have a comment, suggestion, idea to share? We have a special email address just for you, https://www.classicalacademy.com/contact. Your partnership is valued. Your ideas strengthen our programs. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

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