TCA Bear Buzz
Daily Schedule
A/B Track
8:00 am - 2:30 pm
C'lectives
K-6th grade
Period 1: 8:30-9:45 am
Period 2: 9:50-11:20 am
Period 3: 12:15-1:25 pm
Period 4: 1:30-2:45 pm
7-8th grade
Period 1: 8:15-9:30 am
Period 2: 9:35-11:10 am
Period 3: 11:20-12:40 pm
Period 4: 1:25-2:45 pm
2023-24 School Drop off and Pick up times
Morning Gate Times: 7:45am-8:35 am
Afternoon Gate Times: 2:20pm-3:00pm
A/B Track Students and Parents- AB Track Drop Off Pick Up
C'lectives Students and Parents- C Track Morning
August 7-13, 2023
August
August 18 & 19- School Picture days (info below) and AB book pick up
August 23- Unit 1 begins- FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
August 23-25- HOMESCHOOL DAYS-No Classes on campus
August 24- Splash into Middle School (7th and 8th grade ONLY) Details to come
August 24- C'lectives Open House (info below)
August 29 & 30- Classes begin on campus-
A Track and C'lectives (8/29), B Track (8/30)
September
September 4- Labor Day- No School
September 11- Make-up Picture day
September 9-12- Scholastic Book Fair (info below)
September 18-20- 7th Grade Catalina Trip
September 26 & 27- Unit 1 Lunch- Pizza (Info below)
September 26 & 27- Spirit Days (Details to come)
September 29- Old Fashioned Family Fair (Details to come)
October
October 9-13- Unit One Conferences- A/B on campus Thursday and Friday ONLY-
No C'lectives all week
UNIT 1 Assemblies
Key: Integrity
Assembly Schedule:
A/B Tracks K-6 Assemblies (start time 7:58am)
C Track K-6 Assemblies (start time 8:28am) T, W, & TH only
C Track 7th/8th Assemblies (start time 11:00am) T & W only
Unit 1 Assembly Dates:
Tues, Aug 29 & Wed, Aug 30th
Thurs, Sept 14th & Fri, Sept 15th
Tues, Sep 26th & Wed, Sept 27th
Welcome Back from Principal Kenna Molina-
For those returning, welcome home! For those just joining us, welcome to the Bear Family! We have worked hard this summer to get everything ready for our families and students to return. We have completed lots of projects, ordered SO many books and supplies, added team members and a few offices, and did a lot of cleaning in order to welcome you all back. We had a bit of a setback with some significant flooding in the main office. However, our amazing crew and professionals went to work right away cleaning and restoring things. The summer team continued to work in and around the restoration and construction as we continued to prepare for the new year. There is still a lot to do but we are confident that we will have things in place for our teachers and families to return. Thank you for your patience as we do our best to serve our families and kick off the 23-24 school year. I look forward to sharing our theme for the year with all of you, after we share with our teachers and staff upon their return.
VERY IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ!!
Did you fill out all the required digital forms? Please be on the lookout for your Master Agreement/Acknowledgement of Responsibility Form in your inbox sent on July 17th through 20th. You will also be receiving a Household Data Collection Form the first week of August. If you do not complete these forms you will not be able to start school. If you need help please email Bridgette Bakkela at bbakkela@classicalacademy.com.
What's new on our Campus??
We have been busy this summer! Our summer crew and outside vendors have completed so many projects around campus. We are excited for you to see our brand new turf field on the big playground. It looks amazing and we are excited to see all of the use it will get.
We also remodeled the student bathrooms by the pool and we now have 4 single use stalls with all new tile, paint, and equipment. We have a few more projects we are working on and those should be ready for the first day of school.
Our teachers and students are in need of classroom supplies. If you are able to help, please check out the CLASSROOM SUPPLY link for your child's class requests. Remember, every donation counts towards volunteer hours! You can use this link to record your purchase and get volunteer credit! $10 = 1 hour
TCA School Picture Days with Sumner Photography
Dates: Friday, Aug 18th and Monday, Aug 21st
Location: The Classical Academy Bear Valley Campus
2950 S. Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido CA 92025
Rooms 9 & 18A
Time options range from 8:00 am-3:00 pm with a 30 min break for lunch from 12:00-12:30. Please use this link to reserve your spot, one per child.
Date: August 24th, 2023
BBQ Time: 4:30pm - 5:30pm
Open House Time: 5:30pm - 6:30pm
C’LECTIVES OPEN HOUSE & BBQ
**C’lectives Open House is free of charge and the BBQ is $5.00 per person.
Add this to the BUZZ with QR Code attached to it
We look forward to seeing you there!
*No refunds will be given
for this event.
**Hamburger and hotdog meals will be sold prior to the open house, from 4:30pm to 5:30pm. Your meal will include a hamburger or hotdog, chips and a drink.
If you would like to save time and prepay for your meal, please
New Faces in New Places!
We want to welcome our new staff members and familiar faces in new roles, as we begin the 2023-24 school year! If you see any of these staff members, please make sure to give them a great big Bear welcome!
My name is Jacque Alvarado. I am excited to enter my 16th year at TCA as Assistant Principal. In past years I have had the opportunity to be a Spanish teacher, taught first, fourth and sixth grades and was the ASB advisor, all at our wonderful campus. Both of my boys attended TCA, thus, I value homeschooling. It creates a love for learning, wonderful memories, and brings occasional challenges. I look forward to a fabulous school year!!
Mrs. Jannetta Geoghegan (pronounced Gay-gan) loves kids! She is joining us as an Educational Specialist. She homeschooled her three children and has taught within The Classical Academies since 2016. Mrs. G graduated from UC Berkeley and earned a Master of Arts in Teaching from Western Governors University. When she isn’t teaching, you’ll find her gardening, hiking, biking, swimming, hanging out with friends and family… and of course reading!
Hi! My name is Patty Xaysanapannha. I am so excited to teach 1st grade. I have been with the Classical Academies for 9 years teaching 3rd grade and 2nd grade at our Vista campus, and I am looking forward to continuing my services here at The Classical Academies, Escondido. My passion is in teaching and I enjoy supporting my families through their homeschooling journey. In addition, I love providing my students a warm, loving, and safe learning environment where they can thrive and be successful. We are going to have a fun and eventful school year, and I can't wait to get to know you all!
Hi! I'm Janine Gavin. I am looking forward to a brand new school year and starting a new role as an Educational Specialist here at TCA! The last several years I have taught c’lectives and love our students and community. I’ve previously worked as an elementary teacher in the Bay Area and here in San Diego. My own three daughters attended TCA from kindergarten through eighth grade and now attend CAHS. It was an amazing experience for our family, and I am honored to play a part in supporting other families as they homeschool. Outside of school you will often find me cheering on my girls at their running races and soccer games. I hope to meet many of you this school year!
My name is Colleen Walker (Miss Walker) and I am starting my 17th year of teaching at this school year. This will be my first year in the Educational Specialist role at TCA. I have worked as a Reading Specialist and a 1st grade teacher here at TCA. For fun, I love biking, hiking, stand up paddle boarding, and traveling to new places. I’m excited to have a wonderful year working with families in my new role!
Hey everyone, I’m Mr. Meisterling. This is my first year teaching here at TCA and I couldn’t be more excited to be joining this school and community. I have previously taught middle school Language Arts and History, but Elementary is where I’ve always wanted to be so I can’t wait to get started!
I was born and raised in Southern California before attending Seton Hall University in New Jersey. I’m a big fan of playing/watching any and all sports, and I love being active, traveling, and spending time with family. I’m looking forward to meeting you all!
Hi Everyone! My name is Anais Campos, and I am the new Specialized Academic Instructor. This will be my second year working for Classical Academy. I am a California girl and have lived here my entire life. I graduated from California State University of San Marcos (CSUSM) with a degree in Liberal Studies and where I also received my Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credential. Outside of school, my favorite activities are yoga and hiking. You can say that I enjoy doing outdoor activities. I am incredibly excited to get to know each of you throughout the upcoming school year.
Hello, My name is LeAnne Williams. I come to the Bear Valley Campus from the Vista Campus where I was the long term substitute for Nicole Beutz. I have taught 7th and 8th grade math and high school History. I love to travel, read and garden. I look forward to working with you and getting to know all of you! Please ask me for help in math lessons or adapting lessons for struggling students.
My name is Mrs. Botka and I am so thrilled to be teaching Kindergarten this year at The Classical Academy! This will be my second year working at TCA and my first year as an A/B teacher. My favorite part of teaching is seeing how much my students grow and learn in all areas throughout the course of the school year. It brings me so much JOY!
In my free time, I love to explore bookstores, slog (slow jog), and play frisbee! My husband and I camp and hike very frequently, and we actually summited Half Dome in Yosemite this summer (one of my summer 2023 highlights). My favorite color is yellow, with glitter coming in as a close second. You can find me in room 6 with a big smile on my face and a coffee in hand!
Attention 6th grade students
Are you interested in developing a skill set and mentality that will ready you for your future? Join ASB (Associated Student Body)! Check out the details below.
Associated Student Body ASB 1 is a student self leadership class for 6th grade students. This class is designed to teach students how to become self-motivated leaders with integrity and purpose. As a result of their participation in this program, students will be more motivated, confident, flexible, and sure of themselves in their interactions with teachers, parents, advisors, coaches, and future employers. In addition, students will be given some opportunities to serve their family, school, and community. Such opportunities may include:
• Recognizing TCA teachers and staff members
• Publicizing and serving at school events
• Creating school spirit (i.e. posters, activities, “spirit” days)
• Campus beautification projects
• Managing ASB Snack Shack
ASB 1 will meet on Wednesdays at 2:45-3:50 in room 23 with Mr. Jones. We hope to see you there!!!
Our meeting dates are:
August 30
September: 6, 13, 20, 27
October: 4, 18, 25
November: 1, 8 15
December: 6, 13
January 3, 10, 17, 24,
February: 14, 21, 28
March: 6, 20
April 3, 10, 17, 24
May: 8, 15, 22, 29
Encouragement, Kindness and Understanding
TCA
Counseling Corner
Contact Info:
A/B Track Families-
Mrs.G @ kgravelle@classicalacademy.com
OR
C Track Families-
Ms.Viviana @ vperez@classicalacademy.com
You can also fill out a referral form here: https://forms.gle/PadDL7FtQTjq6aVh7
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Interested in volunteering with our Event Coordinator, Alexis Fregoso, for the upcoming yearly events? Then this is your opportunity to clock in some volunteer hours and get involved with upcoming/future events. click HERE to complete our interest form.
Fill your bellies and help us raise funds for TCA at our Unit 1 fundraiser!
September 13, 2023
Time: 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Location: 200 E Via Rancho PKWY STE 455, Escondido, CA, 92025
Scholastic Book Fair
Tuesday, September 12th -
Friday, September 15th, 2023
Location: Parent Lounge
We are excited to welcome back our Scholastic Book Fair for an on campus experience. This fair will run from Tuesday, September 12 until Friday, September 15. You will be able to shop for books for readers of all ages, ability levels and interests. A portion of the sales will come back to benefit TCA!
Save the Date!
(More details to come soon)
Old Fashioned Family Fair
Date: Friday, September 29, 2023
Time of Event: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: The Classical Academy,
2950 South Bear Valley Parkway, Escondido 92025
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Unit 1
Little Caesars Pizza Luncheon
Tuesday, September 26th & Wednesday, September 27th, 2023
Signs-ups will be available on Friday, August 25th, 2023
Unit 3
Little Caesars Pizza Luncheon
Thursday, January 11th and Friday, January 12th, 2024
Signs-ups will be available on Friday, December 8, 2023
Unit 5
Little Caesars Pizza Luncheon
Tuesday, April 16th and Wednesday, April 17th, 2024
Sign-ups will be available on Friday, March 15th, 2024
Middle School News
Don't miss special events and announcements for 7th and 8th graders!
Check back next week (8/14) for the latest
Middle School News!
The Bee Kind! Corner
Throughout the school year, students will be featured in the Bee Kind! Corner for above and beyond acts of kindness. We choose kindness every day here at TCA!
Has your student demonstrated extra kindness? We want to celebrate our students as they go above and beyond to be kind to others!
Please complete THIS FORM to nominate your child.
Bear Book Challenge Reading Rockstars!
Help us recognize our brilliant readers who have met their reading goals!
**Students who have completed this challenge will be recognized in the Bear Buzz after each unit has completed
7th Grade Catalina Trip
Attention 23-24 7th Grade Families
September 18-20, 2023
This trip currently has a waitlist for attendance.
Join this fun time at the Catalina 7th grade trip! At this three-day, two-night camp, students will explore marine science, view sea creatures, snorkel, kayak, and more.
Quick Facts:
Dates: September 18-20, 2023
Registration: All new registrations for the trip will be placed on a waitlist. The link to register was sent via email to all incoming 7th grade families, if you did not receive the link please contact Rachel Dove rdove@classicalacademy.com
Cost: $455.00
Fall East Coast Trip
Attention Current 7th Grade Families
To find out if space is still available please contact Tyler Powell: tpowell@classicalacademy.com
November 9-16, 2023
Registration for the 2023 East Coast Trip is now open for current 7th graders that will be 8th grade CAMS students next school year.
Dates: November 9-16, 2023
Registration: To find out if space is still available please contact Tyler Powell: tpowell@classicalacademy.com
Cost: $2899
See the Frequently Asked Questions link below for more information. See you on the trip!
East Coast Trip: Frequently Asked Questions Page
4th Grade
Northern CA
Attention 23-24 4th Grade Families
February 26-28, 2024
Adventure awaits! Join your fellow classmates on the adventure of a lifetime. Learning about our nation on location, spending time with friends, trying new foods... This life-changing experience will excite you as you visit America’s historical sites and expand your knowledge of who we are as a country. We will be visiting Sacramento, Sutter's Fort, Coloma (Gold Country), San Francisco and more!
We will be hosting an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 6th at 5:00pm via Zoom to answer any questions that you may have.
Meeting ID: 945 6217 7407
Passcode: 848908
Tour Code: T246001A
Password:145235
**Please note: Parents are required to travel with their 4th graders on this trip. This trip is for 4th graders and their chaperones only.
We Need Your Help
We would love to offer trainings and chats on a more consistent basis this year. Is there something you would like more training or information on? Please use the link below to share your thoughts or ideas for sessions that you would find helpful.
Choir
Rehearsals will be held on Mondays
1st-2nd: 8:30am-9am
3rd-5th: 9am-9:50am
6th-8th: 9:50am-10:50am
Any questions? Please email jstubbs@classicalacademy.com.
Band (4th grade & up)
Beginning Band
Tuesday/Thursday 4:30-5:30
Advanced Band
Tuesday/Thursdays 3:30-4:30
Any questions? Please email jstubbs@classicalacademy.com.
Calling all TCA BEARS interested in Band and Choir!!
Are you interested in singing in the choir or learning to play an instrument in the band? Check out the information for choir and beginning and advanced band HERE!
Middle School Sports Information
Please click on the links below for the most up to date information.
CAMS Badger Buzz
CAMS Girls Volleyball will have open gyms on Aug 7, Aug 14, & Aug 21. Come out for some summer volleyball fun and work on building your skills before tryouts. Tryouts will take place on Aug 28th. More information for the season will be available mid August. All open gyms, tryouts, and practices will take place at EVCC (2245 E Valley Parkway) from 6-8pm on Monday nights. If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Jen at jhernandez@classicalacademy.com.
Parent Volunteer Corner
Need Parent Volunteer Hours?
Volunteering at TCA
CLICK HERE to read more about our volunteering program and how your partnership helps our campus work!
For families with students on A/B Track, it is suggested that you volunteer 25 hours/year on campus.
For families with students on C Track, it is suggested that you volunteer 10 hours/year on campus.
Record Your Volunteer Hours
CLICK HERE to record your volunteer hours. Remember that $10 of donations is equal to 1 volunteer hour!
We are seeking donations for our Classroom Emergency Kits. If you are interested in donating, these purchases will count towards your volunteer hours for the 2023-24 school year! Please use this link to purchase and save time by sending them directly to our office:
2950 S. Bear Valley Pkwy., Escondido, CA 92025
If you prefer to deliver them in person, our office hours are Monday-Friday-7:30am-4pm.
Record Your Volunteer Hours
CLICK HERE to record your volunteer hours. Remember that $10 of donations is equal to 1 volunteer hour!
Resources and General Info
Our breakfast program is available to all students, regardless of eligibility status, who are on campus longer than two hours for an educational purpose.
Pre-packaged Breakfast Kits must be pre-ordered online.
Please use this link to sign your students up to receive a Breakfast Meal Kit https://forms.gle/iNaATyF4K1r33Epk7
Reporting your student's illness:
Please make note that The Classical Academies will no longer send notification letters to parents regarding their symptomatic student. Letters will still be sent in relation to students who report a COVID-19 positive.
Here are some important reminders regarding our symptomatic student policy:
Students who appear ill (ie. fever, stomach aches, diarrhea, stomach pains, vomiting) should not be sent to school.
If your student is sick, please call the front office and notify the teacher/ES.
Cold, allergy, flu and COVID symptoms all look alike. It is important to not self-diagnose these symptoms.
If your student experiences any of the following symptoms: fever, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, cough, body aches, more tired than normal, we recommend taking a COVID test when symptoms begin and before returning to school. Free test kits are available at the front office.
A student must be fever free without the use of fever-reducing medicine (i.e. acetaminophen, ibuprofen, aspirin, naproxen) for 24 hours before returning to school.
If you have any questions, please reach out to healthandsafety@classicalacademy.com.
Thank you and please stay healthy!
Medication Policy for
2023-24 School Year
The California Department of Education requires that a signed doctor's note be provided to your child's school for any student medications which are kept on campus or carried by students while they are on campus. Please note that ANY medication, including over-the-counter medications such as Tylenol and cough drops, MUST have a signed doctor's note to be allowed on campus for student safety. If your student travels on any overnight class trips, a signed medication form will be required for any medication, even over-the-counter
CLICK HERE to print the required medication form.
CLICK HERE for the Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Plan
Please note: We cannot accept any medication forms for the 2023-2024 school year if it is dated before July 3, 2023. All forms must be signed & dated by your doctor after this date to be active for the new school year.
Our online student stores are currently closed. Check back in the future to order school swag!
The information in this section is provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. It is independent of The Classical Academy and is not affiliated with, sponsored or endorsed by The Classical Academies. Please contact the individual in stated posts for more information, questions or concerns.
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Comments, Suggestions, Great Ideas?
Do you have a comment, suggestion, idea to share?
We have a special email address just for you, comments@classicalacademy.com.
Your partnership is valued. Your ideas strengthen our programs. We look forward to hearing from you soon.