TCA Bear Buzz
October 12, 2020
October
October 12 - School Picture Make-Up Day
October 12-23 - VIRTUAL Scholastic Book Fair
October 13-15 - C'lectives LIVE Teaching - core subjects & electives
October 20-22 - C'lectives LIVE Teaching - core subjects ONLY
October 27-29 - C'lectives LIVE Teaching - core subjects & electives
October 29 - Tasty Thursday FUNdraiser - Rubio's (East Valley Parkway)
November
November 3-5 - C'lectives LIVE Teaching - core subjects ONLY
November 10-12 - NO C'lectives LIVE Teaching ALL WEEK
November 11 - Veteran's Day - NO SCHOOL
November 16-20 - Unit 2 Conferences (by appt with teacher/ES) - NO LIVE TEACHING
November 16 - First day of Unit 3
November 23-27 - Thanksgiving Break - NO SCHOOL
December
December 17 - January 3 - Winter Break - NO SCHOOL
Stand Up. Speak Out.
Say NO to Bullying!
October is a great time to be kind, accepting, and include others.
Wear orange on October 21st to show that we are all united against bullying!
Remember we are all one great big Bear community.
Digital Work Samples
Each of the schools within The Classical Academies is an Independent Study program in the State of California. As such we are required to collect work samples from each course, each learning period, for each student. Those samples are then stored for 7 years. On an annual basis that is over 200,000 pieces of paper, plus folders and labels and storage space for all those files, times 7 years. You can imagine the amount of space and hours it takes to manage all of that.
Moving to digital storage is our best option as it saves space, paper, and time while increasing accuracy and security. We have been slowly working towards this goal for the last two years. We started with electronic Master Agreements and Learning Logs as well as submission of assignments through Schoology for some classes/courses. Starting in the 2020-2021 school year and moving forward, we are having all families submit their samples electronically.
We understand it has been a challenging transition for some. We want you to know that we appreciate the time it takes to make this happen. This is a team effort! If you are having challenges with submitting samples, please reach out to your Teacher or Educational Specialist for support. We will work together to create solutions.
Scholastic Book Fair
The book fair has gone VIRTUAL for 2020!
The online fair will run from Monday, October 12th until Sunday, October 25th. You will be able to shop from the comfort and safety of your home for books for readers of all ages, ability levels and interests. As during a 'normal' book fair, a portion of sales will come back to TCA!
CLICK HERE to get started!
8th Grade East Coast Trip: Last Chance to Sign Up!
Mar 18-25, 2021
Our trip has been rescheduled and there's still time to register to go! The deadline to register is Thursday, October 15th.
CLICK HERE to see a video from the 2019 East Coast trip!
CLICK HERE for more information.
Grade-Level Crews
Are you interested in helping your students build connections with other students outside of their Zoom meetings? We want to help you make this happen!
CLICK HERE to complete the form if you're interested in having your student join their 'grade-level crew!'
Medication Policy for 2020-21 School Year
The California Department of Education has modified requirements for the way schools handle student medications which are kept on campus or carried by students while on campus.
CLICK HERE to read the updated medication policy TCA schools will put into effect for the 2020-2021 school year. 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.
CLICK HERE to print the required medication form.
Parent Learning Communities
Have you heard of the PLC groups? The goal of these Parent Learning Community groups is to offer support to parents on their homeschooling journey. We recognize that this year may look very different. We want to ensure that our parents feel supported and are not alone in this journey. Our goal is to create support groups with experienced homeschooling facilitators.
If interested, please contact Christina Mitchell at mmitchell@classicalacademy.com.
Make-up School Pictures
We still have several spots left for the upcoming Photo Make-Ups on Monday, October 12th. Please CLICK HERE to sign up for a time slot.
The Lunch Bunch
Our School Counselor, Mr. C, is going to start small virtual social groups during Unit 2.
The Lunch Bunch is a great way to get our kiddos together and help them smile!
If you have any questions or are interested please CLICK HERE to check out Mr. C’s Corner linked below in the Buzz.
Need a book?
Great news! Our Bear Book Den is now portable!
Beginning Monday, September 21st, we will have our rolling library cart outside of the Front Office where you can borrow books of various genres for your students to enjoy reading! The cart will be accessible from Mondays through Fridays, 8:00 am until 4:00 pm. We will be doing an honor system, therefore there are no barcodes or a formal check out system when borrowing the books. You may simply take a book and return it to the bin next to the cart once you are done.
For any further questions, please contact our Front Office at (760) 546-0101.
Art & Poetry Contest
California students in kindergarten through 12th grade are invited to submit artwork or poetry with a California coastal or marine theme to the Coastal Art & Poetry Contest, presented by the California Coastal Commission.
Entries can be submitted online until midnight January 31st. For rules, contest flyer, and entry form, please visit www.coastal.ca.gov/art-poetry.
Up to ten winners will be selected to win $100 gift certificates to an art supply store (for artists) or book store (for poets). Each winner's sponsoring teacher will receive a $50 gift certificate for educational supplies, courtesy of Acorn Naturalists. Students may have their work featured on Commission web pages and materials, and winners and honorable mentions will be exhibited throughout the state, as conditions allow.
Logic of English Tutorials - Unit 2
Good news! Many of you have requested additional Logic of English videos for Unit 2. Because we want to continue to support you, as well as extend the value of hands-on teaching, we will be providing videos for half of the lessons for both Foundations Book A and Essentials during Unit 2. That way, you will receive lots of support from us while also experiencing teaching some lessons on your own.
Look for NEW videos to be posted soon.
If you would like to utilize these recorded videos, you may add the appropriate course by using the following Schoology course access code(s):
LOE Foundations Book A Schoology Course Code: JP9X-SPGB-XFF8Q
LOE Essentials Schoology Course Code: 3WXF-THT5-WGHF3
The Bee Kind! Corner
BEE KIND! 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.
Throughout this school year, students will be featured in the Bee Kind! Corner of the buzz for above and beyond acts of kindness.
A nomination from Ms. Walker:
Angel Silva, a 2nd grade student, has been really focused with his reading this school year. He is using a program at home called RAZ Kid's. RAZ Kid's gives students stars each time they read a book and allows them to donate stars to buy a meal for someone in need. Angel was so motivated to help someone in need, he has been reading nonstop. He has read 52 books so far and he recently earned 8,000 stars and donated all of them to buy a meal for someone in need. He earned this badge in the program. We are so proud of you Angel! Thank you for demonstrating extra kindness and going above and beyond to help others!
Want to Lend a Hand?
Many families have reached out wondering how to help and volunteer during this time of distance learning. Our staff is currently busy preparing our campus for when our administration determines it is safe for our students to return on campus. That being said, you may check out this link to see our current campus needs. Once completed, you may fill out the Parent Volunteer Hours Form to indicate you have dropped off such items.
If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact Christina Mitchell. We are so thankful for your help!
Do you know about our Bear Book and Bear Math Challenges?
We would like to invite your students to participate in this fun and exciting challenge!
Click these links (Bear Book/Bear Math) for more information about each challenge and how to complete it. Parents will fill out the appropriate online form (Book TK-2, Book 3-8, Bear Math) for their students once they have completed their goal. Students will also be featured in our Virtual Bulletin Board at the end of the unit once forms have been submitted!
Any questions? Please contact Christina Mitchell.
Morning Assemblies
With our current distance learning, we have been exploring options to continue our daily Morning Assemblies via Schoology and Instagram.
Do you have a student in 6th, 7th, or 8th Grade who would be interested in leading one of our morning announcements? We would love your help! Please contact Christina Mitchell for more information.
School Meals Available at Community Locations
On September 1, 2020, the USDA extended the summer grab-and-go school meal program for all children until December 31st, 2020. Children aged 1-18 are eligible to receive meals regardless of school or district of attendance. School districts are working hard to implement the new guidelines and meet local needs. Locally, we are aware of meal services in Escondido, Oceanside, and now Vista. Please visit their websites for more information. To find out when your neighborhood school will be ready to participate in this program, please visit Fall 2020 Meal Sites for Students.
Please also visit these other community resources:
Dear TCA Families,
We ask that you try to handle any business with teachers and office staff via phone or email when possible. If you need to come to the front office, please understand the following:
1. The front door is locked. You will have to knock and wait for a staff member to come to the door.
2. If you must come inside the building, your temperature will be taken by a staff member. If your temperature is over 100 degrees, we are sorry to say that you will not be allowed into the building.
3. Face coverings must be worn while on the porch or inside at all times.
4. Appropriate social distancing measures will be followed.
If you can avoid bringing children with you, please do so for their safety and ours. We want to hug, handshake and high-five every one of you and your kiddos because WE MISS YOU!
If you have a question, concern, or comment about our processes, please email the team at HealthAndSafety@classicalacademy.com. As changes happen, plans will be updated.
Mr. C's Corner
CLICK HERE to visit Mr. C's Corner for the Key of the Unit and information to motivate and inspire you!
Ever wonder HOW to get in touch with our school counselor Mr. C?
Contact Mr. C by email cchandler@classicalacademy.com. He will respond within 24 school hours!
Affordable Internet and Computers
During this time of required in-home learning, internet companies are committed to helping families in need to receive affordable home internet access.
Qualifying families with children in grades K-12 are eligible for discounted high speed home internet. Visit Cox Connect2Compete or AT&T Stay Connected.
If your family is in need of a home computer, Computers for Kids is offering refurbished computers to those in need. Visit Computers for Kids for more information.
Please note that due to COVID-19, Performing Arts extracurricular activities have been paused. We will post here when we are able to offer activities again for our school community.
1-6 Choir
Watch here for more information!
7-8 Choir
Watch here for more information!
7-8 Vocal Ensemble
Watch here for more information!
Band
Watch here for more information!
CAMS Dance
Watch here for more information!
Handbells
Unfortunately the handbell choir will not meet during the 2020-21 school year. We are hoping to see it return in fall 2021!
COVID-19 Cancels 4th-6th Grade Class Trips
The 4th, 5th and 6th grade class trips will be canceled this year due to COVID-19.
With shifting health updates, and the unpredictability of just how the school year will unfold, we have made the tough decision to cancel these class trips for this year.
Our 7th grade class trip has been moved from September 2020 to February 2021 and our 8th grade class trip has been moved from November 2020 to March 2021. We are sincerely hoping that these trips will still happen. Obviously, as the dates get closer for these trips, we will keep our travelers updated if changes arise or a cancellation is needed.
We regret this is happening and hope to see these educational adventures return next year.
4th Grade: Northern CA
Canceled for 2020-21
5th Grade: Pathfinder Ranch
Canceled for 2020-21
6th Grade: Astro Camp
Canceled for 2020-21
7th Grade: Catalina
Feb 24-26, 2021
Watch here for info on trip meeting.
Contact Chandler Payne cpayne@classicalacademy.com for info.
8th Grade: East Coast
Mar 18-25, 2021
Our trip has been rescheduled and there's still time to register to go!
8th Grade: East Coast
Mar 18-25, 2021
CLICK HERE to see a video from the 2019 east coast trip!
CLICK HERE for more information.
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 service provider directly with all questions or concerns.
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.