March
2026
Mr. Taz working with Classroom 2
Ms. Kelsey's Science elective experiments with coke and mentos
Students testing their egg drop projects
Room 4 Art Tangles with Mr. Taz
Room 2 students create volcanes during Ms. Kelsey's Elective!
Mr. Nice teaches cooperation during group
Classroom 1 on a nature hike
Hats off to Literacy day!
Dear Excel Academy Families,
March is a month of discovery and empowerment at Excel Academy as we celebrate Women’s History Month. Our students are diving deep into the stories of influential women who have shaped our world, focusing on themes of identity, courage, and perseverance. Our school-wide focus is on Cooperation. We are teaching our students that we achieve our greatest goals when we work together, listen to one another, and value every voice in the room.
Across all grade levels, our classrooms are buzzing with exciting new units:
Classroom 1: Our young explorers are unraveling the secrets of Ancient Egypt in their "Mysterious Mummies" unit. In ELA, they are reading Poppy to learn about making a difference in their world.
Classroom 2: The class continues the unit "Looking Beneath the Surface" with the text Tangerine.
Classroom 4: Students are engaging in critical historical analysis by studying American Indian boarding schools through the anchor text Two Roads. They are working hard on developing their argumentative writing skills and exploring unheard voices in history.
Math Focus: We are all getting "in shape" this month as every grade level focuses on Geometry and Shapes, understanding 2D and 3D forms and their relationships.
At Excel, we continue to reinforce our Core 4 School Rules to ensure a positive environment for all students:
We are Kind 🤝
We are Safe 🛡️
We are Responsible ✅
We are Respectful ⭐
Please mark your calendars for these upcoming events and observances:
March 1–31: National Women’s History Month
March 2-March 6: National Read Across Spirit Week!
March 6: Game of Life (Room 4 Students)
March 8: International Women’s Day & Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 11: Planetarium Fieldtrip
March 14: Pi Day (A great day for math lovers!)
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20: End of Quarter 3
March 20: First Day of Spring
March 21: National Down Syndrome Day
March 23-27: Parent Teacher Conferences
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education!
Ms. Mizenko
☘️ What's Excel Learning this Month?☘️
Check out what each classroom is focusing on this month!
☘️ What's Excel Reading this Month? ☘️
☘️ Upcoming Events & Important Dates ☘️
March 1–31: National Women’s History Month
March 2-March 6: National Read Across Spirit Week!
March 6: Game of Life (Room 4 Students)
March 8: International Women’s Day & Daylight Saving Time Begins
March 11: Planetarium Fieldtrip
March 14: Pi Day (A great day for math lovers!)
March 17: St. Patrick’s Day
March 20: End of Quarter 3
March 20: First Day of Spring
March 21: National Down Syndrome Day
March 23-27: Parent Teacher Conferences
☘️ Monthly Character Trait ☘️
This March, we are focusing on Cooperation as our Character Trait of the Month. Cooperation means working together toward a common goal and valuing the diverse strengths each person brings to the table.
As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we are looking at how influential women throughout history have used cooperation—through community organizing, scientific collaboration, and teamwork—to change the world. Whether it is our Classroom 1 students working in groups to solve the mysteries of Ancient Egypt or our Room 4 students exploring the power of community in Two Roads, we are showing our students that we are always stronger together.
We challenge every Excel family to complete one "Cooperative Project" this month! Choose an activity that requires every family member to have a specific job to reach a finished goal.
Ideas for your family:
The Family Meal Team: One person chooses the recipe, one "shops" the pantry, one preps, and one sets the table.
The 15-Minute Blitz: Set a timer for 15 minutes and work together to clean a common area. See if you can beat the clock by dividing and conquering!
Puzzle Power: Work together to complete a jigsaw puzzle, focusing on encouraging words as pieces find their place.
Use "We" Language: When tackling chores or errands, use phrases like, "How can we solve this?" to reinforce the team mindset.
Practice Active Listening: Encourage your child to repeat back what someone else said during a disagreement to ensure they are truly hearing their "teammate."
Model Our "Core 4": Show your children how you use the school rules—being Kind, Safe, Responsible, and Respectful—when collaborating with others in your own daily life
☘️ Parent Resources & Monthly Updates ☘️
Check out these two opportunities to support your students!
Navigating the Digital World 🧑🏼💻
Brain Development and Screen Time
Social media
Navigating Unsafe Online Situations
The Father Effect
A father-centered summit that focuses on presence and connection, and is designed to strengthen families.
"Bridging the gap between home and school."
Focusing on the collaborative relationship between families and educators, this series provides specialized training to help you move from a participant to a powerful partner. Learn how to navigate disability-specific information and effectively advocate within the school system.
"Empowering parents to lead."
This resource breaks down the IEP process into three manageable phases: Before, During, and After. Use this to find checklists, preparation guides, and tools that ensure your voice is heard and your child’s unique strengths are reflected in their educational plan.
"Building community and influencing change."
Join a dedicated group of parents and educators focused on improving special education at the local level. The CAC offers a supportive space to share experiences, attend community events, and provide input on the local policies that affect your student’s education.
☘️ Community Connect Corner! ☘️
Welcome to Community Connect through SCOE. Our program partners with Excel Academy to provide resources and support to the families and students if needed. A few of the areas in which I could be of service to you are Parent Support, Basic Needs, and Health Support.
Parent Support
Connecting you to parenting resources to assist with education or behavior needs.
Basic Needs
Linking you to resources like food support, clothing access, and transportation.
Health Support
Explore options for health care, insurance, and mental health support.
Don't forget about our Student Programs Market and Laundry Facility!
Located at Independent Study!
Any Excel student or family member can access The Market and Laundry Facility! This is a completely confidential resource. Please reach out to Michelle LaMirand for information!
Michelle LaMirand
(530) 780-6928
mlamirand@shastcoe.org