April 2010 Newsletter

Happy Spring! Notes from Laura…

Download 2010 April’s Newsletter

We are in the last months of what has been an amazing school year. We hope everyone
enjoyed their spring break and that you were able to enjoy some quality time with your
family.

My focus this month and next month is STAR testing. It is an important time for us to show the state how well our students are doing and how much they have learned this year. Please note the chart for testing sites and times. If you anticipate having difficulty getting your student to the testing site, please let your teacher know so we can help with transportation.

In addition to being focused on STAR testing, we are working on our graduation arrangements and planning for the 2010?2011 school year. Our school is doing well and our budget looks solid for next year with the same services we’ve enjoyed in the 09?10 school year. Our current
enrollment is 193 and we will be having you fill out a re-enrollment form for the 10-11 year. Your teachers will be talking to you about orders for next year. Our plan is to have the materials ordered and in your hands by early August.

Please find the calendar for the 2010?2011 year enclosed. School will begin August 30th. Easter is April 24th next year so we have a spring break in March rather than having a week off so late in April. We will have Friday and Monday around Easter off as well.

It is finally above 30 degrees in Alturas and Little League is in full swing. I have a lovely sunburned neck as evidence that I watched ball games and did some weeding this weekend. Feel free to contact me with any questions, my ears are always open!

Sincerely,
Laura VanAcker

STAR TESTING INFO.

Test schedules and locations are as follows:

Alturas, CA
May 4-6, 2010 All Grades
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Faith Baptist Church, 810 W Carlos Street

Burney/Fall River Mills
April 27-28, 2010
All Grades 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
World of Life Assembly, 37341 Main St, Burney

Susanville, CA
May 4-6, 2010 All Grades
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
100 Gay Street, Susanville, CA

Redding High School Students
April 27-29, 2010 High School Students Only
9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Bonnyview Baptist Church, 2570 S. Bonnyview Rd, Redding, CA

Redding Grades
2 – 8 May 4-6, 2010 Grades 2 – 8 Only 9:00 – 1:00 PM
Bonnyview Baptist Church, 2570 S. Bonnyview Rd, Redding, CA

(Need transportation? Call 233-3861)

TESTING SUGGESTIONS

We encourage parents and children to read and talk about the test?taking suggestions listed below:

Getting Ready:

• • Get plenty of sleep the night before the test
• Eat a healthy breakfast. This gives your brain energy it needs to do your best.
• Attend the testing session the day scheduled for your student
• Have a positive attitude. Remind yourself you have studied hard, you are ready.

Knowing What to Do:

• Read all of the directions. If you don’t understand what you are supposed to do, ask your teacher to listen to you re-read the directions.
• Read the questions carefully and all of the possible answer choices. Remember that you are looking for the best answer choice.
• Try to eliminate some of the answer choices. Which are the ones that just do not make sense? Then choose your answer from the remaining choices.
• Be sure that the answer “bubble” that you mark has the same number as the test question.

The Test:

• Use your scratch paper! You will be working on your own during the test and it helps to figure things out on paper.
• The test questions are not in any order. Some will be hard and some will be easy. Even if they seem hard keep going.
• The answers are not in a pattern. Do not try to mark a certain number of A’s, B’s, C’s, D’s or E’s, or feel that one answer choice would not be correct if you used it on the question before.
• Try to find the best answer for each question. Even if you are not sure, mark the one that you think would be best. A guess is better than leaving an answer blank.

Graduation June 12, 2010

Sequoia Middle School Theater 1805 Sequoia Street, Redding. Graduation time: 4:00 p.m.

We are still looking for anyone interested in contributing to the ceremony through musical expression, poetry, reading, etc. Contact Lori Templeton if you have questions or would like to participate! (530) 515-4984.

Re-Enrollment

Looking Ahead to the 2010-2011 School Year: There is a re-enrollment form that each student will need to complete for the 2010-2011 school year. Your teachers will have the form available in the next months or for your convenience it is posted on our website at www.newdayacademy.net on the right margin. You can download the form, fill it out, and fax to (530) 233-3864. The purpose of the form is to update enrollment information that may have changed and to get an idea of the number of students returning for the new school year. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated.

2010 Curriculum Orders

It’s time to start thinking about what materials you would like to order for the Fall 2010 semester. Send all requests to Tony at tony.cervantes [at] newdayacademy.net or let your teachers know as soon as possible.

Returning materials

As we move toward the end of the year, it is a good time to think about returning materials not in use to the library. The bookmobile will continue to be at Sports Authority each Thursday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM through the last of May. In an effort to get all materials back to the library at the end of the year for recirculation, Tony will have the bookmobile in Redding the following days:

Thursday June 3
Tuesday June 8,
Saturday June 12 (at graduation)
Tuesday June 15th

If you plan on using books or curriculum again next year, we will need to update the library system. Please let your teacher know what items you wish to renew.

April is Keep America Beautiful Month! Share with us what you and your child did this month to help in your community and all over. Email response to: Kelly.mcgarva [at]newdayacadmeny.net

Need ideas? Try planting a flower garden, pick up litter, make a cool craft out of recyclable materials, or donate some nice clothes that you no longer use. Every effort makes a difference!

Board Members Needed

We have two board seats that will be vacated June 30, 2010. Dan Young, our board President and Joe McMath the board representative from Shasta County, both have terms that end June 30, 2010. The board meets one day per month and the members do receive a travel stipend and $50 per meeting to cover expenses incurred by attending the meeting. The Board oversees New Day Academy plans, operations, and budget while providing guidance to me, as the Director. It is an important position and a wonderful opportunity to have a voice. Help bring your vision for our school and your child’s education to fruition. If you are interested in serving in this capacity please call and talk to me about it. I am available at 233-3861 during the day and can be reached on my cell phone after hours at 640-1041.

Thank you! Laura VanAcker

Got vendors?

Unlike more traditional classroom-based schools, New Day Academy students help create their own learning pathways. One of the ways we encourage enrichment of independent study is through vendors. It’s important for students to receive credit for doing what they enjoy. Currently we have vendors for art, creative writing, dance, karate, music, andmore.

If you have ideas or suggestions for new vendors for our program, we would love to hear from you. Fall will be the start of a brand new school year, and we hope to make it as special as possible for our students. Your help and feedback is greatly appreciated! Contact Kelly at Kelly.mcgarva [at] newdayacademy.net or give us a call at (530) 233-3861

Student submissions

Would your child or student like to have their work published in our newsletter? If so, please send their photos, art, and creative writing to New Day Academy in Alturas.

“Either write something worth reading, or do something worth the writing.” -Benjamin Franklin

Ashes – By Nicole H. – Grade 8

Crashing down these tears spill over,
And all my pain screams at your face.
Silence seals me numb and sober,
Racing breathless from this place.

Withered dreams slip through my fingers,
Corroded at the thought of you.
You’re like a nightmare that still lingers,
Destroying me is what you do.

I don’t fear you, I fear tomorrow.
Who am I now that you’re gone?
An old soul twisted with sorrow,
Years wasted on love gone wrong.

Pouring gas on every picture,
Soaking everything I have left.
I light the match and watch it flicker,
Burning everything just to forget.

If I died would you be happy?
You’ve killed me for so many years.
I’m letting go and I’m not sorry,
Heart stopped beating – watch me disappear

A skeleton this prisons broken,
I walk away and say goodbye.
This burning life my pain unspoken
As these ashes fill the sky.

I still have a life before me,
And I’m taking each step slow.
Everything has changed now that I’m free.
Ashes are gone, but tears still show.

Ode to the Pen – By Henry C. L. – Grade 7

A Little thanks to the pen
always sharp
always true
like a wellcared
for knife
a tool

Pens for
writing
drawing
and just for
twirling

Always sharp
always true
The pen is
what I choose

Dancing By Joelle G. – Grade 12

Move your feet to the rhythm of the beat,
As you glide across the floor;
Feel the intensity of the music rise up,
Like waves upon the seashore.

Spin around in the circle of life,
Enjoying every single moment;
Let a well of joy spring with you,
So there will be no lament.

Stomp, stomp, stomp
Upon all that worry and stress;
Crush your troubles beneath your feet
And you will be blessed.