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Friday, October 22, 2010

Pastor John- October

One down three to go! Can you believe that the first quarter is already over, and we are into the second? It won’t be too long until students (and staff) will be counting down the days until Christmas break. As we prepare for the second quarter, I want to share some information about our school that I believe not only makes us unique, but also makes our school very desirable.

Foreign Exchange Students – Did you know that this year we have 28 foreign exchange students representing 7 different countries (China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, Sweden, Taiwan, and Vietnam). Our students have the distinct opportunity to learn about new cultures, while sharing their own. We pray that we will be a blessing to these students both educationally and spiritually.

Latin – We have expanded our Latin program with the hiring of one of our alumni, Meagan Shannon. Miss Shannon is teaching elementary Latin. If you have not had an opportunity to read up on the educational benefits of Latin, I encourage you to contact me at pastorjohn@applevalleychurch.org, so that I could share some articles with you!

Smaller class sizes – It is a day and age where classes of 30 or more is common. It is a huge plus that we are committed to smaller class sizes. Our teachers are able to give the extra time and attention to students that many others are not.

High quality music programs – Both our band and choir programs are award winning programs. If you have not had the pleasure of being blessed by coming to one of our concerts, you are missing out! Plan on attending the Christmas concerts; you won’t be disappointed!

These are just a few examples of the excellence and uniqueness of our school. Why not share this info with someone you know who would benefit from having their student enrolled on our campus!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Secondary News October

Dates and events to remember:

November 1-November 30th is the deadline for UC applications for all seniors interested in attending a UC in the fall. This is also the ‘Preferred’ application time for the Cal State colleges as well, with budget cuts many Cal States are having Nov. 30th as their only application deadline!

To apply online to any UC go to www.universityofcalifornia.edu/apply
And for the Cal State Universities go to CSU Mentor at www.csumentor.edu

The PSAT results will be posted in December for all 9th through 11th graders who took the test in October.

Report cards will be handed out to the students the week of Oct. 19th – as the teachers complete grades for the quarter; however, you will be able to access them on edline.

Parents of Seniors will want to plan to have their taxes done early this year if at all possible for the filing of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which will have to be completed by March 2nd, 2011. On this form you can estimate your tax information if need be, but is a smoother process if you have them done. Watch for more information as the time approaches – I will be sending out a web worksheet to make applying online easier!
Senior parents please be sure to check your Senior calendars! If you can’t find yours, see Mrs. Sharon Huff. We have a lot of things happening that your student needs to stay up to date with.

Elementary Corner October

Can you believe we are already starting our Second Quarter? We are in the fullswing of things! Thank you to all the parents who came to meet with us at the Elementary Parent Conferences. It is so valuable to have a few minutes to honestly communicate with you about your child's strengths and areas where improvements can be made. It is our desire to partner with you in the training of your "Christian Leaders Committed to Excellence." If you were unable to make a conference time, please call your child's teacher to reschedule. Thank you.

We are looking forward to the Harvest Festival on Friday, October 29th from5:00pm to 9:00pm . This is a great event, organized by our students, to presenta safe alternative to Halloween. There will be non-scary costumes, games, food, bounce houses and much more. This event is open to the community so please invite your family, friends and neighbors. Tickets can be purchased before and after school on the front steps. As a reminder, please send candy into yourchild's classroom for their booth. We also are in need of parent volunteers to work in each classroom booth. A sign up sheet is located in your child's classroom.

Thank you once again for all you do to support the Elementary teachers!

Saturday, September 11, 2010

Elementary Corner- Sept

The elementary classes are off and running! The first few weeks are spent in review and teaching our students the expectations of their new classroom. Now, with that behind us, we are in the full swing of things. We cannot stress how important it is to have your child here promptly and to avoid any unnecessary absences. Significant ground is covered each day and even though written work is made up, students miss the corresponding lesson leaving them a bit behind.
It was great to see many of you at Back To School Night. We love partnering with you in your child's education. Parental involvement is necessary and invaluable! Thank you for all you do to support Elementary teachers.

Our first Parent Conferences are scheduled for October 19th. Elementary students have no school that day to provide us with ample time to meet with every parent. Sign-ups will begin soon in the school office, and a reminder will be sent home closer to that time.
Students in the second to fifth Grade are involved in the Accelerated Reading (AR) Program. Students are tested and then begin reading books at that level. After a book is read, a computerized comprehension test is taken. Your child's teacher helps each student set a reasonable point goal aiming at a comprehension score of 85% or better. Points are given for reading at the correct level, reading a required number of books, and achieving the comprehension score. Each classroom has rewards and incentives for your child's participation. There is also a grade given on the report card. Please encourage your child to bring their AR books home as part of their homework routine. AR is a proven way to boost reading and comprehension skills in students.

Finally, we are looking forward to some great events in the coming weeks and month. Look for details on the Family Campout, field trips, and our annual Harvest Festival! AVC is the place to be!

Friday, September 10, 2010

Pastor John- September

Those lazy (or crazy) summer days are gone and everyone is getting back in the swing of things for the new school year. I know for the teachers and staff it is exciting to have the campus abuzz with activity. As we begin a new year, I wanted to give you a few ideas on how you can help your student succeed. Here are a few basic reminders:

Attendance-regular attendance in class is extremely important to your student's success. If your student will be out of school for several days, contact the school to arrange for homework assignments to be collected for your student.
Talk with your student about his or her school day. Help him or her see that school is a priority and help him or her develop goals for the school year.
Provide adequate time and a place for your student to study. Monitor your student's progress through Edline. If you do not have an account set up yet, please contact the school office.
Get to know your student's teachers. They are here to help your student be successful. Don't hesitate to contact the counselor if you have a question or concern.
Become involved in your student's school life. There are parent organizations and booster groups that provide opportunities for parent involvement at the school. Consider volunteering in the class room, or around the school (you can pick up a volunteer packet in the office). Support your student's activities.

As I said, we are very excited for the new year, and can’t wait to see what God is going to do in and through the school this year! Have a great year!

Secondary News- Sept

Important information from Mrs. Huff.

Dates and events to remember for all secondary students:
As we approach the mid-quarter please be sure to check edline for your student’s progress. (Anyone still needing an edline login can email Mr. Lockwood for an activation code at rlockwood@avcschool.com)
Report cards will be mailed home after the fall break

ALL 9TH-11TH STUDENTS
The PSAT tests will be on the Wednesday we come back from our fall break: October 13th from 8:00 – 10:50 am. Please be sure that your student has had a good breakfast and a good night’s sleep. They will also need to have a calculator of their own with them for the test as well as 2-3 #2 pencils.

SENIOR PARENTS
If your student is planning to take the College Entrance SATs another time or two, the best test dates would be in October and November. Please go to collegeboard.com to register.
November 1-November 30th is the deadline for all UC applications for Seniors interested in attending a UC in the fall. This is also the ‘Preferred’ application time for the Cal State colleges as well. Applications may be done online.
Parents of Seniors will want to plan to have their taxes done early this year if at all possible for the filing of the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which will have to be completed by March 2nd, 2011. On this form you can estimate your tax information if need be, but it is a smoother process if you have them already done. Watch for more information as the time approaches!
Senior parents please be sure to check with your seniors about due dates. The picture frames for graduation will be available soon for you to purchase and pick up in the office. These are due back before we leave on Christmas Break (December 18). If you have not paid Mrs. Sharon Huff the $35.00 fee for your brick and graduation picture please do so ASAP. There is also a very urgent due date in October for your yearbook tribute page- please contact Miss Evans if you have not already done so.

Family Campout Flyer 2010