Happy September VVCP Families:
Can you believe the first month of the academic school year is behind us? The staff and families at VVCP hit the ground running! To date, we have hosted three boot camps, one in Emeryville, one in Livermore, and one in Walnut Creek, each well-attended. Moreover, the student participation in the fall NWEA assessments was exceptional. I want to personally thank VVCP teachers, support staff, and families for making NWEA assessments a priority as these measurements significantly contribute to the continuation of our educational programs. It is my hope that we continue a commitment toward 100% participation in NWEA and CAASPP assessments so that we preserve and protect the incredible benefits and unique opportunities that VVCP is able to offer its students and families.
I had the pleasure of meeting parents and students at myriad events hosted by VVCP over the past thirty days. Our next big event will be our Curriculum Exchange, at Civic Park, in Walnut Creek, California, on Friday, September 16, 2022, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. You can find more information on our annual Curriculum Exchange found in the Field Trip, (SPEE) section of this newsletter.
Speaking of field trips, we are pleased to announce that we have been given “the all clear” to reinstate Outdoor Education! Please join us at Alliance Redwoods from November 1, through November 4, 2022, to explore the wonders of nature and learn about the different ecosystems where we live. We also take part in science classes, challenge courses, team building, campfires, and a night hike. If you have not signed up for the VVCP 2022 Outdoor Education Trip, do not delay, spots are filling quick!
On behalf of the Valley View team, we are excited to continue this educational journey with you and your family. Please reach out if you have any suggestions or feedback you would like to share with our team. I look forward to spending time with VVCP staff and families at Civic Park, in Walnut Creek, on the 16th of September.
Happy Learning,
Catherine Ward-Mikes, Director
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High School News
Office Hours:
This year advising sessions will be available on a weekly basis. Parents, students, and teachers are encouraged to schedule time to discuss planning and advising needs. Visit the link below to reserve your time. Sessions are held in 30-minute blocks. This is an efficient way to bundle questions and get direct answers. A meeting link will be sent within the email confirmation. I’m looking forward to being able to connect with our community on a regular basis
throughout the school year!
Appointments are available: T/Th 10:00-3:00 PM and F 10:00-3:00 PM on school calendar days. If these times don’t work for your schedule, please reach out.
In-Person Office Hours also available!
Visit: HS student advising sign-up
PSAT- PCI will hold the PSAT for sophomores and juniors at HPCS Vacaville (354 Parker St, Vacaville, CA 95688) on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Please notify me no later than October 1 if you have a student(s) who are interested in attending.
Concurrent College Enrollment:
Many of our students are taking courses through community colleges. Once you’ve confirmed your courses, please send a screenshot of your confirmed courses to your teacher.
Counselor Power Hour:
As a reminder, our counseling department holds informative college and career presentations each Thursday @ 2 pm. Students should check their school emails for access information. Workshops may be adjusted or rescheduled as appropriate to meet the needs of the community.
PCI Counselor Power Hour Schedule: September 2022
Sep 8, 2022 @ 02:00 PM FIDM: Fashion Institute for Design and Merchandise
Sep 15, 2022 @ 02:00 PM Sacramento Public Library
Sep 22, 2022 @ 02:00 PM Sac State Paramedic Program
Sep 29, 2022 @ 02:00 PM Sacramento City College
John Mittan, High School Dean
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VIRTUAL CLASSES, TECHNOLOGY and BOOKS
Pacific Charter Institute offers virtual opportunities for our students through two programs:
• V.O.L.T.s (Virtual Opportunities to Learn Together) geared toward our elementary homeschooling families.
• The Virtual Advantage classes for middle school and high school students.
In both programs, our credentialed teachers interact with students and families in real-time through secure online environments. A complete listing of class offerings can be found in the PCI Virtual Class Catalog. Contact your teacher for sign-up procedures.
The Virtual Advantage
Flexibility – attend live classes online from any location.
Support – Taught by highly-qualified credentialed teacher AND free in-person tutoring available in multiple locations
Collaboration – students have the opportunity to work together and to get to know their peers
Current and accredited – activities and problems meet current standards and pacing to ensure that students are adequately prepared for future courses and for standardized tests.
Transparent – Parents are included in all student communications and in some courses, given the opportunity to evaluate students’ daily work while weening students off dependence on parent instruction. Classes are recorded so that students and parents may refer to any lesson on their own time. Timelines, assignments, and worksheets are given in advance so that families can plan their homework schedules.
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New Math Curriculum:
We are excited to report that we have adopted a new Math curriculum, “Reveal” by McGraw-Hill. This will be available for ALL levels K-12. K-8 has online interactive and video lessons with consumable workbooks that follow the lessons. Ask your teacher for more information.
Middle School Math Class: Integrated Math Readiness
We have an Independent Study Integrated Math Readiness plan for you. This class uses the same curriculum series as the CP Integrated 1 class so that you are really on target for next year. Go through interactive video lessons at your own pace and get help on the specific skills you need as you work through the adaptive practice. Work with your own teacher and
tutor. Talk to your teacher to get access & books for Reveal Integrated Math Readiness.
Cheryl Gomes , Math Teacher and Intervention Specialist
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Science Corner
Good Day, Scientists!
All the elementary and middle school science kits have been delivered, and Ruby and Joyce are putting the high school science kits together next. Remember to check with your homeroom teacher if you do not have a kit.
As students are attending their Carolina science classes, remember to have them turn on the camera, sign in on the chat, mute themselves, and then follow the directions of the teacher. It takes a while to learn online etiquette, but it becomes second nature soon. In addition, be sure to bring in the needed materials requested. Bring your notebook, pencils, markers or colored pencils, and items from the kit. Do watch for the weekly, or in my case, twice-weekly emails detailing homework, projects, reading, and reminders of what to bring to class.
Finally, parents, be sure to join the last 10 minutes of the class. This is where each teacher will work with you to relay what is needed to be completed during the week. Work together as a family to complete the assignments. Lessons are usually hands-on and will include some written work. Encourage students to practice using complete sentences and punctuation while justifying their answers. Our students will be learning to think like a scientist this year.
Until next month, have fun exploring the world around you!
Laurie Bradshaw “AKA” Mrs. B
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For more information on Valley View and our sister schools, go to the PCI website.
Valley View Charter Prep 