July 25, 2016 Dear Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy Families, It is my sincere and great privilege to welcome you to our school, Caliber: ChangeMakers Academy. Your child will be a part of a founding school and you will be part of our ChangeMakers team & family. Our staff and I promise to create a wonderful school for your child and your family. Together, as one team and family, we will work over the upcoming years to ensure your child receives the best possible education, and serves as a leader in our community. It is hard to believe, but in just three weeks, we will welcome over 300 students in Transitional st nd rd th Kindergarten, Kindergarten, 1 grade, 2 grade, 3 grade, and 6 grade who will be part of our founding 20162017 school year! During the next few weeks our dedicated staff will be busy learning researchbased best practices and organizing classrooms in order to prepare for an exciting year of learning and growth for your students. The mission of Caliber Schools is to provide all students with a challenging, engaging, relevant and personalized education that equips our young people with the knowledge, character, and skills they will need to succeed in competitive colleges and careers. At ChangeMakers Academy we believe all of our students will become academically college ready, grow in their emotional intelligence, become critical thinkers, and become ChangeMakers. 1. Emotionally Intelligent (HEART): A Caliber graduate is prepared to navigate a variety of social circumstances and life situations which will be reflected in their SelfManagement, Self Awareness, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, & Responsible Decision Making
2. Academically College Ready (SMART): A Caliber graduate is prepared to graduate from a 4 year college without remediation. 3. Critical Thinker (THINK): A Caliber graduate is prepared to solve problems in many ways by analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating information. 4. ChangeMaker (ACT): A Caliber graduate is prepared to effectively advocate for self and others in order to create institutional change and a more just society. As we begin this journey together there are several important details that we wanted to share with you! It is absolutely essential and required that you read through all of this to ensure you are in the loop about all important dates coming up: ● This Welcome Letter ● Family Handbook ● Submitted Documents Checklist (documents that are missing are due by Monday, August 8th) ● Letter of Commitment and arrival and dismissal procedures commitment (must be signed and rd returned the 1st day of school, August 23 , in student’s backpack)
● Back to School Night event flyer (for your reference only) ● A Ziploc bag filled with an extra pair of clothes (pants, shirt, underwear, socksthese do not need to be uniform; these are for in case of an emergency) should be labeled with your rd student’s name (should be brought to school on the 1st day, August 23 )
School Address ● Our school address: 1337 Colusa Street Vallejo, CA 94590 Immediate Attention: After School Information ● As you may know, we are excited to partner with the GVRD Kids Club to bring an awesome selection of afterschool activities for our students. These afterschool activities are optional, but they will be held at our school from 4:00pm to 6:0pm MonThurs and 1:00pm to 6:00pm on Fridays and any other early release days throughout the school year. Our after school care program will begin on Tuesday August 23rd, for all registered families from 1:006:00! ● If you want your student registered you must register no later than August 5th by 5:00pm to reserve a spot. We do have a cap on the amount of students who can participate, so if you are interested we recommend signing up right away. The registration will open July 28th! ● We are able to subsidize a portion of the program, but not all of it. The cost of the program for each student will be $5.00/day. You will be billed monthly in advance through Kids Club. Please keep in mind we're looking for an annual commitment to the program. Again, all payments will go through the GVRD program directly. ● There will be needs based scholarships available, based on family income level. Please reach out to
[email protected] if this is something you need. ● Please note the following directions from GVRD for registering after July 28th: 1. You can log onto www.GVRD.org and click on ONLINE REGISTERATIONS (Green Button) a. Scroll down and look for Summer 2016 and click on KIDS CLUB b. After clicking on KIDS CLUB, please locate CALIBER c. Click on CALIBER and you should see the month of service you are paying for. d. Click on the right side of the screen where is says REGISTER e. Once you are finished REGISTERING, go to your SHOPPING CART and CHECKOUT! 2. You can also pay at our main office which is located at 395 Amador St. Vallejo, CA 94590 MondayFriday 8:00am5:00pm (Closed on Major Holidays) 3. Pay at the site with a CHECK or MONEY ORDER only! No CASH will accepted at the Caliber School Site. 4. GVRD does not PRORATE! Please contact our office if you have any questions 7076484483
Planning Ahead: Upcoming Events ChangeMakers Welcome BBQ th ● All families are welcome to join our Family BBQ event on Sunday August 14 from 11am2pm (this is a change from the original calendar sent out) at Blue Rock Springs Park ( 650 Columbus Pkwy, Vallejo, CA 94591) Mandatory Saturday Reading Assessments for 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade: We do not want to take up time during the 1st week of school to test our students because during the first week we need to set up strong classroom culture, routines, and procedures. This is why we are requesting to please bring your child to school at the designated date and time based on their grade and last name. We really appreciate you supporting us in making sure we get the data we need to ensure your student gets targeted instruction at their level. ● 1st Grade: Saturday, August 13th: If your last name falls between AM please bring your child to schoo l between 8am10am. If your last name falls between NZ please bring your child to schoo l between 10am12pm ● 2nd Grade: Saturday, August 20th: If your last name falls between AM please bring your child to schoo l between 8am10am. If your last name falls between NZ please bring your child to schoo l between 10am12pm ● 3rd Grade: Saturday, August 27th: If your last name falls between AM please bring your child to schoo l between 8am10am. If your last name falls between NZ please bring your child to schoo l between 10am12pm th th 6 Grade Culture Camp
th ● It is essential that our 6 grade students feel welcomed and excited to start a new journey at our th school! In order to immerse them in the Caliber culture we are hosting a 6 grade camp: th th th August 17, August 18, and August 19 ● August 17th and August 18th we will be hosting our 6th graders at our school site 1357 Colusa Street Vallejo, CA 94590 from 9:00am1:00pm ● On August 19th our students will be traveling to Sonoma to participate with an organization called “Sonoma Adventures.” They will engage in a number of outdoor, team building activities. Please drop your student off no later than 9:00am and pick them up at 2:00pm. Transportation: We will take busses to get there Cost: We request a $10.00 donation per child Lunch : Students should bring a sack lunch We will be handing out permission slips on August 17th and they must be returned on August 19th for your student to participate. ● If your student cannot attend please email Asha Canady as soon as possible at [email protected] and Rachael Weingarten [email protected] ● Your student may wear appropriate free dress on those 3 days
GUIDELINES FOR FREE DRESS (ALSO IN FAMILY HANDBOOK) 1. Clothes should be no larger than one size above the student's regular size. Baggy clothes are discouraged. 2. Midriffbaring tops, spaghetti straps, short shorts or skirts, and tank tops are not to be worn to school. 3. Students are expected to wear tennis shoes that are safe for outside play (no flipflops, slipon/slides, clunky/stacked or roller shoes). ChangeMakers Academy Back to School Night ● All families should attend the “CMA Back to School” night will be held on Wednesday, st August 31, 2016 for Transitional Kindergarten students, Kindergarten students, 1 grade nd st rd th students, and 2 grade students ; and Thursday, September 1 for 3 and 6 grade students from 6:00pm7:00pm. ● During this event, you will meet your child’s teacher and learn key information about the classroom. Attendance is essential for a strong start to understanding what your student’s year will look like. First days of school rd ● The first day of school for all grades is Tuesday, August 23 . ● School will be dismissed at 1PM on Tuesday, August 23rd; Wednesday, August 24th; Thursday, August 25; and Friday, August 26, 2016. The first full day (4:00PM dismissal) will be Monday, August 29th, 2016. Please make arrangements to pick up your child at the correct time each day, unless you have secured a spot in the After School Program. ● If your child is registered in our After School Program they will be able to start on the first day, rd Tuesday, August 23 . ● Everyday the gates open at 7:30am and cars must enter the school facility by turning off of Amador Street and passing through the staff parking lot that will also act as our designated dropoff and pickup zone. Once vehicles have dropped off students, drivers must continue through and out of the zone and immediately turn left onto Colusa Street, exiting the school facility. Vehicles must not enter campus from Colusa Street – this section will be blocked off. Gates will close at 8:00am.
● Please remember that we have early dismissal EVERY Friday. School ends at 1:00PM. ● We kindly ask that families refrain from observing or volunteering inside the classroom for the first several weeks of school as we set up systems, routines, and procedures. Please give your students a hug, kiss, and wave goodbye in the morning. We are trying to make the transition to school as calm as possible for our students. ● Students MUST attend the first days of school. There are NO exceptions . ● If your student is not attending CMA, please contact Mrs. Ortega at 7075639827. While we want every student to attend, if you no longer plan to, we need to know as soon as possible as many other students would like the opportunity to attend.
First Day of School ● Student MUST be in their full uniform. ● Student can bring a backpack filled with: o Signed Commitment Letter o Change of Clothes (grades TK, K, 1st, 2nd & 3rd) ● Please remember to check backpacks to make sure there are no toys, electronics, sunglasses, silly bands, etc. ● Please write your student’s name (in sharpie) on his/her backpack Requesting Classroom Donations: If you are able donate any items we would love hand sanitizer, kleenex, and pencils! Feel free to drop it off in the office starting on August 1st! Want to come help and Volunteer? We are looking for volunteers to help us move classroom supplies on August 1st anytime between 9am 3pm. Please sign up here if you can help: https://goo.gl/forms/qfkoNhEKSnltre0h1 Also please note that our supplies may weigh between 20 40lbs. Check out our Website and Facebook Page We’re excited to announce that our website is now up and running. Feel free to check it out for all the latest information about our program: calibercma.org In addition, we have built a Facebook change! Give us a “like” to stay tuned to all the awesome events and news throughout the year: insert facebook link here School Calendar For your reference, you can now view our school calendar online at calibercma.org/calendar.html Do you want to know who your child’s teacher is? Your child’s teacher will be calling all of their students the first 2 weeks of August to introduce themselves and let you know about any pertinent information! Let us know if you don’t get a phone call by August 12th! th I cannot wait to see you at our “Welcome BBQ” on Sunday August 14 , 2016 from 112pm! Enjoy the rest of your summer! Best, Rachael Weingarten
Rachael Weingarten Principal
Commitment to ChangeMakers Academy Contract We commit to a partnership between teachers, families, and students to provide the best possible education for our students. In order to achieve our very ambitious goals, we must work together. The Family’s Commitment 1. Timeliness/Attendance – I understand that every school day is important and that it is my responsibility to get my child to school every day on time and pick my child up on time. I will have a backup plan in case my normal mode of transportation is hindered in some way. If my child needs to miss school, I will contact the school. I will also make sure to not schedule appointments during school hours and I will try to not schedule family vacations during school time. 2. Support & Homework – I will always help my child in the best way I know how, and I will do whatever it takes for my child to learn. I will provide a quiet space for my child to study and I will check my child’s homework every night. My child will complete his or her homework every day. 3. Independent Reading – I will insist that my child reads or is read to every night (including the weekend), and I will make sure the reading log is signed every day. 4. Communication – I will make myself available to my child and all of his/her teachers. I will return phone calls from school staff in a timely fashion. I understand that if my child is struggling academically or behaviorally, I may receive frequent phone calls from the school so that these behaviors can be addressed as soon as possible. If I am asked to attend a meeting regarding my child’s education or behavior, I will be there. I will read all newsletters and papers sent home by the school, and I will return all necessary information immediately. I understand that maintaining a positive, calm working relationship with school employees at all times is best for my child. We will assume best intentions and will avoid jumping to conclusions. 5. Uniform – I will send my child to school every day in a clean uniform. 6. CMA’s Pillars & Values – I understand CMA’s pillars & values, and I will make sure that my child learns them. I also understand that my child may have consequences if there was harm done to an individual or classroom community. I will support the school in its Restorative Practices by being present at meetings that are requested. 7. Parental Involvement – I will try to the very best of my ability to attend all required events. 8. Special Learning Needs – If my child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or has had an IEP, I understand that it is required that I meet with the program specialist in the first 30 days of school, so that my child can begin his/her school year with all the needed services recommended on the IEP. I understand that a failure to provide this information could result in a delay in my child receiving his or her services and will impact my child’s progress in school. 9. Promotion –I will play an active role to work with my child and his or her teacher to ensure his or her promotion. I understand that my child’s promotion to the next grade is not guaranteed each year. He or she must meet the academic and behavioral standards set by the Common Core. 10. Instructional & Social Emotional Learning Program –I will do my best to support the educational and Social Emotional Learning program of the school and the policies spelled out in the family handbook. I understand that my child will receive small group, whole group, and supplemental instruction and, at times, have projects or presentations that he or she may need to complete at home.
These commitments should be made in order to keep your child at ChangeMakers Academy.
The Student’s Commitment 1. My Best Effort – I understand that my education is important, and I will always work, think, and behave in the best way I know how and do whatever it takes for my fellow students and me to learn. I will be brave and take on challenges as they come. I will set goals for myself and strive to reach these goals. 2. Attendance and Timeliness – I will come to school every day on time. 3. Uniform – I will wear my uniform properly every day and follow the school dress code. I understand that I will not be allowed to attend class unless my uniform is on correctly. 4. Homework – I will complete all of my homework and reading every night. I will not offer excuses. I will seek the help I need to complete all my homework in a topquality manner. 5. Communication – I will raise my hand to ask for help if I do not understand something. I will make myself available to my teachers and parents about any concerns they might have. 6. Responsibility – If I make a mistake, I will tell the truth and accept responsibility for my actions. 7. CMA Pillars & Values – Each day, I will live our Pillars: HEART, SMART, THINK, ACT. I will learn and practice our school values. I will follow all expectations so that our school is safe and to make sure that everyone has a chance to learn.
Name of student(s): ___________________________ Grade(s):_____ Parent/Guardian(s) Name here: _________________Signature_______________________ Date____________ Arrival and Dismissal Commitment to following the rules for arrival and dismissal: I will follow the ChangeMakers arrival and dismissal procedures. I understand that this is a strong commitment, as it involves the safety of our students, families and staff. If I do not follow the policies I/We will be subject to corrective action. Name of student(s): ___________________________ Grade(s):_____ Parent/Guardian(s) Name__________________________________________ Signature_______________________ Date____________ Phone:_______________________ Email:_______________________________
Registration Checklist Online Registration Materials ______ Student/Parent Emergency and Disaster Information ______ Ethnicity Information/Home Language Survey ______ Walking Form Field Trip ______ Policies Signature Page ______ Prior School Information (Grade 1-6 Only) Additional Forms to Turn-In ______ Copy of Birth Certificate ______ Copy of Guardian’s Photo ID ______ Copy of Immunization Record ______ Health Examination Form ______ Oral Health Examination Form ______ Copy of child’s most recent school report card (Grades 1-6 Only) ______ CELDT Report, if applicable You have three options for turning in the additional forms: 1) Scan and email to us at [email protected] 2) Fax it to us at 707-561-6182 3) Mail it to us at Caliber Schools 1357 Colusa Street, Vallejo CA 94590