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Hello First Branch,
We had a great 5th-8th grade dance on Friday! Many thanks to Mr. Rivers and Ms. Wendy for assisting in all the organization for our first dance. Students that attended the dance did a great job following expectations and attending to the job they signed up for to assist in making the night a success. Students made flyers, set up, decorated the gym, attended to garbage, handed out glow sticks, prepared snacks to share, restocked snacks, gave music suggestions, and assisted in clean up. Many thanks to our chaperones: Ms. Winters, Ms. Fuller, Kate McLean, and Tara Weatherell! Students also enjoyed music, a pop-up photo booth. Photos will be on display this week at CPS! We look forward to more dances students plan with community support and involvement.
Just a reminder, Parent(Guardian)/Teacher Conferences are live! Most of our teachers are using Sign Up Genesis to support scheduling. If you did not get access to a link from your teacher please connect with them. The main offices are also on standby to support scheduling needs. The conference window concludes on Nov. 9th. If you would like to meet with our counselors please review this invitation.
We are also happy to announce our Capstone teacher, Caitlin Fuller has started! Ms. Caitlin is tasked with teaching responsibilities that connect student learning from the classroom to the community. A Capstone project is the end product of students exploring flexible pathways in learning. To learn more, please see the links below. To help families better understand this role we are first starting with all students working on a basic resume and cover letter to apply to a school job. These school jobs are identified by faculty and students to support our community (i.e, supporting community service projects, cultural events, mentoring, working with PreSchool Students, building and grounds work, website & social media, newsletters, compost, and more.) Our plan is to host a job fair Jan 3rd and allow students to be matched with roles and faculty. In addition, Ms. Caitlin will focus on getting capstone projects moving for all 8th grade students this year. This is exciting work and work that our students want and need.
Flexible Pathways:
Click Here for the Link
RoadMap:
Click Here for the Link
Finally, school pictures are in. Please check your email for digital proof. The email is sent from "Lifetouch+Shutterfly" on Oct 13th. This will help families determine if a retake is needed.
Janet Cash
Principal, First Branch Unified District
The Week Ahead: 10/23-10/27/2023
10/25/2023: First Branch Mathematics Night at TCS!
Academic nights are back, and we are excited to host our first Math Night in a long time. Come join us on Oct 25th for dinner and math activities at TCS. This is an interactive night for caregivers and students. We need volunteers to assist with stations. We are looking for caregiver-student tag teams to support tables. All the activities are connected to our mathematics programs and were chosen by classrooms. Please click here to sign up.
10/26/2023: Up for Learning Student/Staff Team Retreat
Up for Learning is working with First Branch community. Our student-teacher-community group is looking for your feedback. If you live or send in the Tunbridge or Chelsea area please let us know your thoughts.
10/26/2023: Maker Spacer Club at CPS!
We are so grateful and excited to host Lisa Kippen for a club after school. Lisa has introduced charcoal drawing, wiring, and taking apart small machines. Lisa is all about giving kids a space to wonder and try new ideas. We currently have a few students enrolled. If you would like your student to join and they are in 5th-8th grade please sign up here. The club is on Thursday from 3:15pm-4:15 pm.
*World Language Club at CPS*
We are sorry to say this has ended due to low enrollment. It was a great few sessions!
10/27/2023: Pumpkin Fun at TCS! Students in grades K-4th will enjoy some creative pumpkin painting to get into the fall spirit. We have a mix of donated pumpkins and purchased pumpkins. If you have any to share we would love to take them off your hands!
On the Horizon:
10/30/2023-11/3/2023: Book Fair TCS. Many thanks to Mrs. Anderson for bringing this back!
10/31/2023:
TCS: A Fall Ball will occur at the end of the day for all students! Students will participate in a variety of social dances and enjoy a festive snack. There will be an alternative space for students to enjoy a less loud activity. Students may wear costumes if they wish but please follow teacher requests about how much should be worn to school. Students can also just choose to be them and not wear a costume. For safety, do not send full face masks, weapons, or accessories. Costumes are to be appropriate for school in content, movement, and presentation. If a student needs a costume, please have them see the main office for assistance this week.
CPS: Info on the day to come! At this time no additional snacks are needed the school will provide a festive fun option. Students may wear costumes if they wish. Students can also just choose to be them and not wear a costume. For safety, do not send full face masks, weapons, or accessories. Costumes are to be appropriate for school in content, movement, and presentation. If a student needs a costume, please have them see the main office for assistance this week.
11/2/2023: High School Info Night at CPS from 5:30-7:00 pm
11/6/2023: Makeup Picture Day
Mrs. Allen's Math Challenge:
How many different ways can you make 24 with these four numbers 3,7, 8, 8.
Turn your answers in by the end of October to be entered for a prize.
The more answers on your entry the more prizes in your basket.
email me at callen@wrvsu.org at the end of October with your answers
First Branch Reminders:
All snacks coming from home should be items that will set students up for success. We ask no gum, candy, or other high-sugar items come in (food or drink). The school offers a fresh fruit or vegetable daily. We understand growing kids need different things. We are looking to empower our students through healthy choices. If your family needs support for snack options, please reach out to our school nurses. There are local programs ( Family Food Backpack) that can support families quietly. Items not setting students up for success will be asked to be returned to backpacks. If there is a struggle or constant concern, the item will be collected and a parent/guardian can pick it up at the end of the day. Please remember breakfast and lunch are free this year, and there are items included in these meals that can support snacks throughout the day for students in need of more fuel.
Choosing Healthy Snacks for Kids Link
(American Academy of Pediatrics)
Dismissal Info: If your student has a change in dismissal we need to know by 1pm daily. We cannot honor last minute requests. All changes are noted for the bus company and for teachers.
CPS Daily Reminders: All students should have a backpack, water bottle, ROADS binder (blue binder with agenda, folder, pencil case), and chromebook bag with them each day (chromebook, charger, bag).
Bus Route Schedule: With 10/2/2023 T1 Updates
First Branch Handbook: Click Here.
Responsive Classroom Resources for Families: Click Here
Ever wonder why we use the word expectations, agreement, morning meeting, etc? Here is the scoop!
Friends of First Branch: Please consider joining our community organization “Friends of First Branch.” You can join at any time by contacting our volunteer team at friendsoffirstbranch@wrvsu.org, all are welcomed!
Follow Up In Real Time!
Facebook: First Branch Unified District
Instagram: @first_branch
Photos:
Community Connections:
Math Night
Art Bus Contest: Link here
Magic Mountain Childcare
NCF Kids's Club
Valley Bowl in Randolph
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