Is It Time to Renew a Quarter?
At ECA, our vision is that school families Love God, Value Learning, and Serve Others.
New Quarter Means New Opportunities!
If you are anything like me, you often hear about great deals on new cell phone plans. Perhaps you often trade in your phone on newer models as they come out. A little quicker with a few more options, these new phones give us better opportunities to stay connected with those we love. Is this an advertisement? No, just a reminder that with the beginning of a new quarter, it’s a chance to start fresh this week. There are ways you can help your child make this new quarter even better than the last two months. Consider helping your child set 1-2 study skill goals. Last week I shared some ways to help your child succeed with their school work. They included creating designated spaces for studying at home, keeping a planner, taking effective notes, practicing for tests, avoiding cramming, asking for help, and avoiding distractions.
Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time. - Ephesians 5:15
SBL - How Can Teachers and Students Work Together with SBL?
What is standards-based learning?
• Standards-based learning (SBL) is student-centered.
• SBL focuses the learning on developing skills and knowledge instead of the accumulation of
points.
• Student achievement is measured against learning objectives (standards) or “I Cans,” and
these learning objectives are clearly and consistently communicated to students through
proficiency scales.
• Teachers track student progress through formative assessments (in class assignments,
quizzes, projects, assessments), using them to inform their next steps in teaching and
provide support for each student.
• As teachers and students progress through a unit of learning, the formative assessments are
used as “mounting evidence” to track student growth and report student learning.
• Because students learn at different rates, they are given as many opportunities as they need
to demonstrate their learning.
• Each score reflects only what the students know and are able to do.
John Hopkins Institute for Educational Policy Survey
This week, an email will be sent out to your household with a link to be part of this year’s ECA school survey. Students in grades 3-8 will be able to participate in this survey AT SCHOOL. The link that you will receive is for you, the parents in the household. Our goal is to have as close to 100% participation as possible. This is a chance for you to share your voice as we look at how our school is reaching its goals and mission. Below, you will find an updated letter from John Hopkins Institute explaining more about the survey:
Dear parents,
This survey measures critical elements of school culture that reflect stakeholders’ beliefs about their schools. School Culture 360™ highlights elements of a school community that include:
School Climate – Characteristics of the school environment that foster academic achievement and positive interpersonal relationships
Academic Climate – Characteristics of the learning environment that promote high expectations, teacher support of student learning, and peer support of student learning
Civic Open Classroom Climate – The routine experience of deliberation and viewpoint diversity
School Mission and Vision – The stakeholders’ beliefs about the school’s commitments and values
These areas have been linked to various student outcomes, including academic achievement and civic preparation. A summary of research about these domains is available upon request.
While parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and students in Grades 3 to 12 take the survey, not all these groups will answer all components.
This survey is completely anonymous and will be used for secondary research. Participation in the survey is completely voluntary; there are no penalties for not participating.
Parents/guardians: Please complete one survey per household. Separated parents may complete one per parent.
November - No School Days are Coming Up
The month of November has a mixture of days that affect our normal school week. Additionally, our normal 1/2 day Friday will be on November 22 this month. Here is a list of modified school days this month:
Thursday, November 7 - 1/2 Day of school with afternoon set for P/T Conferences
Friday, November 8 - P/T Conferences
Monday, November 11 - No School - Veterans’ Day
Monday, November 18 - No School - Teacher Inservice Day
Friday, November 22 - 1/2 Friday
Wednesday, November 27 - 1/2 day of school to start the Thanksgiving Vacation.
Thursday, November 28 - No School - Thanksgiving Day
Picture Day - Monday, October 28
Just a reminder about picture day that will be tomorrow, Monday, October 28. If you would like to order pictures, that can be done online by following the information in the picture packet. Even if you do not order pictures, we will still be taking pictures of all students for our yearbook. Although we do not have a set appointment time for the studio’s arrival, it should be in the morning. This is the day for students to put a little extra effort into their attire and appearance for their photos. Student portraits will also appear on a student ID card they will receive once pictures are completed.
P/T Conferences Next Thursday & Friday
Every fall and spring, we schedule time for parents and teachers to get together for conferences. These fall meetings will be next week. Because we are needing to schedule time for all of our familes in two days, next Thursday will be a 1/2 day. School will be let at at 12:30. We will NOT be having an afterschool program on that day. P/T conferences will then begin at 2:00 and go into the evening. Conferences will resume the next day, Friday. If either of these days do not work for you, please contact your homeroom teacher to schedule a time.
The best way to sign up for a time is to click on the box above. You will be taken to a shared Google document where you can put in your family last name for a desired time. Here are the times you can sign up for:
Thursday 2-5 (9 blocks), 6-7:40 (5 blocks)
2:00 2:20 2:40 3:00 3:20 3:40 4:00 4:20 4:40 6:00 6:20 6:40 7:00 7:20 7:40
Friday 9-12 (9 blocks), 1-3 (6 blocks)
9:00 9:20 9:40 10:00 10:20 10:40 11:00 11:20 11:40 1:20 1:40 2:00 2:20 2:40
November 22 - ECA School Family Thanksgiving Meal & Holiday Craft Fair
I know Thanksgiving seems a long way away, but ECA is getting ready for our annual ECA Family Thanksgiving Potluck. More information will be going home in the coming weeks. Know this - your family is invited to join us on Friday, November 22 to have lunch with your child and all of the other school families. Grandparents are invited too. We also invite families from our constituent churches.
New this year - We will be having a Holiday Craft Fair November 22 in the ECA Gymnasium during the Thanksgiving meal. Lunch will be served at 11AM followed by a Holiday Craft Fair from 1-3 PM. If you are a crafter and would like to have a table at the fair, please contact Carrie Dunks at carriedunks@gmail.com or 530-632-6441 for more information
AG Program - Monday’s Science Class
Our Monday AG classes continue this week. Students will be outdoors doing a variety of things with Mr. Wyatt Johnson. Throughout the year, there may be a few rainy days. Boots and gloves are great things for working outdoors on Monday Science Days. Water bottles are great things to have outside too. Note, there will be no AG classes on Monday, November 11 (Veteran’s Day) or November 18 (Teacher in-service day). Here is a schedule of the days and classes:
Monday, October 28 - Grades K, 1&2
Monday, November 4 - Grades 7&8
Monday, November 25 - Grades 5&6
Monday, December 2 - Grades 3&4
Hot lunch happens every Monday and Wednesday. Additionally, whenever we have a 1/2 Friday, hot lunch will be offered by our Home & School. You can click on the link below to order hot lunch for the week for your child. If you have more than one child, please click the link more than once and turn in one week’s submission for each child. There is a payment option that is included in the form.
Christian Counseling Available - Free Resources:
The NAD (North American Division of SDA) has recently shared new resources for children and teens that offer a safe and anonymous place to talk or text. Here is a news release from the NAD.
We’re excited to announce the launch of www.aruggedjourney.org our newest NAD site providing free online mentoring for guys. A Rugged Journey joins www.gorgeous2god.org (for young women) which has grown in its scope and ministry since its beginning in 2017.
These sites, along with their counterparts on social media, provide free help to our teens/young adults in a space they can ask questions without judgment or fear. The questions are answered by a team of dedicated Seventh-day Adventists at AIM on the campus of Andrews University.
In addition to the confidential Q & A, positive content is provided through videos, posts, etc.
www.gorgeous2god.org/ FB: gorgeous2god/ IG: @gorgeous2god
www.aruggedjourney.org/ FB: aruggedjourney/ IG: @aruggedjourney
Announcements & Upcoming Events
Monday, October 28 - AG Day for K-2
Monday, October 28 - ECA Picture Day
Thursday, November 7 - 1/2 Day 12:30 dismissal followed by P/T Conferences
Friday, November 8 - NO School / P/T Conferences
Monday, November 11 - No School - Veterans’ Day
Monday, November 18 - No School - Teacher Inservice Day
Tuesday, November 19 - Grades 3-6 Field Trip to the Hult Center
Friday, November 22 - 1/2 Day Friday & Family Thanksgiving Meal / Holiday Craft Fair