• January 8: End of Winter Break (school resumes)

• January 10: Michele Borba in the Gallery

• January 13: Korean American Day

• January 15: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• January 17: Future Designers Campus Tour (AM & PM)

• January 22-26: Great Kindness Challenge

• January 29: Pro Grow Day (non student day)
  

As we stand at the threshold of a new year, our hearts are brimming with hope and optimism for the opportunities that await us. The arrival of a new year signifies not just a change in date but a canvas for fresh beginnings, renewed ambitions, and unforeseen design challenges.

As we venture into this new chapter, let us embrace this opportunity with open hearts and open minds. Let's rally each other to set courageous academic goals, chase our educational aspirations, and carve bold paths toward personal and academic advancement. Let's continue to foster a culture within our Design39Campus community—a culture of empathy, inclusivity, and academic excellence, where every member feels valued, respected, and empowered to be their authentic selves.

In the spirit of the new year, our commitment remains unwavering to innovate, ideate, and provide an enriching educational experience that shapes thought leaders, elevating humanity. Together, let's pledge to make this year one filled with limitless educational prospects, meaningful connections, and notable academic achievements.

We express our deepest gratitude for the continual support and collaboration within our community. We eagerly anticipate the incredible academic journey we'll embark on together in the coming days, weeks, and months.

May the New Year be adorned with peace and love aplenty.

We will see you tomorrow.

Design39Campus is thrilled to announce that Michele Borba, Parenting and Child Expert and Educational Psychologist, is coming to our Campus. Michele is most well known for authoring the best-selling books Thrivers and Unselfie. She will be joining our community to share her expert tips on raising resilient children, building social-emotional intelligence, and reducing peer cruelty.

Please join us for a conversation with Michele on January 10, 2024, from 5:30 to 7:00 pm in the Showcase. Please note that this is an adult-only event.

If you are interested in purchasing Michele's book Thrivers, please consider supporting one of San Diego's best independent bookstores: Mysterious Galaxy. They are offering Design39 parents 20% off Thrivers, and they can deliver the book to the event on January 10th. Please see this link: https://www.mystgalaxy.com/design39-school-michele-borba

So that we may gather an approximate number of attendees, please use THIS FORM to RSVP.

We look forward to you joining us for what is sure to be an amazing event!

This will be a must-see event. Thank you to the D399 Collaborative for their support with this event. Events like these are only possible because of the Collaborative and the generous donations from our community during the 39 Day of Giving. For that, we are forever grateful and offer our sincerest thanks.

Let's kick off the New Year with a commitment to success! Attending school regularly is crucial for your child's academic journey. Each day missed means a missed opportunity to grasp essential knowledge that forms the foundation for future learning. Your support in ensuring your child's consistent attendance is key to their success.

Remember, absences should only occur when your child is unwell or unable to attend. If they're healthy, being present at school is vital for their growth and development. Don't let them miss out on valuable learning experiences.

School begins promptly at 9:10 am, and it's important for students to be seated in their classrooms when the song is over. Please ensure your child arrives on time to start their day of learning without any disruptions.

Thank you for your partnership in fostering your child's educational journey. Let's make this year a successful one together!

Information regarding the 2024-2025 Draw for D39C will be available on our website starting January 8th and will some highlights include:

• New for the 2024-2025 Draw will be a new application to create and manage the Interest List and Draw Process
• The Interest List is projected to be open January 16th and will close February 16th

Design39Campus will offer multiple in-person tours for prospective 24-25 families. These tours begin in the Showcase and are adult only. This year, the preliminary dates are as follows:

• January 17: 9:30 am and 5:30 pm
• February 6: 9:30 am
• February 13: 9:30 am and 5:30 pm

Next Saturday, January 13th, we come together to celebrate Korean American Day, a day dedicated to recognizing and honoring the outstanding contributions made by individuals of Korean descent. Since 1903, Korean Americans have made immeasurable impacts as entrepreneurs, military personnel, spiritual leaders, healthcare professionals, artists, and elected representatives, enriching our society across multiple domains for over a century. This day stands as a tribute to their remarkable achievements and the profound influence they've had on every facet of our community and culture.

If you wish to support our equity initiatives, please reach out to Shaka Johnson via email at shaka@design39collaborative.org or Bobby Caughey at rcaughey@powayusd.com

Join us in shaping a more equitable future at D39C.

The AVID Tip of the Week is making New Year's resolutions.

Setting New Year's resolutions can be incredibly beneficial for students for various reasons. Firstly, it allows them to establish clear goals—whether related to academics, personal growth, or extracurricular activities. These goals serve as guiding points, offering direction and purpose throughout the year. Having something specific to work towards can be a strong motivator, encouraging consistent effort and dedication.

Moreover, resolutions promote self-improvement. They encourage students to develop better study habits, improve time management skills, or engage in activities that enhance their overall well-being. By reflecting on past experiences and setting resolutions based on these reflections, students can identify areas for growth and make strides toward becoming their best selves.

Additionally, resolutions aid in time management. They help in prioritizing tasks, allocating time for studies, hobbies, social engagements, and personal development. This process fosters discipline and a sense of responsibility, teaching students the value of managing their time effectively—a skill that proves invaluable in various aspects of life beyond academics.

It's important to note that resolutions need not be monumental; they can encompass small, achievable steps that contribute to significant improvements over time. The key lies in setting realistic and manageable goals that can be pursued consistently. Overall, making New Year's resolutions can be a powerful tool for students, fostering growth, motivation, and the development of essential life skills.

This is your counseling team and we are so excited to share with you some news that we know you will all enjoy. Michele Borba, a parenting and child expert and educational psychologist, is coming to our Campus on Wednesday January 10. She will be joining our community to share her expert tips on raising resilient children, building social-emotional intelligence, and reducing peer cruelty.

Michele is known for her best-selling books Thrivers and Unselfie. Her books are must reads for any parent or person who works with kids. As a counseling team, we strive to provide early intervention to all students, and with Michele Borba’s help and guidance, we will be able to see our designers THRIVE.

Please join us for an adult only conversation with Michele on January 10, 2024, at 5:30-7:00 pm in the Showcase. For more information, check out weekly messages sent out by our Design Facilitators. We look forward to seeing you there. Let’s learn, design, and THRIVE together.

January 2024 Parent Education Courses:

• Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK -5th Grade

• NEW Are You Tired of Your Child Saying “No”? TK-5th Grade

• NEW Help Your Teen Manage Stress and Anxiety – 6th-12th Grade

* Scholarships available for families that may be in need.

Matt Bibby (last names A-I): mbibby@powayusd.com

Jennifer Asmann (last names J-R): jasmann@powayusd.com

Andrea Guevara (last names S-Z): aguevara@powayusd.com

The Design39Campus student blog is a vibrant hub where designers share their experiences, ideas, and unique perspectives on Design39Campus. It offers a firsthand glimpse into student life, showcasing creativity and the power of student-led initiatives within the educational sphere. Reading this blog provides a direct connection to the student community, fostering empathy, understanding, and a glimpse into D39C.

Please click on the button above periodically to see what is happening around our learning facility.

Fire Season and Emergencies: With fire season upon us we want to assure parents and guardians that we have appropriate response systems in place when emergencies arise. Our first priority will always be the safety of our students and staff on campus.

When Design39Campus becomes aware of any incidents in the geographic area of the school site, we will focus first on the safety of our campus while working with law enforcement, emergency responders, and the District for guidance and support for communication. Communication with parents is part of the response plan, but will be secondary to immediate safety. As soon as we can, we will message families with details of school-wide incidents such as lockdowns or evacuations. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentVue in the “My Account” section.

Finally, we have been asked by first responders to remind our families NOT to come to campus in times of emergency – there have been several instances when officers, firefighters, and their ability to respond to the emergency have been hindered by parents rushing to the scene. We will send out messages about dismissal or reunification procedures for families when first responders indicate it is safe to do so.

Cuyamaca Outdoor School (6th Grade Camp): February 5th through the 9th, 2024. Detailed Camp Packets will be coming home soon. Please take a look home soon! For information on camp, please check out this movie, or this slideshow, or you can go to their website. It is the best week of middle school!

It is never too early to begin preparing for one of the most momentous events of middle school, 6th Grade Camp. D39C 6th grade students will be attending Camp Cuyamaca February 5th through the 9th, 2024. This is not a dusty tent camping experience in the wilderness. Camp Cuyamaca is a fully accredited outdoor school run by the San Diego Country Office of Education based in our local mountains. Students will engage in science and problem solving activities and also enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and so much more!!!

The cost of the five-day program will be $455***; which includes transportation, food, lodging and medical insurance. It is an incredible experience and we are so excited to offer this opportunity to all students in PUSD.

You have two payment options:

1. Cash
2. Check (made payable to PUSD; please write your child's name in the memo line)

***Scholarships are available. Please see you LED for additional information***

Attendance and OCIS Contracts: With the holiday season rapidly approaching, we often have families who choose to take time off from school to travel. While we strongly encourage families not to miss school days, I also want to make you aware of our policy if you choose to take time off.

If you have a student who will not be in class for 5-14 days, please notify the office so we can have the parents fill out an OCIS contract for their child. The forms will have to be completed and signed by parents 5-10 days in advance of the absence. Click here for a link to the OCIS Contract.

Parents are required to give 5 days notice for absences up to 5 days, 10 days notice for absences more than 5 days.

Prepping work for students who are absent is an incredible amount of work for our teaching staff and we ask that you give your child’s teacher as much advance notice as possible beyond the above guidelines.

We do not write contracts beyond 14 days. If you plan to be away for 15 or more days please contact the Welcome Center for the necessary procedures.

Would you like to become a part of the Design39Campus Team? Do you like to be outside and work with children? If so, we are looking for a few quality Motion Managers to help support our designers during body breaks and lunch during the middle of the day. Possible times are 10:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. or 11:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. If interested, please apply through Poway Unified School District at the this link.

Attendance: To report your child's absence or early checkout, please email the attendance office at d39cattendance@powayusd.com before 10:00 am on the day of the absence. Please include your child's name, homeroom/grade, dates of absence, and reason for absence. We kindly ask that you avoid checking out your student during the lunch period from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. Please refer to the attendance section of our Design39Campus website for protocols regarding reporting student absences and requesting early release for your student.'

California Education Code 48205 states that a student may be excused legally from school when the absence is due to:

• Personal illness or injury
• Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health office
• Medical, dental, or chiropractic services
• Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family
• Justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an appearance in court, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, attendance at religious retreats, attendance at an employment conference, when the pupil's absence has been requested in writing by the parent and approved by the principal or designated representative
  
• For the purpose of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election
• Exclusion for failure to present evidence of immunization
• Exclusion from school because student is either the carrier of a contagious disease or not immunized for a contagious disease

Communication with your Designer: If there is a need to communicate with your child during the school day, please send a message to your child’s LED or the Welcome Center. Please refrain from communicating with them directly through text messages or phone calls as it disrupts their learning.

Personal Items: For equity reasons, we are asking that students keep their personal playground equipment at home or in their backpack. Our wonderful Collaborative supplies us with enough funding to ensure that there is enough equipment during recess and lunch.

The D39C Collaborative is a 100% volunteer-run foundation designed to be responsive to the needs of students, parents, and learning experience designers of Design39Campus. Their mission is to expand and enhance the educational experience of every student attending Design39Campus.

We are excited to let you know that we will be hosting a Bus Driver Hiring Event at the District Office on 1/12/23 from 11:00am-2:00pm. We are hoping to staff many of the vacancies that impact our community. With our powers combined, we are hopeful to bring on many incredible new staff members to join our Poway family! 🙂

We are excited to share an opportunity for you to get involved in shaping the future of visual and performing arts education in our community. Poway Unified will form a Strategic Committee to review and improve the current strategic arts plan.

The committee is seeking participation from teachers (of all grade levels and subjects), administrators, district office staff, parents, guardians, and students to be a part of the committee. As a member, you'll examine the progress of our existing plan, analyze arts education data, and create recommendations for visual and performing arts initiatives. Committee members will represent a diverse and inclusive range of representatives across Poway Unified.

Please view this flier to learn more about the committee, including meeting dates and how to apply. The deadline to apply is December 22, 2023.

If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Just reach out to Kayla Warren at kwarren@powayusd.com anytime. Forward this invitation to other members of our community that may be interested.

PUSD Substitutes Needed: With flu, cold, and COVID season upon us, we are once again in need of qualified substitutes to support PUSD and our campus in the event of an LED absence.

If you or someone you know are interested in applying to become a substitute teacher with Poway Unified School District, please click here.

EmpowerED Digital Magazine: We are excited to debut the first-ever edition of our new EmpowerED Digital Magazine, to highlight all the ways you are empowering world-class learners every single day! We want to share with each other and the rest of our community what makes Poway Unified students, staff, and families so special in this visually pleasing, multi-media platform moving forward.

Click here or anywhere on the below image to be taken to a flipbook to enjoy the magazine. You'll see slideshows, links, and videos embedded in the pages. We hope you love it as much as we do! Feel free to share it with your family, friends, alum, retirees - anyone who might enjoy it too.

Parent Education Courses: PUSD is excited offer several Parent Education courses each month. Families are able to enroll and pay online at via Poway Adult School on their website linked HERE. You can search for the course you are interested in and enroll directly from the site.

• November 2023 Parent Education Courses:

  • Help Your Teen Manage Stress and Anxiety – 6th -12th Grade NEW
  • Early Childhood Development: Language is a Cognitive Super Power TK-3rd Grade NEW
  • Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK-5th Grade

Please note, scholarships are available to parents who may be in need. Parent can contact the Caring Connections Center for more information.

Thank you for supporting our PUSD Parent Education and for all you do for our students and families! May you have an amazing 2023-2024 school year!

Food and Nutrition Updates and Reminders: School breakfast and school lunch are FREE for all enrolled students, every school day. Meals must still be entered into the cafeteria computer by individual student account.

• Even though meals are free, families are still highly encouraged to complete the application for free and reduced-price meal eligibility. School site funding depends in part on the number of students eligible for free/reduced-price meals. Families that qualify for free/reduced-price meals may qualify for other benefits, as well. The meal application is available online at MySchoolApps.com.

• Printer-friendly PDF menus are available on the PUSD Food and Nutrition webpage. At the top of the page, click or hover over School Menus + and then Printable PDF Menus.

• Interactive, web-based menus containing nutrient and allergen details are available at MySchoolMenus.com, as well as via links from the F&N webpage.