• November 7: Collaborative Pizza Party
• November 7-8: Minimum Days (Student-Led Conferences)
• November 9: No School (Student-Led Conferences)
• November 10: No School (Veterans Day Observed)
• November 12: Diwali
• November 14: First Grade Exhibition
• November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance
• November 20-24: No School (Thanksgiving Break)

We are thrilled that next week marks our Student-Led Conferences and we look forward to this unique and empowering experience. Your child's learning journey is something to celebrate, and we can't wait for them to share it with you. Student-Led Conferences are an invaluable opportunity for you to engage directly with your child's learning journey, and here's what you can look forward to:

Empowerment: Your designer will take the lead in showcasing their academic progress and personal growth. Witness their confidence and ownership of their learning journey.

Open Dialogue: These conferences encourage open and constructive conversations between you, your student, and their LED. It's a time to discuss achievements, goals, and how to support your student's learning.

Personal Connection: Connect with your student's educational experience on a deeper level. Gain insights into their strengths and aspirations.

Celebration of Growth and Achievement: Celebrate your learner's achievements and milestones. Recognize their hard work and the positive impact of your support.

Collaboration: Be part of the collaborative team that includes you, your learner, and their LEDs all working together to ensure their social emotional and academic success.

Inspiration: Experience your student's enthusiasm for learning and their commitment to self-improvement. Their dedication is truly inspiring.

We encourage you to come with an open heart and an open mind. These conferences are not just a one-way presentation but a dynamic interaction that celebrates your student's unique qualities and achievements. Get ready for a memorable experience that celebrates their growth and achievements. Your active participation in these conferences is a powerful source of motivation and support for your student.

Every year on November 11th, Veterans Day, we come together as a nation to honor and express our deep gratitude to the courageous men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Their selfless dedication, unwavering commitment, and countless sacrifices have protected our freedoms and secured the peace and prosperity we hold dear. It is a day to reflect on their valor, to pay tribute to their enduring legacy of service, and to recognize the profound impact they have had on our nation and the world.

As we thank our veterans, let us also remember the families who have stood alongside them, offering their support and making their own sacrifices. Veterans Day serves as a powerful reminder that freedom is not free, and the debt of gratitude we owe to those who have defended it is immeasurable. Let us ensure that our appreciation for our veterans goes beyond a single day, that we continue to support them as they transition to civilian life, and that we never forget the sacrifices made to protect the values and liberties that make our nation great.

During the week of November 6–10, 2023, schools nationwide will celebrate National School Psychology Week (NSPW) to highlight the critical work school psychologists do to help students thrive. This is a time to recognize and show appreciation for school psychologists, who support students' learning and mental and behavioral health, promote positive and inclusive school climates, serve on school safety and crisis teams, and collaborate with families, teachers, and administrators to improve student outcomes.

The 2023 National School Psychology Week theme, "Let's Grow Together," is inspired by the importance of both personal and shared strengths in our growth as individuals and school communities in every season of life. The theme recognizes four aspects of growth that are fundamental to effective learning environments and to school psychologists' role in supporting student well-being and learning.

Please join us in celebrating our Design39Campus School Psychologists, Mika Duff and Eren Clark, and all that they do on behalf of our students.

D39C is proud to announce the first elected officers of our Black Student Union:

Presidents: Taharqa Burruss & Avanee Caston

Vice Presidents: Noelle LaTour & Wyatt Gordon

Social Media Chair: Vihanna Tandon

Secretary: Maksim Zaets

The group is still in need one additional social media chair and a secretary. Contact Mr. Bibby to apply.

Congrats to those who put forward their names for consideration. We look forward to the difference you will make on our campus and in our community.

Design39Campus is elated to announce our support for the inaugural D39C Latinx & Hispanic Student Association. All students and staff are welcome to come together on the first and third Wednesday of each month to discuss and learn about Hispanic culture. The group will meet in the counseling center.

California has designated the month of November to be California's Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. Sikhism is the fifth largest religion in the world, originating from the Punjab region of India. Sikhism is a faith founded on principles of equality, selfless service, and social justice. Sikh men and women have played pivotal roles in various fields, from education and the arts to science and humanitarian work and California is where a lot of Sikh American history begins.

In 2015, California legislation classified November as California Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. This resolution states that “This measure would recognize and acknowledge the significant contributions made by Californians of Sikh heritage to our state and seeks to afford all Californians the opportunity to better understand, recognize, and appreciate the rich history and shared principles of Sikh Americans.” Sikh Awareness Month encourages people to work toward a more inclusive and harmonious community. This month offers an opportunity to learn, appreciate, and embrace the diversity that enriches our Design39Community.

Below are several websites that provide educational resources and materials for kids and youth that provide valuable information in raising awareness about Sikh culture and religion:

1. Basics of Sikhi (basicsofsikhi.com): Basics of Sikhi provides educational content on Sikhism, including videos and resources aimed at increasing awareness and understanding of Sikh culture and beliefs.

2. SikhiWiki (sikhiwiki.org):SikhiWiki is a comprehensive online resource that provides information about Sikhism, its history, and practices. It can be used as a reference for school projects and research.

3. Sikh Coalition (sikhcoalition.org): Sikh Coalition is an organization that provides resources and educational materials to promote Sikh awareness and combat discrimination. Their "Education" section offers valuable resources for kids.

4. SikhNet (Sikhnet.com): offers a wide range of educational resources, including videos, articles, and lesson plans. They also have a dedicated section for kids and youth to learn about Sikhism in an engaging way.

5. Sikhism Teachings (sikhismteachings.com):Sikhism Teachings is an educational platform that offers a variety of resources to help students learn about Sikhism. It includes articles, videos, and lesson plans.

On Friday morning, Design39Campus parent and Collaborative Board member, Gupreet Singh, read What is a Patka? by Tajinder Kaur Kalia to our TK class and two of our third grade classes to help his sons' classmates understand why they wear a Patka each day. A Patka is a Sikh head covering which is worn by many Sikh children. This experience was an outstanding way to create belonging in recognition of California's Sikh American Awareness and Appreciation Month. Thank you, Gurpreet, for your ongoing support of our campus community.

On Friday, December 1, the Lead39 student-led Dance Committee is proud to announce that the Middle School Dance is happening. The theme of this year's dance is "A Night in Paris." Students received invitations in their homeroom this week. This event will take place from 6:00 PM-8:00 PM at Design39Campus in the Showcase. Dinner, dancing and games are provided. We also included alternative options for students with dietary restrictions. We suggest your children wear something semi-formal, but comfortable at the same time. For example, they can wear picture day clothes, but they are free to wear whatever they want. Students are encouraged to leave their bags and devices at home. Bag check will be available at the dance. Your children should bring IDs for check-in. If your child loses or does not bring a school ID card, check-in is possible without an ID card, but the card is recommended for expedited check-in. Once students enter the dance, they will not be permitted to leave until 8.

Students have been asked to RSVP, and we would like an accurate count from the parents, too.

Our AVID tip of the week is focused on Focus Note Taking.

Ask yourself: Why do I take notes? Why should students take notes? Note taking is very vital inside and outside of the classroom. Taking notes is a skill that is learned throughout school and is then taken into the career world as well. Note taking is a skill that doesn’t just STOP after a student graduates from college, it is a tool that is continually used throughout life.

Students take notes to help in retaining information. With that, students need to understand why they are taking notes and how it will benefit them in the future. Students also need to be explicitly taught on how to take notes (it is not something that is innate). Students who take focused notes are able to identify their purpose for learning, comprehend material, and apply the knowledge later in life.

AVID’s focused note-taking process has five phases. It is important to note that while applying learning is the last phase of the process, it is essential that it inform the first phase, as the note-taking format should be shaped by the note-taking purpose. When teaching the focused note-taking process, educators need to determine how students will use their notes and set up the format appropriately. It is crucial for educators to model and invite students to engage in this thought process so that note-taking becomes a powerful and portable learning tool students can carry with them throughout their educational experience.

Create the notes. Select a note-taking format, set up the note page, record the Essential Question, and take notes based on an information source (lecture, book, website, article, video, etc.), selecting, paraphrasing, and arranging information in a way that meets your note-taking objective.

Think beyond the notes. Analyze the notes using inquiry to make connections and deepen content knowledge by asking questions and adding your own thinking to create greater understanding, identify gaps or points of confusion, and connect your new learning to what you already know.

Think about the notes as a whole. Pull together the most important aspects of your notes and your thinking about them to craft a summary that captures the meaning and importance of the content and reflects on how the learning helps you meet the note-taking objective.

Use the notes. Save and revisit your notes as a resource or learning tool to help you apply or demonstrate what you have learned.

Our Outstanding Team

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

What I Wish My Parents Knew: What I Wish My Parents Knew is back and you are invited to attend! This is a series of workshops held twice a year for PUSD parents to learn about their students and some of the realities of their day-to-day world in school today. Workshop sessions include Establishing Guardrails, Managing Stress & Anxiety, Social Media Pressures, and Balancing Academics. Sessions are facilitated by PUSD Administrators and local faith leaders, and also feature student voice! The fall WIWMPK workshops will be held on Wednesday, November 8th starting at 6pm at Oak Valley Middles School. No sign-ups are needed - please make sure to bring a friend or two with you to this important and unique parent event!

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. Once a year, the D39C Collaborative secures funding to expand and enhance the educational experience of every student attending Design39Campus.

This year’s 39 days of giving campaign was the school’s most successful yet. Thank you so much to all our generous families.

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.

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.