YALE 5-12th Bridging Home & School

Dear Families,

What a wonderful time of the year! It’s heartwarming to see the joy on the faces of Yale’s middle and high school students, especially as we approach the holiday season. This is the perfect opportunity to reflect on our collective progress and look forward to the exciting journey ahead.

As the remainder of holiday season approaches, consider giving your child the gift of time. Place an I.O.U. for a special event or activity in their stocking. Years from now, you and your child will cherish the memories of these meaningful moments spent together during the holidays.

As the days grow shorter and schedules become busier, please remind your child to maintain their routines, prioritize rest, and take time for reflection. Let’s make this December a season of learning, growth, and community—focusing on kindness, generosity, and staying connected as we move into the new year.

Warm regards,

Mrs. Janice Julal
5th–12th Grade School Leader
MAS Yale Campus

December marks the halfway point in the 2024/2025 school year, making it a great time to review your child’s attendance:

• Strong Attendance: If your child has attended school regularly, congratulations! Consistent attendance is a key predictor of success. Keep up the great work!

• Inconsistent Attendance: If attendance has been inconsistent, please take this time to emphasize its importance. Whenever possible, schedule appointments outside school hours and reinforce the value of rest, proper nutrition, and exercise to keep your child healthy and in school

• Karmilya hails from Yallahs, a vibrant town in the beautiful country of Jamaica.

• Purple, because it combines the calmness of blue with the energy of red, creating a sense of creativity and balance that feels both soothing and inspiring.

• “Excellence is not a skill, but an attitude.”

• Karmilya chose teaching because she believes in the transformative power of education to shape individuals and society. Teaching allows her to engage with diverse minds, fostering critical thinking, curiosity, and a passion for learning. She strives to inspire students to apply knowledge meaningfully, contributing to their personal growth and the greater good. Through teaching, Karmilya is proud to leave a lasting impact, shaping future leaders, innovators, and empathetic individuals.

• Karmilya enjoys watching comedy series and action films. She’s a true food lover and has a passion for music and dance. Fun fact: She’s also an excellent singer!

• Traveling to different countries to experience nature. First stop? St. Lucia!

• December 10 marked her 3-month anniversary.

• Karmilya revolutionized her approach to teaching Literature, transforming it for students who had previously struggled. By making reading relatable and interactive, she significantly improved engagement and performance. Pass rates soared from 30% to 90%, and formerly disengaged students became enthusiastic learners. This achievement was celebrated by the school and reignited students’ passion for learning.

• Jamaican cuisine — anytime, any day!

• Taqueria Mexico on Menaul Boulevard. Karmilya loves the authentic flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and perfectly seasoned tacos. The warm, welcoming environment makes every meal a celebration of Mexican cuisine.

• As a 21st-century educator, Karmilya believes education is about unveiling hidden talents and potential. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes engaging, memorable experiences through technology, the arts, and life applications of English Language and Literature. She focuses on fostering critical thinking, enabling students to analyze information, solve problems, and understand their role in society. Beyond academics, she strives to instill leadership and citizenship, empowering students to exceed their capabilities and become well-rounded individuals.

Mindfulness helps children reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance social skills. Here’s a simple 5–10-minute mindfulness practice:

1. Set the Scene:
   Have your child sit or stand with their hands on their belly, eyes closed or looking down.
2. Guide Breathing:
   Inhale for three counts, exhale for three counts. Repeat for three breaths.
3. Reflect on the Breath:
   Ask:
• What moves your hands?
• Can you feel or hear your breath?
• Is the air cooler going in and warmer coming out?
4. Finish with Gratitude:
   End by expressing gratitude for the calm.

This practice helps promote focus and calmness!

• Mon., Dec. 16: SAT Practice for 11th Graders
• Wed., Dec. 18: English Language Arts Biweekly Assessment No. 4 for Grades 5 - 12
• Thurs., Dec. 19: Test Prep Biweekly Assessment No. 4 for Grades 5 - 8
• Fri., Dec. 20: Report Cards Go Home
• Fri., Dec. 20: Last day of school for the Fall semester!
• Dec. 23 – Jan. 8: Winter Break (School is Closed)

Looking Ahead:

• Thurs., Jan. 9, 2025: First Day of the Second Semester
• Mon., Jan. 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (School is Closed)
• Wed., Feb. 5: School Picture Day (Information Coming Soon!)
• Mon. Feb. 17: Presidents’ Day (School is Closed)

5th Grade Teachers & Support Staff

5th Grade English Language Arts: Atiya Lawrence - atiya.lawrence@mascharterschool.com

5th ELA Small Group: Kaileigh Wells - kaileigh.wells@mascharterschool.com

5th Grade Math: Nemar Sindico - nemar.sindico@mascharterschool.com

5th Grade Math Small Group: Tony Penate - tony.penate@mascharterschool.com

5th Grade Science: Cheyenne Valdespino - cheyenne.valdespino@mascharterschool.com

5th Science Small Group: Chrishawnah Delgado - chrishawnah.delgado@mascharterschool.com

5th & 6th Grade PE: Gabriel Triviz - gabriel.triviz@mascharterschool.com

5th & 6th Grade Test Prep: Joel Gallegos - joel.gallegos@mascharterschool.com

6th Grade Teachers & Support Staff

6th Grade ELA: Jamy Malone - jamy.malone@mascharterschool.com

6th Grade ELA Small Group: Elizabeth Lamiliano - elizabeth.lamiliano@mascharterschool.com

6th Grade Math: Mia Pabustan - mia.pabustan@mascharterschool.com

6th Grade Math Small Group: Autumn Hedlund - autumn.hedlund@mascharterschool.com

6th Grade Science: Carol Musweswe - carol.musweswe@mascharterschool.com

7th Grade Teachers & Support Staff

7th Grade ELA: Karmilya Wanliss - karmilya.wanliss@mascharterschool.com

7th Grade ELA Small Group: Melissa Stamper - melissa.stamper@mascharterschool.com

7th Grade Math: Mary Ann Gabisan - maryann.gabisan@mascharterschool.com

7th Grade Math Small Group: Carmen Hudson - carmen.hudson@mascharterschool.com

7th Grade Science: Chinazor Ike Njoku - chinazor.ikenjoku@mascharterschool.com

7th Grade Test Prep: David Galindo - david.galindo@mascharterschool.com

8th Grade Teachers & Support Staff

8th Grade ELA: Kristan Rudow - kristan.rudow@mascharterschool.com

8th Grade ELA Small Group: Nneoma Ike - Njoku nneoma.ikenjoku@mascharterschool.com

8th Grade Math : Mark Schroeder - mark.schroeder@mascharterschool.com

8th Grade Math Small Group: Timothy Ford - tim.ford@mascharterschool.com

8th Grade Science: Mohammed Majeed - mohammed.majeed@mascharterschool.com

8th Grade Test Prep: Celestino Pesana - celestino.pesan@mascharterschool.com

9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Grade Teachers & Support Staff

9th & 10th Grade ELA: Shanique Walker - shanique.walker@mascharterschool.com

Andrew Gottshall - andrew.gottshall@mascharterschool.com

9th & 10th Grade ELA Small Group: Brendan Leweicki - brendan.leweicki@mascharterschool.com

9th & 10th Grade Math: Martin Overfield - martin.overfield@mascharterschool.com

Diedra Faulkner - diedra.faulkner@mascharterschool.com

9th & 10th Grade Math Small Group: Carl Essary - carl.essary@mascharterschool.com

9th & 10th Grade Science: Dr Humberto Morales - humberto.morales@mascharterschool.com

Carlton Donaghe - carlton.donaghe@mascharterschool.com

9th & 10th Grade Social Studies: Hugo Alberto Gonzalez - alberto.gonzalez@mascharterschool.com

Bryce Willis - bryce.willis@mascharterschool.com

11th & 12th Grade Math: Alex Fiorvantes - alex.fiorvantes@mascharterschool.com

11th & 12th Grade Science: Troy Barber - troy.barber@mascharterschool.com

11th & 12th Grade Social Studies: Jonathan Davis - jonathan.davis@mascharterschool.com

11th & 12th Grade ELA: Roxanne Bloomfield - roxanne.bloomfield@mascharterschool.com

12th Grade PE: Tre Haynes - tre.haynes@mascharterschool.com

Middle School and High School Intervention: Aaron Cuffee - aaron.cuffee@mascharterschool.com