• November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

• November 25-29: District Recess (No School)

• November 28: Thanksgiving

As we take a moment of gratitude, we are filled with immense thankfulness for each and every one of you, our Connect Academy learning community. Your unwavering trust, support, love, patience, and grace have been the foundation that allows us to reimagine education and build a community that nurtures and uplifts all of our students.

Together, we are making possibilities happen. Your belief in what education can be has empowered us to shape a community where love and belonging are at the heart of everything we do, and where every student can thrive as their authentic self.

We could not do this work without you. Thank you for your continued partnership, your volunteer hours, your talents, your treasures, and for everything you’ve done to help us create a place where learning is alive with potential and possibility.

With deepest gratitude and appreciation.

The next Making Connections will be available on December 1st.

Enjoy your Thanksgiving Break.

Please join me in congratulating Ella Babin for being selected as Connect Academy's 23-24 Classified Employee of the Year by our classified staff! Ella was honored last week at the PUSD Starstruck Awards for her countless hours of dedication to our learners. Her unwavering support for all students ensures that everyone at Connect Academy feels welcome, safe, and knows they belong. Ella’s positive energy radiates throughout our school community, and we are truly honored to have her as a vital part of our staff. Congratulations, Ella, on this well-deserved recognition!

We are also thrilled to celebrate Stephanie Shabsin, former Connect Academy teacher and now Design39Campus LED, for being selected as Connect Academy's 23-24 Teacher of the Year! Stephanie was honored last week at the PUSD Starstruck Awards for her dedication to serving the whole child. She is an outstanding educator who works tirelessly to ensure that every learner feels included and knows they make a difference in our learning community. Even though Stephanie is now part of the D39C family, she can often be found sneaking over to Connect Academy to check in on her former students and cheer on their continued academic success. Congratulations, Stephanie, on this well-deserved recognition!

Tomorrow, November 18th, is a very special day: it is Mickey Mouse's birthday. This is the date of the premiere of Steamboat Willie, the animated short film that introduced Mickey and Minnie Mouse to the world. Without this, we would never have Disneyland!

It’s also Mr. Gizzo’s birthday! Happy birthday, Mr. Gizzo! Your commitment to Connect Academy is truly commendable, and your excellence in teaching is an inspiration to us all. Here’s to many more years of success and celebration!

Dear Connect Academy Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you well! As we finish Trimester 1 and enter Trimester 2, we want to keep you informed about some important dates and upcoming events at our school.

As we reflect on the past few weeks and Thanksgiving around the corner, we want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and active participation in our program. Your involvement plays a crucial role in creating a vibrant and engaging learning environment for our students. Together, we are fostering a community that values education, growth, and collaboration.

Thank you for being an essential part of our Connect Academy family!

Important Dates

- Trimester 2 Starts: Monday, 11/18

- Trimester 1 Report Cards: Available next week on Synergy

- Thanksgiving Break: 11/25 - 11/29

Coming Up

We are excited to announce our upcoming novel studies starting after the break! Here’s what each grade will be reading:

- 6th Grade: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen

- 7th Grade: The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton

- 8th Grade: And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

Friendly Reminders

- In-Person Days: These are special days dedicated to collaboration and hands-on science labs.

- IT Support: Our IT support is available on Tuesdays from 9 AM to 12 PM. If you need an appointment outside of those hours, please call the front office to request one.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education. We wish you a wonderful November filled with joy and gratitude!

Respectfully,

Mr. Gizzo & Mrs. Matos

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Enjoying a Much-Needed Thanksgiving Recess

As we head into the Thanksgiving break, it's important to take time to recharge and reflect. While schoolwork is important, so is balance. Use this time to rest, spend time with loved ones, and focus on self-care. A well-rested mind is key to coming back refreshed and ready to tackle the rest of the semester.

Consider these tips for a restful break:

• Unplug: Take a break from screens and technology to fully disconnect.
• Reflect: Think about your progress so far—what are you proud of? What goals will you set for the rest of the year?
• Recharge: Whether through hobbies, relaxation, or quality time with family, make sure to replenish your energy.

Wishing you all a peaceful and enjoyable Thanksgiving recess!

Connect Academy recognizes Transgender Remembrance Day as a time to honor and remember those who have lost their lives due to anti-transgender violence. We stand in solidarity with the transgender community, reaffirming our commitment to love, inclusion, and respect for all. At CONA, we strive to create a safe and supportive environment where every student can be their authentic self.

Connect Academy FAQ Link

Recording of Back-to-School Zoom Meeting

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.

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.