Oak Leaf Weekly Update

Students created masks after learning about Chicago based artist, Nick Graves, who produces work in a wide range of mediums. Many of his pieces speak to issues surrounding identity, including his human-shaped sculptures, called soundsuits. His soundsuits were originally conceived as a protective type of armor, when he felt particularly vulnerable. The students' masks each reflect a personal narrative, which is written in their descriptions.

We hope this update finds everyone settling back into routines as we grow into the spring season. Students at ROCS are preparing for overnight field trips on the USS Hornet, Mendocino Woodlands Science Camp and Fort Ross. Also, class plays are in full swing and the 8th grade graduation committee is busy planning a beautiful celebration for the students and families.

Our community is welcoming the new weather, new growth in nature and in our students!

Reminders:

• No School April 15, 18 (unused emergency days)
• May 14 Pastels on the Plaza

• May 18 6-8pm Screenagers: the Next Chapter (for K-8 parents and 6-8 grade students, childcare available- more info coming soon)
• Independent study- please sign your forms and communicate upcoming IS, thank you!

The weather was beautiful and class 5 and chaperones spent almost the entire day outside learning about native plants and their uses. Student's listened to a specialist at the end of the adventure who led the children in activities that were connected to understanding nature without talking, to become more mindful of the world around them.

Class 2 has just begun a language arts block focused on biographies of ecologists and other “golden hearted” people helping our environment. This week they heard the stories of Jane Goodall and Rachel Carson. To kick off the block we visited the Corner Art Gallery to have a special tour of their newest exhibit: We Are One—Exploring Interconnections on our Planet. Students have also begun keeping their very own nature observation journals and recording what they see and hear in our school garden in drawings and words.

Primavera means Spring in Spanish. This drawing is to reflect the changing season.

Students grades 3-8 will be taking the state test known as CAASPP, (California Assessment of Student Progress and Performance). As a public school, ROCS is held accountable for the public funds it receives and the educational program it offers, through this annual test of student progress. Due to COVID, it's been two years since our students have taken the tests.

The state tests assess English Language Arts and Math skills in 3-8 grades; Science is also assessed in grades 5 and 8. These are untimed tests.

The testing window for ROCS is open until May 27th. It is important for students to attend school, arrive on time, and be well-rested, and fed.

ROCS scores are only ONE measure among many that provide information and help us assess our instructional program and plan our instruction. Test results are mailed to parents in late September of the following year. We don't encourage sharing the test scores in the younger grades as they don't identify the full complement of a child's strengths and capacities.

We consider all of our students to be capable and we ask that students take the test and do their best. Beyond doing their best, we leave expectations and pressure out of our testing environment.

If you have questions, please contact your child's teacher.

Hi 6th-8th grade Families,

ROCS is offering a math tutor for targeted math support, not just homework help- below is the information, and it happens daily!

My name is Eddie Reynaga, I am a new hire at River Oak Charter School. I previously worked at Ukiah High School as a paraprofessional before transferring over here. Other schools I have worked at include Nokomis, Calpella, Eagle Peak, St. Mary’s and Mendocino College. I currently have three kids attending River Oak. They are Hector, Ally and Adrian. During the day, I will be working as a UUSD paraprofessional helping out across the school for students with services. After school, I will be providing targeted math support in room 6, Mon-Friday, 3:10-4:30 and Wednesdays from 1:10-3:30.

Math is my favorite subject and I have over 10 years of experience with math tutoring. I can help with both basic and advance levels of math. Anyone needing some support or just some extra help is encouraged to attend.

Please call or send your child to the office after school to get started, Thank you!