VRA and IS Newsletter 11/03/24

Happy Sunday Independence School and Valley Robotics Academy Families,

What an amazing Halloween Parade where so many students dressed up and participated (along with many of our staff who were the Care Bears). The week was also our Red Ribbon Week and students took part in activities. This is another example of our school community bonding together.

This week the temperatures creep down to the low 70's for the high. Please remember to dress in layers as it is cold 40's in the morning.

Tuesday, November 6th is Election Day. An important day in these United States. Many students and staff asked if we could show our spirit in wearing Red, White and Blue on Tuesday. Let's make it another great week of fun, learning and a safe environment as we head into Veteran's Day on Monday, November 11 -- a holiday to honor our veterans. Thank you to all that have served or are actively serving our great nation.

Reminder: If you need to get ahold of anyone on our site regardless of which program (Independence or VRA), we can be reached at one phone number — (209) 331-8008.

Thank you for all you do as parents/guardians!

At this time, all high school students should be enrolled in their college classes for the Spring term. Please make sure that classes start at 12:00 p.m. or later and are not on Fridays.

Good News: For students in Biology 10 with Professor Ustach, there will be NO CLASS on Wednesday, November 27th, the day before Thanksgiving. If you have a different class on the 27th, then I recommend emailing your professor to find out if they are going to cancel class for that day.

Parents, please encourage your students to start checking their emails regularly. I have noticed that many students are not responding to important communications, which can affect their progress. Establishing this habit will help them stay informed and engaged.

For any questions, please contact me at ganunez@lodiusd.net

Sincerely,

Mrs. Gabby Nunez, High School Counselor

Dear High School Students:

If you have any issues or questions about your graduation status, then please make an appointment to see me. There is a sign-up sheet at Miss Sarah’s office where you can schedule one. Outside of class time is preferable. You can also reach me at jhunt@lodiusd.net

Sincerely,

Mr. Hunt

We are currently in the 4th Learning Period. For your information, here are the rest of the LP dates.

Students, cast your vote in the Library on Cats vs. Dogs from Monday, November 4th to Friday, November 8th.

VRA Seniors, Excel Photographers will be on campus on Monday, November 4th at 8:30 a.m. to take your portraits! You MUST book your appointment on their online scheduling tool as walk-in appointments WILL NOT be photographed.

UPDATE: Only 8 students have signed up. Seniors, PLEASE schedule your appointment as there will be no make up for Senior Pictures. This is the only opportunity. Here is some helpful information by Excel Photographers:

• We bring black tux jacket and white shirts. For students who are wearing tux jacket, we do recommend they wear their own white button-down shirt. We will have some on hand, but those are basic sizes.
• We bring the black drapes. For students who are wearing the drape, we recommend they wear a cami/tank that is comfortable for them to move straps down. This way they have something on under the drape and are more comfortable.
• We will bring black cap/gown and teal tassel with 2025 charm.

After the images have been processed, the families will receive an email/text notification (from the information they provided when they booked appointments) that they are ready to view. This usually takes a couple weeks. Families can then view/purchase portraits for the remainder of the school year. If there is a deadline for yearbook pose to be chosen, that will be indicated and if no pose is chosen, Excel will make that decision.

VRA Families, if your student was not able to get their photos taken, then do not worry as Makeup Picture Day will be on Wednesday, November 13th from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in Room P-6.

Independence Students will have their photos taken on Wednesday, November 13th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Room P-6. There will be more information to follow along with a flyer.

Juniors and Seniors, are you interested in building leadership and mentorship skills? If so, then consider becoming a Science Camp Cabin Leader where you will help 5th and 6th grade campers feel happy and secure. You can apply by filling out the Google Form application or scanning the QR code shown in the flyer below.

There will be a new equipment from Magnitude called ExoLab in the Library where students can experiment the conditions of an organism called Medicago truncatula (barrel medic or barrel clover) that is sending to grow on the International Space Station. Students will track and measure the temperature, humidity, lux level, and carbon dioxide level in the ExoLab. M. truncatula provides valuable insights into legume biology, symbiotic nitrogen fixation, and plant genetics. It is a great model organism for research in plant biology and agriculture. For more information, check out their website.

The flyer and diagram of the ExoLab are shown below.

Join VRA’s 8th Grade VEX Robotics Team as they compete in the VEX Robotics Competition Leagues. The dates, times, and location can be found below in the flyer. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to cheer them on!

The second competition is on Saturday, December 14th at 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at San Joaquin County Office of Education’s FabLab.

VRA Families, please notify the office of student absences at (209) 331-8008. For makeup work, you may contact their teacher(s).

Independence 7th to 12th Grade Families, please notify the office of student absences at (209) 331-8008. Your student must notify their teacher(s) as well.

VRA Families, please continue to follow the signage and cones to complete the oval. Please pull forward for a quick drop-off or pick-up. If you need a little more time to get situated, then please pull into an empty parking spot, so that others can completely pull forward to safely drop off or pick up their students.

Just a reminder that the gate will open at 7:45 a.m. for drop-off and close at 8:45 a.m. If you are running late, then please drop off your student at the front gate where the office is located at for them to be buzzed in. Student drivers, if you are running late, then please use the call button at the gate to be buzzed in.

For afternoon pick-up, the gate will open at 2:25 p.m. If you arrive early and the gate happens to open because someone is exiting, then please help us keep our campus safe and secure by remaining outside the perimeter until 2:25 p.m.

High School Students, are you interested in planning fun school events and activities? If so, then consider joining the Student Planning Committee. For more information, you may contact Victoria Reynolds at v.reynolds1@lodiusd.org or (209) 693-0252.

The 8th Grade VEX Robotics Team’s practices are held from 2:35 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays in Room P-5, Robotics Lab. See Ms. KG for more information!

VRA Esports Team’s Season 1 has begun and will last until Thursday, November 7th! VALORANT is on Mondays and Tuesdays right after school. For more information, see Mr. Warner in P-15.

Dear Parents/Guardians of 7th to 12th Grade Students,

We are very excited to introduce our new college and career readiness platform, SchooLinks!

All of the SchooLinks features are designed with students in mind to help them become career, college, and life-ready. As parents/guardians, you will have access to SchooLinks through your own account. This allows you to join your students in their career and college exploration process and discuss their future with them.

SchooLinks allows you to have informed conversations with your students by:

• Viewing your student’s career interest, strength, and mindset assessments
• Seeing what colleges and careers your student has favorited
• Comparing college costs and explore expected financial aid, scholarships, and out-of-pocket expenses