• January 22-26: Great Kindness Challenge

• January 29: Pro Grow Day (non student day)
  

• February 2: Groundhog's Day

• February 5: Prospective Family Tour at 9:30 am

• February 12: Lincoln's Birthday

• February 14: Valentine's Day

• February 13: Prospective Family Tour at 9:30 am and 5:30 pm

• February 16: Continuing Enrollment Survey Due

• February 19-23: President's Week (no student days)

• February 20: Washington's Birthday/President's Day

Wednesday morning marked our first of five tours for prospective families considering Design39Campus for the 2024-2025 school year. With the support of several collaborative members, we guided over a hundred families through our learning spaces. Conducting tours of our TK-8 school campus for prospective families brings immense joy and pride. It is a gratifying experience to showcase the vibrant and dynamic learning spaces that defines D39C. As a guide, I have the opportunity to emphasize not only the fantastic physical facilities but also the rich academic programs, enrichment activities, and the sense of belonging that characterizes our school.

Walking prospective families through our learning spaces, including the Loft, Makery spaces, and our other remarkable facilities, allows us to witness their genuine interest and excitement about joining our community of designers. It's truly satisfying to observe the spark of enthusiasm in the eyes of these families as they envision themselves becoming part of our educational family.

The joy derived from showcasing our TK-8 school extends beyond the mere physical spaces; it encompasses the spirit, values, and the promising educational journey that awaits every family as they envision their own students becoming life-ready thought leaders, elevating humanity. And it is a privilege to share with these prospective families that when we design rigorous learning experiences that ignite student passions, we foster student-centered learning environments where each individual demonstrates courage and experiences a profound sense of belonging. This is what happens each day at Design39Campus.

Our next tour is scheduled for February 5th at 9:30 am. We look forward to it.

We want to express our gratitude to the many parents and community members who attended the Michele Borba event last Wednesday evening. The D39C Showcase was filled to capacity, with many eager to hear Dr. Borba's perspective on raising empathetic and resilient thrivers.

Your feedback is valuable, so if you attended the event, please CLICK HERE to take a brief survey and share information about your experience.

To ensure you're informed, you can also stay up-to-date through the Design39Campus 2024-2025 Enrollment section on our website. Click the button above to access this information directly.

The Interest List for the 2024-2025 school year is live and will close February 16th. Please check the PUSD D39C Enrollment Page for additional details.

Design39Campus will offer multiple in-person tours for prospective 24-25 families. These tours begin in the Showcase and are adult only. This year, the preliminary dates are as follows:

• February 5: 9:30 am
• February 13: 9:30 am and 5:30 pm

Please join us on-campus for a Math Community Night to connect and play with other families and D39C LEDs! We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 1st from 5:00-6:30pm. Feel free to stop by when you can!

Every year, we kindly request that you share your enrollment plans for the upcoming school year. This information is crucial for our enrollment and staffing planning. We specifically invite families with students in grades TK-7 to participate in the survey, encompassing all students associated with D39C. Your input is invaluable, and we appreciate your cooperation.

Kindly complete the survey by February 16, 2024.

To complete the Returning Student Survey for the 2024-2025 school year, please click HERE.

Thank you for your prompt response and collaboration, and for helping us prepare for the 2023-2024 school year!

**This survey is not Continuing Student Registration for the next school year. Continuing Student Registration will take place in March**

If we were to (RE)imagine a festival of learning with designers, what might our D39C community like to experience?

Join us for a power hour of brainstorming to help us (RE)imagine what celebrating learning looks like at Design39Campus and what 39xD! could be. We want to know your thoughts and your secret superpowers! We are hosting two discussion opportunities to accommodate various schedules: Wednesday, January 24 from 8:00 AM - 9:00 AM and Thursday, January 25 from 5:30 PM. - 6:30 PM. Come design with us.

If you are interested in participating, please CLICK HERE to register.

For the 6 D39C stakeholders who attended the SDCEO Equity Conference, the experience has been a transformative, offering profound insights into the complexities of diversity, inclusion, and social justice. The diverse array of speakers, workshops, and discussions provided a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities and the imperative for fostering inclusive environments (like D39C). Engaging with experts and fellow attendees allowed us to broaden our perspectives, challenging preconceptions and deepening our commitment to advocating for equity in various aspects of life. The conference not only highlighted systemic issues but also emphasized the power of collective action in dismantling barriers and promoting a more just and equitable society.

Moreover, the networking opportunities at the conference were invaluable. Connecting with like-minded individuals, activists, and professionals in the field has expanded our network of allies and enriched our understanding of the ongoing work toward equity. These connections have not only fostered collaboration but also provided a supportive community dedicated to creating positive change. As we reflect on the experience, it becomes evident that attending the SDCEO equity conference is not merely an event but a catalyst for our growth and an inspiration to contribute actively to the ongoing efforts to build a fair and inclusive world.

Events like this are only possible with the support of our parent community and the D39C Collaborative, who generously contribute their time and treasure to our campus through the 39 Days of Giving and beyond. Your commitment to Design39Campus makes a significant impact on the opportunities and resources available to our students, LEDS, and community. With your generosity, we will continue to develop life-ready thought leaders, elevating humanity.

In addition to our student-led affinity groups, Design39Campus boasts a robust equity team comprising both parents and staff. This dedicated team convenes monthly to address equity-related matters, strategize for training sessions and events, plans staff development, and cultivates a community characterized by courage, opportunity, and unity.

If you wish to support our equity initiatives, please reach out to Shaka Johnson via email at shaka@design39collaborative.org or Bobby Caughey at rcaughey@powayusd.com

Join us in shaping a more equitable future at D39C.

This week's AVID tip is sleep! Really, our students need more sleep.

Students should prioritize adequate rest for its pivotal role in overall well-being and academic success. Sufficient sleep is crucial for optimal cognitive function, enhancing memory consolidation, problem-solving skills, and concentration, leading to improved academic performance. Additionally, well-rested students experience better emotional well-being, reduced stress, and heightened resilience. Sleep's impact extends to physical health, supporting tissue repair, boosting the immune system, and regulating hormones.

Furthermore, proper sleep enhances attention, focus, and time management, contributing to more efficient learning. It also plays a vital role in decision-making skills and physical performance, influencing coordination, reaction time, and overall well-being. The connection between sleep and mental health underscores the importance of rest in preventing issues like depression and anxiety. Ultimately, prioritizing sleep emerges as a proactive measure for academic success, positively shaping the overall academic experience.

Embrace the spirit of compassion during The Great Kindness Challenge, a dedicated week for fostering acts of kindness on our campus. We invite you to express your support by actively participating in our daily themed events and engaging lunch activities. As part of our commitment to kindness, we are thrilled to introduce the Community of Kindness Challenge, a special initiative designed to uplift and support PUSD's Youth in Transition. Your involvement in these activities will not only enrich our campus environment but also contribute to creating a more compassionate community. Join us in making a positive impact through the power of kindness!

January 2024 Parent Education Courses:

• Help Your Children Manage Stress and Anxiety – TK -5th Grade

• NEW Are You Tired of Your Child Saying “No”? TK-5th Grade

• NEW Help Your Teen Manage Stress and Anxiety – 6th-12th Grade

* Scholarships available for families that may be in need.

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

Are you looking for some new opportunities to connect with our community in the new year? Check out the 4S Ranch Public Library! It offers so much more than just books. Check out these upcoming programs for students and your entire family.

One on One Tutoring

Book Club for 1st & 2nd Graders

Book Club for 3-5th Graders

Creative Writing for Young Writers workshop

Open Chess Tournament

Lunar New Year celebration

The Design39Campus student blog is a vibrant hub where designers share their experiences, ideas, and unique perspectives on Design39Campus. It offers a firsthand glimpse into student life, showcasing creativity and the power of student-led initiatives within the educational sphere. Reading this blog provides a direct connection to the student community, fostering empathy, understanding, and a glimpse into D39C.

Please click on the button above periodically to see what is happening around our learning facility.

Attendance and OCIS Contracts: 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. Their mission is to expand and enhance the educational experience of every student attending Design39Campus.

We are excited to let you know that we will be hosting a Bus Driver Hiring Event at the District Office on 1/12/23 from 11:00am-2:00pm. We are hoping to staff many of the vacancies that impact our community. With our powers combined, we are hopeful to bring on many incredible new staff members to join our Poway family! 🙂

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.

EmpowerED Digital Magazine: 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.

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.