• January 20: Martin Luther King Jr. Day (no school)
• January 27: Professional Development Day (non student day)
  

• February 2: Groundhog's Day

• February 12: Lincoln's Birthday

• February 14: Valentine's Day

• February 17: Washington's Birthday/President's Day

• February 17-21: District Recess (no student days)

At CONA, we believe in fostering a spirit of love, belonging, and service within our community. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. taught us the importance of compassion, equity, and taking action to create a better world for all. In honor of his legacy, we invite our CONA families to join us in observing MLK Day as a National Day of Service. This day provides a meaningful opportunity to come together and give back, reflecting Dr. King’s belief that “everybody can be great because anybody can serve.”

Whether through volunteering, donating, or supporting local initiatives, acts of service help us build stronger connections and inspire positive change. As we celebrate this important day, we encourage our families to find ways to contribute to the community, whether by helping a neighbor, participating in a service project, or learning more about the values Dr. King championed. Together, we can honor his dream of equality, kindness, and justice by making a difference—one act of service at a time.

Dear Connect Academy Families,

Happy 3 Day Weekend, hope it’s restful!

We have really awesome stuff happening when we get back to school for our two in-person days including our first field trip of the year and a logo transfer project for our Level 2 Exploring Tech students! Please take a moment to review the important information below.

IMPORTANT DATES

- 1/17 - 10 Day Check In + PE Log #9 DUE

- 1/20 - No school (Martin Luther King, Jr. Day)

- 1/21 - School field trip!

- 1/24 - Progress Notices for Trimester 2 are available on Synergy

- 1/27 - Non-Student Day (Teacher PD day)

REMINDERS

Field Trip Reminders: Our field trip is scheduled for Tuesday next week! If your student is not joining us in person, they will be working independently on Canvas. Please ensure they are prepared for their assignments.

Important Field Trip Reminders:

• Drop-off for this day is 8:35 am - 9:00 am. Please be courteous of D39 morning traffic. D39 starts at 9:00 AM.

• Chaperones can park in the school parking lot.

• Please be on time! - Students who arrive late will NOT be able to attend and will NOT be refunded.

• The estimated return time is 1:30-1:45 PM. Prompt pick-up is required.

• Students and chaperones should bring/carry a bag lunch and water in a light backpack.

• It is recommended that lunch be packed in disposable bags clearly marked with student names. Disposable water bottles are also recommended.

• Students and chaperones will not be able to purchase lunch or have access to the Museum Gift Shop

• If students are bringing backpacks, please make sure they are small as storage is limited

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

• All students and chaperones will need to ride the bus.

• Chaperones need to make sure they have all paperwork completed and are approved by the district to attend.

- Level 2 Exploring Tech Students: Those attending in person on Wednesday should remember to bring their blank t-shirts for their logo transfer project. We are excited to see their creativity come to life!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out.

See you on Tuesday!

Mr. Gizzo & Mrs. Matos

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Sleep.

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.

Tomorrow we celebrate and honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy resonates as a beacon of inspiration, illuminating the path toward equality, justice, and social change. His unwavering commitment to civil rights echoes through time, a testament to the power of peaceful resistance and unwavering determination in the face of adversity.

At the heart of MLK's teachings lies the potent belief in the transformative force of nonviolent protest. He envisioned a world where differences were celebrated, not as barriers, but as threads that weave together the vibrant fabric of society. His impassioned speeches, notably the iconic "I Have a Dream" address, echoed a fervent desire for unity and a society free from the shackles of racial discrimination.

Through his tireless advocacy and activism, MLK catalyzed monumental legislative change, carving a path towards equality with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. His approach to confronting injustice through peaceful means resonates profoundly, advocating not for violence, but for a collective voice raised in harmony, demanding equality and justice.

Beyond legislative triumphs, MLK's legacy endures as a guiding light for future generations. His courage in the face of danger, his eloquence in the pursuit of truth, and his unwavering commitment to justice continue to ignite passion and inspire action in the ongoing struggle against discrimination and inequality.

Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy lives on as a testament to the enduring power of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in a world where all individuals stand equal and united. He remains an eternal symbol of courage and determination, urging us to tread the path he forged, toward a future where justice, equality, and dignity are the birthright of every person, regardless of race or background.

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.