• October 14: Indigenous Peoples' Day

• October 20: Passport 39
  

• October 29-30: Minimum Days for D39C

• October 31: Halloween & Diwali

As we dive into another week, we want to take a moment to reflect on an essential value at Connect Academy: belonging. We believe that fostering a strong sense of community is vital for our students’ growth and well-being.

Belonging is more than just feeling accepted; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. This week, we encourage you to engage in conversations with your student about their experiences at school. Ask them about their friends, activities, and what makes them feel included. Your insights will help us continue to nurture this sense of belonging.

Next week, I want to invite students to come to the Gallery (right next door to Connect Academy), where they can participate in a weeklong lunchtime event where students can have an opportunity to spend their school lunch in an experience filled with (student led) crafts, mini activities, games, dialog, storytime, etc ALL focused on celebrating the beautiful melting pot that make up our vibrant community.

This will help kick-off our Passport39 event happening (Sunday, Oct 20th)! This Fall Festival hopes to be a celebration of all identities, encompassing not just the rich diversity of countries, but also the many cultures, backgrounds, and experiences that make up our community. Whether it's your heritage, language, traditions, or unique personal identity, we hope to honor and celebrate everyone’s story. The flier is below. We hope you will attend.

Together, let’s celebrate our diverse community and ensure that every student feels like an integral part of our Connect Academy family. Thank you for your continued support in making our school a welcoming place for all.

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Create a Designated Study Space

Success in studying starts with having the right environment. One of the best ways to boost your focus and productivity is to create a quiet, designated study space. Here’s how you can do it:

🔹 Choose the Right Spot: Find a place free from distractions—no TV, loud conversations, or other interruptions. This could be a desk in your room, a quiet corner in your home, or a spot in the library.

🔹 Keep it Organized: Make sure your study area is clean and has everything you need—books, notebooks, and pens—so you’re not wasting time looking for materials.

🔹 Set the Atmosphere: Good lighting, a comfortable chair, and a clutter-free environment can help you stay focused. If you like, add a few personal touches like a plant or a motivational quote to make the space inviting.

🔹 Minimize Distractions: Let others know when it’s your study time to avoid interruptions. Consider leaving your phone in another room or using apps that block distracting websites.

Having a designated study space can help your brain switch into “study mode,” making it easier to concentrate and retain information. Happy studying!

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.