• September 11: Patriot Day

• September 15-October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month

• September 16-20: Start With Hello Week

• September 30: Non Student Day

I know many of us are feeling heartbroken yet again after hearing about the tragic shooting at Apalachee High School. It’s unimaginable that we must process such devastating news for what feels like the umpteenth time, and it’s natural for emotions to be near a breaking point. However, I want to remind you that our primary focus, as always, is the safety and well-being of our students and one another.

At Connect Academy, we will continue to prioritize a safe, caring, and supportive learning environment. Our SEL focus and strong student care teams are here to help students process their emotions, and I encourage you to lean on them and one another for support. If you or any student is struggling with yesterday's events, please don't hesitate to reach out to our care team or a one of our administrators.

With that in mind, we want to share some of the key measures we have in place to ensure that our campus remains a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Building Community At Connect Academy, building a strong and inclusive community is foundational to ensuring school safety. We believe that when students, staff, and families feel loved, connected, and valued, a culture of mutual respect and care naturally develops. Our approach emphasizes open communication, collaboration, and fostering relationships across the entire school community. By nurturing a supportive environment where every individual feels a sense of belonging, we strengthen the overall safety and well-being of our campus.

Closed Campus & Visitor Check-In Our campus is a closed environment. All visitors must check in at the Welcome Center upon arrival using a sign-in system. Afterward, a badge with the visitor's name and picture is printed. All visitors must wear that badge while on campus. This ensures we know who is on campus at all times, helping us maintain a secure atmosphere for our students and staff.

Volunteer Requirements: At Connect Academy (and PUSD), all volunteers must complete a rigorous application process. This includes a Megan’s Law application, signing a code of conduct and a statement of confidentiality, and receiving TB clearance. For Level II volunteers, the process also requires completing Livescan Fingerprinting, which runs fingerprints through the California Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Full-Time Campus Superviso: We have a dedicated full-time campus supervisor who is always on the lookout, helping to oversee the safety of our students and the security of our campus.

Building Relationships & SEL Focus We believe that strong relationships between students and staff are crucial to maintaining a safe and supportive environment. Our focus on Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) helps us build these connections, ensuring that every student feels valued and understood.

Strong Student Care Team: Our student care team is actively engaged in supporting the emotional and physical well-being of our students. They work closely with teachers and families to provide the care and guidance that our students need to thrive.

Strong Relationship with Local Law Enforcement: Connect Academy maintains a strong relationship with local law enforcement, particularly with juvenile detectives and school resource officers. This partnership enhances our ability to ensure the safety and well-being of our students. Through regular communication and collaboration, we work together to address concerns proactively and provide a secure environment for learning. The presence of trained professionals familiar with our campus helps us respond effectively to any issues that may arise.

Motion Managers for Supervision: During breaks and lunch, our motion managers are on hand to supervise students and ensure they are safe and engaged in positive activities. Their presence adds an extra layer of support and supervision during these unstructured times.

See Something, Say Something: We encourage all students to follow the principle of "See Something, Sense Something, Hear Something, Say Something." If they notice anything unusual or concerning, we ask them to share it with a trusted adult. This proactive approach helps us address issues before they become problems.

Thank you for your continued support in keeping Connect Academy a safe and nurturing place for all our students.

Just a quick reminder that Monday, September 11th, is a minimum day for Design39Campus. As a result, we anticipate heavier traffic during pick-up. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time for delays.

Thank you for your grace, patience, and understanding!

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Stay Organized and Take Breaks

Managing stress starts with staying organized. Keep track of assignments, tests, and deadlines by using a planner or digital tool. Break large tasks into smaller, manageable pieces, and set daily goals to stay on top of your work. Prioritizing tasks helps prevent last-minute cramming, which can cause unnecessary stress. By staying organized, you’ll have a clear roadmap for what needs to be done, and you’ll feel more in control of your time.

Remember to also take care of your mental and physical health. Make time for regular breaks, get enough sleep, and maintain a healthy routine that includes physical activity. It’s important to give yourself permission to step away and recharge, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Deep breathing exercises, stretching, or even a quick walk can make a big difference. Taking care of your well-being will help you stay focused, reduce stress, and perform better in both school and life.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time to honor and recognize the rich cultural contributions and diverse heritage of Hispanic and Latino communities. At Connect Academy, we embrace this opportunity to celebrate the achievements, traditions, and history of Hispanic and Latino individuals, both past and present. It is a time to reflect on the valuable impact that Hispanic cultures have made in shaping our society and to foster an environment of inclusivity and respect.

In our school community, National Hispanic Heritage Month is an important occasion to highlight the diverse backgrounds of our students and staff. By integrating culturally relevant activities, lessons, and discussions into our curriculum, we aim to deepen our students' understanding and appreciation of Hispanic cultures. This celebration not only enriches our educational experience but also strengthens our commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.

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.