VRA and IS Newsletter 4/28

Good evening Independence School and Valley Robotics Academy Families,

We march into May and the last few weeks of school. This typically brings a lot excitement and joy but it may also cause anxiety and stress. Please let us know if your student is experiencing these stresses so we can support.

Please read the important update below in the section below that is being shared regarding smartphone use during school in 2025-2026. At both of our schools we do a very good job but there is still some room for improvement.

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.

All great wishes!

Lodi Unified School District Families:

This important update is being shared regarding smartphone use during school in 2025-2026.

Beginning next school year, students will be required to keep their smartphones turned off and stored in their backpacks during the regular school day. This practice, already in place at many of our elementary and middle schools, aligns with Lodi Unified School District’s Board Policy 5131: Student Conduct.

This Board of Education approved change is designed to reduce distractions, support student mental health, minimize instances of cyberbullying and support student academic discourse throughout the school day. Research strongly supports limiting phone use during the school day, and similar policies are being adopted in schools across the state. In fact, California’s Assembly Bill 3216 will require school districts to adopt such policies by July 1, 2026. Please note that exceptions will be made for students with medical needs or accommodations outlined in their IEPs.

We understand that this may change how you communicate with your child during the day, even though they will be able to retrieve messages or return calls at the end of the regular school day. Our school offices are always available to relay important messages, and students can use office phones if needed. In the event of an emergency, it is essential that students stay focused on staff instructions. First responders recommend limiting phone use to ensure safety and clear communication.

We will share more information as the school year approaches, but we appreciate your support in preparing your student for this shift. Please take a moment to discuss these expectations with your child.

Thank you for partnering with us to create a safe and focused learning environment!

I was able to reserve a BIO 10 class at Delta just for VRA students! 🙌 This is super exciting because it means that all of our 10th Grade Students will get to take the class together. 🧬 Your 10th Grade Student will be automatically enrolled--unless they are planning to take it during summer school.

🧪 Class Information:

The lab portion of the class will be split into two groups to help students fit other classes into their schedules.

• Group 1: Mondays and Wednesdays at 12:00 p.m. to 2:50 p.m. (Lab and Lecture)
• Group 2: Mondays and Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. (Lab and Lecture)

This way, everyone can stay on track and still have room for other courses! 💪

It has been a super busy week here at VRA as our students are getting enrolled in their college classes! By now, everyone should be signed up for at least one college course except for Biology. If you are running into any issues or have questions, feel free to send an email at ganunez@lodiusd.net. I am here to help!

Mrs. Gabby Nunez, High School Counselor

High School Students,

Towards the end of April, we will be choosing classes for the 2025-2026 school year. Make sure to make an appointment with me in April to get a copy of your updated transcript and review your high school and post-high school plans.

Summer school sign ups are here for interested students:

Summer School Registration is now open for Credit Recovery or Advancement.

• Online Course request are now open to all student

The message below has been communicated to all high school students and parents/guardians via Blackboard Connect:

Attention H.S. Students in need of Credit Recovery or Advancement!

“Open Enrollment” starts Monday, March 3, 2025:

See your counselor for your credit recovery needs & determine what's the best Summer School Program for you!

Locations: Tokay H.S. & Bear Creek H.S.

Dates: June 9, 2025 - July 10, 2025

Deadline: May 12, 2025

For more information on H.S. Summer School programs, see links below:

Traditional Summer School: H.S. Summer School 2025

APEX Summer School: APEX - Learning Summer Program

For Additional Information, email your School Counselor or contact the

Summer School Office at: (209) 331-8903

Mr. Hunt

We want to inform you about the 988 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, a new, free 24/7 helpline for anyone in emotional distress or facing a mental health crisis. If you or your child ever need support, simply call or text 988 or call 1-800-273-8255 to connect with trained professionals who can help. This is an important resource for your family’s well-being. Please save this number.

The School Accountability Report Card (SARC) provides parents and the community with important information about each public school.

Lodi Unified School District’s SARCs are available on the District’s webpage. If you have questions regarding Lodi Unified’s SARCs or would like to receive a printed copy of a particular school, please contact Accounting at (209) 331-7141. For further information on School Accountability Report Cards, please visit the California Department of Education’s website.

Resumen del Reporte de Rendición de Cuentas Escolar (SARC) provee a los padres y a la comunidad con información importante sobre cada escuela pública.

Los informes SARC del Distrito Escolar Unificado de Lodi están disponibles en https://www.lodiusd.net/about/sarcs página web del Distrito. Si usted tiene preguntas con respecto a los SARC de Lodi Unified o le gustaría recibir una copia impresa de una escuela en particular, por favor póngase en contacto con el departamento de Contabilidad al numero 209-331-7141. Para más información sobre School Accountability Report Cards (SARC), por favor visite el sitio Web del Departamento de Educación de California en https://www.cde.ca.gov/ta/ac/sa/

The 2025-26 school calendars are available on the District website! VRA Families, please follow the VRA Instructional Calendar. Independence Families, please follow the Lodi USD Modified Traditional Instructional Calendar. Physical copies are in the front office.

Parents/Guardians, when picking up your student for an appointment or any other reason during school hours, please report to the front office first. When dropping off your student after the school day has started, you must also check in at the front office.

Thank you for your cooperation in following these procedures!

To ensure a smooth start to the school day, we kindly ask that all parents/guardians exit the campus by 8:45 a.m. when the entrance gate closes. This allows our staff to focus on providing a safe and structured environment for all students. Thank you for your cooperation and support in helping us maintain a productive morning routine!

If you have lost an item such as a sweater, then please look at the Lost and Found box right outside the Cafeteria on the green tables near the Staff Parking Lot. There are also some items at the front office as well, so be sure to check there too.

Students in grades 5, 7, and 9 will be participating in the California Physical Fitness Test on Thursday, May 1st at 9:00 a.m. Please ensure that your student arrives at school wearing comfortable running shoes and athletic clothing, and is dressed appropriately for the weather as much of the testing will take place outdoors. Your support in helping students be prepared is greatly appreciated!

VRA 3rd to 6th Grade Families, there will be an awards assembly this Friday, May 2nd in the Cafeteria at 8:45 a.m.!

Independence School 7th to 12th Grade Students, here is the itinerary for the SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity field trip on this Tuesday, April 29th! For any questions, please contact Mrs. V at vguevara@lodiusd.org.

Staff members will give out “Caught Being Good” cards to VRA students whenever they are caught being good! With these cards, students can purchase prizes and snacks at the store right after school on every other Friday located at the basketball court near the student drop-off and pick-up parking lot. Students, be on your best behavior, and maybe you will get caught being good.

And now, presenting… The Granny Awards

Introducing the 1st to 5th Grade musical!

Practices are every Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. in the Cafeteria! Some practices might be for solos, so please communicate with Mrs. Bottoms for the exact schedule each week.

Dress rehearsals at Podesta Ranch Elementary are on this Tuesday, April 29th and Thursday, May 1st from 3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dress rehearsals in the Cafeteria are on Tuesday, May 6th and Thursday, May 8th from 2:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Students must have their costumes and props at dress rehearsals!

Our VRA students will be able to watch the musical on Friday, May 9th at 9:15 a.m. and 10:15 a.m. For parents, the performance will be at Podesta Ranch Elementary at 6:00 p.m. with call time at 5:30 p.m.

Please join the Remind group to get the latest updates and communication. Send a text to 81010 and text this message @9dbdgfe. You can also reach Mrs. Bottoms at jbottoms@lodiusd.org.

VRA 8th Grade Students, there will be a special luncheon to celebrate your promotion to high school! The luncheon will be on Tuesday, May 13th at 11:30 a.m. in Room P-6. Please dress nicely.

VRA Families, you are invited to VRA’s annual End-Of-Year BBQ on Friday, May 16th from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the lawn by the parking lot! There will be BBQ delights like hot dogs and refreshing beverages. Come enjoy the last day of the school year with your student!

UPDATE: Mandatory practice for VRA Class of 2025 Graduates has been changed to Thursday, May 22nd at 11:00 a.m. with the ceremony to follow at 1:00 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square. Graduates must report at the entrance by 12:30 p.m. For any questions, please contact the front office at (209) 331-8008.

UPDATE: Mandatory practice for Independence Class of 2025 Graduates has been changed to Tuesday, May 27th at 1:00 p.m. The ceremony is still the same date, Wednesday, May 28th at 1:00 p.m. at Hutchins Street Square. Graduates must report at the entrance on the day of the ceremony by 12:30 p.m. For any questions, please contact the front office at (209) 331-8008.

IS Graduates, if you have not ordered your cap and gown yet, then please do so! You can order online at GraduationOrder.com, by phone at (408) 441-7200, or by mail with either cash or check payable to Achievers. There are order forms in the front office if you choose to order by mail.

If you wish to borrow a cap, gown, and tassel set, then there is a loaner option on the website. After the ceremony, you must return the whole set in order to receive your diploma.

Students who are 18 and up, are you an emerging farmer who is interested in hands-on drone training, soft skills training, agriculture technology information, industry demonstrations, and networking? If so, then consider signing up for a free two-day, hands-on workshop by Restore the Delta! Delta Ag Fly is on Thursday, May 22nd and 23rd from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and it will be at San Joaquin Delta College Manteca Campus. You can apply by scanning the QR code in the flyer or visit the Google Form sign-up sheet: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9z0ihEkw1Vs_kRUayARdpCGKS2RtyGsfJSB4wbiCT1vHvPw/viewform. The deadline to sign up is this Friday, May 2nd.

H2O Hackathon is this Saturday, May 3rd from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.! This competition is open to both high school and college students who are seeking to become coders, social media influencers, marketing leaders, singers, poets, writers, historians, nature lovers, recreationists, future farmers, storytellers, scientists, and engineers. Form a team of 2 to 4 and win cash prizes! Only 50 teams can participate, so make sure to register as soon as possible. More information and registration can be found at their website: h2ohackathon.org

Summer School is available for all high school students who need credits for graduation or wanting to advance in credits. Open enrollment is opened until Monday, May 12th! More information regarding Summer School can be found in the flyers below or at their website at https://www.lodiusd.net/enrollment/summer-school. You can also contact your counselor for information, ganunez@lodiusd.org (for VRA students) or jhunt@lodiusd.org (for IS students). Physical flyers are located in the front office.

San Joaquin County Office of Education is hosting their Open Trail Saturday events for all students who are interested in learning new skills and want to enjoy a rejuvenating outdoor experience at the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center. All events are from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with all-skill levels guided hike, time in nature, canine companions, and bring-your-own picnic lunch. For more information, please contact Katie Coelho at kcoelho@sjcoe.net

The next event is on Saturday, May 17th, and it focuses on survival skills such as constructing a shelter, designing a water filter, learning mapping skills and cardinal directions, and building a compass. If you are interested, then please register at https://bit.ly/4bXNppx

Incoming 3rd to 6th Grade Students, the school district is hosting Summer 2025 STEAM Camp at two different school sites! There are three sessions, and they all start at 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with breakfast and lunch provided. Students will learn STEAM concepts such as robotics, art, coding, and science. This is a FREE program with limited enrollment, so be sure to secure a spot soon! Registration ends on Monday, May 19th and be found at https://bit.ly/LodiSTEAM25. For any questions, please email Liz Wright at ewright@lodiusd.net

If you are in need of 15 or more credits, then please see your counselor for Summer School through Apex Learning! Registration is open until Friday, May 23rd. For more information, please see the flyer below or visit their website at https://www.lodiusd.net/enrollment/summer-school. Physical copies are provided in the front office.

San Joaquin Delta College’s Dual Enrollment Program is offering courses for Summer 2025 for Lodi USD High School Students! Open registration starts on Monday, March 31st. Students can earn high school and college credit at the same time in this program. There will be six courses offered, and most online courses are asynchronous, meaning that students can access course materials such as lectures and assignments at their own pace without scheduled live meetings with the instructor. For more information, please check out their website at DeltaEarlyStart.com/dual-enrollment/ or contact DualEnrollment@deltacollege.edu.

One of the STEM Camps that San Joaquin County Office of Education is offering is BEAM Advanced Biotech Camp! This 3-day summer camp is designed for high school students who have completed a high school biotech class. Students can gain technical skills and develop strong STEM identities. This summer camp is from Monday, June 16th to Wednesday, June 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Registration is $25.00 per child: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/bqtn7a9/lp/a6e9f821-b6e1-4068-970a-bf20851815f3

The Summit STEM Fellowship (SSF) is a 3-week virtual program where incoming high school students can learn from a network of 50+ mentors and role models and participate 10 to 15 hours a week during the summer. There are two sessions, and registration has already begun. There are limited spots as well, so be sure to sign up as soon as possible! This is a great opportunity to empower the next generation of STEM leaders. More information and registration can be found at summitstemfellowship.org. For questions, please email info@summitstemfellowship.org

The Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center is hosting a summer camp for incoming 5th to 8th Grade Students for four days and three nights from Monday, July 14th to Thursday, July 17th! There will be a wide range of activities such as hiking, canoeing, swimming, archery, art, and campfires. Registration is $625.00 per child. To register, you can scan the QR code in the flyer or visit their website at https://bit.ly/3OGC8jE. For more information, please contact Crystal Garcia at (209) 468-4809 or cgarcia@sjcoe.net

San Joaquin County Office of Education is hosting a variety of STEM Camps this summer from coding to engineering! More information can be found in the flyers below regarding each camp along with registration. If you have any questions, then please contact SJCOE STEM Programs at (209) 468-4880 or visit their website at sjcoescience.org.

Valley Air District is having an art contest for kindergarten to 12th grade students where their original artwork can be included in the 2026 Kids’ Calendar along with cash prizes! The deadline to submit an original artwork is Friday, September 26th. The guidelines of the contest can be found below in the flyers. Students can grab physical flyers and entry forms in the front office.

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.

Independence High School Students, are you interested in arts and crafts? If so, then consider joining the Scrapbooking Club! The club meets every Thursday in Mrs. Wong’s classroom, Room I-4. For more information, please see Mrs. Wong.

VRA 8th Grade to 12th Grade Students, consider joining Model UN if you are interested in debates on real-world issue. The club meets every Friday after school in P-14. If you are interested, then please see Mr. Woodfork in Room P-14.

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-16, Robotics Lab. See Ms. KG in P-9 for more information!

Update: The Robotics Lab has been moved to Room P-16.

9th to 12th Grade 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. You can also see Mrs. Sarah in her office for more information 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.

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.

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