• December 23-January 3: Winter Break
• December 25: Christmas
• December 25 to January 2: Hanukkah
• December 26 to January 1: Kwanzaa

This week, I continued a nearly 27-year-old tradition: listening to Counting Crows' “Long December” in the quiet hours of December 1st. Despite the seemingly melancholy lyrics and music, the song doesn’t evoke angst, ennui, or weltschmerz for me. Instead, it brings a sense of hope, optimism, and positivity. While the 90’s classic encourages us to reflect on where we are, it also creates space to look ahead and embrace the hope and courage we may not have found in the year we’re leaving behind. As Adam Duritz sings, “I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself/To hold on to these moments as they pass.”

My point isn’t to be morose or to provoke sadness, but rather to inspire reflection and mindfulness. As we’ve all heard repeatedly, we are living in unprecedented times—and we’re handling it pretty well! We’ve made it to another December, and the new year is on its way. Yes, the days are a little colder and shorter, but there’s so much to look forward to! To quote another December song, “If we make it through December/ Everything’s gonna be alright, I know.”

So, put on some flannel, find your Walkman, load up your Counting Crows cassette, crank it to 11, and sing along: “Maybe this year will be better than the last.”

It will be.

Happy [long] December from your Principal

Dear Connect Academy Families,

As we approach the end of the calendar year, we want to take a moment to share some important updates and events happening at our school. We appreciate your continued support and involvement in our community!

Important Dates

- December 11: Field Trip Informational Meeting at 3:30 pm via Zoom (Hosted in Mr. Gizzo's Zoom)

- December 20: Window #4 closes and P.E. Log #8 due

- December 23-January 3: Winter Break

- January 6: School Resumes (normal schedule)

Important Field Trip Informational Meeting December 11!

We will be holding a Zoom meeting on Wednesday, December 11 at 3:30 PM. We will use Mr. Gizzo’s Zoom. During this meeting, we will provide essential information about our upcoming field trips, including:

• Dates and estimated costs

• Important to-do list items for the field trips (permission slips, Chaperone Clearance, etc.)

• Other important information you need to know

We encourage all families to attend the informational meeting to learn more about the upcoming field trip and how you can be involved. Your participation makes a difference in our students' experiences! The three field trips we currently have scheduled are:

• Natural History Museum, Balboa Park - Jan. 21, 2025

• San Diego Safari Park - Mar. 18, 2025

• Disney Imagination Campus, Disneyland - May 15, 2025

Thank you for being an essential part of the Connect Academy family. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Respectfully,

Mr. Gizzo & Mrs. Matos

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Showing Kindness and Grace in the Weeks Ahead

As we move into the final stretch of the year, let's remember to show each other extra kindness and grace. Not everyone has the same experiences or feelings during the holiday season—some may have struggled during their fall breaks, others may feel anxiety about the upcoming winter break, or find themselves facing challenges during the holiday season. It's also important to remember that not everyone celebrates the same traditions. Take a moment to check in with those around you, offer support, and create an atmosphere of compassion. A little understanding goes a long way, and together, we can make the weeks ahead more inclusive, warm, and welcoming for all.

International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3, promotes awareness and understanding of disability issues worldwide. It highlights the importance of inclusivity and accessibility, advocating for the rights and dignity of individuals with disabilities. This day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to remove barriers and create opportunities for meaningful participation in all aspects of society. By celebrating the achievements and contributions of people with disabilities, we foster a culture of acceptance and equality 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.