VRA and IS Newsletter 10/20/24
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Week of October 20, 2024
Administrators’ Message
Happy Sunday Independence School and Valley Robotics Academy Families,
There is a great week of learning and fun planned ahead for both programs on our site. Independence School will run on the district minimum day schedule this Wednesday, October 23 while Valley Robotics Academy is a professional development day while the students are virtual. For Wednesday VRA college students please let Mrs. Gabby know via e-mail if your student needs a ride to Delta College at 11:30 by Tuesday afternoon.
The Fall Festival is this Wednesday and only a few days away. All are welcome from our school community along family & friends. The Fall festival is intended to be a fun time to gather as a school community after hours, celebrate the good and fundraise for some of the extra's. We are all looking forward to a big turnout. Many thanks to those who have donated for the gift baskets and prizes for the games and the trunk or treat.
If you have any more candy, treats or stickers for the Trunk or Treat the Parent's Club is still accepting those donations. They can be dropped off in the main office or to an adult at pick-up/drop-off. Again, thank you!
Coming next week (October 28 to November 1) is Red Ribbon Week for the students run by the students with guidance from staff.
Looking forward to great Halloween Parade on (10/31) where students are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes. Reminders of the rules will be sent under separate cover.
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.
Thank you for all you do as parents/guardians!
Counselor’s Corner
Valley Robotics Academy
11th Grade Students, the PSAT/NMSQT will be held at Bear Creek High School on Friday, October 25th. Your parent/guardian must drop you off over there as school transportation will not be provided.
Independence School
Dear High School Students:
If you have any issues or questions about your graduation status, then please make an appointment to see me. There is a sign-up sheet at Miss Sarah’s office where you can schedule an appointment. Outside of class time is preferable.
Sincerely,
Mr. Hunt
Announcements
For ALL Families: Halloween Parade
For 6th to 12th Grade Students: 3V3 Rocket League Tournament
For 11th and 12th Grade Students: Science Camp Cabin Leader
For ALL Families: Fall Festival
VRA Parents Club are also in need of donations! If you would like to donate candies or items for the Raffle Baskets, then please bring your contributions to the office or hand them directly to Miss Reighme. Any donation is much appreciated!
Trunk or Treat
Parents/Guardians, if you are interested in decorating your trunk and passing out candy, then please sign up to volunteer. Any candy donations are welcomed!
Raffle Baskets
For ALL Students: ExoLab
The flyer and diagram of the ExoLab are shown below.
For ALL Students: Red Ribbon Spirit Week
For VRA Families: Senior Pictures
For Independence Families: Picture Day
Students will have their photos taken on Thursday, November 14th at 10:30 a.m.! There will be more information to follow.
For VRA Families: VEX Robotics Competition Leagues
Join VRA’s 8th Grade VEX Robotics Team as they compete in the VEX Robotics Competition Leagues. The dates, times, and location can be found below in the flyer. Everyone is welcomed and encouraged to cheer them on!
The first competition is on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at San Joaquin County Office of Education’s FabLab.
Have You Reported Your Student’s Absence?
Call the Office
VRA Families, please notify the office of student absences at (209) 331-8008 before school starts. Your student may have to make up work, so be sure to contact their teacher(s).
Independence Families, please notify the office of student absences at (209) 331-8008 before their first class starts. Make sure that your student notifies their teachers via email as well.
Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up
Safety Is Important
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.
Want to Join a Club?
For 9th to 12th Grade Students: Student Planning Committee
High School 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.
For VRA 8th Grade Students: VEX Robotics Team
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-5, Robotics Lab. See Ms. KG for more information!
For VRA Students Ages 13 and Up: VRA Esports Team
VRA Esports Team’s Season 1 has begun and will last until Thursday, November 7th! VALORANT is on Mondays and Tuesdays right after school. For more information, see Mr. Warner in P-15.
For 7th to 12th Grade Students
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