The Golden Gazette
October 2024
Upcoming Events π
- 10/1 - Candy Fundraiser Begins for Trunk or Treat (ends 10/25)
- 10/8 - Picture Day Grades K-5
- 10/9 - Picture Day Grades 6-12
- 10/11 - Progress Reports Published to PowerSchool
- 10/14 - Indigenous Peoples Day - NO SCHOOL
- 10/15 - Monthly Board of Trustees Meeting @ 5:30p in Rm. 1223
- 10/16 - Adult ESL Class Begins (see below for more info)
- 10/23 - ELPAC Monthly Meeting @ 8:15a
- 10/25 - Staff PD Day - Early Release (K-8 @ 12:30, 9-12 @ 11:30)
- 10/25 - Trunk or Treat Event 6:00 - 7:30p
- 10/31 - SEPAC Monthly Meeting (virtual) @ 6:00 p.m.
- **Late-October - Winter Sports Sign-ups will begin!
Planning ahead:
- 11/1 - Quarter 1 Ends
- 11/5 - Election Day, Staff PD - NO SCHOOL
- 11/8 - Homecoming Dance
- 11/11 - Veteran's Day - NO SCHOOL
- 11/27 - Early Release (K-8 @ 12:30, 9-12 @ 11:30)
- 11/28 - Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
- 11/29 - Thanksgiving - NO SCHOOL
College Visits for Seniors: (See your Guidance Counselor for more Info!)
- 10/4 - UMass Lowell @ Collegiate
- 10/4 - UMass Dartmouth @ Collegiate
- 10/9 - UMass Boston Field Trip
- 10/10 - Merrimack College @ Collegiate
- 10/11 - Fitchburg State @ Collegiate
- 10/21 - University of Hartford @ Collegiate
- 10/23 - Curry College @ Collegiate
- 10/23 - Plymouth State @ Collegiate
- 10/28 - Lasell @ Collegiate
- 10/29 - UMass Boston @ Collegiate
- 10/31 - Worcester Polytech @ Collegiate
Picture Day!
Picture day has arrived for our students at Collegiate Charter School of Lowell. Please be reminded that all students must take a photo and must be in uniform attire.
- Tuesday, October 8th - Grades KG-5
- Wednesday, October 9th - Grades 6-12
- Senior Portraits will be taken on Monday, November 18th
- Absentee's date for students set for Friday, December 6th
- Classroom pictures are set for Wednesday, April 30th
Youβll receive an email from O'Connor Studios regarding how to place your order online directly through their website.
Candy Drive
October is here and that means it is time to have our annual Candy Drive for Trunk or Treat! We will be collecting candy from now until October 25th. The candy can be sent into school with your child or brought in and dropped off at the front office. Please remember to write your child's homeroom teacher's name and class # on the bag/box of candy. You can also donate non-candy items such as pencils, small toys and stickers. Only candy that is individually wrapped can be accepted.
Collegiate Apparel
Show your school pride! Once again, Collegiate is working with Sarkisian Apparel to host an online store for our families and staff to purchase school branded clothing. The link below will take you directly to the online store. All purchases must be made through the website. Payment is made at time of purchase online. Items will be delivered to the school and will be available for pick-up in early-November. You will be notified once they are available for pick-up. Note: Apparel is not in place of regular school uniform requirements.
The store is now open and will be available until Friday, October 18th.
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment for the 2025-26 school year begins October 1, 2024. Applications to enroll your student are available on the school's website - www.collegiatelowell.org. Applications will be accepted through February 2025. A lottery, if needed, will be held in March 2025. More details to come. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Sokolski @ ssokolski@collegiatelowell.org or 978-458-1399 x1130.
**If you have a sibling of a currently enrolled student, you must complete an application for that new student.
SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisroy Committee)
What is a SEPAC?
A parent organization that collaborates with administrators and educators at Collegiate and functions in an advisory role relative to special education issues. We also offer support, advice, and resources to any parent navigating the special education process.
The SEPAC is a great place to get answers about your childβs needs, as well as tips on how to best advocate for and meet those needs.
Please Join Us. Membership is free and open to all!
- Gain Support
- Meet other families.
- Attend workshops to help parents become informed about special education topics.
October 31, 2024 - 6:00 P.M. Virtual
Please reach out to Kara Cave if you have any questions or would like the link to attend the meeting! 978-458-1137 X 1137 or Kcave@collegiatelowell.org
ELPAC (English Learners Parent Advisory Committee)
EL Parent Advisory Council (ELPAC) is a reoccurring meeting to hear from and communicate with parents of English Learners (ELs) regarding matters that impact the ELs in the district. Through this committee we aim to enhance communication with EL parents and ultimately help EL students be more successful and involved in their educational experience at CCSL. We are eager for input from EL parents on matters of school improvement and ways to strengthen family-school relationships. These meetings will be virtual, and youβll need a link to join. When singing up, please indicate if you will require a language translator for the ELPAC meeting.
We meet the 4th Wednesday of the month at 8:15a β 9:15a
Contact Sarah Yang, syang@collegiatelowell.org, if interested and/or for more information.
Adult ESL Classes
Back by popular demand, we are excited to reintroduce Collegiate Charter School of Lowellβs (CCSL) Adult ESL English class. This course is designed to enrich our community and help improve participantsβ English language skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing in a fun, interactive atmosphere.
This program is free! Class meets Wednesdays 5-7 pm in room 1125. You may participate in one, two, three, or four 6-week sessions.
2024-2025 Session Dates:
- Session 1 - Beginner only: October 16 β November 20
- Session 2 - Beginner and Intermediate: January 8 β February 12
- Session 3 - Beginner and Intermediate: February 26 β April 2
- Session 4 - Beginner and Intermediate: April 30 β June 4
Parents, grandparents, and other adult family of our districtβs K-12 EL population are welcome to participate. Childcare is available during class times. To arrange childcare, please email: adultesl@collegiatelowell.org with the age(s) of your child(ren) who will need care. Please communicate childcare needs in advance of the start of your session. Parking is available in the high school lot at the far end of the building. Enter the building through the side entrance there. Follow the hallway to room 1125, the first classroom on the left past the gym. We look forward to welcoming you to class.
Contact adultesl@collegiatelowell.org if interested and/or for more information.
Adult ESL Digital Literacy Class
We are excited to introduce a 6-week Adult ESL Digital Literacy class for the families of our CCSL community. This class will empower participants with basic technology skills essential for navigating computers, websites, and useful apps. You will learn about the schoolβs communication tools like Parent Square, newsletter, and email, and understand the educational programs CCSL students use. Additionally, this class provides crucial digital job search and interview skills, ensuring participants are well-equipped for both school-related and professional digital interactions.
This program is free! You may participate in one, two, or three 6-week sessions. Class meets Tuesday 5-7pm in room 1125.
2024-2025 Session Dates:
- Session 1: January 7 β February 11
- Session 2: February 25 β April 1
- Session 3: April 29 β June 3
Parents, grandparents, and other adult family of our districtβs K-12 EL population are welcome to participate. Childcare is available during class times. To arrange childcare, please email: adultesl@collegiatelowell.org with the age(s) of your child(ren) who will need care. Please communicate childcare needs in advance of the start of your session. Parking is available in the high school lot at the far end of the building. Enter the building through the side entrance there. Follow the hallway to room 1125, the first classroom on the left past the gym. We look forward to welcoming you to class.
Contact adultesl@collegiatelowell.org if interested and/or for more information.
SENIORS!
Recently information was shared with all Seniors about the planned senior activities later this school year, including the senior dues needed to participate in these activities. Seniors were notified that senior dues would be $200 and would include their prom ticket (5/30), senior week field trips (6/2-6/4), their cap and gown for graduation (6/5), their yearbook, and their class of 2025 senior hoodie.
Various payment arrangements are available to spread out the cost of these activities. Students can begin payments today and pay a little each week/month or pay in full when ready. Cash and credit card accepted. Students should see Mrs. Sokolski or Mr. Cameron to make payment.
**Payments for prom tickets ($50) must be made by 12/20/24 (start of winter break).
**Payments for the remaining activities ($150) must be made by 4/1/25.
Wolves in the Spotlight πΊ
Seniors: Class of 2025!
Senior Spotlight articles brought to you by Beatriz De Oliveira Valerio ('25) and Lara Vieira ('25)
Rupanshi Patel
Rupanshi is a proud senior of the class of 2025, she immigrated to the United States in 2019. Since then, Rupanshi has had many accomplishments, she learned the language, put herself out there and began to volunteer at a nursing home.
She has been at the CCSL for five years, her plans after graduation are to attain her nursing degree and potentially become a midwife. With her graduation rapidly approaching Rupanshi hopes to carry with her all the funny memories she has gathered with her Collegiate family.
Being a part of the girls Varsity Volleyball team and playing the crucial role of goalie. Rupanshi stated that best memory she has had this season was the team's first win. It is without a doubt that Rupanshi will take off in the real world, we at the collegiate family cannot wait to see what she accomplishes outside the classroom.
Grazielly Santana De Jesus
Grazielly De Jesus has made her last four years at the Collegiate unforgettable. With many exciting new changes her way Grazielly plans to take a gap year, work, and save money which she will later invest in her education.
She reported that her mom enrolling her at the CCSL "was one of the best decisions for my futureβ she stated that the CCSL greatly impacted her. With her time at the CCSL Grazielly was able to improve her English and expose herself to new ideas and new plans for her future. Grazielly gained many friendships along her journey at the collegiate and hopes to carry them for life. She would like to either follow the path of business and help with the family's business or become a police officer.
When asked to describe the class of 2025 as a color, she chose red. Red may symbolize many things, such as passion and when it comes to the class of 2025, they carry with them unity and passion. Whether in group activities or as individuals' red can best symbolize just how bold the class of 2025 is.
Emily Delarosa
Emily Delarosa, an inspiring young woman that despite the challenges of being a teenager, has already taken action towards making her senior year and future a success. Delarosa has been at the Collegiate for 11 years, although she left for a year, she soon realized there was no place like Collegiate.
Emily plans to attend college with the goal of attaining her orthodontics degree. She hopes to inspire young girls who want to join the dentistry field and do not feel represented. Emily learned many great lessons while at Collegiate and hopes to carry with her the most important one; you cannot grow in your comfort zone.
Being the captain of the Varsity Volleyball team through her senior season, has been full of emotions. Emily related that the feeling of ecstasy and accomplishment after winning the first of many successful games. Emily recalled that it was in that moment she "knew it would be the best season CCSL had yet to see." Emily is most certainly making the best of her last year of high school, and the Collegiate family wishes her the best of luck as she takes on the real world.
Academics π
Engaging STEM Activities for K-5
We are excited to share some of the innovative and hands-on STEM experiences that have been sparking curiosity and fostering a love for science and technology among our K-5 students. Here at Collegiate Charter School of Lowell, we believe that learning is most effective when it is engaging, fun, and applicable to the world around us.
Classroom Learning and Discovery
Inside our classrooms, students have been diving into discussions and interactive lessons. Theyβve been encouraged to think critically about everyday phenomena, responding to prompts like βWhat did you notice?β This inquiry-based approach helps develop their observational skills and builds confidence in their ability to communicate scientific ideas.
Pictures:
1st - Ms. Crosby's 1D Homeroom
2nd - Ms. Vercelli's 3D Homeroom
Oreo Moon Phases: Our young scientists delved into the wonders of astronomy by learning about the phases of the moon using Oreo cookies! Through this delicious activity, students recreated lunar phases such as waxing crescent, full moon, and waning gibbous by adjusting the amount of cream on the cookies. This unique exercise not only provided a memorable way to learn about the moonβs cycle but also reinforced key concepts in a fun, hands-on manner.
Picture:
Ms. Pierce's 5th grade science classes
Outdoor STEM Exploration
This month, our students have taken their learning outdoors, experimenting with simple machines and exploring physics concepts through engaging activities. Using tools like solar panels and various gadgets, they explored motion and energy while enjoying the fresh air and natural surroundings. These outdoor sessions are designed to nurture teamwork and problem-solving skills, as well as to cultivate a sense of wonder about the physical world.
Pictures:
1st - Ms. Gallella's 4C Homeroom
2nd - Ms. Collette's 4B Homeroom
Our schoolβs outdoor learning space, the "Wolf Gar-den," has been buzzing with activity. Students have been observing plant life cycles and exploring ecosystems by interacting with the gardenβs diverse flora. This hands-on experience not only enhances their understanding of biology but also instills an appreciation for nature and sustainability.
These activities are just a glimpse of the many ways we integrate STEM into our curriculum. We are committed to providing our students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a dynamic learning environment here at Collegiate Charter School of Lowell.
We look forward to sharing more exciting STEM adventures with you and your children!
Pictures:
Mrs. Swartzfager's various STEM classes
Adding Up with ST Math
ST MATH Achievements
By: Nicole Palmer, K-5 Math Curriculum Director
Collegiate students are continuing to work on their grade level math skills through their ST Math progress. ST Math helps all types of students by supporting what they are learning in their day-to-day curriculum in a visual and engaging way. So far, grades K-5 students have completed 135,277 puzzles and have played for 221,059 minutes cumulatively! What amazing progress! Overall, K-5 students are already at 10% of the goal they need by the end of the school year. The students and teachers are rock stars!
To keep engagement in this program, the K-5 teachers were required to keep an ST Math Progress Tracker in their classrooms so that the students can constantly see their own progress and others in that same classroom! Below is the overall K-5 Bulletin Board that stays up near the school cafeteria to show off all the students' hard work, as well as some teacher examples of their trackers. Arenβt they beautiful and creative? This just goes to show how much our teachers value our studentsβ learning.
I am very proud of how hard the students are doing with balancing learning math through their new curriculum, while also working hard on their basic skills so that they can be the most successful they can be. I am also proud of the teachers for working so hard to get them there.
Please, stay tuned each month in this newsletter to see if your studentβs class is one of the next ST Math winners!
Art in Motion π¨
Featuring works of art by Ms. Reed's high school students.
Artwork by: Asher (Gr. 9), Edarlyn (Gr. 9), Olivia (Gr. 9), Maxmillian (Gr. 9), Dayvian (Gr. 9), Armani (Gr. 9), Stefany (Gr. 12), Barbara (Gr. 12), Andre (Gr. 11), Luiz (Gr. 12), Yoselin (Gr. 12), Hilary (Gr. 12)
Student Life π
Model UN
On September 28th, Collegiate's Model United Nations club attended its first conference of the year at Suffolk University Law School in Boston where they debated the issues surrounding the global refugee crisis. (See attached images.) Our next meeting is on October 10th at 1:50 PM in the high school library. New members welcome!
Boys soccer star Joao Resende putting Collegiate Charter School of Lowell on map
Recently, Joao Resende was featured in an article in the Lowell Sun discussing his incredible season so far in Varsity Boys Soccer here at Collegiate.
βNot only does it put the school out there, but it shows that weβre a legit program over here. Heβs definitely a huge part of that,β said CCS athletic director Brian Henderson. βItβs uncommon, especially where weβre located and at this school,β he said. βMost kids are good on the ball and good at passing, but his finishing ability is there. Itβs very good.β
Joao said, βI really wanted to make it, but I was a freshman,β he recalled of the tryout process. βThe team was very good and at first we kind of struggled because it was a new team, but now weβre making progress.β He continued, βIβve been here since I was in first grade,β said Resende. βThis school has a special place in my heart.β
Check out the remaining Collegiate soccer home games this season:
Boys:
- Thursday 10/3 vs. Boston Collegiate @ home - 7:00p
- Tuesday 10/8 vs. Prospect Hill @ home - 7:00p
- Tuesday 10/15 vs Community Charter of Cambridge @ home - 6:00p
- **SENIOR Night is Tuesday 10/15
Girls:
- Tuesday 10/1 vs. Salem Academy @ home - 5:00p
- Thursday 10/3 vs. Boston Collegiate @ home - 5:00p
- Tuesday 10/8 vs. Prospect Hill @ home - 5:00p
- Tuesday 10/15 vs. Cathedral @ home - 4:00p
- **SENIOR Night is Tuesday 10/15
See the full article here:
https://www.lowellsun.com/2024/09/29/resende-feature/
*Photos by Jason Thomas, The Lowell Sun
Winter Sports
Sign-ups for Winter sports will begin at the end of October. Please be on the lookout for more information later this month via ParentSquare. If you are not yest signed-up for ParentSquare, see below information to register. Winter sports this season will include:
- Girls JV Basketball
- Boys JV Basketball
- Girls Varsity Basketball
- Boys Varsity Basketball
- Middle School Basketball
- Cheer
College Fair @ Lowell High School 10/3
Lowell High School has invited our families to their college and career fair. This event will take place on Thursday, October 3rd from 6-8pm. The fair will be held at Lowell High School - 1st floor of new building, enter at main entrance on Father Morissette Blvd.
A list of visiting colleges and universities can be found below.