• November 5: Election Day

• November 11: Veterans Day (No School)

• November 25-29: District Recess (No School)

• November 28: Thanksgiving

As we enter November, we’re reminded of Guns N' Roses’ epic 8:56-minute track, "November Rain," from their Use Your Illusion I album. While the song is incredible, with an equally iconic music video, it’s still not as popular as Use Your Illusion II's "You Could Be Mine" (which likely gained extra fame from its inclusion in Terminator II—but I digress).

In "November Rain," Axl Rose sings about the inevitable changes and challenges life brings, much like the shifting seasons. With each chorus, he reflects, "nothing lasts forever, even cold November rain." This line serves as a reminder that, although we face difficulties at times, they don’t last forever.

As we move through this new month, let’s reflect on how we can turn our own 'November rains' into opportunities to make possibilities happen. Whether your student is working through a tough concept in class, adjusting to a new routine, or building new relationships, remember that support surrounds them—both here at school and at home.

So, "never mind the darkness. We still can find a way. 'Cause nothing lasts forever. Even cold November rain."

We’re all in this together, so let it rain. And we’ll continue to nurture each student’s journey toward success.

Dear Connect Academy Families,

As we approach the end of the trimester, we have some exciting updates and important dates to share with you! We appreciate your continued support and involvement in our school community.

Important Upcoming Dates

November 15 is a VERY important day!

• Trimester End

• End of 20 Day Window - All assignments must be submitted by then!

• PE Log #6 Due

What are we working on?

Starting next week, our students are diving into some engaging hands-on projects that align with their curriculum:

6-8th Grade Science Lab

Students will explore ecosystems, cells, and the intricate interactions between them. This lab will provide a fantastic opportunity for our young scientists to engage in experiential learning.

Exciting Social Studies Projects!

• Our 6th graders will embark on a journey through time as they explore the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. This project will allow them to learn about the culture, history, and contributions of this remarkable civilization.

• In 7th grade, students will create their own Coat of Arms, representing their personal values and family heritage. This creative project includes a narrative writing piece and encourages self-expression and a deeper understanding of symbolism.

• Our 8th graders will utilize Minecraft to build and simulate early English colonies. This project combines creativity with historical learning, allowing students to collaborate and think critically about colonial life.

We are thrilled about these projects and the learning experiences they will provide for our students.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out!

Have a great week!

Respectfully,

Mr. Gizzo & Mrs. Matos

With fire season upon us we want to assure parents and guardians that we have appropriate response systems in place when emergencies arise. Our first priority will always be the safety of our students and staff on campus.

When Connect Academy becomes aware of any incidents in the geographic area of the school site, we will focus first on the safety of our campus while working with law enforcement, emergency responders, and the District for guidance and support for communication. Communication with parents is part of the response plan, but will be secondary to immediate safety. As soon as we can, we will message families with details of school-wide incidents such as lockdowns or evacuations. Please ensure your contact information is up to date in ParentVue in the “My Account” section.

Finally, we have been asked by first responders to remind our families NOT to come to campus in times of emergency – there have been several instances when officers, firefighters, and their ability to respond to the emergency have been hindered by parents rushing to the scene. Should an emergency occur, we will send out messages about dismissal or reunification procedures for families when first responders indicate it is safe to do so.

Please complete the free/reduced-price meal application! Although school meals are free for all students, the application for free and reduced-price meal eligibility is still very important. School funding depends in part on the number of students who qualify for free or reduced-price meals. If income-eligible families do not apply, we risk losing important educational funds for our school.

Students who are eligible for free or reduced-price meals may also qualify for discounts on testing fees, before and after school care, and home internet! Income qualifications change annually, so a new application is needed every school year. For school year 2024-2025, children from a family of four are eligible if the total gross (pre-tax) household income is less than $4,810 per month, or less than $57,720 per year. Household income information is confidential and applying online is quick and easy. Apply online at MySchoolApps.com, or pick up a paper application in the school office.

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: It's Never Too Early to Start Thinking About College!

With upcoming breaks like Fall Break, Winter Break, and District Recess, it's the perfect time to start thinking about your future and what college might be the best fit for you. Whether you're in middle school or high school, taking a college tour can help you visualize what campus life is like and spark excitement for your academic journey ahead.

Here’s why you should start now:

• Get a feel for the campus: College tours let you experience the environment and culture, helping you decide if it's the right fit.
• See academic programs in action: Visit classrooms, labs, and other facilities to see what learning looks like beyond high school.
• Explore extracurriculars: From student clubs to sports, getting a taste of what’s available outside the classroom helps you think about what matters to you in college life.

Use these upcoming breaks to plan a visit, even if it's just a local college. Every tour can help you better understand what you're looking for in a future school!

Connect Academy calls this place home, but even as we celebrate our opportunity to learn and design here, we want to take a moment to pause, reflect, and honor those who were here long, long before us. We acknowledge that the land upon which our campus resides carries the footsteps of millennia of Kumeyaay people.

Since time immemorial, these original inhabitants were stewards of the land before they were dispossessed of their indigenous homeland and forcibly removed to places throughout San Diego County and Baja California. They are a people whose traditional lifeways intertwine with a worldview of earth and sky in a community of living beings. This land is part of a relationship that has nourished, healed, protected, and embraced the Kumeyaay people to the present day. We promote this balance in life as we pursue our goals of knowledge and understanding. We find inspiration in the Kumeyaay spirit to open our minds and hearts.

Today, the Kumeyaay people continue to maintain their political sovereignty and cultural traditions, and they continue to make important contributions to their communities, to California, and to the world.

It is important to acknowledge those indigenous people who called this place home and recognize that we are here because of the sacrifices forced upon them. In remembering these communities, we honor their legacy, their lives, and their descendants — past, present, and future.

We are committed to celebrating all students, recognizing and combating wrongs of the past, and honoring the many cultures who make up our school community. Together, on this sacred land, we strive to make a difference.

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.