• November 11: Veterans Day (No School)

• November 20: Transgender Day of Remembrance

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

• November 28: Thanksgiving

Given the events around the world this week and the tension some in our community may be feeling, we want to remind everyone that at Connect Academy, we believe in the power of unity and the deep connections that bring us together as one. In a world that is beautifully diverse, it’s important to remember that we are more alike than different. Every student, family, and staff member is a valued part of our school family, and we are committed to ensuring that all students know they truly belong—both here and beyond our learning community.

We want to reassure you that at Connect Academy, we are deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, non-partisan, and educational environment for all students. Discussions around current events, including elections, are always handled in a neutral, non-partisan, and grade-level-appropriate manner. We believe strongly that schools should be places where students learn to think critically and be their authentic selves, without being influenced by political biases.

While we uphold these principles daily, we also recognize that our students are influenced by their broader environments, including what they experience at home, in places of worship, during extracurricular activities, and beyond. With this in mind, we remind our learners that despite our differences, we are committed to celebrating our diversity and ensuring that all students know they truly belong here and in the world outside our learning community.

Thank you for being part of this journey and for reinforcing these values at home. By working together, we can ensure that Connect Academy remains a place where all students thrive, not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well.

Dear Connect Academy Families,

We hope this newsletter finds you well! As we approach the end of the trimester, we want to keep you informed about important upcoming dates and exciting projects our students will be working on.

Important Upcoming Dates

November 11: Veterans’ Day - Non-student Day

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?

Continuing this week, our students are finalizing their hands-on projects that align with their curriculum:

Exciting Science Projects!

- 6th Grade: 3D Cell Model - Students will continue the exciting adventure as they create their very own 3D Cell Model! They choose between a plant cell or an animal cell and let your creativity shine! Students get to explore the unique structures and functions of these amazing cells while bringing them to life in three dimensions.

- 7th Grade: Our students have been diving into the Create-ure Food Web Project. In this engaging project, students are utilizing their Exploring Tech Photoshop skills to design their very own hybrid creatures. Not only are they flexing their creative muscles, but they are also exploring the ecosystems in which their creatures would thrive and understanding their placement within the food web. This hands-on experience is not only fun but also enhances their knowledge of biology and ecology!

- 8th Grade: our students have been hard at work on the Create-ure Genetics Project! In this engaging project, students utilize concepts learned in their Exploring Tech Class to design and explore the traits and genetics of their very own hybrid creatures. This hands-on experience not only fosters creativity but also deepens their understanding of genetic principles as they bring their unique creations to life. We can't wait to see the incredible hybrids our students will invent!

Exciting Social Studies Projects!

- 6th Grade: Our students continue their journey through time as they explore the fascinating world of Ancient Egypt. This project allows them to learn about the culture, history, and contributions of this remarkable civilization.

- 7th Grade: Students are creating 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.

- 8th Grade: Our students are utilizing 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 three day weekend!

Respectfully,

Mr. Gizzo & Mrs. Matos

As we celebrate Veterans Day tomorrow, we at Connect Academy encourage each family to take a moment to honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. The service members we honor came from diverse backgrounds, yet they all shared several fundamental qualities: courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty, and integrity. They were called to serve a cause greater than themselves, ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways during difficult times. We owe them—and their families—a deep debt of gratitude for their service in defending our freedom.

Thank you Veterans!

Pictured above is William Caughey Sr., the father of Mr. Bobby Caughey, alongside his service dog, King.

Although my father passed away several years ago, he proudly served in the U.S. Air Force as a Military Police Dog Handler during the Vietnam War.

I am deeply grateful for his service.

We are excited to announce that construction on the DNHS Solar Panel Project will begin on November 12th. This initiative is part of PUSD's commitment to sustainability and will be a welcome addition to our district.

The project is expected to be completed by the end of March. During this time, we kindly ask for your patience and cooperation. To ensure timely arrival at Connect Academy, we encourage families to allow extra time for their morning commute. We will also work closely with DNHS to monitor traffic patterns and identify potential improvements to help alleviate congestion, all while prioritizing student safety—whether driving, biking, or walking.

Mr. Bibby's Tip of the Week: Find Your Perfect Study Spot!

Where you study can make a big difference in how focused and productive you are. Here are some tips to help you find the best place to tackle school work:

1. Choose a Quiet Place: Distractions can break your concentration, so pick a spot where you can work without interruptions—whether it’s a quiet corner at home, the library, or even a cozy spot outside.

2. Comfort is Key (But Not Too Comfy!): Make sure you’re comfortable, but avoid studying in places like your bed, where you might be tempted to nap! A chair and desk with good lighting is ideal.

3. Stay Organized: Find a place where you can keep your school supplies close by. Having everything you need—pens, notebooks, chargers—within reach saves time and keeps you focused.

4. Limit Tech Distractions: If you're using your device for schoolwork, turn off notifications or set your phone to "Do Not Disturb" to avoid getting sidetracked.

5. Personalize It: Make your study space feel motivating! Add things like a plant, some artwork, or your favorite quote to create a positive vibe that helps you focus.

Finding the right study spot can make all the difference in getting your work done effectively. Try a few places and see what works best for you!

As part of our commitment to fostering an inclusive and respectful learning environment, we are thoughtfully examining how we discuss and celebrate Thanksgiving with students. Many traditional Thanksgiving images and stories, commonly seen on cards, decorations, and in school materials, tend to perpetuate stereotypes about Native Americans. These portrayals often rely on a generalized or inaccurate depiction of Native American cultures, rather than reflecting the diversity of their rich histories and traditions. This kind of imagery can unintentionally reinforce misconceptions, laying the groundwork for biases later in life.

In addition, the narrative of Thanksgiving is frequently presented from a single perspective—that of the European pilgrims who arrived in America. This version of the story rarely includes the viewpoint of the Native peoples who were already here. As a result, the significant role Native Americans played in helping the early settlers survive is often overlooked. For many Native Americans today, Thanksgiving serves as a day of mourning, reflecting on the loss of their lands and the devastating impact of colonization on their communities.

Rather than eliminating Thanksgiving from our curriculum, we aim to teach students about the different meanings the holiday holds for various groups of people. We will explain, in an age-appropriate way, that while some families celebrate Thanksgiving, others do not, and we’ll explore the reasons why. We'll also address how Thanksgiving images and symbols sometimes misrepresent Native Americans, causing hurt and reinforcing stereotypes.

This approach is part of our broader effort to provide students with accurate, respectful, and culturally informed education about Native Americans, both past and present. By countering the stereotypes that often appear in media, literature, and entertainment, we hope to prevent the development of biases and promote a more inclusive understanding. We will also ensure that students understand that Native American identities are not something to "role-play" or dress up as, but are a deeply personal and cultural heritage.

If your family is not Native American, this Thanksgiving could be a good opportunity to discuss what your child knows or believes about Native Americans. Some questions to consider asking might be:

• "What do you know about Native American people?"
• "Would you like to have a Native American friend?"
• "Where do Native Americans live today?" (Many live outside of reservations.)
• "Can Native Americans vote in U.S. elections?" (Yes, they are U.S. citizens.)

In addition, you might explore giving your child a multicultural book about Native Americans or other cultures this Thanksgiving season. As we reflect on the importance of gratitude, we encourage you to consider how your family might contribute to fostering a broader understanding and appreciation for all cultures.

Thank you for your support in making our school community a place where all students feel respected and valued.

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.