Charter News•May 14, 2023

“Sometimes the strength of motherhood is greater than natural laws.” 

– Barbara Kingsolver

Dear Charter Families,

Our programs and students are still completing the annual CAASPP testing. I greatly appreciate everyone who is helping us to make the required 95% participation rate.  Since we are so small, for some grades just one student opting out reduces our percentage below the 95% rate.  Hopefully our rates for the entire school will make the 95% target.  If your student still has tests to complete, we will be finding days to support completion in the weeks ahead.

Many programs are still having fabulous trips and special events in their classrooms. Some recent events include a trip to Stanford’s nanosciences lab, a hike along the San Lorenzo River, whale watching, a classroom visit from a Climatec representative to share the infrastructure and renewable energy upgrades coming to the campus.  And more activities are still to come! 

Yearbooks are coming in for each program, also.  This is another heroic feat for the teacher/parent/student teams that I know everyone looks forward to each year.  

And speaking of heroic feats: 8th grade Nature Academy student, Olivia Hernandez, for her passion project, organized a Spring Dance for our middle school students as a fundraiser for St Jude’s Children’s Hospital’s fight against cancer. Her Spring Dance was held this past Friday evening and it was a tremendous success! We had 76 students attend, some bringing friends from SLVMS, and her goal of raising $1,000.00 was met and surpassed! Again, thanks to the help from wonderful parents and friends, the evening was filled with fun.  In addition to a DJ, her cowboy themed event had raffles, games, and a photo booth.  Everyone had a great time, and even the D.J. said how much he enjoyed the evening and how nice our students were.  Congratulations, Olivia!

I look forward to seeing our students be honored in their end of year advancement or graduation ceremonies.  We spread them out through the end of the end of the school year so that families can attend other end of year celebrations at our district's schools. Our first ceremonies are coming up this week.

Thank you for sharing your children with us,

~Rhonda

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Special Note from Teacher Wade Axup: To my Charter family,

As many of you already know, this will be my last year with the Charter and with Coast Redwood High School and Nature Academy. My wife and I have made the difficult decision to leave this beautiful place and move out of state to be closer to family.  Though it is sad to leave somewhere we consider home, we are excited to continue our lives somewhere new as our small family continues its journey.

I want to let you all know how much I've enjoyed my time here as a Charter teacher. This is a wonderful school with such unique and valuable programs, and I feel fortunate to have been a part of it for these past eleven years.  I've loved collaborating with all my talented, passionate colleagues and feel honored to have been given to opportunity to both teach and get to know our incredible students.  The Charter welcomed me to my first-ever teaching job and I'm so grateful that I've been able to grow and develop, both professionally and personally under its umbrella.

I look forward to keeping in touch and seeing what you all continue to accomplish!!  -Wade

P.S. 

Next Charter News I will be introducing our new staff members, Including Micaiah Sutter, who will be CRHS’s new science teacher.     ~Rhonda

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Vote SLVUSD Charter for Best Charter School in Growing Up Santa Cruz Magazine   Please go to the link below and vote for SLV Charter School in the category of Best Charter School.  You can even win free Boardwalk tickets just for completing the survey!  (Schools are on page 12 in the survey)     Growing Up in Santa Cruz Survey

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Sees Candy: Grad Night Fundraiser

This is your final chance to support our long-standing tradition of a safe and sober grad night event by purchasing chocolate!  Please join us in giving our seniors a sweet send off after graduation. Think gifts for Father’s Day, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, etc. Show your appreciation! Sees candy makes great gifts, or buy yourself a little something special.

All items ship direct to you, $70 order gets free shipping. Gift cards are also available.    Use the link below to order until May 31

https://www.yumraising.com/secure/slvhsgn_sweet_gifts_for_grads85/AmyArr8048/candy 

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Animal Rescue reminder

For the last 18 months, the Elliott Brothers, Eli (5th grade, Fall Creek) and Alex (2nd grade, Quail Hollow) have been volunteering with their mom for Native Animal Rescue. Over that time, they have helped rescue and transport over 50 different animals from seabirds to bats to deer, and everything in between. Already this season they have helped rescue over ten different animal/bird species that are found in the SLV. In addition, this month Eli has taken extensive training on how to handle raptors and birds of prey, and how to assess them for injuries. 

If you find a wild animal that is hurt or in a dangerous situation, please call Native Animal Rescue at 831-462-0726."

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SLV Music & Art Festival at Roaring Camp Railroads

SLV Music Boosters will be hosting our Second Annual SLV Music & Art Festival at Roaring Camp Railroads on May 17, 2023.

This event features students grades 5-12 and includes band, choir, and art. The gate opens at 4:00 and performances begin at 5:00.

We hope you will attend this community event and enjoy a fun night out with performances from each of the talented school music ensembles, a student art display, 6 food trucks, and a silent auction. The festival is free for everyone, but donations will be accepted to raise money for future field trips, music, instruments, and instrument accessories.

If you are able to donate an auction item or provide cash sponsorship to our silent auction, please fill out our silent auction donation form