"Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love."
- Hamilton Wright Mabie
Dear families,
The Winter Break has started! I hope that you all are already feeling some relaxation in having a different routine. We are all looking forward to spending time without the need to look at emails or Zooms every day and instead find times for doing the family activities that rejuvenate our spirits.
We are so grateful that you are a part of our Charter community and have enjoyed getting to know you and your students as much as we have this school year...even if only via Zoom and 1-1 meetings. We all look forward to seeing you again come January, 2021 and especially look forward to the time when we can see you all in person. The time will come!
School begins again on Monday, January 4. We will send you an email at the start of the week, but expect that your student's daily schedule will stay the same. Until then, we hope that you find many ways to laugh and play with your loved ones, perhaps finding a new hike, a new special meal to savor, anything that will bring you happiness while keeping you safe and healthy during the holidays.
Please read on to learn about support systems during the holidays, as well as reminders about our monthly options once we return.
All the Best,
~Rhonda
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Special Fundraiser for CRHS/SLVHS Grad night: Who needs stocking stuffers or holiday gift fillers?! Help celebrate the class of 2021 and our #Slvstrong community spirit!
The Coast Redwood High School graduates have the opportunity to participate in the SLVHS grad night festivities every year. This year, like last year, may look a bit different based on any COVID restrictions the County may impose, but there will still be a celebration as grand as our families with 2021 can make! Here is an apropos way for you to support this effort.
We are excited to let you know that we are offering the exclusive FlipMSKS for only $10 to raise money for SLVHS Grad Night! These unique masks are designed with a different image on each side so they can be “flipped” to show a new look, this means you are really getting 2 masks in 1. To reduce bacterial and virus transmission, the masks are made with two layers of fabric treated with HeiQ V-Block. The V-Block treatment is machine washable, hypoallergenic, and provides a self-sanitizing, germ-resistant surface. FlipMSKS not only look great and promote health but are designed to allow for increased breathability and comfort.
Please consider supporting the SLVHS and Coast Redwood High School graduating class of 2021 festivities by buying a mask and sharing with friends and family
Follow the link below. (The SLV Charter logo is SLV-3) Thank you!
http://flipmsks.com/collections/SLVHS
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Thinking of you during this holiday season:
With the Winter solstice approaching, we have been reflecting on what it means to be in the darkest time of the year as well as what we can be most grateful for. We have heard many stories of struggle and hope, frustrations and "ah-ha moments" from so many families these past months. We have listened to the tears, joined in the laughter and watched as families, teachers and staff supported and learned from each other. This is a time when our most treasured philosophy about who we are as a community really shines and it is not hard to feel grateful for the connections we have created. This has been a challenging year, to say the least, and the holidays can bring a variety of seemingly conflicting feelings for many. We will continue to find ways to reach out, listen and respond to the needs of our Charter community.
During these challenging times, it is more important than ever to know what resources to contact in the event of an emotional crisis. The SLVUSD’s Mental Health counselors created a list of resources for you to use should you or someone you know need immediate help for a mental health crisis. We encourage you to print the resources and keep them somewhere you can easily retrieve them.
We wish for you a peaceful and restorative Winter break, and look forward to seeing all of you in the new year.
~Robin and Rhonda
A Letter from Your Mental Health Counselors
We hope you and your families are healthy and doing well in spite of the many challenges this year has presented. We are fortunate to live in such a caring and supportive community and know that now more than ever, we rely on these connections to thrive. While we are looking forward to the upcoming Winter break, we also know how different the holidays may be looking and feeling this year. This is a time when many put expectations on themselves to be happy, hopeful and joyful and it’s not always easy. In fact, this is a time of year when people need more self-care and support.
Knowing who to contact during an emotional crisis is an important step in supporting yourself, your loved ones and the people in your community. Please take a moment to review the resources we’ve provided. If you or your child knows of somebody struggling in the community, please don’t hesitate to reach out to them and refer to the resources listed. In the coming months, we will be providing increased education surrounding suicide prevention and mental health. It is our hope that with this support we can help foster resilience amongst our SLV families and students.
With light and hope for the New Year,
Deborah Mitchell, Mental Health Specialist SLVHS, [email protected]
Robin Bates, Mental Health Specialist SLV Charter, [email protected]
Lisa Haney, Mental Health Specialist SLVMS, [email protected]
Lisa Van Buskirk, Mental Health Specialist SLVE, [email protected]
Jen Sims, Mental Health Specialist BCE, [email protected]
CRISIS MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
In Case of Immediate Emergency Dial 9-1-1
Santa Cruz County 24-Hour Suicide Crisis Line- 1-877-663-5433 (ONE LIFE)
Santa Cruz County 24-Hour Crisis Line- 1-800-952-2335. Immediate crisis support to assess for hospitalization in a psychiatric crisis.
NAMI Santa Cruz County Help Line- 831-427-8020 x7 For individuals and family members affected by mental illness interested in learning more about local resources and navigating the mental health care system. Leave a message and receive a call back within 24 hours.
National 24-Hour Disaster Distress Helpline- 1-800-985-5990 Free counseling and support to people experiencing emotional distress related to natural or human-caused disasters (COVID-19 included).
Santa Cruz County 24-Hour Domestic Violence Hotline- 1-888-900-4232
Santa Cruz County 24-Hour Child Abuse and Neglect Report Line-1-877-505-3299
Suicide Prevention Services of the Central Coast
https://fsa-cc.org/suicide-prevention-service 831-459-9373
Crisis Text Line-Text 741-741 for 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Support
What to do in a Mental Health Crisis
If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, tell someone who can help right away: Call your doctor’s office, 911 for emergency services, or go to the nearest hospital emergency room. Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) to be connected to a trained counselor at a suicide crisis center nearest you.
Ask a family member or friend to help you make these calls or take you to the hospital. If You Have a Family Member or Friend in a Crisis: If you have a family member or friend who is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get the person to seek help immediately from an emergency room, physician, or mental health professional. Take seriously any comments about suicide or wishing to die.
Even if you do not believe your family member or friend will actually attempt suicide, the person is clearly in distress and can benefit from your help in receiving mental health treatment. If you are not in imminent danger but need immediate crisis support call: (800) 952-2335 / (24-hours a day for Santa Cruz County residents to assess for hospitalization in a psychiatric crisis.)
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Spring Semester All Charter Theater Opportunities
Hello Charter families,
This is the first time in 25 years that I have not directed and produced a Charter Play! In the spirit of Improv and "structure increasing creativity", I am excited to offer the following opportunities for our K-12 students to engage in theater arts, all via Zoom:
Musical Theater Choreography Workshop:
Learn the different nuances of musical theater choreography, learn and perform classic combinations, and create your own!
- Tuesdays~Beginning Choreography: January 12 - February 23 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
(for students will little or no dance experience)
- Thursdays~Advanced Choreography: January 14 - February 25 from 3:00pm - 4:00pm
(for students with previous dance experience, who have been cast as "advanced dancers" in previous productions, who feel they pick up choreography quickly)
*if you are not sure which class to take, come to both and see which one fits your needs
Please email Amber at [email protected] if you are interested in signing your student up for the choreography workshop by Friday, January 8, 2021. *All who respond will receive a Zoom link on Monday, January 11.
Respond with: your student's name, grade, and charter program, please
Coming in March...
Monologue/Spoken-Word Poetry Workshop: learn acting skills tailored to performing monologues and spoken-word poetry, as individuals, and in pairs. We will view/analyze pieces both comedic and dramatic, and rehearse and perform our own.
I am so looking forward to starting off 2021 with Performing Arts and your students!
Sincerely, Amber
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New Zoom opportunity: Reflections on Homeschooling. 10:30 am Every 1st and 3rd
After several months of hearing from parents in our R&R coffee check in groups, I have taken heed of the hint and started another group Zoom meeting specifically for Homeschoolers in the Charter Programs. This will be a time to discuss critical questions on your minds and various learning strategies for all age groups. The idea may have been initiated for those new to the homeschool process, but based on my 30 + years of experience, I know that this forum will be a great opportunity for more veteran homeschoolers as well. I’d love to hear the voices of old and new on these Wednesday Zoom times. Please join me.
Join Zoom Meeting
Reflections on Homeschooling: 10:30 Every other Wed. starting January 6
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R & R Coffee Chat Check-in for parents:
You are invited to our
R(honda) & R(obin)
“coffee check-in”
This is an open zoom meeting invitation for Charter parents to join Rhonda Schlosser, our Charter Administrator and Robin Bates, our Mental Health Specialist. This meeting is open to all to spend time with us, brainstorm issues, listen to your challenges and successes, and offer support in our road ahead together.
Join R&R Zoom meeting: January 5, 21 February 2,18
We look forward to “sharing coffee” and conversation with you!
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Robin’s Consistent Meetings: In addition to classroom support and 1-1 sessions, Robin is holding regular group support meetings. For more information, contact Robin Bates,LMFT [email protected]
- 2x times monthly - R & R coffee parent meeting
- Thursdays at 12 - support group for parents with CZU home loss
- Thursdays at 3 - support group for highschool students - "The Unwind"
- Tuesdays at 12- home loss support group for middle schoolers
Parents' Support Group for Home Loss
Thursdays at noon
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88247283608
Hi families. I'm learning first-hand that losing a home is a major major loss. The experience of grief can be unexpected and overwhelming at times. I created this group for us to come together to support each other, share our struggles and successes in hope that we don't feel alone in this long process of healing.
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Coast Redwood High School Students, you are invited to...
The Unwind
6 week/45 minute zoom group with Robin Bates
Join any week! Thursdays at 3 pm
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83350602277
We will take some time to check in, explore mental health topics,
support and unwind together in a weekly group for 6 weeks. This is not a psychotherapy group, but simply a place to check in, unwind, learn and connect with the counselor and your peers. I hope to see you all there!
Support for Middle School students
who’ve lost their homes in the CZU Lightning Fire
Tuesdays from 12-12:45, starting Nov 10th
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89535971446
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Charter Office Contact Information: The Charter office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm. We will be closed for winter break, December 18th-January 3rd. To reduce COVID19 exposure we ask that parents call or email the office before physically coming to the office in order to make arrangements to make contact with us in person. We will have a collection box outside our office for parents to drop off items that need to be returned to office staff. Our office phone numbers are 335-0932 or 336-5167. You may also email us at [email protected] or [email protected]
We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in helping us keep office staff healthy and safe during this time so that we can continue to support our families.
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Attendance: We need to know when your student is sick.
The Charter registrar needs to know when your student is sick and not participating in any schoolwork for the day. If your student is enrolled in the Nature Academy, please call in to the registrar attendance line; 831-336-8527. If you are in one of our Homeschool programs, you do not need to call in, but you do need to mark your absence in your attendance ledger as well as on your planning sheet. If your student has symptoms of COVID, please have them tested. If they (or you) test positive, we would like to know. While you are not obligated to tell us, we are requesting you to contact the Charter Administrator. The request is to support the broader awareness of the span of the outbreak in our district and community. Any information regarding positive cases is private and confidential.
_______________________________________How You Can Help the Students from the CZU Fire
The SLV Booster Clubs, in partnership with SLV Ed Foundation, will be accepting donations for our SLV families that have lost their homes to the CZU Fire. There will be ongoing needs as they work through the process of rebuilding their homes and coming back home.
Please use this link to place a donation: https://www.slvfoundation.org/slv4kids
The “SLV 4 Kids” PAW is posted to the homepage of the SLV website to accept ongoing donations for our SLV Families.
Thank you for your generous support for students and staff in SLV. Be well - Laurie
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COVID testing sites: Here is a link for the county testing page, which also includes some CVS locations Get Tested
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Parent Advisory Committee: New Date for Next Meeting: Tuesday, January 12th at 10:30am.
Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84172168589 Meeting ID: 841 7216 8589
It is time for our Charter to be Renewed! We review our Charter petition every 5 years and bring it to the District school board for them to review and approve. This review process has been in effect since we first opened in 1993. At this Parent Advisory Committee meeting I will be discussing the Charter Petition and gathering input. The Charter Petition needs to be approved by the District Board no later than April. We hope to have it ready to going to Superintendent Bruton in February.
Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings, however, please remember that it is important to have a consistent group of parents to represent each program in the Charter. This Committee helps advise on various Charter annual activities, reports, including the budget and Charter renewal. They then report out in their various program parent meetings and gather additional information from the parents in the programs.
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From our Student Nutrition: There will be no meal pick up over winter break. We are serving bulk items this Tuesday and Thursday to help families get through winter break. We will resume meal pickups Tuesday January 5th.
Alisia Munoz-Rojas, SNS Manager
SLVUSD Student Nutrition Services
(831) 335-5384
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Dates to Remember:
- Friday, December 18-Friday, January 1: Winter Break
- January 4, Monday: First day back from the break
- January 18th, Monday: No school: MLK holiday
- January 29th, Friday: No school: Professional Development for Teachers
- February 8th, Monday: No school: Holiday
- February, 15th, Monday: No school: Holiday
Contacts
Administrator: Rhonda Schlosser: [email protected]
Administrative Assistant: Danelle Matteson: [email protected]
Registrar: Jane Hendricks [email protected]
Mental Health Counselor: Robin Bate [email protected]
HS Academic Counselor: Mary Zilge [email protected]