“Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear.”
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“Be a bush if you can't be a tree. If you can't be a highway, just be a trail. If you can't be a sun, be a star. For it isn't by size that you win or fail. Be the best of whatever you are.”
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-Martin Luther King Jr
Dear families,
We have been back for nearly 2 weeks since the Holiday Break. The students and teachers are back in the rhythm. The homeschool programs' schedule for a good portion of January is slightly changed to accommodate for the semester planning meetings, the Nature Academy program is in full swing with their second-trimester work. The kids are doing well and we are still keeping a keen focus on their social-emotional well-being, as well as their academic progress.
It is essential during our time in Distance Learning that we stay in close communication with you, as you have become our consistent eyes and ears in your student's progress, turning schoolwork in on time, as well as when your student needs more help. Your teachers are emailing you and your student when they see that they have not been attending, turning work in on time, or may need an extra nudge of support. Please continue to read and respond to any of your teachers’ emails in a timely manner.
I hope you are keeping up on the emails from Dr. Bruton and the steps required to open schools back up. While the COVID virus continues to escalate in the county, nearly all counties in California, and throughout the US, the vaccines are coming soon, at the beginning of February at last notice. Thus, we still hope for and plan to have students back as soon as possible.
Please read on to learn about the construction progress towards all the Charter programs moving to Quail Hollow, enrichment opportunities, and dates.
All the Best,
~Rhonda
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The SLV Charter Move:
In the past I have shared that all of the Charter programs will be moving to the Quail Hollow school site, where we can expand and develop as a multi-option Charter school. It is becoming more of a reality. We are very excited about the future opportunities that this move is giving us. And how fortuitous that our next chapter as a Charter School is happening during this time of flux and change in the world. We have the flexibility to change as the world is changing around us! We get to ride the wave of transition and focus on what’s best for students and teachers as we step forward.
We look forward to the opportunities we’ll have when all of the teachers and families, with all of their passion and expertize is together on one location. We will have all our unique and creative elementary and middle school programs within working distance from each other, with CRHS right up the hill from us (in the current Pondarosa building). Mountain School will remain at their Soquel location, as our satellite program. I am so excited and curious to see how our we can solidify as separate and unique programs, while sharing strengths and creative activities that will expand our students horizons.
Phase 1 of the construction is still in progress. This is working with the ‘hardscapes’; making a drive-through student drop off behind the District Office, redesigning the parking lot and adding more spaces, adding portables, a shade structure, upgrading the basketball courts. As always, there have been delays and issues to work through (like needing to upgrade the electrical more than expected). The plan is for Phase 1 to be completed by the end of February, barring other complications. Phase 2 begins right after and will include reviewing the needs for any upgrades to the interior of the buildings, fixing up the play field, the asphalt, paint, etc.
The Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) has been meeting about this move for quite some time now. They have discussed the work of sub-committees to ensure that parents are helping staff with the design of the outdoor spaces, gardens, library, and any transition support around the Campus culture. We realize many of you may have some questions or concerns. We want to make sure that we know what is most exciting for you, and what concerns you may have.
To this end, we will be having a Virtual Town Hall evening in February for our parents and any interested public to come and hear more about the move and what it means for our various program. A survey will be sent to you beforehand to help ensure we answer your questions. Stay tuned. And until then as always, feel free to email or call me if you have something immediate to ask or share. You can also reach out to your Parent Advisory representative for your program. They have been talking to the parents via the program parent meetings. Please email me if you do not know who your PAC representative is.
More to Come!
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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:
There are nearly 50 wonderful students from every one of our programs who have signed up for the Choreography Workshop. I got to dance with about half of them today. Thank you for spreading the word. We're going to produce a music video of the final piece.
- 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)
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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Parent Advisory Committee: Next Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 9th at 10:30am.
Join Zoom Meeting https://slvusd-org.zoom.us/j/86865665362
Charter Renewal: At our last meeting the Charter petition was shared and reviewed with the parents who have attended. Our Charter Petition can be found on our website under Governance Reports & Plans » Charter Petition. https://charter.slvusd.org/apps/pages/charter-petition
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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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. This Wednesday, January 20.
Join Zoom Meeting
Reflections on Homeschooling: 10:30 Every other Wed. starting January 6
R & R Coffee Chat Check-in for parents:
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.
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
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Charter Office Contact Information: The Charter office is open Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm. 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 pick up/drop off box outside our office for parents to pick up/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.
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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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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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Dates to Remember:
- 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]