ANTIOCH CHARTER ACADEMY II
NEWSLETTER
Our Mission
The mission of the Antioch Charter Academies is to facilitate academic and personal growth of TK‐8th grade students of all socio‐economic levels and ethnic backgrounds. ACA enables 21st century students to become literate, self‐motivated, innovative, lifelong learners, and compassionate, collaborative active citizens. We nurture and support a partnership of students, teachers, families and the community; embrace individual strengths; and build upon research informed educational best practices including Montessori, multiple intelligences, brain‐compatible teaching, and multi‐age groupings with small class sizes
Our Vision
To provide a learning environment where students of all socio‐economic levels and ethnic backgrounds embrace education, exhibit compassion, and accept personal responsibility
August 20, 2019
Back to School Bash-Aug. 23 5:30pm
The Back to School Bash is our annual “Welcome Back to School” party that, together with ACA, is an evening of fun, food & music. The fun starts at 5:30 on Aug. 23rd with a short Family Network General Meeting where we will vote on this year’s budget. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food from local vendors! So, bring a blanket and your family members and join us in the front park at the fairgrounds! Overflow parking will be on the small field inside the red gates due to the Flea Market going on.
Parking on Fridays
The fairgrounds have a Friday night Flea Market through September. They will be setting up in the parking lot starting about 2:30pm. If you park to pick up your student please be mindful of the time and exit the parking lot before 2:30pm.
Who should I speak with when I have a problem?
The teachers and staff govern the school in a democratic manner. There is not a principal at the school as may be found at a more traditional campus. Select staff members double as “Co-Administrators” in addition to their teaching position in order to complete the numerous duties and tasks that may be required of a principal. Furthermore, one teacher in each level is designated as that level’s School Representative to assist in continuity of information and decisions, as well as provide whole school parent support. The daily operations of the school are the responsibility of the Co-Administrators, along with all staff. Decisions are made democratically by all staff members of the school.
Our teachers and staff want to maintain a positive home/school relationship. A good relationship is especially important to sustain when problems arise at school. Below are questions frequently asked by parents and suggested approaches to resolve potential problems or concerns.
Where do I start when I have a question/issue at school?
The best place to begin is with your child’s teacher, who is likely to have the most information. Starting with the teacher also demonstrates your respect. If you fail to find satisfaction, you can request a meeting with the teachers from the multi-age level team. Questions about lunch, attendance, applications, and calendar items should be directed to the office.
If a question/issue arises, should I call the school, or go there in person?
Minor issues can generally be addressed successfully over the phone or by email. Please allow 24 to 48 hours for a response to phone messages or emails. Talking directly with school personnel is probably better if a major issue arises. Be sure to make an appointment. During the school day, teachers are working with students and are unavailable for unscheduled conversations with families. Appearing unannounced means that you may have to wait until the person you wish to see is available, which usually means making an appointment anyway.
When a question/issue comes up, how should I deal with the school?
Although rare, teachers and staff understand that their actions are sometimes met with initial responses of anger and frustration by parents. Many times, this is due to a lack of understanding about the school’s philosophies. Parents must keep in mind that angry responses can lead to confrontation rather than problem solving. We suggest a cooling off period for all parties involved. Try to keep an open mind, get the facts, and write them down. You will then be in a better position to clearly discuss what you see as the issue to be resolved.
When I want to report an issue, should I use my name?
Parents may believe that their child will suffer retribution at school if his or her name is associated with an issue. This is not a part of our philosophy. On the contrary, teachers and administrators appreciate it when you present your concerns in a way that shows you are willing to solve problems and offer solutions. Parents can rest assure that retribution is not tolerated. Giving your name gives credibility to your issue, shows respect to all parties, and allows for follow-up to ensure that the issue has been investigated and resolved.
What’s the best way to contact a teacher about a question/issue?
Let the teacher know by email that you have an issue you wish to discuss. The teacher will contact you to set up an appointment. Listen to understand. Listen without interruption to the teacher’s/ multi-age level team’s response. If you are dissatisfied with the outcome of the discussion, tell the teacher that you would like to meet with the school representatives to discuss the matter further. Email addresses are included at the end of every weekly school newsletter.
What’s the best strategy for contacting the School Representatives about a question/issue?
School Representatives are teachers defined at each multi-age level. Please contact the office through email or phone and request a meeting be set up with the School Representatives. Our Representatives this year are: Mrs. Peacock (Primary), Mrs. Mariappan (Elementary), Mrs. Gonzalez (Intermediate), and Mrs. McCutcheon (Middle School).
What if I am not satisfied with the outcome of the meeting with the School Representatives?
The staff tries to help parents understand how our actions are in line with the school’s philosophies; however, we realize that parents may want to discuss an issue further. Parents can set up a meeting with the Co-Administrators from both schools to discuss the issue. Lastly, parents can contact the Charter Council to discuss the issue. Meetings are held monthly (usually the second Thursday of the month) and there is a time for public comments. They can be reached by email at chartercouncil.tlcs@gmail.com.
How do I develop a good relationship with my child’s teacher?
Email, call or introduce yourself personally to teachers early in the school year. Share information about your child and your family, including interests and activities. Get involved at school by volunteering to help with committees, field trips, parties, tutoring, and teaching electives. Building relationships with teachers early may help prevent problems later.
Please attend Back to School Night/New Parent Orientation!
This week we hold our Back to School Night/New Parent Orientations. Primary/ Elementary will hold theirs on Tuesday, Intermediate on Wednesday, and Middle on Thursday. Please see your level newsletter for the specific time of their Back to School Night. The night is a must for all parents who have children in that level. We have lots to share with you and look forward to seeing you there.
Absences & Tardies
It is extremely important that your student is in school every day, and arrives on time. If though your student is sick, or will arrive late because of an unexpected delay, please call the office, or email your student’s classroom by 8am. Students who arrive after 8:15am must be walked into the office by the driver, and signed in. All of these “rules” are in place to help keep your student safe! Contact information is below. Thank you!
What is 2nd Cup of Coffee?
The first Friday school day of each month, 2nd Cup of Coffee meets in Room 6 after morning drop off. Parents and families have a chance to connect with other families and get to know more about our school community. The Family Network provides coffee and breakfast snacks, and shares upcoming events planned at our school. One or more teachers attend to share updates or explain a bit about school philosophies. Small children are welcome to come too!
The first 2nd Cup meets Friday, September 6th.
Email Address Changed
Please see below for all the new email address for our school.
If you have an absence to clear please email the level address and copy the office.
Office- aca2office@antiochcharteracademy.org
Primary– aca2primary@antiochcharteracademy.org
Elementary– aca2elementery@antiochcharteracademy.org
Intermediate– aca2intermediate@antiochcharteracademy.org
Middle– aca2middle@antiochcharteracademy.org
2019/2020 Dates to Remember:
August 20 Back to School Primary/Elementary 6-8pm
August 21 Back to School Intermediate 6-8pm
August 22 Back to School Middle 6-8pm
August 23 Back to School Bash 5:30pm
September 2 Labor Day- no school
September 6 2nd Cup Coffee- Rm 6
September 10 Picture Day
October 7-11 October Break- no school
November 11 Veteran’s Day Observed- no school
November 25-29 Thanksgiving Break- no school
Dec 23 – Jan 3 Winter Break- no school
January 20 Martin Luther King Day- no school
February 17-21 Presidents Day & February Break- no school
April 6-10 Spring Break- no school
April 13 Easter Monday- no school
May 25 Memorial Day- no school
June 4 Last Day of School- minimum day- 12:00 dismissal for all students
2019 / 2020 Faculty
Office- aca2office@antiochcharteracademy.org
Primary– aca2primary@antiochcharteracademy.org
Ms. Peacock- tpeacock@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mrs. Hawley- lhawley@antiochcharteracademy.org
Elementary– aca2elementery@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mrs. Fank- bfank@antiochcharteracademy.org
Miss Berkich- jberkich@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mrs. Mariappan- jmariappan@antiochcharteracademy.org
Intermediate– aca2intermediate@antiochcharteracademy.org
Miss Dubitsky- mdubitsky@antiochcharteracademy.org
Miss Albertoni- malbertoni@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mrs. Gonzalez- lgonzalez@antiochcharteracademy.org
Middle– aca2middle@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mr. Hagan- mhagan@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mrs. McCutcheon- emccutcheon@antiochcharteracademy.org
Special Ed- SPED@antiochcharteracademy.org
Mrs. Willard- vwillard@antiochcharteracademy.org
Music–
Mrs. Vela- svela@antiochcharteracademy.org
2019-2020 Family Network Board
Chairperson: Annu Fuentes acaiifnb@gmail.com
Co-Chairperson: Adriana Solorio acaiifnb@gmail.com
Secretary: Sharron Scott acaiifnb.secretary@gmail.com
Treasurer: Susan Cano acaiifnb.treasurer@gmail.com
Volunteer Coordinator: Brandi Lopez acaiifnb.volunteer@gmail.com
Fundraising Coordinator: Maria Strock acaiifnb.fundraising@gmail.com
Co-Fundraising Coordinator: Ashley Rice acaiifnb.fundraising@gmail.com
Social Coordinator: Sara Wall acaiifnb.social@gmail.com
Co-Social Coordinator: Jillian Broussard acaiifnb.social@gmail.com
Family Network Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/groups/acaiifamilynews/?ref=bookmarks#
Memory Book–
Our Web Page–
SignUp Genius-
Track it Forward- https://www.trackitforward.com/site/antioch-charter-academy-ii
Google Calendar-https://calendar.google.com/calendar/b/1?cid=YWNhaWkub2ZmaWNlQGdtYWlsLmNvbQ