NETWORKings
Antioch Charter Academy
Newsletter for Antioch Charter Academy/TLCS Families and Staff Volume 26, Issue 30, April 4,2022
Dear ACA Families,
Having just wrapped up our second trimester, many families experienced conferences in which we teachers were able to give more informative feedback about student progress. This is the time of year (for all schools) that patterns of behavior and learning are more reliably documented and more confidently shared from teacher to parent. We know that hearing about possible learning gaps, attention issues and/or any other barriers your child may be facing can be disheartening and confusing. Simultaneously, we know that giving this feedback as clearly and early as possible is what is best for kids. Still, this process can be fraught with mistrust and misunderstanding. With that in mind, here is a list of educational acronyms that can add confusion to these discussions and that we teachers do our best to explain during conferences.
SST- Student Study Team – a formalized conference that involves teachers, parents, specialists (and sometimes the student) along with any other support staff. The aim is to enlist everyone involved in a student’s education to identify barriers and to brainstorm interventions.
RTI/MDSS – Response to Intervention or Multi-Disciplinary Support Services. At ACA- you will hear programs mentioned like: Seeing Stars (phonics/reading support), Visualizing and Verbalizing “VV” (reading comprehension support) and On Cloud 9 (number sense support)).
SPED- Special Education- this is a program that provides education that addresses student individual differences, disabilities and/or special needs.
504 plans- are formal plans that we develop to give kids with disabilities the support they need. These cover any condition that limits daily activities in a major way. They are covered under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, a civil rights law.
IEP-Individualized Education Plan- to be eligible for an IEP, a student must have one or more of 13 conditions covered under IDEA (Individuals with Educational Disabilities Act).
For a more thorough comparison of the difference between a 504 plan and IEP check out: https://www.understood.org/en/
STAR Reading/STAR Math- standard assessments we use three times per school year to help identify student performance, growth and barriers.
CAASPP-the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress System. These are state-wide assessments for grades three through eight and grade eleven. They include summative assessments in English Language arts/literacy (ELA) and mathematics.
While this is far from a comprehensive list, I hope it can be helpful for everyone sitting at a conference table. We encourage you to reach out and ask for clarification at any time-our goal is to support your child’s educational success.
Thank you,
Kris Cordova
Intermediate
GENERAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 
ACA Palooza: Please join us Wednesday, April 6th, at 8:30am for an ACA celebration, ACA Palooza! We will be rolling out the new school motto and official logo that you all voted on!
If you would like to volunteer or donate for this, Family Network has listed all the items needed and volunteer hours on Track it Forward. Items needed include – Plates, Napkins, forks, juice, monetary, school color balloons, school color streamers, helium tanks.
All current students, parents, and alumni are welcome! We hope to see you all there, 4/6/22 at 8:30am!
2022-23 School Year Student Intent to Return Forms are due by May 2nd. Go to the following link to confirm your students’ place for next year! https://docs.google.com/forms/
ELO: ACA staff is considering expanding learning opportunities (ELO) for K-8 students. We would like to hear your thoughts about extending the school day–making school available from 8:00 am-5:00 pm (expand/change Math Shack), providing breakfast at ACA, and adding more calendar days to the school year through intersessions (week off breaks) and summer session (STEAM Camp).
Please take the time to fill out this important survey. Your survey answers should reflect what you anticipate your needs to be for the 2022-23 school year. And even if you do not want/need these services, please let us know! Your opinion matters to the direction we take, and we need to hear from each family! https://forms.gle/
First Fridays: First Fridays take place every 1st Friday of the month during the school year, at Skipolini’s in Antioch at 4pm. Come Friday, May 6th and have dinner with your family while making new friends from our ACA community!
Yearbooks are for sale online. Attached is a flyer. This year–students can create two of their own pages–they will need to purchase and complete their two pages before the deadline in April. If you take pictures of school events, please share them to www.treering.com/validate Passcode for our school is 101506720561403
Smarter Balanced Summative Assessment: Our school plan is to test 3rd-8th grade students beginning in April through June. Students will test in grade level groups, and/or individually depending on their individual educational plans. It will be extremely important for students to arrive on time and well rested during these testing months. Please contact your student’s classroom to find out dates for their level.
FAMILY NETWORK (FN) HAPPENINGS
The ACA Family Network is made up of ACA adults who volunteer for fundraisers and social events for the enrichment of our children. The money we raise goes back to our school for study trips, family activities, assemblies, and classroom supplies. If you have a child/grandchild/niece/nephew/
Movie Night: Free Movie night, Encanto, April 8th! Doors open at 6:30p, the movie will begin at 7pm. Pizza, Popcorn, Candy, and Drinks will be available for purchase. New ACA Spirit Wear will also be available for purchase!
Book Fair: The book fair is coming back! We will have our in-person book fair April 29 – May 6! This is such a fun event, which requires lots of volunteer participation. Please check Track It Forward to sign up to help. Volunteering at the book fair is so much fun! Email acafamilynetwork@
Family Network Meetings are usually the second Thursday of each month. The board welcomes and encourages all ACA families to attend the meetings. Check with the calendar below to find out the next meeting.
Annual Give: Would you like to support whole school activities, all the classrooms, and have less fundraisers??!!! Then make a tax deductible donation…donate here via PayPal → paypal.me/ACAfamilynetwork
AmazonSmiles: Shop at Amazon? Shop at Amazon’s fundraising site, smile.amazon.com and they will donate back to ACA. We are registered as The Learner Centered School, Inc.
Family Network Volunteer Opportunities
Popcorn Fridays Volunteers Needed 
We need volunteers to help out with popcorn sales each Friday 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Help set up, make popcorn, sell candy/popcorn and clean-up
REMINDERS & FYIs 
Mask & Temperature Reminders: Students, employees, parents/guardians, and visitors will need to wear a mask while indoors on campus. Masks are available in the office for children and adults.
We will continue to symptom screencheck and temperature check each student upon arrival. If students arrive late, a parent/driver must walk the student(s) into the office for a symptom screen and temperature check. Wearing masks outdoors on campus is now optional.
Early Departure: If your student needs to depart early, the person picking up the child must call the office at (925) 755-7311 so the office can retrieve the student prior to walking into the office to sign out their student. All visitors coming onto campus must wear a mask.
Parking Lot Safety – Let’s Keep ALL Our Students, Staff & Families SAFE!
Everyone needs to use crosswalks!
Listen to the staff’s instructions – they are trying to keep everyone safe, and to keep drop off/pick up running smoothly.
Do not tell your students to cut through the parking lot to reach you – cars that are backing up may not see your student. Students should be picked up using the carpool lane, or using the crosswalk, they can walk to their cars which are parked on the street/in front of the park.
When it is your turn to enter the carpool lane, pull all the way forward, so up to 6 vehicles can load/unload their charges at a time.
Do not move forward in the carpool lane until all children have entered/exited their vehicles in front of you – a fender bender could severely injure a child who is partially in a vehicle.
Thank you for keeping everyone safe – remember picking up/dropping off is only a few minutes out of your day, but an injury could last a lifetime!!
Charter Council: The Charter Council is our governing board. The board meets usually on the second Thursday of the month @ 4PM. Please check the calendar for the next meeting date/time, or call the office at 925-755-7311 to confirm. These meetings are open to the public – all are welcomed! Check the calendar for the next school meeting.
School Lunch Order Form – https://forms.gle/
Absences and Tardies – Daily Attendance is expected: If your student will be absent, or tardy, please call the office at 925-755-7311, or email your student’s classroom, before 8:00am.
Remind: This is another way for the school to quickly inform you on what is happening on campus. Never miss another minimum day schedule, or a whole school event. You can receive messages through email or through texting – you decide! If you have not signed up yet, please contact your student’s classroom for the code!
Need Assistance – it is OK to ask!
Antioch Charter Academy: call the school office (925-755-7311) if you need help finding school supplies, figuring out how to get school lunches, and/or need to talk with someone regarding any struggles your student(s) may be facing.
Contra Costa Crisis Center (call 211): https://cccc.
Contra Costa Health Services: Mental Health Wellness & Education on how to address “Disappointment,” reduce “Stress” and maintain a “Positive Attitude”
Mental Health Wellness & Education :: Behavioral Health
888-678-7277 [available 24/7]
Shelter Inc. COVID 19 and Eviction Prevention Hotlines: COVID 19 hotline for those affected by the COVID-19 virus: rental assistance, payment of utility bills, funds for food or necessities; Eviction Prevention – due to crisis. Call 211 or go to https://shelterinc.org/
Contra Costa Crisis Center: Services and Resources for Teens
Coping With Stress During Infectious Disease Outbreaks – What You Should Know
Services and Resources for Teens :: Behavioral Health
800-833-2900 (24/7)
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network:
Fact Sheet on COVID-19 along with Age Appropriate Coping Strategies
Parent/Caregiver Guide to Helping Families Cope With the Coronavirus Disease 2019
Parent Anonymous:
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
April 6 ACA Palooza at 8:15am – families welcomed
April 8 ACA Family Movie Night – Encanto – @ 6:30p
April 14 FN Meeting – Everyone Welcomed!
April 15 Minimum Day – dismissal at 12pm
April 18-22 Spring Break – no school
April 26 8th Grade Girls’ Empowerment Event at AHS
April 29-May 6 Scholastic Book Fair
CONTACT INFORMATION
School Phone – 925-755-7311
School Address – 3325 Hacienda Way, Antioch 94509
School Website – www.AntiochCharterAcademy.org
School Lunch Order Form – https://forms.gle/
ACA Office – ACAOffice@
ACA Family Network – ACAFamilyNetwork@
ACA Elementary – ACAElementary@
ACA Intermediate – ACAIntermediate@
ACA Primary – ACAPrimary@
ACA Middle School – ACAMiddleSchool@
ACA I & II Special Education – SPED@antiochcharteracademy.org
ACA Newsletter – ACANewsletter@
ACA Memories – ACAMemories@
Twitter & Instagram Accounts – #AntiochCharter; @AntiochCharter
Parent Network Board & Contact Info
Co-Chairs: Lydia Moon and Kelly MacCallister
Secretary: Brooke Farrington
Treasurer: Beth Rottier
School Volunteer Coordinator: Salena Killion
Social Chair: open…can you help???
Fundraising Chair: open…can you help???
If you’re interested in an open position please email ACAFamilyNetwork@
We need help to make this year amazing for OUR KIDS, the school families, teachers and staff
Members at Large: Everyone!
Private Facebook Group: www.facebook.com/groups/
Email: ACAFamilyNetwork@
VISION AND MISSION STATEMENTS
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
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.
Antioch Charter Academy is Fully Accredited for Grades K-8 by the Schools Commission of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges
Estimadas familias de ACA,
Habiendo terminado nuestro segundo trimestre, muchas familias participaron en conferencias en las que los maestros pudimos brindar comentarios más informativos sobre el progreso de los estudiantes. Esta es la época del año (para todas las escuelas) en que los patrones de comportamiento y aprendizaje se documentan de manera más confiable y se comparten con mayor confianza de maestro a padre. Sabemos que escuchar sobre posibles brechas de aprendizaje, problemas de atención y/o cualquier otra barrera que su hijo pueda enfrentar puede ser desalentador y confuso. Al mismo tiempo, sabemos que dar estos comentarios de la manera más clara y temprana posible es lo mejor para los niños. Aún así, este proceso puede estar plagado de desconfianza y malentendidos. Con eso en mente, aquí hay una lista de siglas educativas que pueden agregar confusión a estas discusiones y que los maestros hacemos nuestro mejor esfuerzo para explicar durante las conferencias.
SST- Equipo de estudio del estudiante: una conferencia formalizada que involucra a maestros, padres, especialistas (ya veces al estudiante) junto con cualquier otro personal de apoyo. El objetivo es reclutar a todos los involucrados en la educación de un estudiante para identificar las barreras y generar ideas sobre las intervenciones.
RTI/MDSS – Respuesta a la Intervención o Servicios de Apoyo Multidisciplinario. En ACA, escuchará programas mencionados como: Seeing Stars (fonética/apoyo de lectura), Visualizing and Verbalizing “VV” (apoyo de comprensión de lectura) y On Cloud 9 (apoyo de sentido numérico)).
SPED- Educación especial- este es un programa que brinda educación que aborda las diferencias individuales, discapacidades y/o necesidades especiales de los estudiantes.
Planes 504: son planes formales que desarrollamos para brindarles a los niños con discapacidades el apoyo que necesitan. Estos cubren cualquier condición que limite las actividades diarias de manera importante. Están cubiertos por la Sección 504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación, una ley de derechos civiles.
IEP-Plan de Educación Individualizado- para ser elegible para un IEP, un estudiante debe tener una o más de las 13 condiciones cubiertas por IDEA (Ley de Individuos con Discapacidades Educativas).
Para una comparación más completa de la diferencia entre un plan 504 y un IEP, consulte: https://www.understood.org/en/
STAR Reading/STAR Math: evaluaciones estándar que usamos tres veces por año escolar para ayudar a identificar el rendimiento, el crecimiento y las barreras de los estudiantes.
CAASPP-el Sistema de Evaluación del Desempeño y Progreso Estudiantil de California. Estas son evaluaciones estatales para los grados tercero a octavo y undécimo. Incluyen evaluaciones sumativas en lengua y literatura en inglés/alfabetización (ELA) y matemáticas.
Si bien esto está lejos de ser una lista completa, espero que pueda ser útil para todos los que se sientan en una mesa de conferencias. Lo alentamos a comunicarse y solicitar aclaraciones en cualquier momento; nuestro objetivo es apoyar el éxito educativo de su hijo.
Gracias,
Kris Córdova
Intermedio
ANUNCIOS GENERALES
ACA Palooza: ¡Únase a nosotros el miércoles 6 de abril a las 8:30 am para una celebración de ACA, ACA Palooza! ¡Lanzaremos el nuevo lema de la escuela y el logotipo oficial por el que todos votaron!
Si desea ser voluntario o donar para esto, Family Network ha enumerado todos los artículos necesarios y las horas de voluntariado en Track it Forward. Los artículos necesarios incluyen: platos, servilletas, tenedores, jugo, monedas, globos de colores escolares, serpentinas de colores escolares, tanques de helio.
¡Todos los estudiantes, padres y ex alumnos actuales son bienvenidos! ¡Esperamos verlos a todos allí, el 4/6/22 a las 8:30 am!
Los formularios de intención de devolución del estudiante del año escolar 2022-23 deben presentarse antes del 2 de mayo. ¡Ve al siguiente enlace para confirmar la plaza de tus alumnos para el próximo curso! https://docs.google.com/forms/
ELO: El personal de ACA está considerando ampliar las oportunidades de aprendizaje (ELO) para los estudiantes de K-8. Nos gustaría escuchar sus opiniones acerca de extender el día escolar, hacer que la escuela esté disponible de 8:00 am a 5:00 pm (ampliar/cambiar Math Shack), proporcionar desayuno en ACA y agregar más días calendario al año escolar hasta intersesiones (semana libre) y sesión de verano (STEAM Camp).
Tómese el tiempo para completar esta importante encuesta. Las respuestas de su encuesta deben reflejar lo que anticipa que serán sus necesidades para el año escolar 2022-23. E incluso si no desea/necesita estos servicios, ¡háganoslo saber! ¡Su opinión es importante para la dirección que tomamos, y necesitamos saber de cada familia! https://forms.gle/
Primeros viernes: los primeros viernes se llevan a cabo cada primer viernes del mes durante el año escolar, en Skipolini’s en Antioch a las 4 p.m. ¡Ven el viernes 6 de mayo y cena con tu familia mientras haces nuevos amigos de nuestra comunidad ACA!
Los anuarios están a la venta en línea. Se adjunta un volante. Este año, los estudiantes pueden crear dos de sus propias páginas, deberán comprar y completar sus dos páginas antes de la fecha límite en abril. si tu